PALM BEACH GARDENS: A Leader in Sports Tourism

Written by Tim Ford, Sport & Special Facilities DirectorDrone photos by David L. Williams II

The City of Palm Beach Gardens has built and maintained some of the finest public park facilities in the country, proven by residents’ feedback, awards, and the level of attention the facilities get on an international stage. One award that was recently received was the 2024 Florida Recreation and Parks Association’s (FRPA) “Excellence in Sports Tourism – Large Market” award, typically won by major cities or counties.

The motivation behind the construction of City sports facilities is to provide world-class assets for the residents of Palm Beach Gardens to enjoy for years to come. The secondary benefit has been a sport tourism boom, driving a substantial economic boost to the City’s business community. These efforts also give local, youth athletes an opportunity to compete in elite events without leaving home, and bragging rights that they share field and court space with some of the best athletes in the world.

“For the parents and kids in our community to see professional and national-level sports events taking place on the same fields that we use creates a great sense of pride in being a part of youth sports programs in our community.”

– Nick Haffey, Palm Beach Gardens Youth Athletic Association Executive Board Member

In 2024, The Gardens North County District Park hosted 19 special events & tournaments that spanned 104 days.

Some of the notable sports tourism events from 2024 include: Major League Soccer preseason training, Les Grandes Dames (tennis), Cressey Sports Performance preseason baseball training, Uruguay Men’s National Soccer Team training, “Little Mo” (tennis) Internationals, seven U.S. Soccer Federation training camps.

The Parade of Nations during the Little Mo International Tennis Tournament highlights youth players from around the globe. Last year, the Tennis and Pickleball Center hosted 28 special events that totaled 69 days.

In each of the past three years, the City has produced an economic impact of at least $25M, with no signs of slowing. For the City of Palm Beach Gardens, Success = Top-Notch Facilities + Community Partnerships + Convenience.

“These groups, often during slower times, provide our staff more hours, our outlets more revenue and fill our rooms with these first-rate guests. We are so grateful to be in the center of such a dynamic sports metropolis!”

- Bridget Adlen, Senior Sales Manager – Hilton Garden Inn Palm Beach Gardens

Gardens Park has grown to become the City’s baseball hub. In addition to the year-round operations at Cressey Sports Performance, the fields served as the backdrop for 8 events totaling 24 days.

> TOP-NOTCH FACILITIES

The most important factor for sports event owners is the quality of the sports facilities, meticulously maintained by the City’s Public Services Division. While the City boasts many state-of-the-art facilities, the most highly sought-after assets for sport tourism events are Gardens North County District Park, Gardens Park Baseball Complex, and the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center.

> COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is an industry leader, tirelessly working to promote Palm Beach Gardens as a premier landing spot for sports events. Lodging is a major factor for events, and the City’s hotels go above and beyond to provide superior service to elevate sports tourism experiences in Palm Beach Gardens.

> CLIMATE, CULTURE + CONVENIENCE

The year-round temperate climate, endless options for dining and shopping, and the convenience of airports and travel to major cities give Palm Beach Gardens an edge when teams and event owners scour the country to make decisions on where to bring their event.