NEWSLINE STORY

published March-April 2016

Taking a Look at Montgomery – the City and the 2016 World Tournament Venue

by Jerry LaBrosse, 4th Vice President and Charter Communications Director

World Tournament pitchers are in for quite a treat this year in Montgomery, Alabama The Multiplex at Cramton Bowl is one of the best venues I have seen to host our event. It is spacious, modern, clean, air-conditioned, and beautifully laid out.

There is upper-level viewing on both ends of the arena and there will also be bleacher seating on the main floor for those who wish to be closer to the action. The tournament stat room will be off to the side of the main arena with the NHPA offices on the lower level. Watch for the signs. Registration will be at the main entrance.

It is centrally located, just minutes from the downtown area; and it is very easy to get around the city.

We, the NHPA Council, stayed in the Embassy Suites, and it was fantastic. This will be the host hotel where the NHPF Banquet will be held. There are several nice hotels in the downtown area, and there are parking fees at some, so check when you book. We also visited the Holiday Inn near the airport. It is a very nice hotel, the food is great, and it is only 10 minutes from downtown.

Attention, golfers! Alabama has the world famous Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. It is a series of top-notch courses scattered around the state. There happens to be a three-course (54 holes) complex called Capitol Hill just 15 minutes out of town. I have been to some of the other Robert Trent Jones courses in southern Alabama, and they are superb!

The downtown entertainment district looks great, it is filled with lots of restaurants and activities, and has a minor league baseball stadium nearby. And that southern cuisine is fantastic! Montgomery is a very historical city, and there are tons of things to see. There will also be many fun activities on the riverfront, including dining, concerts, and much more.

Another “must-do” in the area is the FREE tram tour of the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) plant. You must register for these tours well in advance of your trip.

Watch for much more information in upcoming eblasts and Newline issues.

Make plans to attend this event and take in some of that great southern hospitality. The dates are July 25 - August 6. You must mail your entry form postmarked by May 16. Please ask to receive your schedule via email if you can, as it saves the NHPA a lot of printing and mailing expenses.