Visit Panama City Beach will celebrate the opening of its newly completed turf fields this weekend at Publix Sports Park, welcoming thousands of athletes and visitors for three major football and softball events expected to generate an estimated $3.8 million in economic impact for the destination.
From elite high school football prospects to nationally ranked adult softball teams, the packed weekend underscores Panama City Beach’s continued momentum as a leading sports tourism destination. Co-developed and actively supported by Visit Panama City Beach, the Publix Sports Park spans 160 acres of flexible space, attracting off-season travel from visitors across the country while also serving as a community recreation venue.
“We’re thrilled to debut the new turf fields with a weekend that truly showcases the scale and diversity of events we host,” said Chris O’Brien, Vice President of Sports Marketing for Visit Panama City Beach. “Weekends like this highlight the role sports tourism plays in supporting local businesses and filling hotels year-round.”
Weekend Schedule & Event Details
Future Stars Invitational by Kohl’s Kicking Camp | Third-Year Event
Saturday, Jan. 17 –Sunday, Jan. 18
The Future Stars Invitational by Kohl’s Kicking Camp returns for its third year, featuring 300 invite-only high school kickers and punters from across the country, this time taking place at the new turf fields. Approximately 1,000 visitors are expected for the two-day event, which is projected to generate $500,000 in economic impact. The event is led by Jamie Kohl, director of Kohl’s Professional Camps and a kicking consultant for NFL teams, including the Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bears.
All American Bowl United Youth Sports Football Tournament | New Event
Friday, Jan. 16–Sunday, Jan. 18 | 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
The All American Bowl United Youth Sports Football Tournament will make its Panama City Beach debut, hosting 36 tackle football teams and 70 games across three days at fields 7–9. Teams will travel from nine states, bringing more than 2,000 visitors and an estimated $2.1 million in economic impact.
USSSA MLK and Kickoff Classic Softball Tournament | New Event
Saturday, Jan. 17| 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 18 | 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
The USSSA MLK and Kickoff Classic Softball Tournament will feature 93 adult teams and 1,080 players, including top-ranked teams from across the country, competing at Publix Sports Park and Frank Brown Park. The tournament is expected to generate $1.2 million in economic impact and marks the destination’s largest January softball event to date.