2015 EDITION
A Premier Travel Media publication www.SportsPlanningGuide.com
SOUTH REGION
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hether you’re looking for a place to hold a rowing competition, an equestrian event or a softball tournament, sports-minded cities across the South are eager to host your group. Thanks to superior facilities and a wide range of accommodations and attractions, planners can take heart in knowing the folks at each destination in this regional section are old hands at coordinating events of all sizes. They make it look easy.
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DESTINATION
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Sevierville, TN
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Gatlinburg, TN
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Pigeon Forge, TN
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Knoxville, TN
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Savannah, GA
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Myrtle Beach, SC
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Greenville, SC
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Palm Beach County, FL
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Ocala/Marion County, FL
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Sarasota, FL
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Conway, AR
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Monroe-West Monroe, LA
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Greensboro, NC
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110 Palm Beach County, Florida offers first-rate facilities and great weather year round.
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3 SEVIERVILLE, TN
From America’s most visited national park—Great Smoky Mountains National Park —to Tennessee’s most visited attraction—Dollywood—and amazing outlet and high-end retail stores, Sevierville is the place to host your next sports event.
Fairways and Greenways to Flexible Indoor Space
play. An expansive grass driving range, putting green and chipping/pitching green complement the courses. Additional amenities include an outdoor pavilion, golf shop, locker rooms with showers, meeting space and restaurant.
1. Sevierville Convention Center 3. Smokies Park
A regular stop for volleyball and competitive arts events, the Convention Center easily accommodates up to nine basketball and 21 volleyball courts. The facility’s flexibility shows in its 108,000-square-foot exhibit hall with 32-foot ceiling. Four ballrooms can be combined into more than 19,000 square feet with 22-foot ceilings. The latter is perfect for dance, cheerleading and other competitive arts events. The center has hosted varsity cheerleading UCA Championships and Encore Championships. The 2014 K2 Wilderness at the Smokies Volleyball Tournament attracted more than 2,500 athletes and 10,000 spectators.
Home to the Tennessee Smokies, an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, the ballpark serves a dual purpose. Sitting close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the facility houses the Smoky Mountain Visitor Center. When the Smokies are in town, taking in a game is an enjoyable family experience. The stadium also hosts a series of premier annual baseball events—Tennessee Smokies Wood Bat Showcase, High School Summer Wood Bat Classic, Fall Wood Bat Classic and High School Baseball Showcase.
2. Sevierville Golf Club
4. Greenways
Located just outside the Sevierville Convention Center, the Golf Club features two 18-hole championship courses. The Highlands is a par 70, while The River course is par 72. Both tracks utilize the natural topography of the Smoky Mountain foothills to create challenging golf in a memorable setting. The 7,155-yard Highlands course winds through ponds and streams with water coming into play at varying degrees on 10 holes. Water is a factor on 10 of the River course holes. Both courses can be set up for tournament
Sevierville is committed to preserving undeveloped land for recreational and environmental use. Currently there are more than nine miles of developed greenways. Sevierville recognizes their importance to the health of the community and improving the economy through tourism. As a result of this commitment, gentle rolling terrain and a pre-established route, Sevierville is a regular host for running events like the Santa Smokies Hustle 5K and Half Marathon.
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5. Sevierville City Park Three fields are set for mobile mounds and corresponding base paths, while the other two fields have permanent mounds at 50 feet and 46 feet. All fields can be lighted. Three fields regularly host softball tournaments. City Park welcomed the Independent Sports Association (ISA) Fast Pitch Softball Tournament in summer 2014. Between the Sevierville City Park and nearby Sevierville Community Center, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department offers eight newly renovated tennis courts, indoor and outdoor basketball and volleyball courts, 10 lanes with state-of-the-art GSX Nex Gen Brunswick bowling machines and a 2010 newly renovated 25-meter, six-lane indoor pool.
A Prime Family Vacation Region
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the largest and the most visited in the national park system, welcomes nine million visitors annually. There are camping, picnicking and fishing, programs and special events, and 800 miles of trails to explore. At Dollywood theme park, the FireChaser Express, Thunderhead and new Mystery Mine are just a few of the 45 rides available. More than a half-dozen daily entertainment events are featured throughout the summer. NASCAR SpeedPark offers eight family-friendly tracks. Foxfire Mountain Adventures covers 150 acres with 15 zip lines. Adventureworks Climb Zip and Swing is brand new to the area. Caves, museums, petting zoos and interactive mini-golf also await the Sevierville visitor. Tanger Outlet Center Sevierville features brand names at discounted prices. The Music Outlet, Two Rivers Outlet and Vanity Fair Outlet round out a host of outlet centers and mall shopping opportunities.
From Wherever You’re Coming, Sevierville Isn’t Far Away Easy to reach by automobile, Sevierville is within a day’s drive of more than half the nation’s population. Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Lexington, Louisville and Nashville are all less than six hours away. McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, less than an hour away, is serviced by six major airlines, with direct flights from 18 cities. With more than 4,000 places to stay, Sevierville offers the largest selection of new lodging options in the region. Accommodations range from campsites, mountain cabins and RV parks to condos, national chain hotels and moderate family motels. Sevier County can comfortably accommodate 40,000 guests. From mountain-style home cooking to international fare, there are plenty of dining options.
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The Sevierville Convention Center offers Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter coverage ■ PR/media coverage for events Outside digital signage at the Convention Center ■ Site visits
SEVIERVILLE TN CVB Scott King, Director of Sales Dolly Parton’s Hometown 110 Gary Wade Blvd., Sevierville, TN 37862 865-453-6411 • sking@scoc.org VisitSevierville.com
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2 ROCKY TOP SPORTS WORLD, TN Everything You Need in One Place Rocky Top Sports World is an 80-acre, state-of-the-art sports campus in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. It comprises a major indoor facility and a plethora of outdoor fields to accommodate sports such as basketball, volleyball, wrestling, soccer and lacrosse, with space to configure for other indoor/outdoor sports. Rocky Top provides all the necessities for sports events—even Gatorade for the players. 98
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Located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Rocky Top Sports World is a new indoor/outdoor sports tournament destination. An event organizer’s dream, it lies less than 10 minutes from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 1. The Rock - Indoor Facility From volleyball and basketball to wrestling, martial arts, indoor rock climbing and table tennis, Rocky Top Sports World’s 86,000-square-foot, multi-sport and events center features six basketball courts (plus four more on site) and 12 volleyball courts (plus five more on site), space for up to 18 wrestling mats, a concessions area, and convenient drop-off and pick-up. Spectators can watch events from floor-level bleachers or from the upper level. There are three private team rooms, event planner work space and message boards throughout the facility. Champ’s Grill is available for convenient on-site dining. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
2. Outdoor Fields With seven state-of-the-art, lighted fields—including a championship field complete with a press box and seating for 1,500—event organizers and governing bodies will find everything necessary to host soccer, lacrosse, football, ultimate Frisbee, band and other turf-based tournaments and events. There are six Astroturf fields and one natural turf field, configurable for 12 youth soccer fields. Other amenities include ample parking, picnic tables, a children’s play area and bleacher seating.
