Troy will be the destination for 12 different tournament teams this weekend, as the Sportsplex will host the Dixie Youth AAA State Tournament.

Teams from as far south as Spanish Fort to as far north as Hartselle will be competing along with the host team, the Troy Americans for the right to be named state champion.

And with the tournament getting underway Saturday afternoon, the festivities will get underway tonight starting with a home run derby at 5 p.m. and the opening ceremonies at 8 p.m.

But Parks and Recreation Director, Dan Smith, said to expect a much different tournament than sub-district and district tournaments that were played at the complex earlier this summer.

“We have had some very good tournaments already (this summer), but the excitement that is generated for a state tournament is much different,” Smith said.

“The e-mails and phone calls we have received from around the state has confirmed that it is going to be an electric atmosphere here in Troy this weekend – there is going to be a lot of great competition coming to Troy.”

The tournament will kick off tonight and run all the way through Thursday, when the championship game will take place.

Troy plays its first game Saturday against Hartselle at 8.pm on Field 8.

For complete coverage of the state tournament, check www.troymessenger.com.