2018floridastatesportsguide by Premier Travel Media

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InSpections of Event-Ready Destinations and Their Top Venues

A Premier Travel Media publication • www.SportsPlanningGuide.com

FLORIDA GUIDE • 2018

A Great State To Enjoy Outdoor Activities Florida Sports Foundation Boosts State’s Sports Industry

angela suggs President & CEO, Florida Sports Foundation People love sports, either as an athlete or as a fan. But they love the sports experience, too – the fun and excitement surrounding the actual event. So as you plan the logistics of your amateur or professional sporting adventure, you also want to create great memories for your athletes and fans. Florida’s got what you need. When athletes compete or fans cheer them on, they’re focused on the event. Things need to work seamlessly. Twenty-eight sports commissions across Florida are ready to provide behind-the-scenes support to make your event a success. Thousands of world-class indoor and outdoor sporting venues dot the Sunshine State and even extend offshore, providing the perfect setting for your competition. And because of Florida’s ideal weather, your athletes can compete in a natural setting at any time of year. Florida’s got what you need. Your athletes and fans want attention before and after the game, as well. Because Florida is such a popular vacation destination, travel to the state is easy. Hotels and restaurants are well accustomed to serving guests from across the country and the world. Beaches line both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts for those who want to kick off their shoes and relax in the sun. State and national parks offer serene settings for those who want to hike, canoe, fish, or otherwise enjoy up-close-and-personal encounters with nature. Those seeking city life will embrace Florida’s music and cultural scene. History buffs will revel in the artifacts of our nation’s past. And, of course, for those seeking family fun, Florida is amusement park heaven. So as you select the perfect setting for your next amateur or professional sporting adventure, remember: Florida’s got what you need. See you in the Sunshine State!

Angela A. Suggs President & CEO, Florida Sports Foundation

FLORIDA’S GOT WHAT YOU NEED

FLO R I D A

4 Sunshine State a Great Place to Enjoy Outdoor Activities

6 Florida Sports Foundation Bolsters State’s Sports Industry ©iStock.com/bgblue

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EMERALD COAST, FL PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL GAINESVILLE, FL KISSIMMEE, FL BRADENTON, FL

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PASCO COUNTY, FL ST. PETERSBURG, CLEARWATER, FL TALLAHASSEE, FL POLK COUNTY, CENTRAL FL TREASURE COAST, FL

OCALA/MARION COUNTY, FL ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER, FL ORLANDO NORTH, FL

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THE

SUNSHINE STATE

IS A GREAT

With optimal year-round weather and miles of coastline, Florida is a haven for nature lovers

hile Florida is loaded with spotlight-grabbing attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, South Beach and Busch Gardens, there are countless outdoor jewels that also add to the state’s allure. One such example is Destin, a town that boasts the largest fishing fleet in the state and has been nicknamed “the luckiest fishing village in the world.” Located on Florida’s Emerald Coast in the state’s panhandle, Destin provides world-class fishing and is a perfect location for anglers to catch snapper, king mackerel, grouper and triggerfish. As prosperous as Destin’s waters are, it is merely one reason Florida has been dubbed the fishing capital of the world. Florida features more than 12,000 miles of rivers, streams and canals and more than 7,700 lakes covering 3 million total acres, many of those spots brimming with fish. Thus, it is no surprise anglers spend almost 60 million days fishing each year in the state and the sport is a $7.5 billion business. Other superb angling spots include Islamorada, a village located on six of the Florida Keys that offers a diverse array of saltwater gamefish; Clewiston, a city in Central Florida that features hefty largemouth bass; and Cedar Key, an enclave hidden on Florida’s Gulf Coast that is renowned for its redfish. Clearly, Florida has a pre-eminent fishing scene, but its waters are also ideal for scads of other activities. Be it swimming, boating, snorkeling or kayaking, the state offers various sanguine locales that aren’t overrun.

Sports Planning Guide

Bahia Honda State Park is a scenic destination on a virtually uninhabited island in the Florida Keys that encompasses more than 500 acres and provides some of the best snorkeling and kayaking in the country. The park’s 2.5-mile natural white sand beach attracts swimmers of all skill level and kayakers and snorkelers can catch a glimpse of reef fish, rays, barracuda and even small nurse sharks. Another locale that will appeal to water enthusiasts is Molasses Reef, located in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The reef is a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers thanks to an area filled with remnants of sunken ships as well as a thriving ecosystem replete with eels, parrotfish and angelfish. Caladesi Island State Park, located on Caladesi Island in the Gulf of Mexico, is another fabulous snorkeling, boating and kayaking location. Formed in 1921 by a hurricane, the island is famed for its unspoiled beach and provides visitors with pristine views of shore birds and sea turtles. Another kayaking hotspot is Coldwater Creek in the Florida panhandle. This 19-mile paddling trail in Milton has been deemed the “Canoe Capital of Florida” thanks to its spring-fed creek filled with clear, shallow water. The creek possesses some of the swiftest currents in the state (topping out at faster than 3 miles per hour), giving kayakers a vigorous workout. For a unique experience, paddlers can take part in a bioluminescence kayaking tour on the glowing waters of the Indian River Lagoon. Located on the Atlantic Coast an hour from Orlando, it is the most biodiverse lagoon ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere and is home to more than 10,000 species of plants and animals. Also, it is one of the few points on the planet @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

PLACE TO ENJOY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Florida is the country’s most popular golfing state as it boasts more than 1,100 golf courses, the most in the United States.

that offers bioluminescence in nature. Kayakers looking to witness one of nature’s most exclusive phenomenon can take evening tours on the lagoon. As they paddle, visitors will get an eyeful of dinoflagellate plankton and comb jellies that light up the waters with brilliant blue and green neon hues, better resembling a space odyssey than any earthly terrain. Those who prefer to remain landlocked will also find plenty of room to stretch their legs as Florida offers more than 34 million acres of public and private land, including 5.8 million acres of wildlife management areas. One of the finest of these is the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, a 2,000-mile self-guided highway route that connects 510 birding and wildlife viewing sites throughout the state. A birdwatching utopia, many of Florida’s 514 species can be found along the trail that stretches from the coastline to the northernmost forests while the panhandle section extends from the Alabama border in Perdido Key to the Tallahassee area. Another striking territory is the 1,400-mile Florida Trail, which begins at Big Cypress National preserve in Southwest Florida and ends at Fort Pickens on Santa Rose Island in Northwest Florida. As one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the country, the trek is teeming with swamps, forests, prairies, springs and a host of wildlife including black bears, alligators, cattle, sea turtles and bald eagles. Ocala National Forest is another spectacular hiking locale, as it spans more than 607 square miles of Central Florida and boasts a diverse terrain from sand pine flatlands to prairie wetlands. The forest is known for having more than 600 natural lakes and ponds, numerous hiking trails and a challenging 22-mile biSportsPlanningGuide.com

cycle trail that appeals to hardy mountain bikers. Sporting a variety of wildlife, the forest features alligators, wild boar, bats, bobcats and the state’s highest concentration of the Florida black bear. A GOLFING UTOPIA Florida is the country’s most popular golfing state as it boasts more than 1,100 golf courses, the most in the United States. Florida lays claim to an impressive array of golf facilities and hosts numerous championship golfing events, making it a key industry contributor to the state’s economy. With an economic impact of $16.5 billion per year and its golf industry employing more than 170,000 workers-the most of any state-the sport’s influence on Florida is colossal. With so many golfers taking up space on links, one might consider the task of finding an excellent golf course that isn’t teeming with humanity a difficult one. In truth though, Florida is replete with underpublicized gems. For instance, Camp Creek Golf Club in Panama City Beach resides on an immaculate portion of North Florida land and is spotted with palm trees and lush foliage, while RedTail Golf Club in Sorrento offers guests a spectacular 18-hole course on 480 exquisite acres. Not to be outdone, Juliette Falls in Dunnellon, is one of the finest courses in the state, featuring manmade ponds, waterfalls and rock formations on a naturally rolling terrain. Whether on land or in the water, Florida’s 67 counties, 282 cities, 109 towns and 19 villages offer a combination of sporting entertainment and natural charm that is unrivaled. SPG Sports Planning Guide

