News Flash

Now Open - LongHorn Steakhouse makes Albertville home!

Albertville savored a milestone moment this week as LongHorn Steakhouse fired up its grills for the very first time, marking a long-anticipated addition to the city’s growing dining landscape.

LongHorn celebrated its official ribbon-cutting ceremony in Albertville, Alabama, on Monday, November 10, 2025. During opening remarks, corporate leaders shared an ambitious goal: for this new Albertville location to experience the busiest opening week of any flagship LongHorn restaurant to date.

The managing partner reflected on rising through the company’s ranks as a promote-from-within success story, highlighting LongHorn’s longstanding commitment to helping team members grow and thrive both professionally and personally. That spirit was echoed by a veteran corporate trainer who energized the crowd as she spoke about her 34-year tenure with the brand and the remarkable milestone this store represents—one of more than 400 she has helped open.

LongHorn representatives emphasized their dedication to the communities they serve, expressing a strong desire to support local schools, nonprofits, and charitable initiatives. They also thanked the Albertville Chamber of Commerce, City of Albertville, and the economic development team for the strong partnership built throughout the project.

City leaders, in turn, expressed their excitement and gratitude. “It’s been a long time coming,” said Mayor Tracy Honea. “As excited as you all say you are to be here, we are probably even more excited.”

Albertville, AL – Entertaining things are coming to Albertville! On Wednesday, June 4 at 10:00 a.m., the City of Albertville and local developer Don Spurlin officially broke ground on Alleyway Entertainment, a new 30,000 square foot family-friendly fun center

packed with exciting activities for all ages. This significant addition to the community will feature a wide range of attractions, including (but not limited to):

- 20 lanes of bowling

- Axe throwing

- Bumper cars

- Laser tag and laser maze

- Golf simulators

- Virtual reality arcade

- 5D theaters

- Restaurant

- Private party rooms

 “We’re excited to see this project finally become a reality after years of planning and collaboration. The citizens of Albertville deserve a safe, family-friendly entertainment center—one with multiple venues that people of all ages can enjoy” said Spurlin. “This development would not have been possible without the support of many individuals. I want to especially thank Mayor Honea, the Albertville City Council, Economic Development Director Mike Price, and our partner Bill Kellen. Though not a resident, Bill always believed in the potential of Albertville and the need for a facility like this in the area. It took true teamwork to bring us to this point, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it happen” added Spurlin.

The groundbreaking event was held at the future site of Alleyway Entertainment and featured brief remarks and a ceremonial first dig.

“This is one of those projects that has been in the works for over a decade. Kudos to Don for never giving up and keeping this development—not only alive—but bringing it from concept to reality,” said Mayor Tracy Honea. “An entertainment center of this caliber will be an excellent enhancement to our city’s quality of life. It will be acomplement to Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater, Lucas Cinemas, and the area’s other outstanding family entertainment and hospitality options.”

Special to the Reporter; June 7, 2025

Albertville is raising the bar with national retail brands recognizing the city is worth the investment! Target, HomeGoods, Burlington, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and more will soon be open for business in the Heart of Sand Mountain

ALBERTVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The City of Albertville has broken ground on Sand Mountain Marketplace.

The 250,000 sq. ft. development will include Target, Academy Sports + Outdoors, HomeGoods and Burlington, along with retailers that will be announced at a later date, as well as additional restaurants and retail offerings.

Willow Capital Partners, an Atlanta-based commercial real estate firm, acquired the 30-plus-acre site in April, and site work is currently underway.

“The city is extremely proud to partner with Willow Capital Partners to bring this

significant project to life in Albertville,” said Mayor Tracy Honea.

The Sand Mountain Marketplace is located at the intersection of Highway 431 and HT Greer Road along the city’s primary commercial corridor. The site is situated between

the Birmingham and Huntsville markets.

“The Sand Mountain Marketplace is the culmination of many hours, weeks and months

of work by numerous people and entities and will be a destination center that will not

only serve the citizens of Albertville, but Marshall County and the surrounding area as

well,” added Mayor Honea.

The center is expected to be completed in the spring of 2027.

