This week, Birmingham’s Legacy Arena at the BJCC will host the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s state championship boys and girls basketball championships, an event which brings 56 teams from around the state to the Magic City to try to win a state title in their respective classifications.

Each classification from 1A to 7A plays their Final Four in Birmingham in what is an extremely special event for the athletes, coaches, parents, students, and countless others. For the city of Birmingham however, hosting the event is also a major driver of economic revenue.

According to numbers from the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, last year’s event generated a staggering $4,341,119 in direct economic impact for Jefferson County.

With Birmingham having hosted the event since its inception in the mid 1990s, the city has been able to perfect what is regarded as a first class experience for everyone involved.

“The AHSAA basketball championship event has long been considered a signature event on the local sports calendar, and it’s important to recognize and acknowledge the major economic benefit it has for the entire community,” said David Galbaugh, Vice President of sports sales and marketing for GBCVB.

From hotels to restaurants to simply spending money in metro areas, the influx is absolutely huge for the city.

“The AHSAA State Finals basketball tournament has become a must-attend event for sports fans in the Magic City,” said ASHOF Executive Director Scott Myers. “The AHSAA puts on a first-class event that’s amazing for coaches, players and fans, and we routinely welcome teams to the Hall of Fame before, during and after each day’s games. It’s important to know the tournament pours more than $4 million in the local economy.”

All games will be streamed by the NFHS Network, and all championship games will be televised live over Alabama Public Television. The AHSAA Radio Network will also broadcast all 42 games statewide over its network.