FLORIDA SPORTS FOUNDATION

BOLSTERS STATE’S SPORTS INDUSTRY Nonprofit organization helps bring sporting events, athletic competitions to its residents ew states in the country can match Florida’s array of captivating locales and notable sporting venues. The Florida Sports Foundation’s mission is to ensure as many visitors as possible will relish these highlights. The foundation, which was formed in 1992 and is located in Tallahassee, is the official sports promotion and development organization for the state of Florida. A nonprofit organization, the foundation aims to bolster Florida’s sports industry and is dedicated to serving its athletics community by endorsing the advancement of professional, amateur and recreational sports. Florida possesses a thriving outdoor athletics scene (fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, biking and hiking, to name a few), some of the best golfing complexes in the country and is home to 10 professional sports franchises in Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, the National Hockey League and Major League Soccer. The state is also the spring training home for 15

Sports Planning Guide

Major League Baseball franchises and more than 26 million fans have attended Florida spring training games since 2000. With Florida sports creating more than $57 billion in economic impact while providing more than 580,000 jobs and attracting 16 million out-ofstate visitors every year, the state has deservingly earned the moniker “Sports Capital of the World.” The Florida Sports Foundation strives to enhance that reputation by assisting Florida’s communities with securing, hosting and retaining sporting events that generate considerable economic impact through grant programs and legislative initiatives. The grant programs were established in 1996 to assist communities and host organizations in attracting sports events. Since July 1, 2013, the foundation has awarded 486 grants, with awards totaling $11,383,100. These awards brought Florida an estimated 2,694,441 out-of-state visitors, which earned more than $2 billion in out-of-state economic impact and created more than 31,000 hospitality-related jobs. Some high-profile events that have received grants during that time include the 2017 NFL

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

The Florida Sports Foundation plays a key role in organizing the state’s Sunshine State Games (above) and bringing spring training baseball (below) to the state.

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Pro Bowl in Orlando, the 2017 MLB All Star Game in Miami, the 2017 World Baseball Classic in Miami and the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship in Tampa. “Our goals are to continue the growth of sports tourism and development in the state of Florida through the promotion of outstanding events and opportunities that also bring jobs and foster a healthy lifestyle to and for all visitors, as well as residents of the state,” said Angela Adams Suggs, Florida Sports Foundation president and senior vice president of sports development for Enterprise Florida. Suggs was recently named the foundation’s president, arriving from Florida A&M University where she worked as the Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs and Senior Woman Administrator. She was also the athletics department’s primary liaison with campus direct support organizations, affinity and support groups, and community relations. Her mission as the Florida Sports Foundation president is to help the organization augment the impact it has on the state’s sporting culture. “We (are looking) to build upon the Florida Sports Foundation’s first 25 years while expanding the recruitment and retention of sporting events and sports related business opportunities,” Suggs said. “We look to continue generating a significant economic impact while supporting job creation through sports tourism and development. The Florida Sports Foundation works in support of continuing the success of the $57.4 billion impact here in our state – through the promotion of amateur, professional and recreational sports and sporting opportunities throughout our footprint.” While offering grants is an important role the foundation provides, the organization, which is governed by a board of directors totaling 19 members, also takes pride in serving Florida’s residents in a myriad of other ways. The foundation serves as the state’s leading resource for sports tourism research and facts; it produces and distributes annual golf, fishing and boating, and baseball spring training guides; and assists in the promotion of targeted leisure sport industries. Perhaps the foundation’s most noteworthy accomplishment is organizing the annual Sunshine State Games, an Olympic-style festival for Floridians of all ages, and the annual Florida Senior Games, a multisport event program for adults 50 and older. The Sunshine State Games were created in 1980 to provide Florida’s residents with an Olympic-style festival program for amateur athletes of all ages and skill levels. It is the nation’s oldest state games and is the state’s largest and longest-standing multi-sport festival. These games provide Floridians with the chance to develop and display their physical talents and competitive abilities. Of the more than 200,000 participants since 1980, many have gone on to fulfill Olympic dreams while thousands more have achieved personal goals and victories. The Senior Games movement first began in Florida when the Golden Age Games were created in 1974 in Sanford, a city residing in the central region of the state. Shortly after, local and state senior games began appearing nationwide. In 1992, the first Florida Senior Games State Championships were held in Bradenton, a city located south of Tampa. Since then, the games have become a destination for top athletes across the world and have given the state’s seniors the chance to compete at the local, state and national level. “For 25 years the Florida Sports Foundation has served as the official sports promotion and development organization for the State of Florida,” Suggs said. “The one-of-a -kind industry opportunities in our state are supported by top notch industry leadership. Our board of directors and industry partners throughout the state continue to attract and produce major events and other unique opportunities at a level of excellence, greatly viewed and respected throughout the world.” SPG Sports Planning Guide

ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR EFFECTIVE TOURNAMENT MANAGEMENT

By Bill Hanson here are a number of character traits and skills that are attributed to good leadership, communications being one of them. At Sports Planning Guide, we have provided a number of articles that emphasize the organization and conduct of grassroots events and provide the tools to assist novice organizations in doing so. Internal communications is one of these tools. What we have here are 10 administrative items that will help an Event Manager become an awesome communicator and an efficient leader. Keeping the staff and volunteers of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) fully informed will do that. And from the manager’s side it keeps the potential myriad number of internal questions to a minimum. These 10 lists and forms provide a solid foundation for the LOC. They are all featured in The A to Z Guide to Organizing a Sports Event that is available through Sports Planning Guide (http://sportsplanningguide.com/sportsevent-planning-resources/).

1. EVENT COMMITTEE LIST One of the first items in the event organizing process, and one that needs to be constantly updated, is a list of event staff and key volunteers complete with their phone numbers, email addresses and event responsibility. The list may also include any vendors, suppliers, facility staff and other persons who are heavily involved in the event. This sounds like a no-brainer, but many small events face the “how do I get in touch with …” issue. For the event itself, the most important phone numbers should be included on a laminated phone card easily attached to a credential or fitting into a pocket. 2. EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY LISTS Every event process at San Antonio Sports began with my formatting these two lists. They helped me break down the different areas of responsibility and identify the equipment and supplies needed for each area. The smallest items were listed, as it is those that cause a delay in the event, such as batteries, extension cord, plug adapter and water key. Such lists make it easy to account for acquiring the items, ensuring they get to the venue and the correct area needed, and especially ensuring they are recovered upon completion of the event. 8

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3. EVENT INFORMATION SHEET This is a very simple one page sheet of Who, What, When and Where of the event. It allows everyone involved with the LOC to answer simple questions without having to call or email the Event Manager. The Who and What might describe the tournament format for particular age groups, how to register and the prizes to be awarded. Also, where the event is located, parking info and what amenities are available. The schedule of events should be listed as well as any rain date, and phone numbers for event information and for volunteers if they are being recruited. It’s also a good place for some event sponsor recognition. 4. EVENT SCHEDULE WITH LOGISTICS The Event Schedule provides a complete picture of all functions and activities leading up to and supporting the event. I like to start with the date and time of the very first competition and move backward to gate @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

6. LOGISTICS FORM As fussy as I was about lists, this was one of my favorites. It’s a grid summary of all equipment and supplies needed in each physical area of the venue. It requires the input of the staff or key volunteer in each area so that accurate numbers of tables, chairs, coolers, lights, signs, trashcans, cords, etc. can be procured. For venues with multiple areas requiring large numbers of tables and chairs, this form is a must. If area coordinators are to work efficiently, they must have the needed equipment and supplies. 7. SIGNAGE FORM Any event needs some signage, whether it’s directional, informative, decorative or sponsorship. A high attendance tournament in a large venue with hundreds of spectators needs a good amount of visible signage just to keep volunteers from being bombarded with “where is …” questions. Each project coordinator should be queried as to signage needed in their specific area, so this large number of signs will then need a method of ensuring they are correctly printed, delivered and displayed. The signage form is a summary of all signs needed, stating what each one reads, its size, the size and color of the letters, quantity and where and how it’s to be mounted. You can believe that print shops are happy to receive this form when ordering signs. One important note … fancy and/or clever signs quickly become souvenirs and they could disappear early during a multi-day tournament. Having some blanks on hand is helpful. 8. JOB DESCRIPTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES This could be an “icing on the cake” item, and more likely to be developed over time for an event that takes place annually or semi-annually. The efficient Event Manager knows the various job descriptions and, in most cases, delivers them orally and at the event. The larger the event, the more beneficial these become. It helps greatly with volunteer recruiting when positions are accurately described, and even more helpful when volunteers may not be familiar with a certain position. A good example is Team Operations where volunteers might take care of bench areas and locker rooms for teams.

