City of Huntsville opens newly expanded Loretta P. Spencer Sports Complex in John Hunt Park

Published on May 7, 2024

Huntsville leaders, past and present, celebrated the grand opening of the Loretta P. Spencer Sports Complex at John Hunt Park. The newly expanded facility boasts four championship multi-use fields, NCAA-approved lighting, digital scoreboards, two press boxes, locker rooms, sound systems, plaza areas with shade sails and picnic facilities, expanded parking and stadium seating to accommodate up to 5,000 sports fans.

“This fantastic public amenity would not have been possible without the vision and leadership of former Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “We are honored to name this facility in her honor and in recognition of her hard work and dedication to youth sports in Huntsville.”

The 20-acre, four-field championship-caliber facility will be used for all multipurpose field sports – soccer, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee and more. Two of the fields are synthetic turf and two are natural grass, which Gossett says complements the eight synthetic turf fields at nearby Merrimack Sports Complex.

While the $17 million expansion makes Huntsville highly desirable for state, regional and national tournaments, the fields are designed for local play as well.

“The whole premise of John Hunt Park is that we create world-class sports facilities to serve both championship-level tournaments and our residents. We already have sports teams in Huntsville signing up to play at the Loretta P. Spencer Sports Complex, and we look forward to having them enjoy these beautiful fields.”