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USA Today Includes Gatlinburg in Top 10 Towns for Teens Rocky Top Sports World is pedestrian-friendly; the facility and fields are within minutes by foot. When the games are over, a trolley service will escort you the four miles to Gatlinburg. Equally pedestrian friendly, downtown Gatlinburg features shops, restaurants, and arts and crafts. Whether you like seafood, steak, pizza or fine Italian cuisine, downtown Gatlinburg has the restaurant to satisfy any taste. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg. WonderWorks, located just 15 minutes from Gatlinburg, features a building where everything is upside-down and you will enjoy more than 100 hands-on, family-friendly exhibits. Smoky Mountain Outdoors (SMO) is the leading rafting company in the region. Rocky Top is nestled in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where nature walks and adventures await nearby the sports event venue.
Within a Day’s Drive of Two-Thirds of the Population East of the Mississippi With the Great Smoky Mountains being a popular tourist destination, the area is not hard to get to. Rocky Top, located at the intersection of I-75 and I-40, is one hour from McGhee Tyson Airport and close to Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. Rocky Top Sports World partners with many properties to provide discounted rates during tournament visits. There are 14,000 rooms in Gatlinburg, offering one of the widest ranges of lodging, including hotel and motel rooms, campgrounds, condos and cabins. Cabins, which can comfortably house up to 50 people, are popular among teams and families.
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Social media assistance Volunteer staff ■ PR/media coverage Signage ■ Site visits Transportation services ■ Housing services Welcome packet for each athlete
ROCKY TOP SPORTS WORLD Lori McMahan Moore Marketing and Business Development Director 1870 Sports World Blvd., P.O. Box 364 Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Office: 865-325-0044 • Cell: 865-548-8001 lori@rockytopsports.com RockyTopSportsWorld.com
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2 3 1 PIGEON FORGE, TN New Facilities and Another on the Horizon 1. LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge Soon after opening in October 2013, the center hosted its first competitive arts event, Make It Count Gymnastics, which used almost half of the 232,000-square-foot space. The 30foot ceilings in the clear-span exhibit hall were ideal for staging and spectators. Additional gymnastics, cheerleading, dance and drill events are committed to the LeConte Center. City-owned, the $45-million, multi-purpose center was planned to host trade shows and large assembly groups as well as competitive arts competitions, volleyball and similar activities. Pre-function and dedicated registration space, food and beverage facilities, 1,600 parking spaces and front door trolley service were designed for convenience.
2. Wear Farm City Park The first phase of this park features a 40-acre sports facility. There are five 300-foot lighted baseball/softball fields, one lighted football field, a multi-purpose field and a basketball court. Two playgrounds, walking trails, two concession stands and restroom buildings, and ample parking complete the facility. Opened in spring 2013, the park already has seen its share of major tournament action with the USSSA Youth Baseball Southeast Memorial Day Classic, ASA Regional Qualifier Girls Fast Pitch and SEAA Youth World Series.
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A growing facilities inventory and a history of hospitality bode well for tournament planners. 3. Ripken Experience - Pigeon Forge Construction is underway on Ripken Baseball’s newest Ripken Experience complex, which plans to host major tournament action in spring 2016. The facility will house six brand new, state-of-the-art fields modeled after minor and major league ballparks. The premise for this new complex and its ballparks is for the players to feel as if they are moving up the professional baseball ladder. In addition to the six lighted, synthetic turf fields, the Ripkin Experience will include a lighted synthetic turf training area, batting cages, a 14,000-square-foot clubhouse with concession, restroom facilities and a pavilion. Starting at rookie level with a scaled down version of Calfee Park (Seattle Mariners, Rookie Level), the players who visit Pigeon Forge will gradually advance through the complex by visiting miniature versions of Fluor Field (Greenville Drive, A-ball affiliate of the Boston Red Sox), historic Engel Stadium (former home of the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts), BB&T Stadium (Charlotte Knights, Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox), Isotopes Park (Albuquerque Isotopes, Triple-A affiliate of the LA Dodgers), and finish their big-league journey with a full-scale replica of Baltimore’s Camden Yards.
Fun Times for All Ages and Interests With more than 40 major attractions, daytime and nighttime fun in Pigeon Forge is guaranteed. Recognized as one of the best theme parks, Dollywood combines thrilling rides and live @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
shows with tempting restaurants and seasonal festivals. Its craftsmen keep mountain culture alive. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited national park, provides a picturesque backdrop for Pigeon Forge and a wealth of outdoor activities. Shoppers delight in the more than 300 stores in Pigeon Forge. Pigeon River Crossings outlets and the Incredible Christmas Place are favorites. Pigeon Forge shows offer a variety of entertainment, from comedy and magic to music and dinner shows. Broadway, rock ’n’ roll, bluegrass, country and gospel genres are appropriate for all ages. Looking for something a little more extreme? Try the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, the longest downhill ride in the U.S., with more than one mile of track. Flyaway Indoor Skydiving and the indoor ropes course at WonderWorks will certainly get your adrenaline moving. Zip lines for every skill level are located throughout the Pigeon Forge area. When it’s time to eat, you certainly won’t go hungry. There’s something for every appetite and budget, from locally owned restaurants to national chains. Good food and entertainment await at Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show, Lumberjack Feud and Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud.
Stay in a Variety of Ways
Indianapolis; Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky; and Roanoke, Virginia. Interstates 75, 81 and 40 are connected to the city by Route 66 and Highways 441, 411 and 321. Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport is 47 miles from Pigeon Forge. Allegiant Air, American Airlines and American Eagle, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways Express serve the airport. More than 13,000 lodging units offer a wide variety of options. Cabins and chalets, campgrounds and RV parks, condos, hotels and motels are available.
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Social media platforms – Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and blog PR/media coverage Signage Site visits Transportation for teams Housing bureau Discounts to local attractions
PIGEON FORGE
Pigeon Forge is within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the population east of the Mississippi River. These metropolitan areas are less than six hours away: Atlanta; Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama; Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio;
Jennifer Smith, Facility Sales Manager 865-429-7432 • jsmith@mypigeonforge.com MyPigeonForge.com/Sports
There’s nothing like a little friendly competition; Pigeon Forge is the perfect place for youth sports. And there are no losers here, because when the players step off the field, they step into the Land of More. More roller coasters. More go-carts. More entertainment. More bungee jumps. More smiles. More fun.
MyPigeonForge.com/Sports
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2 KNOXVILLE, TN
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With sites like the world's largest basketball at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, Neyland Stadium, a bronze statue of legendary coach Pat Summitt and much more, it’s clear that this city loves sports and loves to host sporting events.
Accommodating Anything from Powerboats to Tennis Matches Notable events of 2014 include the USA Diving AT&T National Diving Championships, Knoxville Powerboat Super League Classic, Atlanta Braves Alumni Golf Tournament and Ozone Invitational, which will return in 2015 with the Shawn Johnson Signature Series.