MSSA/Bigstock.com

Organization is important when managing a tournament. Keeping an event committee list and equipment and supply lists help planners keep track of what vendors, suppliers, facility staff and other people are involved with the event.

icreative3d/Bigstock.com

opening, volunteer call time, venue deliveries, equipment installations, social events, etc. One then moves forward to following days’ activities and times, awards ceremony and venue tear-down and cleanup. 5. TIMELINE OF MAJOR PROJECTS Even the simplest and best organized event will have some lastminute issues that require immediate attention. Projects that should have already been completed may be affected if staff has to be diverted. Thus, the importance of early identification of major projects and determining a completion deadline for each. A Timeline might start in increments of 3-6 months out, one month out, competition days and post competition. It’s important to note that some projects such as a souvenir program and event signage will require the input of several people, thus needing several deadlines. Event Managers should monitor this timeline as closely as they monitor the budget. SportsPlanningGuide.com

9. VENUE MAP This is a helpful tool for volunteers who will constantly be asked the location of restrooms, charging stations, concessions, merchandise stands and first-aid stations. A map can aid in the installation of tents and placement of trailers, portable toilets and kiosks. Most importantly, it provides that much more information to staff and volunteers for knowing all there is to know about the event they’re conducting. 10. AFTER-ACTION SUMMARY Whether the event is one time or ongoing, it’s very helpful to collect as much feedback as possible, and it’s important to have people be honest in their critique. The basic form should be a simple list of all areas of responsibility plus space for OTHER and THINGS TO IMPROVE. It should be distributed to staff and volunteers immediately following the event. Collecting feedback from single-shift volunteers can be done on a card when they check out. The purpose is not to collect complaints, but to identify issues and improve on them for the next event. Some folks will be saying these items are a lot of work for the Event Manager when, in actuality and properly done, they fully communicate all aspects of the event and can save loads of time by not having to explain details over and over. The fully informed staff will operate much more efficiently. There is one major challenge and that is getting staff and volunteers to read them. Years of personal experience verifies that every meeting will have someone asking the simplest questions about the event. BUT, if it’s just one person, then the overall objective has been reached. SPG Sports Planning Guide

TREASURE COAST, FL

Florida’s Treasure Coast, as the name suggests, is home to the crown jewels of nearly every type of sports facility. Sports Facilities Fit for Land and Water Competitions 1. First Data Field Sports: Baseball This gorgeous grass field is home to professionals and rookies alike, as the New York Mets train here during the spring. The HighA St. Lucie Mets and Gulf Coast Mets rookie teams take to the field during their respective seasons. First Data seats 7,160 people.

from all over train and play on any one of the four 72-hole premier courses — Wanamaker (7,045 yards), Ryder (7,000 yards), Dye and St. Lucie Trail Golf Club Course (6,906 yards). Budding beginners can take their first swings at the PGA Village six-hole Family Short Course, while all levels can perfect their skills at the impressive 35-acre PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance.

2. Sailfish Splash Water Park

Fun and Games on the Treasure Coast

Sports: Swimming You and your family don’t want to miss out on this magnificent two-acre water park. Stuart’s Sailfish Splash Water Park is everyone’s dream, complete with a 1,000-foot lazy river, a zero-depth entry and a 7,326-square-foot interactive splash playground with slides, sprays, jets and a 317-gallon “Dump Bucket.” The water park also sports two four-story waterslides, including a 253-foot closed flume called the “Speed Slide,” a competitive lap pool and a Wiggly Waters cargo net walk-across. Guests can station themselves among 700 lounge and deck chairs, a shaded picnic area and private cabanas that can be rented. Families and friends can park, shop, dine — with access to the food pavilion for birthday parties — and use restrooms onsite with free Wi Fi access.

Want a chance to wind down from the usual hustle and bustle that comes with competing? The Treasure Coast is the perfect venue because it offers spectators and athletes top-of-the line resort choices such as the Prestige Hotel Vero Beach, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort. Treasure Coast also provides outstanding venues for horseback riding on the beach. You’ll find that Treasure Coast’s vast farms like Al’s Fruit Farm, where you can sample the best citrus produce. Another destination, the 11,500-acre Jonathan Dickinson State Park, is the perfect place for boating and biking.

3. Historic Dodgertown Sports: Baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, crew/rowing, rugby Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach has four full fields, one 100 x 130-yard sport field that is used for soccer, rugby, lacrosse and football, one half-field, four softball/youth baseball fields, eight indoor pitching tunnels, a 60-yard agility and warm-up area, mini-field for bunting practice and 32 mounds/home plates for individual practices.

4. PGA Golf Club Sports: Golf As you may have guessed given its notable reputation, PGA Golf Club is where you’ll find Florida’s best golf courses. PGA professionals

TREASURE COAST, FL Rick Hatcher, Executive Director 772-871-5458 • rhatcher@treasurecoastsports.org TreasureCoastSports.org 11

Sports Planning Guide

Planner Perspective The Treasure Coast Sports Commission is truly a partner with the USSCMC helping us to promote sailing while bringing wonderful events to our community. These are events that generate much needed revenue for our area all the while generating customers for our local restaurants, hotels and retail stores. —Alan Jenkinson, Executive Director, US Sailing Center of Martin County

X Marks the Spot: How to Find the Treasure Coast The Treasure Coast is situated conveniently by Interstate 95. I-95 extends from Bridge Road in Hobe Sound to Fellsmere and the Treasure Coast. Other popular routes include the Florida Turnpike and U.S. Highway 1. Melbourne International Airport (53 miles), Palm Beach Airport (69 miles), Orlando International Airport (108 miles) and Miami International Airport (130 miles) are all options for accessing the Treasure Coast. Over 30 airlines service these airports. Private planes fly into Treasure Coast International Airport, Martin County at Witham Field, Vero Beach Municipal Airport and Sebastian Municipal Airport. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

FLORIDA’S EMERALD COAST

Parasailing, kiteboarding, surfing, waterskiing, sailing and snorkeling…between sporting events, you can do it all here or you can kick back and do nothing at all. Indoor & Outdoor Facilities to Fit Your Sporting Event Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island make up the heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast. An incredible range of indoor and outdoor facilities, as well as brilliant emerald green waters and sugar white sand beaches, make the Emerald Coast a natural choice for many sporting events. Volleyball, kiteboarding, swimming, and sailing … Here, you can do it all or simply kick back and do nothing at all. Florida’s Emerald Coast is currently home to many annual sporting events. These include national cheer and dance competitions, the USSSA World Series, the Emerald Coast Classic Basketball Tournament, Paddle at the Porch stand up paddle board competition and a bi-annual sand volleyball competition, to name just a few. Many golf and fishing tournaments also take place throughout the year. Surrounded by water, including the Gulf of Mexico, Choctawhatchee Bay and Santa Rosa Sound, the Emerald Coast is perfect for water sports, such as racing and sailing. Boasting the country’s largest charter fishing fleet and known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”, the destination is also an ideal choice for in-shore and deep sea fishing tournaments. Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island also features ten beautiful golf courses, designed by top names in the business and featuring water views, bird sanctuaries and more to set your tournament apart. In addition, the area offers several large-scale recreation facilities, as well as 17 parks, with facilities ranging from multi-use fields to skate parks and an equestrian center, each ideal for your next event.

1. Emerald Coast Convention Center Sports: Multi-use The Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa Island provides 30,000 square feet of outdoor space, as well as nearly 35,000 square feet of indoor space, all of which can be customized to suit the needs of your event. Currently home to many cheer, dance and martial arts competitions, the convention center is a multi-use space ideal for a range of sporting activities.

EMERALD COAST CONVENTION & VISITOR’S BUREAU 850-651-7647 • CVBSales@co.okaloosa.fl.us EmeraldCoastFL.com 12

Sports Planning Guide

2. Morgan Sports Complex Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Sand Volleyball, Soccer, Softball The Morgan Sports Complex is located in Destin moment from the beach and offers four regulation softball fields, two little league fields, and three soccer fields. The $3.7 million facility has already played home to many national and regional events, including the 2016 USSSA Road to the Beach Fast-pitch Baseball World Series. The complex also offers sand volleyball courts and a half basketball court.

3. Destin Sports Complex Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Softball, Track & Field Just west of the Morgan Sports Complex is the Destin Sports Complex. This recreational center is ideal for a range of events, including running and football as it provides a 400-meter rubberized track and regulation football field. The complex also offers a full basketball court and fields, some lighted, designed specifically for baseball, softball and soccer.

