Forty-eight teams from across the state of Alabama converge on the Troy Sportsplex this weekend trying to earn one of the coveted spots in the State Tournament next week in Montgomery.

All six classifications in the Alabama High School Athletic Association will be represented this weekend.

Troy Parks and Recreation Director Dan Smith says this AHSAA Regional is one of the busiest times of the year for him and his staff.

“This is our fifth year hosting the tournament, and it is the biggest one we host every year,” said Smith, who is serving as tournament director this weekend. “Forty eight high school teams from across the state will compete here this weekend. Every hotel room in town has been booked for over a week, and about 15 teams are staying in housing at Troy University. It is a large production.”

While teams such as Goshen and Zion Chapel have short trips to play in the tournament, some teams are traveling from as far as Anniston, Jacksonville, Bessemer and Birmingham to take part in the two-day event.

The traveling teams have had large economic impacts on Troy in the past, and Smith hopes that will continue in 2014.

“Dr. Anthony Dixon, a professor at Troy University, did a study a few years ago on the economic impact this event has on the city,” Smith said. “He found that the impact was close to a half-million dollars from this one weekend. The restaurants, hotels and convenience stores will all benefit, and I hope it will extend in to the downtown area as well. It is a big weekend for all of Troy, Alabama.”