Over the next few weeks, thousands of athletes and their families will make Gulf Shores & Orange Beach their temporary homes while they serve, ace, slide and sprint for their teams. The fall is a great time of year to visit the Gulf Coast and watch the action as your favorite players take the mound or the court.

The Alabama State Tri-Level Tennis Championships will get into full swing Thursday, Sept. 27 when more than 300 athletes play for four days. Other tennis action includes the Alabama State Senior and Super Senior Tennis Championships Oct. 25 to 28. More than 400 athletes will battle it out for the coveted title.

Ten teams will fight for the 2012 SEC Women’s Soccer Championship title beginning on Monday, Oct. 29 for seven days. Championship play is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 4 and will be broadcast on live television, but there’s nothing like experiencing the event in person at the Orange Beach Sportsplex!

The 41st Annual National Shrimp Festival will be packed with exciting athletic events. The 2012 Shrimp Festival Volleyball Invitational will serve up some fun Oct. 12 and 13 when high school students from Louisiana, Florida and Alabama compete for Gold, Silver and Bronze titles. Then, get your running shoes ready and join in the Shrimp Fest 10K on Saturday, Oct. 13. Also this weekend, the boys of summer are back disguised as the boys of fall! Score a homerun with your team when you watch the 2012 USSSA Shrimp Fest Slug Fest in full swing on Oct. 13.

This is just a sampling of the events scheduled in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. With great fall weather, the Gulf Coast is a hot spot for sporting events. Come take advantage of fall rates and enjoy a weekend of cheering on your team!