4. Preston Hood Athletic Complex Sports: Baseball, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Skateboarding The Preston Hood Athletic Complex in Fort Walton Beach is an $8.5 million complex that opened in 2016. The complex is ideal for a range of sporting activities as it boasts 30,000 square feet of multi-use space, as well as ten fields; five baseball, three soccer, and two softball. In addition to the athletic fields, the recreational center also includes a skate park and is home to the Emerald Coast Lightning lacrosse team.

Getting There Getting to the Emerald Coast of Florida has never been easier! If driving, Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island are located along U.S. Highway 98 on the southern coastline, which can be easily accessed by Interstate 10 at several points. Planning to fly? Choose the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), currently offering flights through Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, and United. Direct flights are available from numerous cities throughout the country including Atlanta, Dallas, D.C., Memphis, Newark, St. Louis and many more. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

GAINESVILLE, FL

One big campus and plenty to do, Gainesville is a Florida hotspot for sports tournaments and large-scale events.

A Bevy of Fabulous Facilities 1. Champions Park of Newberry Sports: Baseball, fast-pitch softball The park is a 16-field state of the art complex with synthetic turf infields and natural grass out fields. The complex can host youth baseball and fast-pitch softball with 220 ft. permanent fencing on each field. Champions Park features indoor tournament meeting space, scoreboards and concessions.

2. Easton Newberry Sports Complex- Archery of Excellence Sports: Field archery, 3D archery, indoor archery, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, cross country, football, soccer, volleyball The Easton Newberry Sports Complex has been designated Community Olympic Development Program status for archery by the U.S. Olympic Committee. The 20,000-square-foot indoor facility is on a 100-acre multi-sport complex. Due to its extreme size, it can be used for local, state, regional, national and international competitions. The indoor facility has fiber-optic cable, internet and video support, meeting space, concession stands, restrooms, and seating for 500.

3. City of Alachua’s Legacy Park Sports: Basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, karate, baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer, football, rugby Legacy Park is a 100-acre complex with a brand new 40,000square-foot indoor facility. The indoor portion showcases over 30,000 square feet of open space with floating high-performance wood floors. There are four full-sized basketball courts and four volleyball courts, including a championship court. The indoor facility includes large meeting spaces and breakout rooms, internet and video support, concessions and ample parking. The outdoor complex has four multi-purpose fields and is a part of the Hal Brady Recreational Sports Complex.

GAINESVILLE SPORTS COMMISSION Joleen Cacciatore Miller, Executive Director 352-338-9300 • jcacciatore@gainesvillesportscommission.com GainesvilleSportsCommission.com

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4. Alachua County's Jonesville Park - Soccer, Tennis and Baseball/Softball Complex Sports: Soccer, lacrosse, flag football, ultimate, tennis, baseball, softball The Jonesville Soccer Complex has six natural-grass tournament fields with lights, as well as additional warm-up areas, parking, restrooms, concessions and a covered space for registration and award ceremonies. The fields have the ability to be manipulated into many different field specifications, depending on the tournament director’s needs. Located in the same park, the Jonesville Tennis Center (JTC) features 14 lighted clay courts, 1 tournament standard show court, 2 large pavilions, a pro-shop, and restrooms with shower facilities.

Fun times in a College Atmosphere When in Gainesville, a stop at the University of Florida is a must. The university campus features Neo-Gothic architecture which nicely juxtaposes against its enthusiastic student body. Visitors are encouraged to tour the campus whenever they can, but a must-see spot is the Gators’ football stadium, nicknamed “The Swamp” on a Saturday afternoon. When the buzzer sounds on the basketball court or the final whistle blows on the gridiron, players, coaches, and fans need things to do in their spare time. Tourists can head over to Devils Millhopper, a giant sinkhole with rainforest-like conditions. This geological state park boasts hiking trails and beautiful scenery.

Planner Perspective The staff at the Easton Newberry Sports Complex and the Gainesville Sports Commission are a pleasure to work with. They collaborate with a rights holder as if the event was one of their own. It is obvious they take pride in customer service and putting on the best event possible. —Sheri Rhodes, National Events Manager, USA Archery

How to Get to Gainesville US Route 441 runs straight into the center of the city, while the main artery is Interstate 75. There are other highways as well, including Highways 24 and 121, that can be useful when driving into Gainesville. The closest international airport is in Jacksonville, located 81 miles to the northeast. Daytona International Airport is another option, though it is 101 miles from G-Ville. Those flying domestic can use Gainesville Regional Airport. Sports Planning Guide

KISSIMMEE, FL

Warm weather and sunshine invite year-round play, and nearby attractions make Kissimmee a fun-filled escape for both athletes and spectators.

Versatile Facilities Accommodate All Levels of Play 1. Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ESPN Wide World of Sports

3. Austin-Tindall Regional Park Sports: Rugby, football, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, Ultimate Frisbee, cheerleading Austin-Tindall Regional Park offers eight exceptional multipurpose fields that welcome more than 30,000 professional and amateur athletes annually, playing rugby, football, soccer, lacrosse and everything in between. It has previously hosted the American Youth Football and Cheer National Championship and USL Pro training. The facility features five lighted, regulation soccer fields, three practice soccer fields and bleacher seating for 1,500 spectators. Expansion plans scheduled for next year will include additional lighting, concessions and stadium seating.

Sports: Football, basketball, karate, archery, baseball, softball, tennis, cross country, track & field Located at Walt Disney World Resort, the 255-acre Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex hosts more than 350 events each year. With nine venues, the complex can host nearly every sport, from football and basketball to karate and archery. The 9,500-seat Champion Stadium is the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves. The complex also includes two multipurpose arenas, HP Field House and Jostens Center, which offer seating capacity of 6,200; 17 multipurpose fields at Hess Sports Fields with four professional baseball fields and six fields at the softball Diamondplex; 10 tennis courts at Centre Court Stadium; a cross country course; and a track and field complex designed with professional specifications. The complex is planning on opening its doors to a new indoor venue space with seating capacity of around 8,000 spectators. The space is expected to open early 2018.

Sports: Soccer, lacrosse Opened in 2014, these professionally maintained fields sit adjacent to a AAA Four-Diamond Resort. ChampionsGate has played host to the North American Caribbean Rugby Association and has been used for Major League Soccer pre-season training. It includes eight regulation fields with electronic scoreboards, a clubhouse with concessions and flexible bleacher options.

2. Osceola Heritage Park Complex

5. Osceola County Softball Complex

Sports: Equestrian, rodeo, basketball, football, BMX, cheerleading, gymnastics, volleyball The climate-controlled facility can accommodate a wide variety of events ranging from rodeo and horse shows to basketball, indoor football, BMX, cheerleading, gymnastics and volleyball. The facility has hosted the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo, Sunshine State Basketball Championship and AAU Basketball. It seats 8,300 spectators and has the floor capacity for up to 3,500 additional seats.

Sports: Softball The official Eastern training venue for America's Olympic Gold Medal-winning Women's Softball team, Osceola County Softball Complex is an award-winning facility, including recognition as Complex of the Year by the United States Specialty Sports Association. It features five lighted softball fields, all built to U.S. Softball regulations, two covered dugouts per field, electronic scoreboards, eight-station batting cages and 500-seat bleachers per field.

Sports Planning Guide

4. ChampionsGate Sports Field Complex

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

6. Lake Toho & Lakefront Park Sports: Fishing Home to some of the best bass fishing in the world, Lake Tohopekaliga, or “Lake Toho/Big Toho,” hosts world-class fishing tournaments throughout the year. The Fishing League Worldwide, Paralyzed Veterans of America Tour and Bass Southern Open have all been held there. The 18,800-acre lake includes a marina, event lawns, pavilions, open stage and fishing piers, with parking for 200 cars.

Leisure Options from Make Believe to Reality When you think of Kissimmee, the phrase “something for everyone” definitely applies. The list of possibilities will surprise and thrill your sports team, as well as any family or friends along for the ride. If your crew loves theme parks, then you’re in luck; you’re super close to Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando. Cool off with a visit to one of the nearby water parks, including SeaWorld’s Aquatica, Wet n’ Wild Orlando and Disney World’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. This part of Florida isn’t just about fantasy worlds, but also features a number of natural wonders and historic attractions that focus on important times in America’s past. Journey into the far reaches of the galaxy at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; enjoy a performance at the Osceola Center for the Arts; or discover the history of the area at the Osceola County Historical Society’s Pioneer Center. Nature lovers can step into Florida’s native lands where they can canoe under canopies of towering cypress trees and explore the headwaters of the Florida Everglades on an airboat ride around the pristine lakes.

