BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — An international extreme sports competition is coming to downtown Birmingham after city leaders approved up to $1.5 million in lodging tax incentives to secure a stop on the 2026 FISE World Series tour.
The Birmingham City Council passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Randall Woodfin to execute an agreement with Hurricane Group, the organizer of FISE, to host the event at City Walk from Aug. 5-9, 2026. The five-day competition will make Birmingham the only U.S. stop on the 2026 FISE circuit, which also includes cities in France, China and other international locations.
Under the agreement, the city will contribute up to $1.5 million in financial incentives funded through Birmingham’s $3-per-room-per-night lodging tax, rather than its general fund. The measure was recommended by the council’s Budget and Finance Committee and Economic Development Committee before winning approval in the full council.
City officials say FISE — an urban sports festival featuring BMX, skateboarding and other action sports — is expected to draw athletes and spectators from around the world and generate tourism spending in hotels, restaurants and other local businesses. “This is an international high level urban sports competition that will just by virtue of what it is will be bringing people in from other countries,” Councilor Darrell O’Quinn said during council discussion.
The FISE World Series brings together multiple disciplines, including BMX freestyle, skateboarding and additional extreme and urban sports that have grown in global popularity and are featured on the Olympic program. Birmingham tourism leaders and economic development officials say landing the event helps position the city on an international stage and builds on efforts to attract sports tourism.
More than 20,000 fans are expected to attend the competition at City Walk over the course of the event, according to the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau. Supporters argue the exposure, visitor spending and media coverage associated with FISE will outweigh the city’s investment and could pave the way for future large-scale events.