3. Thompson-Boling Arena This 21,000-plus-seat arena features full-service locker rooms, including a video room, sports medicine center and 900 square feet of meeting space in each room. As a multi-sport complex, the arena is a popular choice for basketball and volleyball tournaments as well as opening/closing ceremonies for events of all kinds. It’s accessible from both major interstates (I-40 and I-75) and just a few minutes away from McGhee Tyson Airport.
4. Knoxville Coliseum & Auditorium 1. Knoxville Convention Center Located just minutes from Knoxville’s walkable downtown, the 500,000-square-foot venue serves as the cornerstone of Knoxville’s meeting facilities. The Knoxville Convention Center’s 120,000-square-foot exhibition hall has hosted a number of fencing and gymnastics competitions. As host for the Ozone Invitational, the center welcomed 3,000 gymnasts. The center offers bleacher seating for 2,200 with hundreds of floor seats available.
2. Allan Jones Aquatic Center This facility boasts a 50-meter, competition-ready pool, a professional diving well and seating for 2,000 spectators. It also features state-of-the-art coaching rooms, a sports medicine facility and an aquatic sports-specific strength-training center. The center has hosted a number of USA Swimming and Diving events and served as a training facility for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Swim Team.
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This multi-use facility in downtown Knoxville is home to Ice Bears Hockey and the Hard Knox Roller Girls Roller Derby. It offers seating for up to 6,400 people with additional capacity in the civic auditorium, which features theater-style seating for more than 2,500. The floor space at the coliseum makes it ideal for exhibits and demonstrations. The coliseum has served as a facility for Junior Olympics.
5. Chilhowee Park Located minutes from downtown, Chilhowee Park is a cityowned, 81-acre multi-use facility built for the 1910 Appalachian Exposition. The park features multiple shelters, picnic tables, a concession stand and restrooms. Additionally, the venue includes a 4,500-seat amphitheater, a three-acre lake and ample parking and RV hookup availability. Wrestling and other indoor events are held in the Jacob Building, a two-story exhibition hall with approximately 57,000 square feet. Chilhowee Park has hosted the National Street Rod Association, F-100 Ford Super Nationals, Harley Owners Group Hog Rally, rodeos and tractor pulls. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park Knoxville offers a wide variety of entertainment options for your down time. Two of Knoxville’s most popular places, namely Market Square and Turkey Creek, each offer shopping, live music and entertainment options all within walking distance. The Knoxville Zoo, the city’s largest attraction, gives visitors the chance to experience wildlife up close. Because of its success in breeding baby red pandas, the zoo is considered to be the Red Panda Capital of the World. The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is the only facility of its kind dedicated to all levels of women's basketball and boasts the world's largest basketball, the Baden Ball, which measures 30 feet tall and weighs 10 tons. Maintained to pay tribute to one of the last successful World’s Fairs, Knoxville’s World’s Fair Park is a great place for everything from reunions and concerts to picnics and afternoon strolls. The park has innovative water features, the Performance Lawn (greater in size than two football fields), a two-acre festival lawn and amphitheater. It is also home to the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial and Sunsphere, which offers 360-degree views from the observation deck. Volunteer Landing, along the Tennessee River, is where visitors enjoy fishing, biking, paddle boarding and other activities. It’s also a venue for events like powerboat racing. The riverfront is a sight to see during University of Tennessee home football games when the Vol Navy lines the river along Volunteer Landing to create a sea of orange. Since the 1860s, Market Square has been one of Knoxville’s most popular places to shop, play and dine. It is home to outdoor concerts and movies, festivals, markets and Shakespeare on the Square.
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Within a Day's Drive of Nearly Half the U.S. Population Knoxville is at the crossroads of three major interstates (I-75, I-40 and I-81) and within a day's drive of cities like Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis and Pittsburgh. Atlanta is about a three-hour drive from Knoxville. McGhee Tyson Airport is located 20 minutes south of downtown Knoxville.
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Social media marketing for your event Volunteer staff (Team Knoxville) PR/media coverage Signage ■ Site visits Transportation for teams Mobile apps Discounts to local attractions
VISIT KNOXVILLE Steve Winfree, Director of Sports Sales & Services 301 S. Gay St., Knoxville, TN 37902 800-727-8045 • swinfree@knoxville.org VisitKnoxville.com
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SAVANNAH, GA Top Facilities Host Hundreds of Sports Events a Year 1. Savannah International Trade and Convention Center Among the city’s versatile sports venues, the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center features a 97,750square-foot exhibit hall, the 25,000-square-foot Chatham Ballroom, Oglethorpe Auditorium with 367 ergonomically designed fixed seats with retractable writing surface, 13 meeting rooms and the River Concourse. The center is conveniently located on the northern shore of the Savannah River across from the city’s famed River Street and Historic District. The center has hosted numerous sporting events, including the Rock ’n’ Roll Savannah EXPO, Diamond Cheer & Dance, YMCA National Gymnastics Championships and Courtney Kupets PINK Gymnastics Invitational.
2. Savannah Civic Center With an arena and theater, Savannah Civic Center is able to accommodate all types of events and entertainment. It has played host to sporting events including AAU Gymnastics Age Group National Championship, Savannah Tire Hockey Classic and Courtney Kupets PINK Gymnastics Invitational. The center’s Martin Luther King Jr. Arena has a 7,832 seating capacity, 25,000 square feet total floor space, two dressing rooms, two loading docks, concessions and a box office. The Johnny Mercer Theatre offers 2,566 total seating capacity, eight two-person dressing rooms, an indoor loading bay, concessions and a box office.
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Savannah’s beauty is rivaled only by the city’s reputation for Southern hospitality—and its commitment to hosting outstanding sports events. 3. Grayson Stadium The historic 4,000-seat lighted stadium is a time machine to Savannah’s baseball past, which saw baseball legends such as Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and Jackie Robinson grace the field at the corner of Bee Road and Victory Drive. Today, it serves as the home of the Savannah Sand Gnats, a Single-A affiliate of the New York Mets. There are 1,000 parking spaces, two locker rooms, a third base picnic area and kids inflatables.
4. Colleges and Universities Armstrong State University is home to a basketball arena that seats 4,000. The school also has a baseball stadium, softball field, soccer field and an auxiliary gym that seats 1,000. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) features the Roland C. Waranch Equestrian Center, which is an 80-acre venue for horse shows of all disciplines. Savannah State University boasts an 8,500-seat football stadium with championship track and field capabilities, as well as a 6,000-seat arena that can host a variety of events.
5. Bacon Park Sports Complex Bacon Park Golf Course offers 18 holes designed by Donald Ross, a pro shop, driving range and locker rooms. The Bacon Park Tennis Complex is a public tennis facility with 16 lighted courts, a pro shop, concessions and locker rooms. The Bacon Park Sports Complex also features the Jennifer Ross Soccer Complex, which has eight lighted fields; Allen E. Paulsen Softball Complex with five lighted fields; Chatham County Aquatics Center with an eight-lane, 50-meter pool with seating for 750; Memorial Stadium, a 10,000-seat football field; and 11 more softball/baseball fields at the Ambuc, Guy Minick and Scarborough complexes. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
6. The Club at Savannah Harbor The Club at Savannah Harbor features 18 championship holes that have hosted both professional and collegiate events. The club includes a pro shop, practice range, spa, lockers rooms, private dining and grill.
