Though Covid-19 seems to be loosening it grasp on our nation, we continue to experience associated repercussions of economic pressures and staffing shortages. As a consequence, commissioners to the PCA’s 49th GA in Birmingham may have trouble finding a hotel room in an ideal location.

That’s because a number of rooms the Administrative Committee (AC) reserved before the pandemic are no longer available, says PCA Meeting Planner Amanda Burton. Though the AC originally signed a contract in 2017 and again in 2020 reserving 775 rooms between the Sheraton and Westin hotels adjacent to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), the AC lost 260 rooms when the Sheraton Birmingham decided not to open an entire tower of the hotel originally included in the AC’s contract.

To make up for some of the canceled rooms, the AC has sought to reserve overflow rooms near the BJCC, but many of these hotels offered only small room blocks or required contracts that would force the Administrative Committee to take on significant financial risk.

Complicating things further are several major sporting events that will take place in Birmingham at the same time as the Assembly. After the AC signed its contract with the BJCC, The World Games contracted to hold its summer event in Birmingham. Though these events do not officially commence until after the GA, preparations for The Games will begin before the Assembly and will continue through and after the Assembly. The events themselves will take place at Protective Stadium, next to the BJCC and Sheraton and Westin hotels. Birmingham will also serve as the headquarters and host city for the US Football League’s 2022 season, with games taking place at Protective Stadium in April through July.

“We’re asking commissioners to be patient and understanding with these complications, as they engage the registration process,” Burton said. “Leaders of the PCA’s Birmingham Host Committee have been incredibly understanding and resilient in the face of these challenges, but much work remains to be done for our General Assembly to proceed as needed. Please pray for the churches and members of Evangel presbytery as they help us.”

PCA Stated Clerk Bryan Chapell added, “Unquestionably there will be additional commuting and parking matters to navigate for those commissioners who will need to find housing more distant from the BJCC. We strongly urge commissioners to make reservations now for available housing. Our staff is working with incredible steadfastness to provide needed alternatives through the unprecedented challenges of Covid complications, broken contracts, and competition for reduced space with entities willing to pay far more for rooms than our commissioners can reasonably afford. We are very grateful for the patience and prayers of God’s people, who are helping us prepare for this important General Assembly against complications never previously experienced.”

The Administrative Committee will continue to inform commissioners of the housing and commuting processes and alternatives as information becomes available. If you have questions, please contact the AC at events@pcanet.org. 

And to register for the Assembly, click here.