Why You Can’t Miss the 2026 AU Convention in Tampa, Florida

Hosted by Greater Tampa Bay Racing Pigeon Combine
By Romer R. Diomangay II
Tacoma, Washington
RPMVProject@gmail.com

The American Racing Pigeon Union (ARPU), under the leadership of President Crazy AL and all the AU Board Members, are working hard to bring back the energy, fun, and participation that once defined pigeon racing across the country, specifically the backyard flying, club, combine, concourse, and AU convention races. The main goal of the ARPU isn’t just to return to the sport’s glory days. The ARPU organization wants to make pigeon racing more enjoyable and accessible to everyone, and grow the ARPU’s presence across North and South America.

ARPU’s current leaders believe the sport should be welcoming to all ages, from kids who are curious to retirees who want a meaningful hobby. They also care deeply about Military Veterans, Gold Star Families, and First Responders, encouraging them to use pigeon racing as a therapeutic and emotionally supportive activity. The joy of this sport is more than racing: it’s the friendships, the club meetings, the pigeon shows, and the community spirit that shines brightest at the annual AU Convention, hosted in different parts of the United States each year.

Why Attending the AU Convention Is a Must?

If you’re a racing pigeon fancier, attending the AU Convention at least once in your life is something you shouldn’t miss. It’s the ultimate gathering, a place to immerse yourself in the sport, meet fellow fanciers, and feel that “pigeon bug” kick in stronger than ever.

Tampa, Florida, December 2026

This coming December 2026, the AU Convention will be held in Tampa, Florida, hosted by the Greater Tampa Bay Racing Pigeon Combine. I used to live in Florida, Lakeland, Jacksonville, and Altamonte Springs, and honestly, I didn’t realize how big pigeon racing was in the United States until I moved to Amarillo, Texas. Life’s challenges kept me from discovering the hobby back then. Now, I know how vibrant and passionate this community truly is.

That’s why I was excited when Eric Alvarez of Team Alvarez Loft, one of the AU Convention Chairmen and the AU Southeast Zone Director, reached out for help promoting the upcoming convention. After coordinating with AU President Crazy AL, they agreed to share the costs to send me to Tampa so I could film, interview, and visit lofts during the Gulf Coast Homing Pigeon Club (GHC) events, and to publicize why the 2026 AU Convention, hosted by the Greater Tampa Bay Racing Pigeon Combine, is a must-attend event for every pigeon racing enthusiast.

Even though I work full-time at the VA Medical Center in American Lake, Tacoma, Washington, I didn’t hesitate to file my annual leave to promote the AU Convention and the pigeon sport in general. This trip is more than an event, it’s a chance to connect, learn, and celebrate the sport we love.

With excitement, I packed my filming gear and booked my flight.

 My Flight to Tampa, Florida

December 10, 2025. I woke up at 3:00 a.m. to get ready for my flight to Tampa to attend the Gulf Coast Classic 2025 in Spring Hill, Florida. Around 4:30 a.m., I ordered an Uber for my 9:45 a.m. flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. I always like to arrive early. If anything goes wrong, there’s time to fix it.

When the Uber driver accepted my ride, I noticed the first two letters on his license plate were “DV,” which often means Disabled Veteran. When he arrived, I asked, “Are you a military veteran?” He said yes, 22 years in the U.S. Army as an 11B Infantryman. I shook his hand and gave him a challenge coin and pin as a small sign of thanks for his service.

During the 45-minute drive, we talked about my trip. When I shared I was going to a pigeon racing event, he was surprised to learn pigeon racing is a popular sport in the U.S. That reminded him of how the U.S. Army used messenger pigeons in wartime. He even mentioned a rumor that the Pentagon still keeps messenger pigeons, even with modern tech. He guessed that if the rumor were true, pigeons might be used as a backup if digital systems fail, or kept to honor their ancestors who served in earlier wars.

