Florence-The Shoals area has hosted the NCAA Division II Football playoff game for over 26 years. 2012 will mark the 27th event. It is more than just a game to our community and for two other communities somewhere out in Division II football land.
For our community it is a time to show off our assets to a national audience via 
national television coverage. Other communities would love to have that much television time. The coverage spotlights our community and gives us an opportunity to shine. Other communities dream of positive media coverage such as the Shoals National Championship Game (SNCG). Several other folks submit proposals every few years in hopes we will fumble the right to host the game and they will score the winning touchdown. Every couple of years we have to compete for the game. Thankfully, we have been successful for a very long time, thanks to the community financial support and to a dedicated group of volunteers known as the Shoals National Championship Committee. The University of North Alabama plays heavily into the execution of the game as well.
The pride part of the equation is hard to put a price on. But make no mistake; there are economic drivers in this game that equate to dollars. Two teams, their families and friends, a host of media and general football fans come here to eat, drink, buy fuel, shop and generally spend money. If we lost this game of hosting the SNCG, we would also lose a lot of revenue. Mid-late December is generally a slow time for hotels and even restaurants as folks prepare for the holidays. The employees that work in retail, restaurants, attractions, and hotels have a little more Christmas money in their pockets thanks to the game.
We are known for our southern hospitality and the SNCG is a perfect opportunity to showcase our friendly nature. We need to realize that even though these teams may be from somewhere far away and be on teams we really don’t care about from a playoff standpoint, we need to treat them like the champions they have earned the right to be. We need to understand that their trip here is fulfilling a dream. For Division II football, Florence, Alabama is the ultimate goal post.
The SNCC has numerous activities to enhance the Championship experience from the moment they arrive until the 
moment they leave. There are game hosts, hospitality committees, motorcades, and the best bar b q anywhere. But there is one important element to the overall experience of a championship game that cannot be guaranteed by the Committee – seats occupied at Braly Stadium. Therefore, I’m proposing an Occupy Braly movement. We want those seats occupied so the ESPN cameras reveal an occupied stadium to the national television audience.
Occupy Braly promises to be a fun-filled, football championship quality, family, fun afternoon. The Shoals hospitality will shine, the economy fueled and our chances of keeping the game increase substantially.
The details of this year’s game:
Date: Saturday December 15, 2012 Kick-off high noon in Braly Stadium in Florence, AL.
Tickets are $25, discounts for groups.
More information, call the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, 256-764-4661.
