Lives
Since 1993
In 1991, a vision was put into motion by three men who believed that sports could do what little else could — reach young people where they were and give them something worth fighting for. The idea was simple: get kids involved in a structured program as an alternative to drugs, gangs, and the dangers of their neighborhoods.
What started as a regional idea became a movement. From the first tournament in Birmingham in 1993 to today, SERC-NAHRO has expanded to 10 states, more than 20 host cities, and countless lives changed — on and off the court.
Coaches became father figures. Grades improved. College became a goal. Players went on to compete professionally, and many came back to coach the next generation.
Friday
Jan 15- Team check-in & head coach meeting
- Opening ceremony
- Friday night adult exhibition game
Saturday
Jan 16- Basketball & cheer competition all day
- Corvette Museum tour slots
- Lunch, then banquet & awards that evening
Sunday
Jan 17- Closing breakfast
- Championship games
- Awards
Placeholder flow based on last year's event, exact times and game assignments post to the live site once the bracket is set.
Your Team
Basketball
Register your team to compete in the SERC-NAHRO MLK Basketball Tournament. Teams from public housing communities across the region are welcome.
- Open to public housing youth
- Multiple age divisions
- Friday night adult game
- Championship awards Sunday
Cheer
Bring your squad to compete in the SERC cheer competition on Saturday. Represent your community on the big stage.
- Open to public housing youth
- Competition held Saturday
- Awards at the banquet
- Coaches & chaperones welcome
Group room blocks have been reserved at five properties for tournament weekend. Book before the deadline to lock in your group rate.
Tru by Hilton
Official Tournament Hotel 1864 Cave Mill Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42104$125 + tax / night
Jan 15–17, 2027 · Group Code: SERC
Book by Dec 28, 2026
Book Online → Or call 270.904.2260 →Fairfield by Marriott
Official Tournament Hotel 1832 Cave Mill Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42104$119 + tax / night
Jan 15–17, 2027
Book by Dec 30, 2026
Book Group Rate → Or call 270.782.4714 →Country Inn & Suites
Official Tournament Hotel 535 Wall St, Bowling Green, KY 42103$99 + tax / night
Jan 15–17, 2027 · King suite or double queen
Book by Dec 1, 2026
Book Group Rate → Or call 270.781.7200 →Drury Inn & Suites
Official Tournament Hotel 3250 Scottsville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42104$119 + tax / night
Jan 15–17, 2027 · Group No: 10183105
Book by Dec 14, 2026
Book Group Rate → Or call 1-800-325-0720 →Comfort Suites
Official Tournament Hotel 1211 Kenilwood Way, Bowling Green, KY 42104$115–$120 + tax / night
Jan 15–17, 2027 · King or double queen suites · Includes hot breakfast
Book by Dec 7, 2026
Book Group Rate → Or call 270.632.0045 →First time in BG? We got you. Here's everything you need to know about getting around, eating well, and making the most of your weekend in Kentucky's third-largest city.
Hand-breaded tenders, wings, sandwiches, and mason-jar desserts the kids love. Two BG locations, both quick and easy on the wallet.
Get Directions →Burgers, BBQ, corn dogs, and 40-plus milkshake flavors, most trays running just a few dollars. Built for big groups on a budget.
Get Directions →Local pizza spot with hand-tossed pies, wings, and subs. Easy to grab a couple pizzas to feed the whole team back at the hotel.
Get Directions →Reliable, quick, affordable, and kid-friendly, with a drive-thru that moves fast even when it's busy.
Get Directions →Sit-down Southern home cooking at a fair price, right off the interstate. Full kids' menu, breakfast served all day.
Get Directions →A BG institution. Real farm, real ice cream, and a line that's always worth the wait.
Get Directions →Bowling Green is the only place in the world where every Corvette is built. Over 70 Corvettes on display, racing simulators, and guided tours.
Visit Website →Kentucky's only underground cave boat tour, right in the middle of Bowling Green. One of the most unique things to do in the state.
Visit Website →The longest known cave system in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 30 miles north on I-65.
Visit Website →Outdoor ice skating downtown, usually running into late January, so it lines up well with tournament weekend.
Visit Website →The heart of downtown BG. Great for a walk, surrounded by local restaurants, shops, and historic buildings.
Get Directions →A restored 1925 L&N Depot featuring four historic train cars, an engine, and a caboose. Free for kids.
Get Directions →Right off I-65, about 65 miles north of Nashville and 110 miles south of Louisville. Most visitors fly into Nashville (BNA) and drive up.
View on Map →MLK Weekend in BG is typically cold, highs in the upper 30s to low 40s (°F). Pack layers, parking lots can be icy in the morning.
Plan Ahead →Bowling Green is a driving city. Most hotels, restaurants, and the tournament venue are within a 10-minute drive of each other.
View Map →Cave Mill Road and Scottsville Road are the main corridors, most hotels, restaurants, and shopping are along these two roads.
View on Map →Medical Center at Bowling Green, 250 Park St, is the main hospital. Police non-emergency: (270) 781-9000.
Hospital Directions →Our team is happy to help with anything you need before or during the weekend, directions, recommendations, or tournament logistics.
Email Us →