AL.com story by Matt Wake

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEALBERTVILLE, Ala. (Oct. 9, 2025) – WinSouth Credit Union has finalized a 12-year naming rights agreement with the City of Albertville and Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater (SMPA), officially renaming the community’s premier water attraction as WinSouth Water Park.

The deal, brokered by High Level Promotions (HLP), represents a significant investment in Albertville and reinforces WinSouth’s commitment to supporting families, community, and growth across Northeast Alabama.

As part of this landmark partnership, WinSouth Credit Union will also serve as the Lead Impact Partner of SMPA’s tennis complex, with additional details and announcements to be unveiled soon. The agreement marks a defining moment for both organizations, aligning their missions to bring people together and strengthen regional quality of life.

A Commitment to CommunityWinSouth Credit Union’s investment continues its tradition of supporting projects that enrich and deepen community connection.

“This partnership is more than a name on a facility; it’s a reflection of our ongoing promise to be deeply involved in the communities we serve,” said Nathan Clough, VP/COO of WinSouth Credit Union. “The WinSouth Water Park is a place where families come together, kids laugh, and memories are made. Supporting a space like this is the perfect example of how we live our tagline, ‘Celebrating Life’s Wins.’ We see this as a win not just for WinSouth, but for every person who will enjoy these facilities for years to come.”

Clough also praised the teamwork behind the project: “HLP did a phenomenal job of bringing like-minded partners to the table.”

“Relationships matter. From the very beginning, we knew this was going to be a win-win,” said Colton Steer, CEO & Co-Founder of High Level Promotions. “This is a true example of a community partnership built on a data-driven, impact-focused approach. What makes it even more powerful is that both sides clearly see the value and both sides are committed to growing this partnership over the next 12 years.”

A Citywide WinCity leaders say the partnership further demonstrates Sand Mountain Park’s influence as a regional catalyst for economic development and community enrichment.

“When the City built Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater, we took a bold step, and it’s clear that decision has paid off,” said Albertville Mayor Tracy Honea. “The park has become a true force – fueling growth, strengthening public safety, supporting our schools, and boosting local businesses. Together, these factors have directly led to a significantly enhanced quality of life for our residents. WinSouth’s partnership affirms the value of SMPA and the magnitude of its impact on Albertville and beyond. We are deeply grateful for their commitment.”

“WinSouth’s partnership with Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater is a celebration of our shared pride in this remarkable space,” said SMPA General Manager Shawn Perry. “Together, we’re fostering connection and creating opportunities that inspire not just competition, but meaningful moments that bring us all closer.”

Looking AheadThe unveiling of the WinSouth Water Park marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration between WinSouth, the City of Albertville, and SMPA. With future projects already on the horizon, this partnership underscores the shared commitment to enhancing access and opportunities for families, athletes, and visitors across Northeast Alabama.

About Sand Mountain Park & AmphitheaterSand Mountain Park & Amphitheater is a growing, 135-acre, world-class recreational facility in Albertville, Alabama, featuring athletic fields, a Miracle League, state-of-the-art amphitheater, an RV Park, dog parks, fitness center, indoor aquatics, and the newly renamed WinSouth Water Park, among additional facilities. The park attracts visitors from across the Southeast, driving tourism, economic impact, and quality of life for the region.

About WinSouth Credit UnionWinSouth Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative serving communities across Northeast Alabama and beyond. Guided by its mission to empower members and “Celebrate Life’s Wins,” WinSouth offers comprehensive financial products and services while investing in the communities it serves.About High Level Promotions (HLP)

HLP operates nationwide, partnering with cities, municipalities, school districts, and sports organizations to create ‘Tastefully Integrated Vivid Naming Rights’ that strengthen communities. Through a data-driven, impact-focused approach, HLP goes beyond traditional naming rights sales to build genuine, values-aligned relationships between brands and the communities they support. By combining strategic insight with a personalized, community-first mindset, HLP helps clients achieve their mission, elevate local impact, and form lasting partnerships that deliver measurable results.

Contact:Robin LathanCommunications & Public Relations DirectorCity of Albertville(256) 891-8202 | rlathan@cityofalbertville.com

Tara LeethDirector of MarketingWinSouth Credit Union(256) 439-3134 | tara.leeth@winsouthcu.com

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