As one of the premier sports complexes in the state of Alabama, you and your team will find the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex to be an exceptionally well-equipped and accommodating venue for your upcoming competition. After a series of extensive renovations, the complex now encompasses eight lighted regulation soccer fields, two championship stadium fields, and an indoor practice facility. It also features a press box, concession stand, and seating for up to 4,000 spectators.
While the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex is likely to be one of the finest facilities you and your team have been to, you definitely don’t want to spend your entire trip to Alabama just going back and forth between the complex and your hotel. With so much to see and do right near the complex, it would be a shame for you and your team to not venture out in search of all that the city of Montgomery has in store.
Things to Do
Breakout Montgomery
Take a break from typical teambuilding activities and take your team to Breakout Montgomery. Located just minutes from the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex, Breakout Montgomery is an escape room attraction that will put your team’s sleuthing skills to the test.
Breakout Montgomery features five different rooms for you to choose from, each with its own unique storyline. The rooms’ storylines range from a daring spy mission set in a swanky casino to a thrilling escape from the clutches of a mysterious kidnapper. No matter which room your team chooses, one thing is certain: you only have 60 minutes to escape or else it’s game over. 6715 Taylor Ct, Montgomery, AL 36117
The Dexter Parsonage Museum
During your stay in Montgomery, you and your team can visit one of the city’s most unique historical landmarks, the Dexter Parsonage Museum. It was there that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived with his family from 1954 to 1960. During your team’s visit to the Dexter Parsonage Museum you’ll get the chance to walk in the footsteps of Dr. King. You’ll see furniture used by him and his family as well as many unpublished photos of the iconic civil rights activist.
Other key features of the museum include the Interpretive Center, which features a gift shop and an orientation room, and the King-Johns Garden for Reflection, a beautifully landscaped, magnolia tree-lined garden located at the rear of the museum. 309 S Jackson St, Montgomery, AL 36103
Montgomery Zoo
“Lions, tigers, and bears! Oh my!” is what your team will be saying when you take them to Montgomery Zoo. With approximately 750 animals representing 140 different species, lions, tigers, and bears are only just a few of the incredible creatures you and your team will come face to face with at this popular Montgomery attraction. Some of the other amazing animals that call the zoo home include zebras, jaguars, monkeys, and more.
There’s more to do at Montgomery Zoo than simply watching animals as they go about their day. The zoo offers a variety of animal encounters that will make your team’s visit even more special. If you’ve ever wanted to hand-feed a giraffe or watch as a zookeeper conducts training exercises with two majestic African lions, this is your chance! 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36110
W.A. Gayle Planetarium
During your visit to the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex, you and your team can blast off on an epic educational journey at the nearby W.A. Gayle Planetarium. Opened in 1969, the W.A. Gayle Planetarium has astounded and amazed guests of all ages for almost 50 years.
The planetarium features a state-of-the-art, 25,000-watt surround sound system and a Super Mediaglobe II digital projection system that was installed recently in 2014. With the Super Mediaglobe II, the planetarium is not only capable of projecting stars, constellations, and planets, but also natural sky phenomenon including lightning, clouds, rain, snow, and aurora. This impressive technology allows the planetarium to display more natural and realistic scenes that will make you and your team really feel as if you’ve ventured up into the sky.
The W.A. Gayle Planetarium offers public shows throughout the week typically regarding current topics in astronomy and planetary science. Reservations are not required, however no admission is allowed after a show has begun. 1010 Forest Ave, Montgomery, AL 36106
Rosa Parks Museum
If you and your team have an interest in history, a visit to the Rosa Parks Museum is a must while you’re in Montgomery. It’s not too far from Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex. Opened in 2000, the museum celebrates the life of Rosa Parks and her lasting impact on the civil rights movement.
Many of the museum’s exhibits focus on Rosa Park’s efforts in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. In fact, the museum itself was actually constructed on the site of the former Empire Theater in downtown Montgomery. At one time, outside of the theater was once where the bus stop Rosa Parks made her historic stand was located. Inside the museum you’ll get the chance to see many artifacts related to the boycott, such as a bus from the 1955 fleet of Montgomery city buses as well as the fingerprint machine and original arrest record from Park’s detainment.