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
Draped in Spanish Moss and Bursting with Natural Beauty, Savannah Charms Visitors This city welcomes those who come to enjoy sports, events, art, architecture, cuisine and its quirky downtown culture. Forsyth Park and 22 scenic squares play host to peaceful afternoons spent people-watching, dog-walking and relaxing. Historic monuments and architecture can be found on every corner, and tours are offered daily allowing visitors to explore Savannah’s distinctive past. Whether you choose to travel by trolley, horse-drawn carriage, bike or even Segway, getting around Savannah is half the fun. “Visitors to Savannah have many options to customize their experience. With one of the most authentic and walkable historic districts, unique coastal cuisine, an arts scene to meet every taste, and the latest in shopping, spas, music and nightlife, it’s no wonder Condé Nast Traveler named Savannah one of its ‘Top Ten Cities in the U.S. to Visit,’” said Joseph Marinelli, Visit Savannah president. Whether you spend time enjoying the arts, in a museum, shopping at local boutiques or walking around the pedestrianfriendly, 2.5-square-mile Historic District, Savannah will enthrall you.
Minutes From its Own International Airport Located just 15 miles from Savannah’s Historic District, the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport offers 14 non-stop destinations and approximately 44 daily flights in and out of Savannah. Scheduled airlines include American Eagle, Delta, JetBlue, United Express and US Airways. Savannah is best accessed via Interstate 95 (North/South) or Interstate 16 (East/West). The city is centrally located between Atlanta, Jacksonville, Charleston and Columbus. With 155 hotels and inns, Savannah is home to 15,000 available hotel rooms in a variety of price ranges. From historic bed and breakfasts and charming (and sometimes haunted) inns, to luxurious boutique hotels and familiar national chains, Savannah knows how to create a memorable experience.
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Social media marketing ■ Dedicated sports staff PR/media coverage ■ Event production Booking assistance
SAVANNAH SPORTS COUNCIL Ben Wilder, CSEE, Director Savannah Sports Council 912-644-6414 • BWilder@VisitSavannah.com SavannahSportsCouncil.com
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3 MYRTLE BEACH, SC New Facility Joins Impressive Line-Up 1. Myrtle Beach Sports Center The NEW Myrtle Beach Sports Center will be 100,000 square feet with 72,000 square feet of hardwood flooring. Managed by Sports Facilities Advisors and Sports Facilities Management, the center is on schedule for a March 1, 2015 opening. Configurable to numerous indoor sports, it can feature eight basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts. An indoor/outdoor cafe, a seating capacity of 1,500 and a mezzanine level are significant amenities. Located adjacent to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, the complex has a special partnership with the Horry Georgetown Technical College Sports Tourism program. Paid internships provide organizers a full support system, lessening the burden of putting on a major event.
2. Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium – Ashley Booth Field The stadium is home to the Myrtle Beach Seahawks football team and a growing number of regional and national track and field events. The eight-lane, full pour polyurethane synthetic surface with embedded texture track has hosted the Coastal Carolina/Shamrock Invitational, Coach O Carolina Club Challenge and Big South Track & Field Championship. There’s seating for 4,500 spectators. The stadium is lighted and features a Daktronics video board. Ashley Booth Field is adjacent to the stadium. In 2013 the surface was converted from natural grass to Field Turf and permanently lined for football, soccer and lacrosse. The field has seating for 300 spectators, concessions, a press box, public address system and lighting. 106
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Tournament planners can expect maximum participation for their events in this family-friendly coastal resort city.
3. Grand Park Athletic Complex The complex is home to seven large, lighted Field Turf multi-purpose fields and two youth fields. Baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse and football can all be accommodated. Seating, scoreboard and public address availability vary by field. Cameras on all nine fields provide a video stream for watching live action of tournament games. Grand Park Athletic Complex is located in The Market Common area, a destination within a destination. Shopping, dining, accommodations and entertainment are within walking distance of the fields.
4. Myrtle Beach Convention Center The major contributor to Myrtle Beach sports tourism, the Convention Center has a legacy of hosting major events. For more than 30 years during the week after Christmas, it has hosted the prestigious Beach Ball Classic. Powerhouse boy’s high school basketball teams from across the country venture to Myrtle Beach. The week prior to Christmas the CRESCOM Bank Holiday Invitational features girl’s high school basketball at its best. On Wednesday evening of the tournament, six college teams take center stage for a tripleheader. National dance and cheer competitions along with regional volleyball and wrestling tournaments complete a full schedule of sporting events at the center.
5. Ned Donkle Field Complex Adjacent to Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium, Ashley Booth Field and Pepper Geddings Recreation Center, the complex features seven natural grass baseball/softball fields. In addition to the five youth and two adult fields, the complex features batting cages, restrooms, concessions and press boxes. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
6. Pepper Geddings Recreation Center The center has a well-equipped weight room, a cardio room, indoor track and 25-meter, six-lane swimming pool. Two gymnasiums accommodate basketball, volleyball and pickleball.
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
Wide Sandy Beaches and Much More From the gentle ocean breezes on wide sandy beaches and 100 area championship golf courses to amusements, shopping and shows, there are thousands of area diversions. Watersports include boating, fishing, scuba diving, windsurfing and parasailing. On the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, visitors discover oceanfront shopping, restaurants and fun, plus views of the beach atop the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. Myrtle Beach has three major water parks offering everything from lazy rivers to exciting water rides. Also check out the seven go-kart tracks at Broadway Grand Prix, the new Twist ’n’ Shout roller coaster at Family Kingdom Amusement Park or some old-time favorites at Pavilion Nostalgia Park. Nationally acclaimed entertainment takes place at The Palace Theatre, Legends in Concert, Alabama Theatre, The Carolina Opry, Good Vibrations and Big Laughs Theatre. For a full evening, enjoy dinner and a show at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament or Pirates Voyage Dinner Attraction. Shopping meccas include Barefoot Landing; Broadway at the Beach, home to attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, MagiQuest and Hollywood Wax Museum; Coastal Grand Mall; Myrtle Beach Mall; The Market Common and two Tanger Outlets.
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Centrally Located on the East Coast The Myrtle Beach area is located off I-95 halfway between New York and Miami. Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia and Ohio are major points of origination for Myrtle Beach visitors. Six airlines serve Myrtle Beach International Airport, with non-stop flights from about 30 cities. The area’s more than 70,000 accommodation options range from hotels and motels to resorts, condos, beach homes and campgrounds.
