FOLEY, Ala. — Collegiate archers from across the country are headed to Foley next month for one of their sport’s premier national championships. The 2026 HotelPlanner USA Archery Collegiate 3D Nationals will be held Oct. 15-17 at Graham Creek Nature Preserve, and the registration deadline for competitors is Friday, Oct. 9.
USA Archery is hosting the event in partnership with the Archery Shooters Association. It marks the 10th edition of the championship held at Graham Creek.
Event at a glance
- What: 2026 HotelPlanner USA Archery Collegiate 3D Nationals
- When: Thursday, Oct. 15, through Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
- Where: Graham Creek Interpretive Center, 23030 Wolf Bay Drive, Foley
- Finals and banquet: Foley Event Center
- Hosts: USA Archery and the Archery Shooters Association
- Disciplines: Barebow recurve, compound, fixed pins and recurve
- Entry fee: $150 per archer
- Registration deadline: Oct. 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time
What is 3D archery?
Unlike traditional target archery, where competitors shoot at round, colored targets at set distances, 3D archery uses life-size foam targets shaped like animals such as deer, turkeys and bears. The targets are placed along a course through woods and fields, often at unmarked distances, so archers must judge the range themselves. Scoring rings on each target reward precise shots.
The format tests accuracy, distance judgment and consistency in outdoor conditions, and its natural setting makes it popular with bowhunters as well as competitive target archers. Graham Creek’s wooded trails and open areas make it a natural fit for a 3D course.
Four ways to compete
Archers will compete in four equipment divisions:
- Barebow recurve: A recurve bow without sights or stabilizers, relying on the archer’s instinct and technique.
- Compound: Bows that use a system of cams and cables to reduce holding weight at full draw, typically paired with magnified sights and release aids.
- Fixed pins: Compound bows equipped with fixed-pin sights, a setup common among bowhunters.
- Recurve: The style of bow used in the Olympic Games, with curved limb tips, typically shot with a sight.
The championship will conclude with a final shootdown, followed by a banquet and awards ceremony at the Foley Event Center.
Entry fee and refunds
The $150 entry fee covers lunch on Thursday and Friday and a ticket to the Saturday evening banquet. Archers who need to cancel can receive a refund, minus service fees, if they cancel by the Oct. 9 deadline. Refunds will be processed after the event, and processing fees are not refundable.
Who can compete
Eligibility requirements apply to every competitor:
- Archers must hold a current individual USA Archery Collegiate, Adult or Family membership.
- Archers affiliated with a university club team must be members of a USA Archery Collegiate Archery Program club in good standing.
- Individual archers who are not part of a university club team may still compete. However, if three or more archers from the same school enter, they must form a USA Archery Collegiate club before registering.
- All competitors must have a current 2026-27 Collegiate Eligibility certificate on file with USA Archery before registering.
- Schools must submit a complete Eligibility Form to USA Archery for the 2026-27 school year before the event.
Gear sale on site
The Archery Shooters Association will hold a special on-site sale during the event. Individual 3D targets, replacement cores and range bags will be available, with payment by cash or check only:
- Targets: $250
- Cores: $50
- Bags: $30 each, or four for $100
About Graham Creek Nature Preserve
Graham Creek Nature Preserve is a city of Foley property covering roughly 500 acres of protected land inside the city limits. The preserve features walking and biking trails, a canoe and kayak launch, a disc golf course, an interpretive center and an archery range, and it hosts environmental education programs throughout the year. Its archery facilities have made it a destination for competitive events.
A boost for Foley
National championships bring athletes, coaches and families from out of state, filling hotel rooms and restaurants for several days. The event also adds to Foley’s growing reputation as a sports-tourism destination, alongside the city’s OWA and Foley Sports Tourism Complex facilities. The timing is notable: Foley was just honored nationally by America in Bloom for its community beautification and vitality.
Spectators interested in watching the competition can contact the city of Foley or Graham Creek Nature Preserve for details on public viewing.