Kissimmee: In the Heart of it All Kissimmee, conveniently located in Central Florida, is minutes from Orlando. Located just off West U.S. Highway 192, the primary corridor of the area, Kissimmee is also accessible via the Florida Turnpike. With three airports serving the area, Kissimmee is incredibly easy to reach from nearly every part of the country. Most major airlines fly to Orlando International Airport, which is only 20 minutes from Kissimmee. Additional flights arrive at Orlando Sanford International Airport, less than an hour away, and Kissimmee Gateway Airport, the closest airport to the major theme parks and convention centers.

Planner Perspective “When it comes to tournament locations, world-class anglers on the Walmart FLW Tour demand world-class fishing and facilities. Kissimmee delivers both with Big Toho Marina and Kissimmee Lakefront Park on Lake Toho. There is no better tournament destination.” — Kathy Fennel, President of Operations, FLW

KISSIMMEE SPORTS COMMISSION John Poole, Director of Sports Marketing and Development 407-569-4838 • jpoole@kissimmeesports.com KissimmeeSports.com

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ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER, FL This two-million-square-foot Orlando complex is perfect for your next tournament.

A Great Place to Play in Orange County 1. West Building Sports: Volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, gymnastics, taekwondo, other indoor sports The Center’s West Building features tropical atriums, skylights and intimate courtyards. The building is home to one million square feet of exhibit space, the Valencia Ballroom, which is larger than a football field and can hold up to 6,000 people at one time, and the newly remodeled Tangerine Ballroom. The West Building has four pedestrian bridges that connect more than 5,000 guestrooms to the facility, making it convenient for guests.

2. North/South Building Sports: Indoor sports The addition of this building brought the total exhibition space of the convention center to 2.1 million square feet, including a 1,500-foot pedestrian bridge with moving sidewalks leading to the West Building. This building was designed for flexibility and functionality, and offers a range of options suitable for many different sporting events.

3. Nearby Sports Venues and Facilities Sports: Basketball, hockey, football, indoor football, soccer If you need more space for your sports events, there are a few other options nearby. The Amway Center is an indoor arena that was part of the Orlando Centroplex. Camping World Stadium and the Orlando City Soccer Stadium are located just west of the Amway Center

Activities and Attractions in Orange County International Drive (or I-Drive) Resort Area, known as the tourism corridor, continues to be a top place to visit in Orange County. It recently welcomed I-Drive 360, an entertainment destination that’s 17

Sports Planning Guide

home to the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye. The 400-foot observation wheel is the centerpiece of the complex, which also features a dynamic mixture of restaurants, attractions, productions and shops. Orlando is home to seven of the world’s top 20 theme parks, which means there is no end to the fun visitors can have when they have an event at the Orange County Convention Center. Check out Universal’s Islands of Adventure™, SeaWorld or Disney’s Magic Kingdom® for some great family entertainment. If theme parks aren’t your thing, there’s plenty more to see and do: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, K1 Speed Indoor Karting, Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf and much more. Visitors can get their retail fix at the Orlando International Premium Outlets, which features nearly 200 popular shops or Point Orlando for a mix of dining and shopping fun.

Getting to Orange County Orange County and the Orlando area are easily accessible for most people all over the country. It’s within a few hours’ drive of many major cities in the southeastern portion of the U.S., offering an affordable transportation option for teams nearby. Both area airports— Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Sanford Orlando International Airport (SFB)—continue to get more non-stop routes and are served by most major airlines. Amtrak offers four trains through Orlando, connecting the city to many major cities along the East Coast.

ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER Rodney Gutierrez, CMP, Director of Sales 407-685-5731 • Rodney.Gutierrez@occc.net OCCC.com

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BRADENTON, FL Facilities Fit for Any Fan 1. Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex Sports: Hockey, ice skating, roller skating Offering high-level recreational leagues on two NHL-sized ice rinks, Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex offers a premier ice sports experience. In addition to offering public skate times, the facility offers party rooms and private spaces for your team. The roller skating floor can be rented out by the hour - a great activity for off days or long stretches between games.

2. LECOM Park Sports: Baseball Nestled on the edge of downtown Bradenton sits one of the city’s biggest bragging rights, LECOM Park. It is the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates during spring training. If you’re looking for a state-of-the-art baseball complex, your search can stop now. The park underwent a $20-million renovation as part of a 30-year lease with the city of Bradenton, beginning in 2008. 18

Sports Planning Guide

To play where the pros play, train where Olympians train and host a flawless sports tournament in a perfect vacation town, you need to go to Bradenton Area. 3. Pirate City Sports: Baseball As a part of the massive renovation, Pirate City - the workout and practice fields located five miles away - got a big facelift, too. Pirate City is like an all-you-can-eat buffet for sports planners. We’re talking dining halls, activity rooms with ping pong tables and pool tables, computers, TVs, housing and, of course, professionalgrade baseball fields for premier competition.

4. Premier Sports Campus Sports: Soccer, football, lacrosse, Frisbee, rugby Located on the east side of Manatee County, the massive Premier Sports Campus has 23 FIFA regulation-sized fields, all with real Bermuda grass. Eight fields have lights for night games, and 65,000 square feet of underground irrigation ensure you’ll never be flooded out after heavy rains. Sitting on 140 acres, Premier Sports Campus also a new 4,000 seat lighted stadium with concessions.

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5. IMG Academy Sports: Tennis, baseball, basketball, football, track and field, golf, soccer IMG Academy is a world-class sports facility so it’s safe to say they can provide everything you and your sports teams will need. It boasts 20+ multi-sport fields, 50+ tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, a 5,000-seat stadium, four multi-court basketball gyms and weight rooms with more than 10,000 square feet of space.

6. Manatee County Parks Sports: Baseball, football, basketball, tennis, aquatics, golf, fitness, biking, volleyball, recreational Manatee County Park System comprises over 35 recreational parks with almost endless options. Walking trails, skate parks, dog parks, open fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, bike trails, rowing and fishing can all be accommodated in Manatee County Parks.

Activities in Bradenton When you plan to play in Bradenton, you’ve got a built-in vacation for your tournament. Beaches on 16 miles of sugar white sand and marinas, restaurants and an excess of entertainment options make this coastal town alluring for sports teams and their families. Nature lovers will find plenty to see and hear in the nature preserves and city parks. The Riverwalk is an outdoor gathering place that overlooks the Manatee River and is home to many features such as a skate park, Mosaic Amphitheater and a Tidal Discovery Zone. Or for an experience unlike anything you’ve done before, head over to BeachHorses, where you can go horseback riding in the water. WaveSplash has jet skis and other watersports gear available. Plenty of championship golf courses add to the area’s recreational options.

Local history comes alive at Manatee Village Historical Park, which includes an 1860 courthouse and 1887 church, plus a general store, schoolhouse, settler’s home and Baldwin steam engine from the early 1900s. De Soto National Memorial has exhibits, talks and weapons demonstrations by park rangers who discuss the expedition of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who landed in the area in 1539. The South Florida Museum, another Bradenton attraction, explores the region’s cultural and natural history. It includes Bishop Planetarium and Parker Manatee Aquarium, which is home to a second stage rehab center for injured manatees.

How to Get There One of the nation’s longest interstates, Highway 75, cuts right through Bradenton, providing convenient north-south access. Cities within a day’s drive include Atlanta, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Montgomery and Charleston. Bradenton is a 45-minute drive on I-75 from Tampa International Airport, which is served by most major airlines. The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport offers flights through Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, Elite Airways, Jet Blue and United Airlines.

BRADENTON AREA SPORTS Sean Walter, Director of Sports 941-729-9177 x3951 • sean.walter@bacvb.com BradentonGulfIslands.com

Go from world-class facilities to world-class escape in no time.

It’s time to discover the new leader in Florida sports training, events and performance transformation. The Bradenton Area is where champions train, play and relax, all while taking the game to the next level with training facilities such as IMG Academy, the Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch, and Pirate City, the winter home of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

To book your event today, call Sean Walter (941) 742-4051.

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OCALA/MARION COUNTY, FL

Experience out-of-the-park success in Ocala/Marion County, Florida, where you’ll find impressive facilities and an unmatched natural environment.

Superior Facilities for Everything from Golf to Equestrian Sports

has six girls’ softball fields with three indoor batting cages. Shocker Park hosts many district and state tournaments and hosted the 2013 Babe Ruth League State Softball Championships.