I explained more about the sport and told him about our RPMV Project (Racing Pigeons for Military Veterans), which invites Veterans, Gold Star Families, and First Responders to use pigeon racing as a healing and supportive hobby. He wanted more info, so I gave him the American Racing Pigeon Union (ARPU) website and my contact details. He was excited, and even said he might want to join. Fantastic!

An Unexpected Detour

I was supposed to land at Tampa International Airport at 6:45 p.m. on December 10 so I could attend the basketing for the final 350-mile race the next day at GHC. But plans changed when there was a medical emergency on our flight.

We made an unscheduled landing in Memphis, Tennessee, to help the passenger and her family deplane. For a moment, many of us thought we’d need to get off too because the pilot asked us not to grab our carry-ons before deplaning. After about an hour, the pilot announced that we would refuel and continue to Tampa without switching planes.

It was a new experience for me, another unusual travel story. The delay wasn’t ideal, but we felt deep sympathy for the passenger and her family. Moments like that remind you how life can change in an instant, even at 30,000 feet.

I quickly told Eric Alvarez so he knew I wouldn’t be able to film the basketing as planned. By the time I landed, it would be about 10:30 p.m., not 6:45 p.m. Eric was understanding and said not to worry. He planned to meet me the next day at GHC for other activities, meeting European fanciers and attending the fundraising auction. His support made me feel confident that even with the delay, we would capture the heart of the event.

First Visit to GHC Racing Pigeon Club

On December 11, 2025, I woke up early, prepped my gear, had a quick hotel breakfast, and headed straight to the Gulf Coast Homing Pigeon Club (GHC) in Spring Hill, Florida. The event was set to start at 9:00 a.m., but I arrived ahead of time.

I was welcomed by John Stephen, Chairman of the Gulf Coast Classic and Co-Chair of the 2026 AU Convention. He already knew I was coming and greeted me with genuine hospitality. After a short introduction, I set up my filming equipment and explained that our goal was to showcase their beautiful clubhouse and capture the energy of the event.

Honestly, I was blown away by the size and elegance of the GHC clubhouse. It’s the largest racing pigeon clubhouse I’ve ever seen. I thought I had seen big clubs in Chicago, but this one is on another level. It looks like a golf course country club, with about an acre of backyard space perfect for outdoor events. The scale and attention to detail show just how passionate and dedicated this community is.

The Gulf Coast Classic: A “Mini AU Convention”

During my interview with John Stephen, he explained that the Gulf Coast Classic is an annual event that feels like a mini-AU Convention. With such a large and elegant club, there are considerable maintenance costs. To help cover expenses, the club hosts special auctions and fundraisers. For example, Big Andy’s auction during the Classic donated part of its revenue to support GHC’s operations.

What makes the Classic special is its inclusivity. It isn’t just for Floridians, fanciers from across the United States and around the world attend. People come from Canada, Europe, and South America, turning it into a truly international gathering.

John also highlighted the Ladies Auxiliary, a dedicated group that supports the club during events. Most members of the Auxiliary don’t race pigeons themselves, but they support their spouses and help make the club a warm and welcoming community. I had the chance to speak with Tony Young, the President of the Ladies Auxiliary and wife of Vernon Young. Tony said that when she moved from Maryland to Spring Hill, Florida, she didn’t know anyone. The Ladies Auxiliary helped her make lasting friendships, and now she loves attending meetings, events, and social gatherings.

Inspired by their impact, I called Crazy AL, the current AU President, to share my excitement. He told me his spouse, Joanie Christeleit, once served as National Ladies Auxiliary President, and he praised their incredible work in strengthening the community and supporting the sport.

Touring the GHC Clubhouse

John gave me a full tour of the GHC clubhouse, starting outside and going through every section. The organization inside was excellent. Everything had its place: trophy displays, clocking systems used during races, a well-equipped office, and an efficient shipping area for preparing birds for competition.

The kitchen was designed for events and member gatherings, showing how much GHC values hospitality. Because of their large membership, GHC uses multiple chip scanners to ensure smooth and accurate race processing, a clear sign of professionalism and care for the sport.

