(Albertville, Ala.) February 7, 2025 – Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater (SMPA) is proud to announce a transformative new partnership with The University of Alabama’s New Wave Podcast, co-hosted by rising football stars Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe. This exciting collaboration is set to raise awareness of SMPA’s world-class facilities, attracting new visitors who may not yet know about the incredible resources available here. By reaching a broader audience through the podcast’s growing platform, this partnership will help drive traffic to SMPA, supporting not only our mission to foster community engagement through sports and recreation but also creating substantial economic impact for the region. The collaboration will feature sports camps designed to develop young athletes in the area while showcasing the incredible potential of SMPA as a premier venue for both local and regional events.
“We’re excited to have Sand Mountain Park as a presenting sponsor of The New Wave Podcast,” said Ryan Williams, co-host of the podcast. “This partnership means a lot to us because it connects us with a community that values sports, development, and competition—just like we do.”
Jaylen Mbakwe, co-host of The New Wave Podcast and a standout athlete at the University of Alabama, also shared his excitement about the collaboration: “Having Sand Mountain Park on board is huge. They’re doing great things for athletes and families, and we’re proud to have their support as we share our journey with fans through the podcast.”
“Partnering with Sand Mountain Park and the New Wave podcast is an exciting opportunity to grow the Alabama brand, build relationships, and create new opportunities. This is what NIL is all about—elevating our athletes, engaging fans, and forming meaningful partnerships.” – Courtney Morgan, General Manager, Alabama Football.
“From the City of Albertville’s perspective, we’re proud of Sand Mountain Park for championing this partnership and grateful to Alabama Football for the opportunity. This collaboration is a natural fit, bringing our community closer to stellar collegiate student-athletes, skills development initiatives, and exciting local events at the park. We look forward to working with the New Wave podcast to inspire Albertville’s youth and to a successful partnership ahead.” – Tracy Honea, Mayor of Albertville
This partnership will culminate in a special media day and meet-and-greet event on March 1, 2025, at Sand Mountain Park, where Williams, Mbakwe, and the New Wave Podcast team will engage with fans and share the vision for their collaboration with SMPA. The event will provide a unique opportunity for fans to connect with their favorite student athletes, learn about the podcast, and experience the amazing facilities offered by SMPA.
Walt Brock, Director of Content and Production for Bama Football, commented on the collaboration: “Partnering with Sand Mountain Park is a perfect fit for The New Wave Podcast. Their commitment to sports and community aligns with our mission to give fans a unique look into the lives of Ryan and Jaylen as they navigate as student-athletes at the University of Alabama. We’re excited to build something special together.”
This partnership aims to provide fresh opportunities for local athletes through a series of sports camps, while also bringing additional visibility to Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater as a premier venue for both recreational and competitive sports. Fans of The New Wave Podcast can look forward to exciting developments in the months ahead.
What: Media Day & Meet-and-Greet with Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe
Where: Sand Mountain Amphitheater, 700 SMPA Blvd., Albertville, AL 35950
When: March 1, 2025 1:00-3:00 pm
Who: Ryan Williams, Jaylen Mbakwe, & The New Wave Podcast Team
Ticket Information: Free Event, No Ticket Required
About Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater
Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater is a sports, leisure, wellness, and entertainment venue located in Guntersville, Alabama. The venue features 16 tennis courts, 14 outdoor turf fields, a 5,000+ person capacity outdoor amphitheater, an 8-lane indoor competition pool, an outdoor water park, multiple playgrounds, an RV park, an 18-hole disc golf course, a 3.5+ mile walking/running trail, two dog parks, and a 103,000-square-foot community recreation center. Sand Mountain Park is committed to providing world-class facilities and fostering community engagement through sports and entertainment.
About The New Wave Podcast
The New Wave Podcast offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the lives of University of Alabama football stars Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe. Hosted by Williams and Mbakwe, the podcast provides fans with insights into their journeys as student-athletes, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs they face both on and off the field.
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Please contact Jessica Ryan
Sr. Director of Business Development, Jessica Ryan
Phone: 256-891-8240
Company: Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater
Email: JRyan@sandmountainpark.com