1. Ocala Rotary Sportsplex

4. Florida Horse Park

Sports: Baseball, soccer The 80-acre facility includes 11 lighted baseball fields, two lighted and three unlighted 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.

Sports: Equestrian The 500-acre facility is a celebrated venue for equestrian events, including international-level equine competitions as well as adventure racing. The park features a newly constructed two-acre, 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.

2. Ocala Regional Sportsplex Sports: Softball, baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse 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 Sports: Softball Shocker Park is a premier destination for tournaments due to its convenient location in East Central Ocala/Marion County. It 20

Sports Planning Guide

5. Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Sports: Livestock shows, agricultural shows, horse shows, rodeos An Ocala landmark since 1945, the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion has the reputation of Marion County’s premier agricultural showplace. It features a covered arena, a grandstand with seating for more than 4,200, and 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, an air-conditioned reception hall, an exhibition building, a picnic pavilion with showers and plenty of event parking. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

6. Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club Sports: Golf, tennis, equestrian 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. Golden Ocala Golf Club also offers a 10-acre short game area, two practice holes and a driving range. Some events hosted here include LPGA Tour, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s Regional and American Junior Golf Association (AJGA). The Tennis Club at Golden Ocala serves up six Har-Tru Hydro-Grid courts—all lighted for night play. The equestrian facility offers a full range of amenities including a 20-stall horse barn, covered round pen, large jumping arena with new footing and separate dressage arena, jumping ring, large grass paddocks, climate-controlled tack room, kitchen and lounge.

Visitors Find Unlimited Downtime Options Kayakers and canoeists enjoy paddling on hundreds of freshwater springs, lakes and the Silver, Rainbow, Ocklawaha and Withlacoochee rivers. Hiking trails abound in Ocala National Forest and the area’s many parks. Driving through Ocala’s horse country is another popular pastime, and tours of working Thoroughbred farms are available. For high-flying fun, Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours takes guests through a growth of oaks and pines and over lime rock quarries. Silver Springs State Park, considered Florida’s original tourist attraction, draws guests from

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near and far with its iconic glass-bottom boats that provide views of fish, turtles and alligators as they glide over springs that are 99.8 percent pure and as deep as 80 feet. Fans of motorsports will enjoy exploring Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing and the competition at Bubba Raceway Park, which is Florida’s oldest dirt track. Only an hour or so 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 away from Marion County.

In the Heart of Florida’s Horse Country Ocala/Marion County, located in Central Florida north of Orlando, is an easy reach from anywhere along I-75. Here are driving times from major cities: Orlando and Tampa, 1.5 hours; Jacksonville, two hours; Tallahassee, three hours; Miami, five hours; Mobile and Atlanta, six hours. Ocala International Airport is a city-owned, public airport located five miles west of Ocala in Marion County and is the region’s premier general aviation airport serving commercial, industrial and corporate needs. Another option is Shady International Airport, located in Ocala.

OCALA/MARION COUNTY SPORTS COMMISSION Corry Locke, Sports Marketing Specialist 352-438-2839 • corry.locke@marioncountyfl.org Sports.OcalaMarion.com

Sports Planning Guide

ORLANDO NORTH, FL. Facilities are State of the Art 1. Boombah Sports Complex at Seminole County Sports: Baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, football Boombah Sports Complex is innovatively designed when it comes to American baseball facilities. Boombah Sports Complex spans 100 acres and 3 batting cages, 15 playing fields, bullpen space and state-of-the-art LED lighting. Nine of the fields consist of artificial turf, while the other six are natural grass. The fences vary is distance from 315 to 385 feet, making this venue perfect for tourneys geared towards just about any age group. The complex also has more than 900 parking spaces, a 1.2-mile recreational trail, three concession stands and a playground.

2. Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park Sports: Fast-pitch softball, youth baseball Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park offers six lighted athletic fields, all of which are natural turf and have 220-foot fences. All the fields are build and designed to meet NCAA softball regulations. One field is designated as the Stadium Field, and boasts increased capacity and is used for championship games. 22

Sports Planning Guide

Theme parks, great restaurants, attractions, amazing sports complexes and plenty of sunshineâ&#x20AC;Ś what more can a person ask for? 3. Seminole County Softball Complex Sports: Slow-pitch softball Those looking to host a softball tournament in the Orlando area should look no further than Seminole County Softball Complex. It has five lighted fields with 305-foot fences and covered dugouts. Players and coaches love the water fountains in the dugouts and the venue also features an 8,000-square-foot operations center.

4. Sanford Memorial Stadium Sports: Baseball This recently-renovated, 2,000-seat stadium once hosted the likes of Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays. Built in 1951, it was once home to the New York Giants and the Boston Braves, certifying its importance in baseball history. Extensive renovations were made to the stadium in 2001, including major improvements to the grandstands, a new arc design roof, and new clubhouses for both teams.

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5. Sylvan Lake Park Sports: Soccer, tennis, football Sylvan Lake Park is a go-to venue, especially when it comes to tennis and soccer. The complex boasts 11 tennis courts and six international-dimension soccer fields, four of which are equipped with lights. There are also locker rooms and 15,000 square feet of training space, ensuring that players will always have room to practice.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

6. Sanlando Park Sports: Tennis, volleyball, racquetball, basketball, Wallyball Sanlando Park is massive and flexible in terms of the sports it services. There are 25 hard-surface tennis courts, one of which is equipped with a tennis ball system. Sanlando also has eight four-wall, outdoor racquetball courts, two basketball courts, a sand volleyball court and four Wallyball courts.

Off Days are Fun Days At some point, players, coaches, and their families will step away from Orlando North’s amazing athletic facilities. That doesn’t mean their fun will end. Animal lovers will find more than 500 animal species, including the Southeast’s largest collection of venomous snakes and Non-venomous reptiles at Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Become one with nature while exploring the Wekiva River, one of only two National & Wild Scenic Rivers in the entire state of Florida. Want to see some gators? Take an airboat ride on Lake Jesup, a 100,000-year-old lake with one of the highest populations of alligators in Central Florida. Take a journey through time at the Museum of Seminole County History and learn all there is to know about the history of Seminole County. Orlando is also home to Walt Disney World, which was founded in 1971 and welcomes more than 52 million visitors every year.

Planner Perspective Central Florida USSSA gives the highest recommendation for Seminole County. We host numerous events throughout the year, ranging from qualifiers to state/national events. Their professionalism and work ethic are top notch, thus surpassing their competitors. They are in constant communication with us from the planning stage to the finalization of every event which in return eliminates errors/confusion. Their fields and facilities are maintained to the highest degree by their highly trained staff. We look forward to our continued partnership. —Tonya Waters, USSSA State Director, Girls Fastpitch

How to get to Orlando North, Seminole County Interstates 4 cuts right through Orlando, running from Daytona to Tampa. Interstates 75 and 95 are also major routes that take you around the state, while Florida’s Turnpike goes north-south through Orlando. Located right in Orlando North, Orlando Sanford International Airport offers a range of domestic and international flights in the backyard of your final sports destination.

ORLANDO NORTH Danny Trosset, Director or Sports Tourism 407-665-2902 • dtrosset@seminolecountyfl.gov PlayOrlandoNorth.com

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Planning a sports event in the world’s epicenter of amusement? There’s an easier way to do Orlando like an all-star. Venture north for state-of-the-art sports facilities including the new Boombah Sports Complex at Seminole County, a professional support team and more affordable hotels - all within a high-five of Orlando’s top attractions.

PLAY ORLANDO NORTH .COM

PASCO COUNTY, FL Pasco County Offers Outstanding Facilities

Pasco County offers the ideal terrain for numerous sports events, from running and cycling to lacrosse and golf.

1. Florida Hospital Center Ice

4. Saddlebrook Resort

Sports: Ice hockey, roller hockey, ice skating, figure skating, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, wrestling Florida Hospital Center Ice is the newest and largest state-ofthe-art ice arena and multi-sports complex in Florida. Florida Hospital Center Ice is a 150,500-square foot, five-rink complex with three North American Standard NHL ice rinks (200’ x 85’), one Olympic/ International standard ice rink (200’ x 100’), and one junior rink (80’ x 40’). The NHL rinks can also convert to a dry floor to accommodate basketball, soccer, lacrosse and volleyball.

