This fall, the city of Saraland’s massive, $72 million sports complex called “The Land,” will open, and construction is underway now.

Many communities have recently made an effort to expand and enhance their athletic facilities to tap into the lucrative sports tourism industry. Annual reports validate the impact these events can have on local economies.

So, when it was first announced that the city of Saraland was in the planning stages to create an athletic complex called The Land, some assumed it would be to attract similar competition.

In fact, a series of interviews with key personnel proved it is the exact opposite.