Air Force varsity volleyball championship brings regional play to Millbrook

Millbrook welcomed the U.S. Air Force Varsity Volleyball League (AFVVL) Southeast Region Championship at the 17 Springs complex on Jan. 17–18, as teams from ten Air Force installations across the Southeast converged for two days of competition. The tournament featured a mix of active-duty, Air National Guard, reserve, veteran and civilian athletes, turning the venue into a hub of regional military athletics.

The event positioned Millbrook as a regional event destination, drawing players, coaches and support staff who used local lodging, restaurants and services while in town. City officials said hosting the championship showcases Millbrook's capacity to stage multi-team tournaments and helps strengthen ties between the city and military communities across the state and region.

Tournament play generated steady foot traffic at 17 Springs over the two-day schedule, with multiple courts in use and teams rotating through pool and bracket play. Organizers coordinated schedules and facilities to accommodate the range of participants, emphasizing inclusivity for current service members, veterans and civilians who compete alongside one another in AFVVL play.

For local businesses, the championship delivered a short-term influx of visitors during a typically quieter week in mid-January. Sports events of this scale commonly boost weekday hotel occupancy and provide additional weekday revenue for eateries and retail establishments near event venues. Millbrook officials said the visibility of hosting a regional military league also supports the city’s broader tourism strategy by adding a military-friendly event to its roster of attractions.

Beyond immediate economic effects, hosting the AFVVL Southeast Region Championship carries community significance. The mix of active-duty personnel and veterans at the event created opportunities for civic engagement and volunteer support, reinforcing community-military connections that are important across Autauga County. Coaches, players and families who travel for regional tournaments often return for other local events when a city gains a reputation as a reliable host.

Organizers maintain schedules and team information on the AFVVL website for those seeking results or future event dates. As Millbrook builds experience hosting regional competitions, city officials expect the championship to serve as a reference point when pursuing similar events that bring steady, sports-driven visitation to the 17 Springs venue and the broader Autauga County economy.

For residents, the tournament underscored a practical payoff: local venues and businesses can capture modest, targeted economic activity during off-peak periods, and community ties with service members gain a visible, recurring outlet through regional athletic competition.