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Social media marketing City employees, interns and volunteer staff Local PR/media coverage Signage Site visits Transportation for teams Housing services Discounts at local restaurants and attractions
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VISIT MYRTLE BEACH Mike Anderson, Executive Director Sports Tourism 843-916-7264 • mike.anderson@visitmyrtlebeach.com MyrtleBeachSports.com
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GREENVILLE, SC A Top Cycling City Offers Venues for All Sports 1. MeSA Soccer Complex Considered South Carolina’s premier soccer facility, MeSA Soccer Complex is a 60-acre facility with 16 lighted, full-size rectangular fields, two concession stands, two playgrounds, two bathrooms, Wi-Fi Internet service, walking trails and nearly 1,200 parking spaces. Part of the Greenville County Parks, Recreation & Tourism park system, MeSA is home to the Carolina Elite Soccer Academy (CESA). A second place finisher in a recent National Soccer Championship, CESA provides its members competitive soccer programs. CESA and MeSA hosted the 2012 US Youth Soccer Southern Regional Tournament. Located in Greer, the complex is less than 20 minutes from downtown Greenville. In addition to soccer, it hosts men’s and women’s lacrosse, rugby, football and Ultimate sports.
2. Westside Aquatic Complex Team Greenville Swimming and the Westside Aquatic Club will co-host the Southeastern IMX/IMR Games in October 2014. The indoor facility features a 20-lane, 25-yardby-50-meter competition pool and a five-lane, 25-yard heated therapy pool. Westside Aquatic Complex features the Paddock Evacuator System, which removes the chlorine odor. The Greenville County Parks, Recreation & Tourism facility recently installed new locker rooms.
World-class facilities, remarkable urban assets in a spectacular natural setting and a “can do” attitude have put this Southern destination on the sports map. in the highly competitive Atlantic Coast Conference. Recognized as one of the top 50 venues in the world, the $63-million arena is also utilized for mat competitions, karate, boxing, hockey, world-class ice skating and countless other sporting events.
4. Greenville Health System (GHS) Swamp Rabbit Trail Running along the Reedy River for 17.5 miles from Greenville to Travelers Rest, the trail was a factor in attracting the USA Cycling Professional Criterium National Championships coming in April 2015. The course, running along streams, over bridges, through parks and into the foothills, will utilize parts of the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail and Furman University campus. Greenville is considered one of the top cycling cities in the U.S.
5. Pavilion Recreation Complex Home to an ice arena, the Pavilion hosts skating and hockey events. Outdoor rectangular fields, also part of the complex, host soccer, football, rugby and Ultimate competitions. Six tennis courts, meeting rooms and restrooms complete the complex.
6. Fluor Field at the West End This is home to the Greenville Drive, Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and a member of the South Atlantic League. It includes a 30-foot-high “Green Monster” replica from Boston’s Fenway Park.
3. Bon Secours Wellness Arena
7. Conestee Park
A premier entertainment and event destination, the 15,000-seat facility is home to the Greenville Road Warriors that play in the South Division of the Eastern Conference of the ECH AA hockey league. Clemson University will be using the court for their 2014/2015 home basketball season
The park features a stadium field with a permanent pitching mound at 60’6” and 400’ to the center field fence. Two additional 60- and 90-foot fields and two youth fields are available for competition. A pavilion with event seating for 200 and three restrooms complete the park.
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Family-Friendly Downtown Enhances Any Greenville Visit Readers of Parade Magazine thought enough of Greenville to consider it a favorite for “America’s Best Main Street 2014.” Downtown boasts more than 100 restaurants, many of them chef-owned. From Greenville’s beginning, the Reedy River has sustained the community. Falls Park on the Reedy is a tranquil spot in the heart of downtown featuring the Liberty Bridge, waterfalls, and landscaped gardens. The Heritage Green complex, just three blocks off downtown’s Main Street, provides an art, learning and entertainment experience. For the kid in all of us, The Children’s Museum of the Upstate is the nation’s seventh largest and a Smithsonian Affiliate, with more than 100 hands-on activities. The Upcountry History Museum’s multimedia exhibits take visitors through 300 years of South Carolina Upcountry history. Sit back and enjoy a musical or play at Greenville Little Theatre, Greenville's oldest volunteer-based live theater, dating back to 1836. Also at Heritage Green, the Greenville County Museum of Art is one of the premier American art museums in the South and the Sargent-Wilson Museum & Gallery provides both the art enthusiast and the curious an opportunity to experience fine art. See a Greenville Drive baseball game at Fluor Field at the West End or catch a Greenville Road Warriors hockey game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The Peace Center and Bon Secours Wellness Arena each present a variety of concerts, stage performances and family entertainment options throughout the year. Greenville Zoo exhibits wildlife from around the world.
New Hotels on the Horizon Greenville is easily accessible by car on I-85. GreenvilleSpartanburg International Airport is serviced by a half-dozen airlines providing 53 direct flights. The Greenville market counts 8,500 guest rooms, including Hampton Inn Greenville/I-385 Haywood Mall that opened in July 2014. Fall 2015 welcomes the 144-room Aloft Hotel along with the 117-room Home2 Suites. Embassy Suites will open in summer 2016 with 156 rooms followed in 2017 by a 300-room Residence Inn.
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Grant programs and bidding fees Housing RFPs to your specifications Volunteers available for major events Signage availability based on needs ■ Social media platform Coach transportation is available from four carriers Discounts to area dining and attractions ■ Site visits
VISITGREENVILLESC Robin Wright, Senior Sales Manager - Sports 148 River Street, Suite 222, Greenville, SC 29601 864-421-0000 • 800-351-7180 rwright@visitgreenvillesc.com VisitGreenvilleSC.com
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5 PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL Palm Beach County is a sports paradise with incomparable world-class facilities. With an extraordinary year-round climate, the county offers 47 miles of beaches, more than 160 golf courses, a 30,000-seat stadium with world-class amenities, a Major League Baseball spring training complex with a 7,000seat stadium, 1,200 tennis courts and an 8,000-seat tennis stadium, and more than 45 parks with vast multi-purpose playing fields, plus 346 acres of polo and equestrian facilities.
From Beaches and Lakes to Baseball and Polo Fields 1. Atlantic Coastline The 47 miles of coastline in Palm Beach County offers tournament-ready sand volleyball courts and beach tennis courts. The beach has also hosted USA National Wrestling tournaments, the Jupiter Fall Surfing Classic and the Offshore Powerboat Association World Championships.
2. Roger Dean Stadium Spring training home of the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals, this complex is the only spring training facility outside of Arizona that consists of one primary baseball diamond and 12 supplementary practice fields, with professional dimensions. The 7,000-seat stadium features luxury sky-box seating, permanent seating, parking and concessions, making the complex a one-stop baseball or softball tournament destination. 110
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Great year-round weather, first-rate facilities and proximity to major Florida cities attract sports planners to the Palm Beach area.
3. International Polo Club This world-class facility is a must-see polo facility in the United States. The club's pristine surfaces host all of the top polo players in the world during the January-April season. With eight polo fields operational, the club offers 60 acres of worldclass field space that can host up to 50 soccer or field hockeysized fields in one location outside of polo season. The club has hosted the National Field Hockey Festival and will be home to the 2016 American Youth Soccer Organization’s National Championship.
