SEC Baseball Tournament to Stay in Hoover Through 2028, Major Upgrades Planned

The SEC Baseball Tournament is set to remain at the Hoover Met Complex through 2028, as an agreement between the City of Hoover and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) is expected to be approved next week. This development ensures that Hoover will continue to host one of college baseball's most prestigious events for the next several years.

A spokesperson from the City of Hoover confirmed that the Hoover City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed extension this coming Monday. While specific details of the contract have not been disclosed, the proposal was introduced by Hoover Parks and Recreation Director Erin Colbaugh during Thursday’s council meeting, as reported by the Hoover Sun.

In anticipation of the approval, the City of Hoover released an official statement on Friday afternoon, expressing their enthusiasm for the upcoming vote. The statement highlighted the importance of the agreement, with both the City Council and the Hoover Parks and Recreation Board set to make their decisions early next week.

The City of Hoover’s statement read:

“On Monday night, August 19, 2024, the Hoover City Council is excited to have an opportunity to approve a new agreement that will allow the City of Hoover to continue hosting the Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament. The Hoover Parks and Recreation Board will vote on the matter Tuesday night as well. Once both bodies have approved the agreement, the City and SEC will have an official announcement at a press conference to be held Thursday, August 22nd, 2024, at the Hoover Met Stadium at 9:00 a.m.

The City will make official comments Thursday at the press conference.”

According to the report from the Hoover Sun, the city has committed to a substantial $11 million renovation project for the Hoover Met Complex, with improvements set to be completed before next year’s tournament. These upgrades will include the addition of a new club suite along the third-base line, installation of new chairback seating and aluminum bleachers throughout the stadium, and a comprehensive redesign and repaving of the parking lot.

The SEC Baseball Tournament has been a staple at the Hoover Met since 1998, with earlier appearances in 1990 and 1996. This year’s event saw a record-breaking attendance of over 180,000 fans during the six-day tournament, with more than 15,000 spectators at the championship game between Tennessee and LSU on May 26.

With Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC for the 2024-25 athletic year, the tournament will expand to a 16-team single-elimination format, promising even more excitement for baseball fans in Hoover.

As the City of Hoover and SEC prepare for the upcoming vote, fans can look forward to continued top-tier baseball action at a newly enhanced Hoover Met Complex through 2028.