The GHC Fundraising Auction

As the day’s main event, the fundraising auction, approached, fanciers began arriving one by one. The clubhouse buzzed with energy. The room quickly filled with racing pigeon enthusiasts from around the country and around the world. People greeted old friends, shared tips, and talked about their birds with genuine excitement.

I recognized many familiar faces from other states. But what impressed me most was the international presence. Fanciers from Europe, including well-known names like Jelle Roziers, Xavier Thone, and Lars Vercammen, were there and had donated birds for the auction. Their generosity says a lot about their commitment to the community.

Many attendees shared that they had moved to Florida specifically to race, drawn by the competitive scene and strong club network. John Stephen introduced me to JBM Hertzog, a passionate fancier who moved from South Africa to Spring Hill, Florida. Why? To compete with the best of the best. He said GHC is well known in South Africa, and its reputation alone inspired him to take on the challenge. For him, this wasn’t just a move, it was a mission.

Loft Visits with 2026 AU Convention Handlers

Before the auction ended, Eric Alvarez and I decided to catch the afternoon light and visit a few lofts in an effort to interview Greater Tampa Bay Racing Pigeon Combine 2026 AU Convention handlers. It felt like the perfect way to connect with fanciers and see the passion behind their birds.

Our first stop was a top loft in the ultra-competitive All Tampa Club (Long Section AU Convention), The Yard Loft, owned by Ariel Martinez, Armando Martinez, and their friend Modesto Cabo. As soon as we arrived, I was impressed by the size and cleanliness of their flyers’ and breeding lofts. In the receiving area, a group of Cuban Americans were playing dominoes, laughing, and enjoying the day. It felt warm, friendly, and welcoming.

Denis Martinez, one of the main contacts for the 2026 AU Convention and a respected fancier in Tampa Bay, joined us. Before we even started the interview, the Yard Loft team offered us sandwiches and drinks. Their hospitality stood out. I asked if they planned to serve food during the 2026 Convention. They smiled and said yes, they’ll host a small get-together for the final race. That says a lot about the camaraderie in this sport.

After a relaxed sit-down, they showed us their lofts and stock birds. Each bird reflected their care and dedication.

Then Eric, Denis, and I headed to our next stop: Hector Diaz’s loft. Hector is another super competitive loft in the All Tampa Club (Long Section AU Convention). When we arrived at Hector’s, we found something that seems to define fanciers in Tampa Bay: they are incredibly welcoming. Hector greeted us warmly and asked if we had eaten. He offered steak, short ribs, and even wine. Although Hector speaks English, he’s more comfortable in Spanish, so Denis kindly translated for us.

This reminded me of one of the most beautiful parts of pigeon racing: despite our different cultures, languages, and lives, pigeons bring us together. They unite us with a shared passion.

Before we got too full and sleepy from Hector’s generous meal, we filmed the interview and loft tour. These visits and interviews are part of a bigger mission, to show fanciers across the country why attending the 2026 AU Convention in Tampa, Florida, is worth it.

For me, the reasons are personal. This is part of my devotion as a racing pigeon fancier: every year, I will do my best to send birds and attend the AU Convention. Beyond the thrill of competition, the real reward is meeting people, learning from great breeders, and being part of a community that celebrates the sport. It’s not just a race, it’s a tradition and a bond.

A Night of Camaraderie at Big Andy’s

It was already dark when we finished our interview and loft tour with Hector Diaz. Instead of calling it a night, we headed to Big Andy’s home, where a group of fanciers had gathered with several European guests. At first, I thought it was a casual meet-up. But when we walked in, it felt like a grand celebration, not about money, but about something more valuable: friendship and camaraderie.

Big Andy and his entire family welcomed us with warmth. His wife, Iralda, their children, and their partners were gracious and kind. They made every visitor feel like family. Hector and his friends joined us, along with Eric and Denis, who introduced us to some of the European fanciers. Among them were familiar names like Jelle Roziers and Xavier Thone, legends in the pigeon world. The energy in the room was electric, filled with laughter, jokes, and stories that crossed oceans.