4. Delray Tennis Center This grand tennis facility consists of 14 clay courts, seven hard courts and an 8,000-seat stadium. It hosts the ATP Tour International Tennis Championships each February. Nearby is the Delray Swim and Tennis Club, which features 28 additional tennis courts.
5. Florida Atlantic University Stadium The 30,000-seat, multi-purpose stadium, the home of FAU football, is equipped with a press level, five locker rooms and two suite levels consisting of 24 suites. It has hosted the Olympic Gold Medal-winning women’s soccer team, the 2012 Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game and international soccer matches, including a FIFA match between Ecuador and Germany, the current World Cup champions. This December, FAU plans to host the NCAA College Cup.
@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
6. Palm Beach County Convention Center This 350,000-square-foot center boasts a huge Exhibition Hall, perfect for floor sports like cheer, gymnastics, wrestling and fencing. The upper level offers a ballroom, great for an after-tournament banquet. The state-of-the-art center is located right in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach and has plenty of parking adjacent to the complex.
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
7. Okeeheelee Park Boasting the premier site in the United States for water skiing on five purpose-built lakes, Okeeheelee Park has hosted the sport’s world championships and regularly hosts the USA Water Ski National Championships. The park also has baseball, softball, soccer, golf and tennis facilities in addition to a nationally-classified BMX track, which hosted an Olympicqualifying series.
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Fun in the Sun: The Perfect End to a Day in the Gym Between, before or after games, there is plenty to keep your group busy. Of course, you can always take them to the beach, some of which feature sand volleyball courts. Or enjoy big-time water rides at Rapids Water Park. A golfer’s haven, Palm Beach County has more than 160 golf courses. Lion Country Safari African Adventure offers a real live safari experience without needing a passport. The drive-through park abounds with lions, wildebeests, zebras and other animals from Africa and South America. You can also encounter exotic creatures at the Palm Beach Zoo or South Florida Science Center and Aquarium. For another wildlife adventure, consider a trip to the Everglades. The largest remaining subtropical wilderness in the nation is home to alligators, manatees, snakes, sea turtles, rare birds and more than 600 species of fish. Along the Atlantic, you can climb to the top of Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, an 1860 landmark.
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A Prime Location in South Florida Located 70 miles north of Miami and 152 miles south of Orlando on the Atlantic coastline, Palm Beach County affords visitors the transportation convenience of an international airport, an Amtrak station, Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike. With over 16,000 hotel rooms in the county, there is no shortage of accommodation space for any size tournament.
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Grant programs ■ PR/media coverage Social media marketing for your event ■ Logistical support Event planning assistance ■ Volunteer staff ■ Mobile apps Signage ■ Site visits ■ Transportation for teams Housing services ■ Discounts to local attractions
PALM BEACH COUNTY SPORTS COMMISSION Kris Pursell, Director of Event Operations 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 930, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561-233-3180 • kpursell@palmbeachsports.com PalmBeachSports.com
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OCALA/MARION COUNTY, FL A U.S. Equestrian Olympian Training Site and More 1. Ocala Rotary Sportsplex The 80-acre facility includes 11 lit baseball fields, two lit and three unlit soccer fields, one multi-use field and 13 batting cages (four indoor). In 2010 and 2013, it hosted the 10U Cal Ripken World Series, as well as the 2014 Babe Ruth League 14U World Series. Each year, the Sportsplex plays host to district, state and regional baseball and soccer tournaments.
2. Ocala Regional Sportsplex The Ocala Regional Sports Complex is an 80-acre park on the west side of Ocala/Marion County. The park offers a variety of fields including four adult softball, one baseball and four football/soccer/lacrosse.
3. Shocker Park This is a premier destination for tournaments due to its convenient location in East Central Ocala/Marion County. It has six girls’ softball fields with three indoor batting cages. Shocker Park hosts many district and state tournaments, including the 2013 Babe Ruth League State Softball Championships.
4. Florida Horse Park The 500-acre facility is a celebrated venue for events, including international-level equine competitions, as well as adventure racing. The park features a newly constructed twoacre, 79,500-square-foot covered arena. It hosts competitions in virtually every equine discipline, from dressage to polo to versatility challenges and is an official training site for the U.S. Olympic equestrian team. 112
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Ocala/Marion County, Florida offers a unique combination of experience with international events, impressive sports facilities and an unmatched natural environment.
5. Southeastern Livestock Pavilion An Ocala landmark since 1945, the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion is Marion County’s premier agricultural showplace. It features a covered arena, a grandstand with seating for more than 4,200, an adjacent indoor air-conditioned sales auditorium with theater-style seating for 800 and 226 stalls with iron gates. Rental areas include a field events area, an open arena, air-conditioned reception hall, exhibition building and a picnic pavilion with showers.
6. Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club Designed by Ron Garl, this majestic course boasts a riveting 18-hole, 7,062-yard championship course and incorporates eight masterfully recreated tribute holes from some of the world’s finest courses including Augusta, Royal Troon, Baltusrol, Muirfield and St. Andrews. The club also offers a 10-acre short game area, two practice holes and a driving range. Host to 2015 LPGA Coates Golf Championship.
7. Juliette Falls Golf Magazine chose Juliette Falls as one of its “Top 10 New Golf Courses You Can Play” and Golf Digest named it a “Top 5 New Course.” Golf Week has Juliette Falls at #12 on its “Best Courses in Florida” list. Juliette Falls offers a 10-acre practice area, complete with chipping and pitching green, practice bunker, large undulating putting green and natural grass double-tee range, all just as well-groomed as the golf course. Play on more than 7,200 yards of this par-72 John Sanford-designed course, complete with rolling fairways, crisply manicured greens and five sets of tees fit for all levels of players.
@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
8. Ocala Aquatics This venue boasts an Olympic-size pool that hosts yearround outdoor swimming events.
9. Big Sun Youth Soccer Complex The complex features all-grass fields including two full-size championship fields, five youth pitches and two small fields, as well as two mini fields for pee-wee or warm-ups.
10. Ft. King Tennis Center
glass-bottom boats that provide views of fish, turtles and alligators. Motorsports fans will enjoy exploring Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing and the competition at Bubba Raceway Park. Only an hour away are Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and other themed attractions. Beaches on Florida’s west and east coasts are just an hour from Marion County.
In the Heart of Florida’s Horse Country
11. College of Central Florida
Ocala/Marion County, located in Central Florida north of Orlando, is an easy reach from anywhere along I-75. Driving times: Orlando and Tampa, 1.5 hours; Jacksonville, two hours; Tallahassee, three hours; Miami, five hours; Mobile and Atlanta, six hours.
CF has indoor basketball and volleyball courts, a collegesized baseball/softball field and six hard-court tennis courts.
X Factors
The center is perfect for year-round outdoor tennis, with eight lit clay courts and four lit hard courts.
