FLORENCE, Ala. -- The University of North Alabama will serve as the host institution for the 2021 NCAA Division I South Regional Men's and Women's Cross Country Championship at the new John Hunt Cross Country Running Park in Huntsville on November 12, 2021. The Huntsville Sports Commission will host the event.

UNA and the city of Huntsville Parks & Recreation Department will assist the Huntsville Sports Commission in event operations. The event will bring an estimated 600 athletes, coaches and staff to Huntsville with an approximate economic impact of $750,000

"The HSC is thrilled that the NCAA has selected Huntsville for the Division I South Regional Men's and Women's Cross Country Championship," HSC Executive Director Ralph Stone said. "The HSC has already begun plans to ensure this is a stellar championship experience. We are happy that UNA shared our vision and commitment in hosting this event and look forward to future opportunities with the NCAA."

This will be the first time that UNA will be serving in the host role of an NCAA Championship since the Lions began their transition to Division I in 2017. It will also be the first time that UNA has been the host school for an NCAA Cross Country Regional. UNA has previously served as the host institution for numerous NCAA Championship events in football, volleyball, women's soccer, men and women's basketball, golf, baseball and softball, including hosting the Division II Football Championship from 1986-2013 and hosting the Division II Men's Golf National Championships in 2011 and 2017.

"The City of Huntsville has designed and invested in a top-notch facility for cross-country events," said UNA head cross country coach Jeremy Provence. "I have no doubt, teams will enjoy competing on the course. It is very coach and spectator friendly so we hope fans across north Alabama will come out and enjoy a highly competitive DI cross-country meet. We are excited about the opportunity to host the NCAA Division I South Regional Championship along with the Huntsville Sports Commission."

Provence said the regional will benefit cross country in the area beyond the event itself.

"Hosting is a great opportunity for everyone involved with cross-country in north Alabama," Provence added. "Our program, athletic department and university will benefit from an exposure standpoint. The high school cross-country programs across north Alabama will get to see what DI cross-country championship racing is all about and cheer for their favorite teams. I think it also brings together the running community of north Alabama. There are a lot of fans out there who will be excited to come watch a championship level cross-country meet taking place in their community."

The South Regional, which will include Division I teams from Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida, is one of nine qualifying meets across the country, with the top teams advancing to the NCAA Championship meet.

The news comes on the heels of the HSC's rebranding after 20 years of operation. The commission has brought in over 500 events to Huntsville with an approximate economic impact of over $150 million. A new logo integrates a sports banner along with a star in a nod to Huntsville's "Star of Alabama" tagline. In addition to the new brand, the Huntsville Sports Commission has launched a new website.

"The Huntsville Sports Commission has a proven success in building valuable relationships and operating top-tier events in the sports industry over the past 20 years," said Brooke Izzo, director of marketing and communications for Huntsville Sports Commission. "As an organization, we saw an opportunity to better highlight the high caliber events coming to Huntsville and available for all to attend. We are extremely excited to launch our new brand and build a lasting relationship with the Huntsville community."

Link to the other regions and hosts:
http://www.ustfccca.org/meets-results/regional-championships-central?season=2021