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Candidates declare for Council Districts 2 and 3

Each district up for election this year now has a challenger planning to run.

Election

The ballot for City Council this year just got more crowded.Why it matters: The election may not be till Aug. 25, but all three <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="districts" data-vars-click-url="https://maps.huntsvilleal.gov/citycouncildistricts/" data-vars-content-id="3273ba48-7b5b-433b-a166-d63661e59035" data-vars-headline="Candidates declare for Council Districts 2 and 3" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://maps.huntsvilleal.gov/citycouncildistricts/" target="_blank">districts</a> up for election this year already have challengers declared to run.

Huntsville lands CUSA tournaments through 2029

Huntsville will host CUSA's basketball, volleyball and cross-country tournaments.

Business

Huntsville will host the next three Conference USA Championships in basketball, volleyball and cross-country, CUSA announced Friday.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a big get for Huntsville as the city seeks to attract more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/sports" data-vars-content-id="3c1e828e-b737-444e-a5d6-ada011fc6a3e" data-vars-headline="Huntsville lands CUSA tournaments through 2029" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/sports" target="_self">sports</a> events and bolster its reputation for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first-class facilities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/06/30/huntsville-curling-44m-ice-center-expansion" data-vars-content-id="3c1e828e-b737-444e-a5d6-ada011fc6a3e" data-vars-headline="Huntsville lands CUSA tournaments through 2029" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/06/30/huntsville-curling-44m-ice-center-expansion" target="_self">first-class facilities</a>.

Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame's 2026 class

This year's class is one of the most diverse yet, said Mark McCarter, sportswriter and secretary for the Hall of Fame.

Sports

Twelve local athletic heavyweights have been announced as the 2026 class of the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hall of Fame" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hmcahof.com/" data-vars-content-id="d9051ea2-e6d4-4336-8e6c-b1f6dfb04851" data-vars-headline="Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame&#x27;s 2026 class" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hmcahof.com/" target="_blank">Hall of Fame</a>. Why it matters: &quot;We forget sometimes what a great sports community Huntsville is and has been,&quot; said Mark McCarter, sportswriter and secretary for the Hall of Fame.

Huntsville City Football Club makes first playoff berth

"We have the best fans in the league," said Chad Emerson, HCFC managing director.

Huntsville City Football Club is headed to the playoffs for the first time.Why it matters: HCFC, which debuted in the 2023 season, continues to grow in popularity and standing in the MLS Next Pro league.<ul><li>They&#x27;re also in the running to have the opening playoff game at home at Wicks Family Field, said Chad Emerson, HCFC managing director. </li></ul>

Picklr aims to upgrade Huntsville pickleball scene

The Picklr is opening a 40,000-square-foot indoor club with 11 courts on University Drive.

The world&#x27;s largest indoor pickleball franchise is making Huntsville its next stop. Why it matters: As pickleball continues its rise in popularity, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Picklr" data-vars-click-url="https://thepicklr.com/location/huntsville/" data-vars-content-id="6719819b-b645-4407-a46e-ab37371d3279" data-vars-headline="Picklr aims to upgrade Huntsville pickleball scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thepicklr.com/location/huntsville/" target="_blank">The Picklr</a> is creating more space for players, especially those looking to up their game. <ul><li>It&#x27;s also another big investment in the University Drive/MidCity area, which is seeing a surge in development alongside soon-to-open locations like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Field Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/07/30/field-day-huntsville-alabama-adult-entertainment-growth-development" data-vars-content-id="6719819b-b645-4407-a46e-ab37371d3279" data-vars-headline="Picklr aims to upgrade Huntsville pickleball scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/07/30/field-day-huntsville-alabama-adult-entertainment-growth-development" target="_self">Field Day</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ikea" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/12/ikea-huntsville-alabama-store-midcity-opening" data-vars-content-id="6719819b-b645-4407-a46e-ab37371d3279" data-vars-headline="Picklr aims to upgrade Huntsville pickleball scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/12/ikea-huntsville-alabama-store-midcity-opening" target="_self">Ikea</a>. </li></ul>

Why Huntsville can't stop playing pickleball

Pickleball is a growing sport that hasn't yet peaked, Parks and Recreation director James Gossett tells Axios Huntsville.

Things to Do

Pickleball is surging in popularity in Huntsville and around the country. Why it matters: Pickleball has a low barrier of entry: easy to learn, accessible, social, and is a way to stay active and work off the stress of the day, pickleball coach Judy Hayes tells Axios Huntsville. <ul><li>It&#x27;s also driving investment in public and private facilities.</li></ul>

The countdown is on for Huntsville City FC Space Night

With telescopes, aliens and orange kits, this HCFC match honors Rocket City's space roots.