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Surrounded by Nature with Famous Amusement Parks Close By Kayakers and canoeists enjoy paddling on hundreds of fresh-water springs, lakes and the Silver, Rainbow, Ocklawaha and Withlacoochee rivers. Hiking trails abound in the Ocala National Forest and the area’s many parks. Driving through Ocala’s horse country is another popular pastime and tours of working farms are available. For high-flying fun, The Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours takes guests through oaks and pines and over lime rock quarries. Silver Springs State Park, considered Florida’s original tourist attraction, is famous for its
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Social media marketing for your event Volunteer staff can be provided Grant programs ■ PR/media coverage Signage ■ Site visits ■ Transportation for teams/coaches Housing services/accommodations Discounts to local attractions
OCALA/MARION COUNTY SPORTS COMMISSION 112 N. Magnolia Ave., Ocala, FL 34475 352-438-2839 • Corry.Locke@marioncountyfl.org Sports.OcalaMarion.com
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The setting in Sarasota, Florida makes it a natural for water sports, but that’s not its only claim to fame. The roster of tournaments in the Sarasota area includes softball, equestrian events, swimming, tennis and golf.
Palm Tree-Lined Venues for Almost Any Sports Event In 2014, the YMCA Masters National Championship, US Rowing Southeast Championship, Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final, 30th Anniversary Super Boat Grand Prix and USA Ultimate Masters National Championship were just a few of the city’s sporting events. Sarasota has also been chosen to host the 2017 World Rowing Championships.
1. Nathan Benderson Park The park, selected as the site of the 2017 World Rowing Championships, is home to an internationally-acclaimed, 2,000-meter sprint course, plus all the facilities your group needs to row, canoe, kayak, paddleboard and dragon boat. This premier aquatic center can also be used for triathlons, adaptive sports and 5-10k runs.
2. YMCA Selby Aquatic Center It’s the place to go for diving, swimming, synchronized swimming and water polo. This outdoor facility’s highlights include a 50-meter pool, a scorer’s observation deck, an electronic scoreboard, covered bleachers, two movable bulkheads and four diving boards.
4. Sarasota Polo Grounds It’s the perfect place to watch polo, and so much more. At 130 acres, there’s room for soccer, rugby, flag football, lacrosse, field hockey and Ultimate. Other amenities include a clubhouse, a covered open-air pavilion and a playground for younger guests.
5. Siesta Key Beach More than just a pretty beach, it’s got enough acreage for two pavilions, five tennis courts and 10 full-sized permanent beach volleyball courts – plus space for up to 30 more. Its sandy shores are a great place to host beach volleyball or beach soccer, and the ocean’s waves are there for canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing, windsurfing and adventure racing.
6. The Resort at Longboat Key Club Tennis Gardens Where else can you get 20 USTA tennis courts in a facility that overlooks the bay and seats 2,500? This complex also offers a clubhouse, an on-site restaurant and locker rooms.
7. Youth Athletic Complex Need a place where you can host a multi-sport event? The Youth Athletic Complex is set up to cater to BMX, baseball, youth and flag football, lacrosse and tennis.
3. Ed Smith Stadium Also known as the “Spring Training home” of the Baltimore Orioles, this stadium offers four major league training fields, one practice field, a covered batting tunnel, a clubhouse and seating for 8,000 spectators. 114
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8. Fox Lea Farms Seven outdoor rings and one indoor ring – plus 250 permanent stalls and room for up to 500 temporary stalls – make this Sarasota’s finest equestrian event center. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
9. Miss Sarasota Softball/17th Street Park This facility features 10 softball fields, an archery range and four soccer/multipurpose fields. Use it to host an event dedicated to archery, softball, lacrosse, soccer or any combination thereof.
Staying in the area gives your group a wide choice of lodging options. Whether you need a parcel of suites in a beachfront hotel, a cozy vacation rental or a luxury-filled weekend at a resort, you’ll find them here. There is also a good mix of familiar mid- and budget-priced chain hotels and upscale boutique lodgings.
Sarasota is Home to Ringling Museum, Beautiful Beaches and Gardens
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Besides the beaches in Sarasota and its offshore islands, visitor attractions include Mote Marine Aquarium, Myakka State Park, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, and The Ringling Museum on the estate of the famed owner of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
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Grants and incentive programs Volunteer staff Onsite Visitor Services Site visits Mobile apps Housing services Discounts to local attractions, restaurants and retail shops Social media marketing for your event
Easy Access off I-75 on Florida’s Gulf Coast Getting to Sarasota isn't a problem, whether you are coming by car or by plane. If your group is driving down, Sarasota is right off I-75, 60 miles south of Tampa and 75 miles north of Fort Myers. Sarasota shares an airport with nearby Bradenton, aptly named the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Nearby air travel options include Tampa International Airport (about 50 miles north) and Orlando International Airport (about 130 miles to the northeast).
SARASOTA COUNTY SPORTS COMMISSION Group Sales: Nicole Rissler, Director of Sports NRissler@visitsarasota.org 941-955-0991 ext. 105 SarasotaSports.org
Sarasota County is a destination filled with color, and our sports are no exception. Partake in soccer, lacrosse, rugby or polo on our vibrant green grasses. Surround yourself with vivid orange during Baltimore Orioles spring training or book your own ballgame in our major league facilities. Enjoy the brilliant blue waters of our championship swimming venues and new 2,000-meter, world-class rowing facility. Bask in the glow of our competitive white sand beach volleyball courts — or try your hand at fishing, tennis or golf. Our excellent weather keeps you playing all year long. Whatever the sport, you’re bound to find the perfect venue in Sarasota and surrounding areas.
NO MATTER WHAT YOUR SPORT... PLAY HERE!
History of Success: 2013 F18 International Sailing Regatta • 2013 USRowing Masters National Championships • 2013 Pan-American Masters Swimming Championship • 2012 – 2013 Rev3 Triathlon Florida • 2000 – 2012 USA Ultimate Club Championships •
Visit PlaySarasota.org or call 1.800.276.1170
COUNTY SPORTS COMMISSION LONGBOAT KEY | SARASOTA | LIDO KEY | SIESTA KEY | VENICE CASEY KEY
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Modern athletic facilities and a welcoming environment make it easy to host a successful sports event in Conway
Venues Vary from Top College Facilities to Multi-sport Complexes
1. City of Colleges Park Built in 2010, this state-of-the-art softball facility has five lighted fields. It hosts a number of regional and national baseball and softball games, as well as collegiate-level tournaments.
4. Conway Station Park Built in 2011, Conway Station Park features nine fields. It continues to be a major host for the Arkansas USSSA baseball tournaments and events.
5. Don Owen Complex The multi-sport complex features three basketball courts, three lighted baseball fields, six volleyball courts and a walking track.
2. Centennial Soccer Complex The 51.5-acre complex features 10 full-size fields and two U10-size fields, four of which are lighted. The venue is home to the Arkansas Rush Soccer Club.