Sports: Tennis, golf Saddlebrook Resort’s 480 acres are home to two Arnold Palmer signature golf courses and 45 tennis courts in all four Grand Slam surfaces. The resort recently hosted the Fed Cup World Group 2017 semifinals between the United States and the Czech Republic. Saddlebrook has also hosted many WTA events through the years, and continues to welcome tennis pros as well as enthusiasts who come for multi-day intense instructions. Tennis and golf are taken seriously at Saddlebrook, shown by the resort’s home to Saddlebrook Preparatory School.

2. Wiregrass Multi-Sports Complex Sports: Basketball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading, pickleball Coming Spring of 2019, this 98,000-square-foot multi-sports arena will include 16 volleyball courts, eight basketball courts, a competition cheer studio, 16 pickleball courts, two indoor soccer surfaces, two indoor lacrosse surfaces, two cheer competition areas, an athletic training center, meeting space, VIP observation area, educational lab, lounge area, concessions area, full-service kitchen, and the Residence Inn by Marriot Hotel.

3. Little Everglades Ranch Sports: Obstacle/mud racing, equestrian, cross country and cyclocross Little Everglades Ranch is a 2,050-acre working ranch specializing in breeding top-notch Hanoverian performance horses, as well as thoroughbred race horses. Little Everglades is also a host to many athletic events. The ranch features beautiful scenery and a versatile terrain with 500 groomed acres and 1,550 acres of fields, woods, lakes and wetlands perfect for many obstacle courses, runs and cyclocross events.

VISIT PASCO COUNTY Consuelo Sanchez, Tourism Program Manager 727-847-8129 • cbsanchez@pascocountyfl.net VisitPasco.net 25

Sports Planning Guide

What is there to do in Pasco County Florida? Whether you want your adventure in the air, land or sea, Pasco County has something for you. Hop in an air balloon at sunrise and checkout the beautiful views. Not adventurous enough? Take a plunge at 13,500 feet and accelerate to 120MPH over breathtaking Zephyrhills at Skydive City. When you're done, swing through the largest Aerial Adventure Park in Central Florida. Treehoppers has a total of eight different courses with over 100 unique elements. Hop on a jet ski or boat and explore the Gulf of Mexico, throw a tow rope on the back and grab your water skis; take a boat ride to enjoy a relaxing day at the island of Anclote Key. You’ll experience some of the unique treasures that Pasco County has to offer. You can take some time to go kayaking on its pristine coastline or on the Pithlachascotee River. You can also swim in its spring fed freshwater lake with white sandy beach at Sunwest Park or enjoy a fun day at its newly-opened wakeboard park.

How Do You Get to Pasco County Florida? Pasco County is located about 30 miles north of Tampa and roughly 50 miles west of Orlando. Both the Tampa Bay International Airport and the Orlando International Airport are served by most major airlines, and offer hundreds of daily flights from all corners of the country. Pasco is located north of Tampa off I-75 or the Suncoast Parkway. Visitors can easily access it by car from this major highway, or three others: I-275, U.S. 19 and U.S. 41. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL Elite Facilities for Everything from Baseball and Football to Polo and Water Skiing

Bring your game to Palm Beach County, Florida for an easy-to-plan, successful event combined with a sunny vacation.

1. Ballpark of the Palm Beaches

2. Roger Dean Stadium

Sports: Baseball, soccer, field hockey, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, rugby, flag football Ballpark of the Palm Beaches is the new spring training home to the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros. Palm Beach County is the only Florida county with four MLB teams in two world-class training facilities. The complex features a stadium with 6,400 fixed seats as well as an additional 1,000 seats in the outfield berm, 6 luxury boxes, two (2) party decks, 12 supplementary practice fields with professional dimensions, and seven (7) multipurpose fields built to FIFA specifications for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and a variety of other field sports. With the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, Roger Dean Stadium, and the Santaluces Athletic Complex, Palm Beach County has the ability to use 30 MLB-quality diamonds.

Sports: Baseball Roger Dean Stadium is the spring training home of the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals. The 7,000 seat stadium features luxury sky-box seating, permanent seating, parking and concessions and 12 supplementary practice fields. This facility has played host to USA Baseball National Team Championships and Perfect Game’s WWBA World Championship for over 10 years.

Sports Planning Guide

3. International Polo Club Sports: Polo, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, flag football, ultimate frisbee The International Polo Club (IPC) was selected as “Florida’s Sports Venue of the Year” in 2016 by the Florida Sports Foundation. IPC is the home to the world polo circuit, which culminates with the prestigious United States Open Polo @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

Championship. Apart from polo, the International Polo Club hosted some of the nation’s largest sports events in 2016. IPC was home to the world’s largest field hockey tournament, one of the largest soccer events and several lacrosse tournaments.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

4. Delray Tennis Center Sports: Tennis The Delray Beach Tennis Center is a full-service public tennis facility with 14 clay courts, 6 hard courts, and an 8,200 seat stadium located in the heart of Delray Beach, FL. The Delray Beach Tennis Center features an upstairs pavilion and conference room, pro-shop with locker rooms, racquet stringing, and merchandise. In addition, Delray Beach is home to the Delray Swim & Tennis Club, located on Jaeger Drive.

5. Florida Atlantic University Stadium

Sports: Football, soccer, lacrosse The 30,000-seat, multi-purpose stadium, the home of FAU football, is equipped with a press level, five (5) locker rooms and two (2) suite levels consisting of 24 suites. It has hosted the Olympic Gold Medalwinning 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.

6. Okeeheelee Park Sports: Water skiing, baseball, softball, soccer, golf, tennis, BMX/cycling 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 Olympic-qualifying series.

Plenty to do When the Final Whistle Blows Between, before or after games, there is plenty to keep your group busy. Of course, you can always direct 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 170 golf courses. Lion Country Safari African Adventure offers a live safari experience—without requiring a passport. The drive-through park abounds with lions, wildebeests, zebras and other animals from Africa and South America. You can encounter even more 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 and home to alligators, manatees, snakes, sea turtles, rare birds and more than 600 species of fish.

A Great Location on Florida’s Atlantic Coast Getting to Palm Beach by ground is a cinch via Interstate 95 or the Florida Turnpike. There is also the West Palm Beach station served by Amtrak passenger rail and Tri-Rail commuter rail service. Fly directly to the county into Palm Beach International Airport, serving over six million passengers each year.

PALM BEACH COUNTY Glen Allen, Director of Event Development 561-233-3174 • gallen@palmbeachsports.com PalmBeachSports.com

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ST. PETE/ CLEARWATER, FL Facilities are Thriving in Sunny Florida 1. Sand Key Park Sports: Various Beach Sports, Open Water Swimming, Paddling Visitors never get tired of taking in the immaculate scenery at Clearwater's Sand Key Park, where there are opportunities to lie on the beach, play a game of sand volleyball or take a stroll by the ocean. This peaceful paradise boasts beach cabanas, large bathhouses, a dog park, a playground and seasonal lifeguards. It is the perfect spot for a serene family vacation or maybe even a volleyball tournament.

2. Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex Sports: Softball The Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex boasts nine fields at three different locations, all of which are situated on Drew Street and connected by the East-West Trail. There are five 200-foot fields, two 250-feet fields and two 200-foot fields, along with soft-toss areas for warm-ups. 30

Sports Planning Guide

This world-class destination has all the attractions – museums, sports complexes and beaches – to be a top event location

3. North Shore Aquatic Complex Sports: Swimming, spring board diving North Shore, located on the St. Petersburg waterfront, is one of Florida’s premier locations for enjoying the water. Open yearround and a prime site for swim meets, it features a 50-meter Olympic size pool with a diving board, a 25-yard training pool with zero-depth entry, a play pool with a giant flume slide, a splash pad and accessible zero- depth entry throughout.

4. Oldsmar Disc Golf Course Sports: Disc golf Looking for a venue that is new? A place that doesn’t have any wear and tear? Look no further—Oldsmar Disc Golf Course held its grand opening on June 24, 2017, and has been growing in popularity ever since. Designed by Trevor Toenjes, this championship-style course offers 18 holes that vary in difficulty, with a mixture of open and heavily-wooded fairways.

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5. Long Center Sports: Swimming, spring board diving, basketball, volleyball, football, running, soccer Located in Clearwater, the Long Center contains a 50-meter Olympic size pool and a heated training pool. It also boasts a stateof-the-art gym and fitness center equipped with treadmills, elliptical machines, bikes, and a stair stepper. There are also football and soccer fields, paved paths and a playground.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

6. Golf Courses Sports: Golf St. Pete/Clearwater boasts 52 courses with four major courses that tourists flock to, including the Innisbrook Golf Resort in Palm Harbor. Innisbrook is home to four incredible golf courses: Copperhead Course, North Course, South Course and Island Course. Designed by architect Lawrence Packard, all feature some of the most beautiful scenery you will find in the state of Florida. The highlight might be Copperhead Course, which hosts the world’s best players each March when the PGA TOUR holds the Valspar Championship.