Eventually, it was time to wrap up. We thanked Big Andy and his family and headed back to the hotel. Everyone was excited for the final race the next morning.

The Stephen Brothers and a Fancier Who Races Against All Odds

The day after visiting Hector Diaz and Yard Loft, I went to John Stephen’s home for an interview and loft tour. John moved to Florida after retiring from Southern California and now lives with his wife, Kim, and his brother, Jef Stephen. John told me that when he bought his property, it already had a pigeon loft in the backyard. I said the rumor is true! I heard about this even in Texas, that in Spring Hill, Florida, many homes come with lofts already built.

After our sit-down interview, Jef arrived, and we toured the loft together. John proudly showed me their team’s trophy from the Pattaya One Loft Race. It was the first time I had seen one. It was heavy, beautiful, and truly impressive, a symbol of an international competition in our sport.

During our conversation, Jef said we had met the night before at the GHC event, where I gave him a Military Veteran pin. I’ll be honest, I sometimes struggle to remember people I meet the first time. So if we meet in public and I don’t recognize you right away, please forgive me. I promise I’ll remember by the second meeting! Jef served in the U.S. Navy, and we deeply appreciate his service. I gave him a challenge coin from the RPMV Project. It was a generic one, but we plan to create a custom RPMV challenge coin to give to veterans. With the help of the AU President and Board, we’ll produce these coins and present them to veterans at the AU Convention as a thank you for their service.

John and Jef fly together as Stephen Brothers Loft (Middle Section AU Convention). It’s a true team effort: John handles training, settling, and exercise to get birds ready for racing. Jef handles feeding, vitamins, breeding, and overall health. I asked if Jef goes with John during road training, but John said Jef stays at the loft to wait for the birds. In Florida, pigeons are fast, you can’t beat them home unless they’re not in top shape. That’s why Jef needs to be there when they return.

While touring John’s loft, I noticed a loft in the neighbor’s yard. John said it belongs to Jamie, another GHC fancier. When I saw Jamie, I was amazed and inspired. The words that came to mind were “Against All Odds.” John asked Jamie if he’d agree to an interview, and he kindly said yes. Jamie uses a motorized wheelchair. He told me his story, it gave me goosebumps. He suffered a serious car accident in his 20s, losing his right arm and the ability to walk. But he didn’t let that stop him. He adapted and found ways to continue racing pigeons. Meeting Jamie was a powerful reminder that passion and determination can overcome even the toughest challenges.

Final Race Day at Dragan’s Loft

The next morning, I woke up feeling aches across my body from the day before. But there was no time to rest, I had to see the GHC Annual Classic Race. Eric Alvarez suggested I head to Dragan’s loft (Short Section AU Convention) for the final race, and we planned to meet there.

After breakfast, I packed my gear and hit the road. Driving through the backroads of Tampa Bay brought back memories, the sandy roads, tall pines, open fields, and fresh ocean breeze. For a moment, I didn’t want to leave.

When I arrived at Dragan’s, the scene was lively. Fanciers gathered under a massive oak tree, enjoying a feast prepared by Dragan himself. The food was amazing, roasted meat (goat or lamb, I’m still not sure) and jambalaya that was delicious. While we waited for the birds, Dragan and I had a quick interview before joining the crowd again.

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. Someone called out that the birds were near. Suddenly, the area went quiet. Dragan grabbed his droppers and stood near the loft, whistling to call his birds home. His neighbor, also in the race, did the same. The air filled with sharp whistles, the sound of anticipation in our sport. Moments later, a group of birds, maybe six or ten, shot across the sky like lightning. Then Dragan’s birds began to arrive.

After the race, Dragan gave me a tour of his loft and birds. I invited the fanciers to join him for a pigeon release in front of the loft for a video shoot. Even though the race was done, no one was in a hurry to leave. I took the chance to interview Roland Gutierrez, AU Zone Director for the Southwest Zone, about his involvement in the sport and the ever-controversial topic of “eye-signs.”

