More than 46,000 athletes and spectators are projected to attend a slate of marquee sporting events in Panama City Beach this spring, generating significant economic impact for the destination. Through the strategic efforts of the Panama City Beach Tourist Development Council (TDC) and Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), the destination will host tournaments and championship events at Publix Sports Park, Frank Brown Park and additional venues across the community.
Last year’s spring sports events generated $34 million in total economic impact, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, attractions and small businesses throughout Panama City Beach. From youth baseball, fastpitch softball and soccer tournaments to nationally recognized endurance races, Panama City Beach continues to make a name for itself as a premier sports tourism destination along the Gulf Coast.
For the full spring event lineup, please visit https://bit.ly/4rNiuUH
Marquee Events Highlights:
March 1-21| Publix Sports Park
49 college club softball and baseball teams from across the country will compete during three consecutive weeks of competition, bringing athletes and families to Panama City Beach. Supporting a positive, family-friendly experience, the event is projected to welcome 882 players and 1,411 total attendees.
Arnold High FL vs. USA
March 6-7 | Frank Brown Park
Thirty high school fast-pitch softball teams from Florida and across the country will compete in the 17th annual Florida-USA Softball Challenge, hosted by Visit Panama City Beach and Arnold High School. As one of the largest high school fast-pitch events in the state, the tournament draws top-tier talent and strong spectator attendance.
March 15-20 | Publix Sports Park
The Spring Fling Women’s Lacrosse tournament is the longest-running women’s lacrosse tournament in the nation, bringing together 14 premier DIII collegiate-level women’s lacrosse teams from the Northeast. With official NCAA contests and practice sessions, attendees will get to experience competition, camaraderie and family-friendly experiences at its finest.
March 21-22 | Publix Sports Park
Founded in 2020, BLU_CHP is the nation’s No. 1 Youth National Combine and Showcase, bringing together more than 100 elite football athletes ranging from grades 1-8, for a premier three-day evaluation led by current and former college and NFL coaches, providing top opportunities to succeed on the highest levels.
April 11-12 | Publix Sports Park and Frank Brown Park
Rapidly growing in participation, the Panama City Beach USSSA Easton Hype Tour welcomes 6U-14U youth baseball teams. This year’s event is expected to be the largest ever, welcoming 140teams—expanding from only 122 teams in 2025, 69 teams in 2024 and 14 teams in 2023—making it a marquee spring event for youth travel baseball teams.
April 23-26 | Publix Sports Park and Frank Brown Park
Projected to welcome more than 2,500 attendees this year, the Spiderz Spring Break Mega Draft brings together 96 drafted slow-pitch softball teams as part of the organization’s nine national events. Individual players are selected via a live social media draft and compete in a four-game guarantee tournament with custom uniforms and championship advancement opportunities. Attendees can also enjoy the Home Run Derby Finals on the beach for a fun, relaxing night before the action begins.
May 2-3 | Publix Sports Park and Frank Brown Park
Panama City Beach is set to welcome more than 125 teams and more than 5,000 attendees to the SNAP Soccer Trident Cip—the destination’s largest soccer client. Last year’s tournament generated an estimated $3.3 million in total economic impact. Featuring boys and girls U9–U19 divisions, the Trident Cup continues to grow as a cornerstone youth soccer competition in the region.
May 9 |Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort (start to finish)
With more than 42 years of history, Visit Panama City Beach IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast continues to draw endurance athletes and spectators from across the country. Featuring a 1.2-mile Gulf swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run, this event highlights Panama City Beach as a destination for endurance sport. Last year’s event welcomed 2,000 athletes and generated more than $6 million in total economic impact for the destination.
May 9-10 | Publix Sports Park
Projected to welcome 70 teams and more than 2,500 attendees, this youth baseball tournament celebrates families with a special Mother’s Day tribute on the field. The 7U–15U competition encourages family participation, including opportunities for mothers to coach first and third base during gameplay.
May 15-17 | Publix Sports Park
As the second GameDay USA event hosted in Panama City Beach, this new tournament expands high-level youth baseball and softball opportunities in the destination while driving additional visitation during the spring shoulder season. Teams and families can enjoy competitive play on the field while also enjoying fun near Pier Park at the second largest Dave & Buster’s in the world, encompassing a full weekend of family-friendly activities and competitive play.
May 23-24 | Publix Sports Park
This event features youth baseball 7U-15U teams, drawing families and teams from across the Southeast. Supporting Panama City Beach as a premier youth sports destination and generating economic impact for local hotels, restaurants and attractions, this event is projected to welcome 55 teams and more than 2,000 attendees to Panama City Beach.
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