TOURNAMENT TIME

These new sports complexes can host varied athletic events

BY RACHEL CRICK

Accompanying the rise of global sporting events, sports tourism has become a significant sector of the events industry in recent years. Sports complexes, the impressive venues that host everything from local T-ball leagues to regional competitions and national tournaments, are important players in this industry. These venues accommodate a wide variety of youth and adult sports on a recreational and competitive level and are extremely profitable investments in a community because of their contributions to the tourism sectors of the areas they serve.

Here are some of the country’s newest developments for hosting sports tournaments and events.

BELL BANK PARK MESA, ARIZONA

Designed to host youth, adult and recreational sports, Bell Bank Park is a sports complex and event venue serving the Southwest. It was created in partnership between Bell Bank, Legacy Cares and Legacy Sports USA to host tournaments and leagues in a broad range of sports, as well as bring in high-profile performers and events. At 320 acres, the massive complex is the largest of its kind in the country and opened in January 2022. It features eight baseball/ softball fields; 20 basketball courts; 35 soccer, football and lacrosse fields; 57 indoor volleyball courts; and 41 pickleball courts. It also has an arcade, an e-sports venue, indoor and outdoor stadiums, a 20,000-squarefoot fitness center and a Full Swing Suites sports simulator. Additional amenities like a zipline and sports bar and restaurant ensure those visiting for tournaments and competitions can indulge in a bit of fun within the park.

“Bell Bank Park, Legacy Sports USA and Legacy Cares are truly delivering on their promise to make the park a hub for the local community while serving as the newest tourism destination in the southwestern United States,” said Lance Fite, director of sports sales at Visit Mesa.

Above: At 320 acres, Mesa’s Bell Bank Park opened in 2022 as the largest sports complex of its kind in the country.

Ideas

In addition to all that nearby Phoenix has to offer, Mesa gives travelers plenty of choices for dining and lodging with its selection of over 900 restaurants and 60 hotels. Travelers can take advantage of Arizona’s beautiful weather and the beautiful surrounding Sonoran Desert with a trip to any one of the scenic regional and state parks. They can also learn about art, history and science at one of Mesa’s many museums. bellbankpark.com

CORNERSTONE SPORTS COMPLEX STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI

Kids in Mississippi don’t often get the opportunity to play on turf fields recreationally, but that’s changing thanks to the Cornerstone Sports Complex. Opening during the summer of 2023, the complex will bring extra opportunities for recreational and competitive youth sports and community connection in Starkville. The 12-acre complex will include 12 baseball/softball diamonds, 12 fields suitable for youth soccer or football, two T-ball fields, batting cages, playgrounds and a walking trail. It will also feature 668 parking spaces and community lawn spaces, making it the perfect spot for community gatherings. playcornerstone.com

“It will be a good meeting of community recreation and sports tourism,” said Ashli Coggins, marketing and sponsorships manager at Starkville Parks and Recreation/Cornerstone Sportsplex.

The addition to the close-knit Starkville community is the result of close collaboration between the Starkville Parks and Recreation Department and local organizations. Starkville is known as “Mississippi’s College Town” because it’s home to Mississippi State University, which is right around the corner from the new complex; the university’s architecture program contributed the designs for comfortable and innovative family seating within the parks. Visitors in town for a tournament can experience an abundance of shopping and dining in historic downtown Starkville. In addition to the city’s historic Hotel Chester, they will also find lodging at several bed and breakfasts, a Holiday Inn Express, and LaQuinta Inn and Suites.