It&#x27;s T-Minus two days for Huntsville City Football Club&#x27;s marquee themed match of the year: Space Night vs. Orlando City B Friday at 7pm.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a chance for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="HCFC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlsnextpro.com/huntsvillecityfc/" data-vars-content-id="04a45109-a5ce-457c-a7af-6df147b48514" data-vars-headline="The countdown is on for Huntsville City FC Space Night" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlsnextpro.com/huntsvillecityfc/" target="_blank">HCFC</a> to showcase the unique and special relationship North Alabama has with the space industry and NASA.

Disc golfer Cadence Burge wins first Pro Tour event

"It's pretty crazy to get a win," the 18-year-old Burge told Axios.

Huntsville native and pro disc golfer Cadence Burge took home her first Disc Golf Pro Tour win <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="this week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/DiscGolfProTour/photos/with-her-first-dgpt-win-cadence-burge-is-your-2025-discmania-challenge-presented/1041157961489946/?_rdr" data-vars-content-id="2d7a9b5d-6d38-4880-851d-7301fedf1294" data-vars-headline="Disc golfer Cadence Burge wins first Pro Tour event" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/DiscGolfProTour/photos/with-her-first-dgpt-win-cadence-burge-is-your-2025-discmania-challenge-presented/1041157961489946/?_rdr" target="_blank">this week</a> at the Discmania Challenge in Des Moine, Iowa, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shooting -17" data-vars-click-url="https://blog.discgolfunited.com/disc-golf-scoring/" data-vars-content-id="2d7a9b5d-6d38-4880-851d-7301fedf1294" data-vars-headline="Disc golfer Cadence Burge wins first Pro Tour event" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blog.discgolfunited.com/disc-golf-scoring/" target="_blank">shooting -17</a>.Why it matters: The disc golf phenom is an up-and-comer already competing alongside the best in the world.

How Huntsville became a disc golf destination

Huntsville has been a mainstay for disc golf since the city hosted Alabama's first state tournament in 1974.

As Huntsville continues to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="invest big" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/06/30/huntsville-curling-44m-ice-center-expansion" data-vars-content-id="4c3df736-8474-439e-b726-2eda18dbe3bb" data-vars-headline="How Huntsville became a disc golf destination" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/06/30/huntsville-curling-44m-ice-center-expansion" target="_self">invest big</a> in bolstering sports tourism efforts, the city has been a mainstay for one sport since before it was cool: disc golf. Why it matters: Huntsville&#x27;s disc golf roots go all the way back, and it&#x27;s due in large part to two Rocket City natives: Tom Monroe and Lavone Wolfe.

Curling capital: Huntsville OKs $44M Ice Center expansion

The expansion is set for completion late next year or early 2027.

Huntsville is making big moves at its Ice Sports Center, approving a $44.6-million plan June 26 that&#x27;s set to double its size by early 2027.Why it matters: The expansion plan will turn the ISC into a regional destination for ice sports, especially curling. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rocket City Curling Club" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rocketcitycurlingclub.org/" data-vars-content-id="980406e1-154a-4ffa-9f4d-899252014292" data-vars-headline="Curling capital: Huntsville OKs $44M Ice Center expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rocketcitycurlingclub.org/" target="_blank">Rocket City Curling Club</a> President Matt Smith tells Axios the closest comparable facility is in Detroit.

Remembering legendary Huntsville sportswriter John Pruett

Iconic Huntsville Times columnist is remembered for his decades covering Alabama sports.

