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.
Opening ceremony
Friday night adult exhibition game
Corvette Museum tour slots
Lunch, then banquet & awards that evening
Championship games
Awards
Placeholder flow based on last year's event, exact times and game assignments post 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, casual, and easy on the wallet. A solid pick for feeding a team after games.
Get Directions →Burgers, BBQ, corn dogs, and 40-plus milkshake flavors, most trays running just a few dollars. Open late and built for big groups on a budget. A favorite with kids and teams.
Get Directions →Local pizza spot with hand-tossed pies, wings, and subs. Easy to grab a couple of pizzas to feed the whole team back at the hotel, or sit down for a casual dinner without spending much.
Get Directions →You already know it. Reliable, quick, affordable, and kid-friendly, with a drive-thru that moves fast even when it's busy. An easy call for families who just want a simple, low-cost meal.
Get Directions →Sit-down Southern home cooking at a fair price, right off the interstate. Big portions, a full kids' menu, and breakfast served all day. A good spot for a relaxed team or family meal.
Get Directions →A BG institution. Real farm, real ice cream, and a line that's always worth the wait. Perfect for kids and families after a game. Cash and card accepted.
Get Directions →Bowling Green is the only place in the world where every Corvette is built — and the museum next to the plant is world-class. Over 70 Corvettes on display, racing simulators, and guided tours. Open daily.
Visit Website →Kentucky's only underground cave boat tour — right in the middle of Bowling Green. The cave was a shelter for Civil War soldiers and the Jesse James gang. 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 is just 30 miles north on I-65. Book your ranger-led tour in advance — it fills up fast on holiday weekends.
Visit Website →Outdoor ice skating right downtown at the SoKY Center Pavilion, usually running from late November into late January, so it lines up well with tournament weekend. Skate rental's included, hot cocoa's at the concession stand. Worth double-checking hours closer to January since the season can shift year to year.
Visit Website →The heart of downtown BG. Great for a walk, surrounded by local restaurants, shops, and historic buildings. A good spot to stretch your legs between sessions.
Get Directions →A restored 1925 L&N Depot with a railpark featuring four historic train cars, an engine, and a caboose. Free for kids and a fun stop for families who have a couple hours to spare.
Get Directions →MLK Weekend in BG is typically cold — highs in the upper 30s to low 40s (°F), with a chance of rain or occasional light snow. Pack layers. Parking lots can be icy in the morning so give yourself extra time.
Plan Ahead →Bowling Green is right off I-65, about 65 miles north of Nashville and 110 miles south of Louisville. The closest airport is Bowling Green-Warren County Regional (BWG), but most visitors fly into Nashville (BNA) and drive up.
View on Map →Bowling Green is a driving city. Ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft are available but can have longer wait times on busy weekends. 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 your main corridors — most hotels, restaurants, and shopping are along these two roads. Downtown is about 10 minutes from the Cave Mill area and worth a visit in the evening.
View on Map →Medical Center at Bowling Green is the main hospital, located at 250 Park St. For non-emergency needs, several urgent care clinics are available on Scottsville and Cave Mill. 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. Don't hesitate to reach out.
Email Us →