Guided tours of the museum are available on the hour for groups of 10 or more so be sure to bring everyone you’re traveling with to this fascinating historical attraction. 252 Montgomery St, Montgomery, AL 36104
The MOOseum
If you and your team have an hour or two to spare and are interested in learning about Alabama’s beef cattle industry then “moove” on over to one of Montgomery’s most unique attractions, The MOOseum. While at The MOOseum, you and your team will learn that there’s much more to beef cattle than just burgers and steaks.
Your visit to The MOOseum will begin with a short film about the state’s cattle industry. After the film, you and your team can explore the Hoofprints Through Alabama exhibit, a floor-to-ceiling timeline dating all the way back to 1494. Talk about a “mooving” experience! Once you’ve brushed up on the past, you and your team can head to Slim’s Kitchen to learn more about everyone’s favorite protein, beef; dress up like a rough-and-tumble cowboy in the Rodeo Arena; and learn about just how interesting a cow really is in The Cow Pen. You certainly won’t be left wondering “Where’s the beef?” after visiting this fun, kid-friendly museum. 201 S Bainbridge St, Montgomery, AL 36104
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Places to Eat
Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q
If there’s one kind of cuisine the south is known for, it’s barbeque. So after a big game at the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex, treat your team to some real deal southern staples at Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q. After all, it’s only a 13-minute walk from the complex!
At Jim ‘N Nick’s, they pride themselves on using the right ingredients, taking their time, and honoring age-old traditions. They’re dedicated to making barbeque the right way; you’ll taste the difference that their dedication makes the moment you sink your teeth into an unctuous pulled pork sandwich, smoky beef brisket, or tender baby back ribs. In addition to these barbeque classics, Jim ‘N Nick’s also serves Carolina-style chopped pork tossed in a vinegar-pepper sauce, pork sausage, pork spare ribs, as well as smoked ham, chicken, and turkey. 6415 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery, AL 36117
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe
After indulging in some hearty barbeque offerings at Jim ‘N Nick’s, you and your team will probably want your next meal to be on the lighter side. If that’s the case, head to Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe.
There, you can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a bit of southern flair thrown in for good measure; you are in Alabama, after all. These include dishes like grilled a chicken basil-pesto gyro, spicy pimento cheese sandwich, and homemade Greek lemon chicken soup. For anyone you’re dining with under the age of 12, Taziki’s features a kids’ menu with options that can be enjoyed by even the pickiest of eaters, such as chicken roll-ups, Mediterranean turkey melts, and grilled cheese. 2560 Berryhill Rd, Montgomery, AL 36117
Jason’s Deli
For crave-worthy sandwiches, soups, salads, and more, take your team to Jason’s Deli. You can enjoy a variety of delicious meals that you’ll feel good about eating. That’s because everything on the menu at Jason’s Deli is made with only fresh ingredients and absolutely no artificial trans fats, MSG, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial colors and dyes.
If you’re in the mood for something light, try their Mesa chicken salad. This flavorful salad is topped with a vibrant mix of ingredients, including grilled, 100-percent antibiotic-free chicken breast, cheddar, grape tomatoes, chopped avocado, roasted corn, black beans, and jalapeno ranch dressing. If salads aren’t your thing, try one of their many sandwiches. From hot pastrami to tuna melts, they’ve got sandwiches to suit every taste. 1520 Eastern Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36117
Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill
If you and your team prefer your meals to have some south of the border flair, try Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill during your visit to the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex. At Salsarita’s you can indulge in classic Mexican dishes with exciting twists, like their signature quesorito. As its name implies, this unique culinary creation is a burrito stuffed with your favorite fillings and drenched in fresh, creamy queso.
If you prefer a more traditional take on Mexican cuisine, Salsarita’s also offers regular burritos, along with tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and more. They’ve got kids’ meals as well, which includes a choice of a taco, quesadilla, or nachos with a drink and a dessert; all for less than five dollars! 8015 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery, AL 36116
While the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex makes for an impressive venue, and will without a doubt be one of the nicest sports complexes you visit with your team, it’s not the only reason why you’ll all enjoy your trip to Montgomery. Another reason why you’ll have a great time there is because Montgomery is a city with plenty to do. From kid-friendly attractions to restaurants that serve all kinds of cuisine, Montgomery is a team travel destination that certainly warrants a return trip.