Tuscaloosa is no longer the only college town in Alabama to host the Miss Alabama USA and Miss Alabama Teen USA pageants, now it is Auburn's turn.
The Auburn Performing Arts Center has been selected to host the 2012 Miss Alabama USA and the Miss Alabama Teen USA pageants, set to take place November 4-6, 2011.
These two pageants are the official preliminary rounds to the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, both are part of the Miss Universe Organization.
The pageants will feature approximately 150 contestants between the ages 14-26. The young women will compete in evening gown, swimsuit and interview competitions, said Robyn Bridges, public relations & communications director of Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, in a press release
Prizes are awarded in the form of scholarships as well as travel opportunities to promote the pageants and associated charities.
Ultimately the winners receive a chance to compete in the national-level Miss Teen USA and Miss USA pageants.
"The essence of Miss Alabama USA and Miss Alabama Teen USA is of beauty, grace, and charm," Dohn Dye, executive director for competitions, told the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau. "I believe that Auburn embodies those same qualities."
Dye said that the Auburn community has been exceptional, and she feels confident that those competing will fall in love with the city.
John Wild, president of the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau said in a press release he believes hosting the pageants will place the area on a national level of events.
"The Auburn-Opelika area is extremely proud to be the new home for the Miss Alabama USA and Miss Alabama Teen USA pageants," Wild said.
Wild said he estimates the pageants will have an economic impact of $750,000-900,000 in Auburn and Opelika.
The Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau members and Dye aren't the only ones excited. Auburn students also recognize the importance and potential of an event this size.
"That's a really good thing to have come to Auburn," said Kelly Sasser, sophomore in business. "It's a big deal, something like that. It gets us a lot of recognition too, especially after the National Championship this year."
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