Clock Turn-In and Announcing the Winners

After leaving Dragan’s, I drove straight to the GHC Racing Pigeon Club to watch the clock turn-in and the final results announcement. When I arrived, the place was buzzing. Dozens of fanciers were seated around tables, chatting and enjoying Subway sandwiches. The vibe felt like a mini AU Convention, full of laughter, excitement, and anticipation. There were raffle prizes, plenty of food, and top fanciers in attendance. I thought: If this is a local event, imagine the scale and energy of the 2026 AU Convention hosted by the Greater Tampa Bay Racing Pigeon Combine!

John Stephen greeted me warmly and offered a tour. He explained the clocking system and showed me the loading area, where their trailer was parked. Paul Hana, the current GHC RPC President, proudly shared details about the GHC trailer. The preparation and organization that goes into this race is impressive and shows how committed this community is to making sure this yearly event remains unforgettable.

Before they announced the winners, the raffle began. I bought a ticket for the Benzing M3 Clocking System, hoping for good luck. I didn’t win, but I was happy knowing my ticket supported the club’s fundraising.

Then came a moment I won’t forget: John asked me to speak on behalf of the American Racing Pigeon Union (ARPU). I shared the exciting vision of expanding ARPU beyond the U.S. and Canada into Latin America. I mentioned the plan, led by AU President Crazy AL and supported by the Board, with Andy Rodriguez as liaison for South America, to welcome fanciers from places like Mexico, Argentina, and Cuba. The room cheered. Even attendees from Canada were excited. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. You could feel a community ready to embrace an international future.

In my short speech, I also talked about pigeon racing as an emotional support hobby. I encouraged everyone to promote the sport among friends, especially military veterans, Gold Star families, and first responders. During my visit, I met many veterans and first responders who shared how meaningful this sport is to them. Before closing, I asked John to help hand out pins to veterans in attendance, a small thank you for their service.

A Special Interview with Chris Melucci

As the night slowed down, I met someone I had hoped to see: Chris Melucci, the wife of the late Tony Melucci, one of the greatest pigeon fanciers of all time. She kindly agreed to a sit-down interview. Talking with her felt surreal. We discussed how she met Tony, their shared passion, and the memories she cherishes. It was an honor to hear her story and to capture a piece of pigeon racing history through her words.

Meeting Erio Alvarez, a Veteran Fancier

By the time I returned to the hotel, I was exhausted, dragging my filming equipment behind me. I asked the front desk, “Do you sell Motrin here?” Sadly, they didn’t. I went to bed hoping to recover for another full day.

I asked Eric if we could visit his father, Erio Alvarez, for an interview. Erio is an Army veteran who served during the Vietnam era, but he was assigned to Germany at the time. Eric mentioned Erio is 84 years old, but when we met, he looked younger than his age. Maybe it’s the comfort pigeons bring.

Before the interview, I asked Eric for a couple of Motrin pills, carrying heavy filming gear isn’t easy. The body camera looks cool, but trust me, it’s heavy. Erio introduced me to his wife, Pam, and even their dogs joined the meet-up. During our sit-down, one thing stood out, Erio’s contagious laugh. It’s always amazing to meet great people in the pigeon world.

Erio told me how he started as a young boy, catching barn pigeons with his dad, who he considers the first generation of pigeon fanciers in his family. He shared how his time in Germany made his “pigeon bug” stronger. After we talked, we toured his flyers’ loft and breeding loft. Meeting Erio, his wife, and their dogs was a joy. I look forward to introducing my kids to them, and to their dogs, when we attend the 2026 AU Convention in Tampa, Florida.