News

Legendary Huntsville sportswriter John Pruett died June 25. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="He was 83" data-vars-click-url="https://www.laughlinservice.com/obituaries/John-Kenneth-Pruett?obId=43078217" data-vars-content-id="6a0f95ff-9ba2-4880-98bc-9b9f2e1b89ad" data-vars-headline="Remembering legendary Huntsville sportswriter John Pruett" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.laughlinservice.com/obituaries/John-Kenneth-Pruett?obId=43078217" target="_blank">He was 83</a>. The big picture: Pruett spent more than 40 years at The Huntsville Times, detailed in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an article by al.com" data-vars-click-url="https://www.al.com/sports/2025/06/john-pruett-legendary-huntsville-times-sports-editor-columnist-remembered-as-something-special.html" data-vars-content-id="6a0f95ff-9ba2-4880-98bc-9b9f2e1b89ad" data-vars-headline="Remembering legendary Huntsville sportswriter John Pruett" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.al.com/sports/2025/06/john-pruett-legendary-huntsville-times-sports-editor-columnist-remembered-as-something-special.html" target="_blank">an article by al.com</a> that quotes Alabama sports heavyweights like Paul Finebaum, David Housel and Phillip Marshall, among others.<ul><li>Mark McCarter, who worked for 10 years alongside Pruett as the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="other columnist" data-vars-click-url="https://neverabadgame.com/2025/06/25/in-the-shadows-of-the-late-great-john-pruett/" data-vars-content-id="6a0f95ff-9ba2-4880-98bc-9b9f2e1b89ad" data-vars-headline="Remembering legendary Huntsville sportswriter John Pruett" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://neverabadgame.com/2025/06/25/in-the-shadows-of-the-late-great-john-pruett/" target="_blank">other columnist</a>&quot; at The Huntsville Times, remembers &quot;a great writer, but an even greater person.&quot;</li><li>&quot;As a reporter, John had cultivated so many friends and so many sources, and so many people that trusted him, that heck, the phone probably rang both ways equally when it came to a big story,&quot; McCarter tells <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Huntsville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville" data-vars-content-id="6a0f95ff-9ba2-4880-98bc-9b9f2e1b89ad" data-vars-headline="Remembering legendary Huntsville sportswriter John Pruett" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville" target="_self">Axios Huntsville</a>. </li></ul>Behind the scenes: He didn&#x27;t overlook anyone. McCarter said that on many occasions, Pruett would ask about young writers, wanting to know who they were and make himself accessible to help and encourage them. <ul><li>That went for sports, too. It&#x27;s no secret that Huntsville is Auburn/Alabama territory, McCarter says, but Pruett was just as generous with his time at Alabama A&amp;M, making sure talented writers were on the beat and building a relationship with people like alum and NFL Hall of Famer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="John Stallworth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.profootballhof.com/players/john-stallworth/" data-vars-content-id="6a0f95ff-9ba2-4880-98bc-9b9f2e1b89ad" data-vars-headline="Remembering legendary Huntsville sportswriter John Pruett" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.profootballhof.com/players/john-stallworth/" target="_blank">John Stallworth</a>.</li><li>&quot;Going out to an HBCU in 1971 and having a relationship and friendship with a head coach — that struck me that it wasn&#x27;t all just Alabama and Auburn,&quot; McCarter said. </li></ul>State of play: For Paul Gattis, now a communications specialist with the city, Pruett is remembered as &quot;The General.&quot; When he saw the news of Pruett&#x27;s passing, &quot;it was truly a gut punch,&quot; he told Axios. <ul><li>&quot;I was sort of the younger reporter at the time,&quot; Gattis said, of joining The Huntsville Times in 2001, in the days when multiple reporters would produce seven or eight stories from an Alabama or Auburn game. </li><li>&quot;I&#x27;d get all anxious at the time, go to John and ask, &#x27;What do you think you&#x27;re going to write about?&#x27;&quot; Gattis said, trying to make sure he didn&#x27;t step on Pruett&#x27;s toes. &quot;He&#x27;d always smile, shake his head and say, &#x27;The Lord will provide.&#x27;&quot;</li><li>But Pruett always had his unique perspective. &quot;Looking back on that, I feel kind of silly to think there&#x27;d ever be any concern that I&#x27;d interfere with anything John did because John was one of a kind,&quot; Gattis said. &quot;I was not going to come close to what he was going to do.&quot;</li></ul>Context: Like McCarter, Gattis remembers Pruett&#x27;s dedication to all sports and athletes, from major national events to local high school basketball, including a Christmastime tournament at Huntsville High which awarded the John Pruett Championship Trophy to the winner. What we&#x27;re saying: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Local" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/local" data-vars-content-id="6a0f95ff-9ba2-4880-98bc-9b9f2e1b89ad" data-vars-headline="Remembering legendary Huntsville sportswriter John Pruett" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/local" target="_self">Axios Local</a> managing editor Mike Szvetitz was one of those young sports writers years ago in Alabama who Pruett asked about. <ul><li>Larger than life, Szvetitz remembers the first time he talked to the sports writing legend, who called him up to offer a chance to become a Hesiman Trophy voter. </li><li>&quot;I&#x27;m not sure what was the bigger honor,&quot; Szvetitz recalls, &quot;getting a Heisman vote or getting a phone call from Mr. Pruett.&quot;</li></ul>The bottom line: &quot;He was the best,&quot; Gattis said. &quot;The world is a lesser place without him.&quot;

Sports 🏅

Huntsville lands CUSA tournaments through 2029

Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame's 2026 class

Huntsville City Football Club makes first playoff berth

Picklr aims to upgrade Huntsville pickleball scene

Why Huntsville can't stop playing pickleball