3. Conway Expo Center & Fairgrounds This multipurpose facility features an Expo Center with 40,779 square feet of covered space and an open-air pavilion with 55,000 square feet. These can be converted into various floor plans to accommodate a wide range of sports events. The venue has been used for wrestling and high school tournaments, as well as some offbeat sports events such as cornhole and horseshoes. 116
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6. Hendrix College Facilities Hendrix College offers a range of sports venues for organizers to use. Garrison Court at Grove Gymnasium, located in the Wellness and Athletic Center, houses Hendrix’s basketball and volleyball events. The stadium-style seating holds 1,100 spectators. Warrior Baseball Field plays host to the college baseball team. A brand new backstop and 361 chairback seats were added in 2012. The field features two full-sized batting cages, two bullpens and stadium-style lighting. Young-Wise Memorial Stadium, opened in 2013, is home to the college’s football, men’s lacrosse and track & field teams. The stadium seats @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
approximately 1,500 people and features a new field house with weight rooms, locker rooms and training facilities. Built in conjunction with the Young-Wise Stadium, the Warrior Tennis Courts & Indoor Tennis Center includes three indoor courts and two grand stands. The outdoor tennis courts were resurfaced in 2012 and contain five courts for competition.
distance of one another. Conway offers 1,400 hotel rooms at a variety of price points, so sports planners are sure to find exactly what they need to fit their budget.
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7. University of Central Arkansas Facilities
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The Farris Center hosts the UCA men’s and women’s basketball teams, and the arena features 5,500 seats and has been a host site for some of the nation’s most prestigious AAU touraments. Farris Field, a state-of-the-art softball field with elite amenities and seating for more than 1,000 fans on a grandstand and bleachers, has hosted a number of collegiate matches and regional tournaments. Estes Stadium, home of UCA football for 75 years, has played host to NCAA playoff games and two national championships. The stadium can host upwards of 11,000 spectators, and is known for its iconic gray-and-purple- striped turf.
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Social media marketing for your event Volunteer staff Grant programs Signage Site visits Transportation for teams Housing services Discounts to local attractions
CONWAY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Rachel Earls Shaw, Director of Destination Marketing 900 Oak Street, Conway, AR 72032 501-932-5409 • Rachel@conwayarkansas.org ConwayArkansas.org
Small Town Charm Complements Top Sports Venues When teams are not competing, there is a lot to keep them busy. Conway has a great downtown area with lots of shopping, boutique stores, hip restaurants and attractions. The University of Central Arkansas has a lot for guests to do. Athletes and their families can peruse collections at one of the largest academic galleries in the state at the Baum Gallery of Fine Art, or catch a show at the Arkansas Shakespeare Theater. Teams can spend an afternoon bowling at Conway Family Bowl, or catch a film at the new movie theater. Visitors will have a great time wandering the streets of Pickles Gap Village, a tiny town with gift, souvenir, antique and craft shops, as well as the Pickle Barrel Fudge Factory with homemade fudge and pies. ZAZA's Fine Salad and Wood Oven Pizza is a local favorite dining option.
Good Location, Plentiful Hotel Choices Conveniently located 30 miles from Little Rock, Conway is located right off I-40. Most attractions, hotels and venues are within a short
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1. Monroe Civic Center While the Civic Center contains space for events of all kinds, it does have two venues specifically designed for sports: a 46,000-square-foot arena that seats up to 7,600 people, and a 30,000-square-foot equestrian pavilion with 76 commercialsized stalls, a separate warm-up arena and trailer parking equipped with electricity and other amenities.
2. University of Louisiana at Monroe
MONROEWEST MONROE, LA Monroe has the lodging and space to take on just about any kind of event, from rodeos to golf tournaments. Fans of the A&E network show Duck Dynasty will immediately recognize Monroe as the headquarters of the Robertson family and their duck-call business.
The Perfect Mix of Outdoor Venues and Collegiate Facilities You’ll find a facility for almost every type of sport, including golf, softball, baseball, basketball, volleyball, football and tennis. Neighborhood schools and parks provide a multitude of places to organize smaller sporting events. For larger events, consider these facilities:
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The sports complex of ULM offers top-notch facilities for field sports, swimming, basketball and much more. In addition to the venues listed here, there are many more, including a softball complex and 15 tennis courts.
The Twin Cities of Louisiana Conveniently located on I-20 and US-165, Monroe is easy to reach. The Twin Cities of North Louisiana are approximately 270 miles northwest of New Orleans and 290 miles east of Dallas. Nearer metro areas include Jackson (120 miles), Shreveport (100 miles) and Little Rock (180 miles).
MONROE-WEST MONROE CVB Scott Bruscato, Director of Sales 601 Constitution Drive, West Monroe, LA 71292 P.O. Box 1436, West Monroe, LA 71294-1436 P: 318-387-5691 • T: 800-843-1872 • F: 318-324-1752 Monroe-WestMonroe.org
@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
Convenient Travel Options Located in central North Carolina, Greensboro is less than a five-hour drive from Baltimore-Washington; Atlanta; Knoxville, Tennessee; Charleston, West Virginia; and Columbus, Ohio. Interstates 85 and 40 converge on Greensboro, with I-73 and I-74 planned for the future. Piedmont Triad International Airport is served by seven major carriers. Raleigh-Durham and CharlotteDouglas international airports are within a 90-minute drive. The 1,017-room Sheraton Greensboro Hotel at Four Seasons/ Joseph S. Koury Convention Center has housed numerous teams due to its central location and amenities. With 9,560 hotel rooms and more planned for the next few years, Greensboro’s flag and independent properties fill every need and budget.
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GREENSBORO, NC
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For facilities, location and amenities, Greensboro is the total package.
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Social media marketing â– Volunteers PR/media coverage â– Signage Team transportation Housing bid proposals
These Facilities are No Stranger to Major Events
GREENSBORO AREA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
1. Greensboro Coliseum
Brian Ambuehl, Sports Sales Manager 336-335-1581 • bambuehl@visitgreensboronc.com VisitGreensboroNC.com
The Coliseum has been the site of basketball, indoor football, professional ice hockey and basketball, figure skating, tennis, boxing, track and field, professional wrestling and gymnastic events.
2. Greensboro Aquatic Center (GAC) Just three years since opening, the GAC, located on the Coliseum Complex, is hosting major high school, collegiate, youth and adult national events
3. Special Events Center Also in the Coliseum complex, this 167,000square-foot venue is easily set up to accommodate 11 basketball courts, six futsal courts or 18 volleyball courts, including seating.
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4. Bryan Park Soccer Complex Home of Greensboro United Soccer Association, it offers 17 perfect Bermuda grass fields.The 3,000-seat McPherson Stadium is ideal for championship tournament play.
Plenty to See and Do in Greensboro Family fun never stops at NewBridge Bank Park, home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers, a Class A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. The International Civil Rights Center & Museum is where in 1960 four students peacefully sat at a Woolworth lunch counter defying segregation. With completion of the Sky Line zip line, there’s one more reason to visit the Greensboro Science Center. Celebration Station has the latest arcade games and hot go-karts. Wet n’ Wild Emerald Point is where teams and families cool off. SportsPlanningGuide.com
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