After visiting Erio and Eric of Team Alvarez, Eric brought me to another (Short Section AU Convention) fancier’s loft, Mike Pelaez, a District Chief Firefighter in Tampa, but now resides in Brooksville, FL. When I first saw his setup, I thought he was starting a One Loft Race (OLR). But no, this was just his flyers’ loft! It was massive, state-of-the-art, and while not fully complete, you could already see the grand design. Mike said this is his dream loft for retirement. I asked him a few times, maybe too many, if he planned to run an OLR. He answered patiently: he doesn’t. I was impressed by his ingenuity and dedication.

After seeing Mike’s, Eric and I visited Charlie Alphonso, (Middle Section AU Convention) Unit Ten member and the current GHC Race Secretary. Honestly, by this point I had lost track of days and places, I had filmed so many interviews and tours. But one thing was clear: I enjoyed every moment of my visit to Tampa, Florida. The hospitality, the passion, and the community reminded me why I love this sport. By then, it was dark, and my flight was the next day (Sunday) around 7:00 p.m.

The Last Fancier I Interviewed

Early the next morning, I drove to St. Petersburg to attend Sunday service. Afterward, I contacted Eric to ask if I could visit his place before my flight. I wanted to film a loft tour and get more details about the 2026 AU Convention. Eric told me some European fanciers would visit him that day too. We agreed to do the interview and loft tour either before or after they arrived.

When I reached Eric’s home, I noticed a large building in front, it looked like a warehouse. He explained he plans to sell pigeon feed there, smart idea, especially with so many fanciers nearby. While we set up the equipment, Eric’s European guests arrived, so we spent some time with them first. Because of my tight schedule, I asked if we could continue the interview and loft tour afterward. Eric agreed.

During the interview, Eric explained how to register and participate in this historic event. The 2026 AU Convention will take place in December 2026 in Tampa, Florida, and it marks the 50th anniversary of the Greater Tampa Bay Racing Pigeon Combine, making it truly special.

From my experience, if you’re a racing pigeon fancier, you should attend at least once. I was hesitant at first, but after attending my first AU Convention in Chicago, Illinois, in October 2025, I was amazed. I met so many pigeon enthusiasts, not just from across the United States, but from around the world. I believe this year’s convention will be even more exciting, for fanciers and families alike. Why? Because the location is Florida, the happiest place in the U.S.! Families can enjoy Disney World, Universal Studios, and other theme parks. If you don’t like long lines, you can relax at the beach. Even in December, the water is warm, I know because I used to live there! When I visited Florida last December for promotion, I brought a heavy jacket. I never needed it.

For military veterans, especially retirees, there’s a large AAFES (Army & Air Force Exchange Service) inside MacDill Air Force Base, so you know what that means! ALAM NA THIS!

Leaving Florida was bittersweet for me. Florida is home for my family and me. But because of my job with Veterans Affairs, I had to move, first to Texas, and now to Washington State. I pray that someday I can return and settle in Florida. I’m hoping a similar position to my current role opens up there so I can transfer soon.

Top Reasons to Attend the 2026 AU Convention in Tampa

• It’s once a year, and this year is Florida. Sun, beaches, and warm weather, even in December.
• Friendly, welcoming fanciers. Tampa has a reputation for hospitality.
• Meet the people you admire. The fanciers you usually see on YouTube, social media, or in magazines will be there.
• Seminars to level up your skills. Learn from top breeders and successful racers and even pigeon veterinarians.
• Ladies’ Outings and family fun. Family members and friends can enjoy separate activities.
• Special recognition for heroes. The RPMV Project and the AU are preparing recognition for Military Veterans, Gold Star Families, and First Responders.
• A world-class auction. A specially selected group of birds from some of the best fanciers in Europe!
• Camaraderie you can feel. The convention is about community, friendship, and the love of the sport.

What else can I say to convince you? This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event you shouldn’t miss. There are countless reasons to attend, not just for the racing, but for the excitement, learning, and camaraderie the convention offers.

Final Thoughts

To answer the question, “Why should we attend the 2026 AU Convention hosted by the Greater Tampa Bay Racing Pigeon Combine?”, the answer is simple: it’s an event that brings people together.

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