What Can We Do in St. Pete/Clearwater? The first checkpoint should be The Dali Museum, home to the largest collection of Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali’s works outside of Spain. Located in the heart of downtown St. Pete, this attraction plays a vital role in the cultural life of the community, inspiring and delighting visitors with the renowned artist’s greatest works. Those inclined to the arts might also consider stopping at the Morean Arts Center, which displays works by local, national and international artists, as well as The Chihuly Collection, boasting a stunning, permanent collection of world-renowned glass blowing artist, Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork. Sunken Gardens is an awe-inspiring place boasting more than 60,000 tropical plants and flowers. Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a rescue, rehabilitation and release center, specializing in dolphins, sea turtles, otters and more, is perfect for animal enthusiasts.

Planner Perspective Since 2003 Oldsmar BMX and the St. Pete Clearwater Sports & Events team have been host to the annual USA BMX Gator Nationals, one of our most prestigious events. St. Pete Clearwater Sports & Events is unequivocally one of the best we work with year after year. It is their dedication to sport and BMX racing that has allowed to grow the event year after year, and we could not be happier to have them as one of our most valued partners. –John David, Chief Operating Officer, USA BMX

Getting to St. Petersburg/Clearwater The destination is connected to Tampa easterly by causeways and bridges, and to Bradenton in the south by Interstate 275. Other main arteries around St. Pete/Clearwater include Interstates 175 and 375. Besides St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, there’s Tampa International Airport, which is 20 miles from St. Pete/Clearwater. Sarasota-Bradenton Airport is around 31 miles away, while Orlando’s Airport is just a 90-minute drive.

ST. PETERSBURG Sarah Kirchberg Senior Business Development Manager 727-464-7242 • sarah@visitspc.com SportsSPC.com

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6 Sports Planning Guide

TALLAHASSEE, FL

Warm weather for year-round play and exceptional facilities make Tallahassee a premier destination for your next competition.

Top-Flight Florida Facilities 1. Apalachee Regional Park

plex includes two officials towers with air conditioning. All fields have operational scoreboards that can be controlled from field level or the officials tower, new shade shelters and ample parking. The complex also features the state-of-the-art, 26,000-square-foot Mike Blankenship Skate Park.

Sports: Cross country, hiking, cycling, football, soccer, lacrosse This multi-use park includes a rare site designed specifically for cross country running and has hosted prestigious meets such as NCAA D1 South Regional Cross Country Championship, USATF Club Cross Country Championship and the Florida High School Athletic Association Cross Country State Championship. This trail is a pristine, multi-surface course that can host small and large running events. The facility features numerous course/distance options through the rolling hills and pine forests. When the trail is not being used for a running event, it is available to the general public for hiking, running and biking.

Sports: Basketball, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading, martial arts The primary athletic facility for Florida A&M University houses four basketball/volleyball courts on the arena floor. The main arena features bleacher seating for 8,400 people, a video scoreboard and a comprehensive arena sound system.

2. Donald L. Tucker Civic Center

What to do in Tallahassee

Sports: Basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, wrestling, martial arts The home of FSU Seminoles basketball seats 12,600 spectators and can accommodate groups with 54,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space. The arena’s wood court can be replaced with carpet or turf surfaces to accommodate your competition’s needs.

3. Forestmeadows Park & Athletic Center Sports: Soccer, lacrosse, football, tennis Ten lighted soccer fields (six regulation-sized and four designed for 7 vs. 7 competition) welcome teams across all levels. The venue is also recognized for its tennis facilities, which include 19 lighted clay and hard courts, a racquetball court and a clubhouse with changing rooms. The USTA Tennis Challenger takes place here.

4. James Messer Sports Complex Sports: Baseball, softball, skateboarding The James Messer Sports Complex is a baseball/softball facility that includes 11 lighted fields and a Miracle League Field. The com-

VISIT TALLAHASSEE Amanda Heidecker, Director of Sports 850-606-2317 • amanda.heidecker@visittallahassee.com VisitTallahassee.com 32

Sports Planning Guide

5. Lawson Center at Florida A&M University

The 1,600-acre Florida State University campus near downtown Tallahassee hosts group tours throughout the year, and your athletes can watch a Seminoles football game at Doak Campbell Stadium or a basketball game at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Nearby is the Florida Capitol Complex, which includes history museums, state government offices and the Capitol Building available for touring. Here, your athletes can see the original state senate chambers, governor’s office and galleries that showcase local artists. Groups looking for outdoor activities should consider St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, a wintering home for migratory birds. The Tallahassee Museum showcases animals in their native habitats and features an in-air obstacle course and zip line. For more historic reenactment, visit Mission San Luis, a reconstructed Spanish mission and host to costumed interpreters who discuss colonial Florida life. For more information on things to see and do in Florida's Capital City go to, www.VisitTallahassee.com

How to Get to Tallahassee The city’s main artery is Interstate 10, which runs from Jacksonville and goes all the way to Los Angeles. Tallahassee is within six hours from New Orleans, Mobile, Orlando, Tampa and Atlanta. Tallahassee International Airport, served by American Airlines, Delta and Silver Airways, is less than 15 minutes from downtown. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

POLK COUNTY, CENTRAL FLORIDA Why choose Polk County? Central Florida's Polk County is an ideal place for sporting events with top-notch facilities, and provides visitors with a unique and enjoyable experience in their downtime. Central Florida Sports Marketing makes planning easy, and provides coaches and visitors assistance every step of the way. Besides an abundance of tourist attractions in popular destinations throughout the region, Central Florida's Polk County also provides adventurous experiences in its wonderful natural parks, preserves and trails.

Facilities 1. Lake Myrtle Sports Complex Sports: Soccer, baseball, cross country, cycling Fully-equipped soccer and baseball fields and winding bike trails leading through Polk County’s historic downtowns make this facility ideal for traveling sports teams. Lake Myrtle Sports Complex’s 11 soccer fields are fully irrigated, lighted and sodded with type 419 Bermuda grass on playing surfaces. With an 34

Sports Planning Guide

With year-round sunny, ideal weather and state-of-the-art sports facilities, look no further than Central Florida for your next sporting event. electronic scoreboard and seating for 1,000 spectators, the stadium field is great for larger games. Each field is manicured daily, and the premise provides two main concession stands with bathrooms, a meeting space for events and five pavilions throughout the soccer complex. The complex also provides nine baseball fields, including a main stadium field.

2. RP Funding Center Sports: Soccer, football, basketball, hockey, martial arts Since 1974, RP Funding Center in Lakeland has been the leading convention and entertainment complex in Polk County. Currently home to the Florida Tropics SC of the Major Arena Soccer League, the center will soon be home to Lakeland Magic, the Orlando Magic’s affiliate in the NBA G League. With such household names, this multi-use complex provides sports teams with a professional, big league experience. As the only multipurpose facility in Polk County with four distinct venues, RP Funding Center includes the nearly 10,000-seat George Jenkins Arena, 2,296-seat Youkey Theatre, 28,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall and the 34,000-square-foot Conference Center. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

3. Winter Haven Fieldhouse Sports: Basketball, volleyball, martial arts The newly proposed field house located within Winter Haven’s Chain O’ Lakes Complex is expected to have a 2019 completion date, and will provide sports teams with a strategically renovated, state of the art sporting facility. The new field house will be approximately 99,900square-feet, and include 12 volleyball and six basketball courts, which will presumably become the training space for Lakeland Magic, Polk County’s professional basketball team of the NBA G League.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

4. Winter Haven DiamondPlex Softball Complex Sports: Softball, youth baseball Since 1998, DiamondPlex’s award-winning complex has been home to adult and youth amateur softball tournaments, with unique features including red, crushed limestone warning tracks, modern lighting, bleachers seating 1,200 spectators and equipped scoreboards with game clocks. Permanently housing the Polk State College Women’s Softball Team, the facility includes four 300-foot fields and one 210-foot field, with batting cages, bullpens, locker rooms and showers.

5. Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium Sports: Baseball Known as the spring training home for the Detroit Tigers and the regular season home for the minor league affiliates Lakeland Flying Tigers and Gulf Coast Tigers, Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland underwent tremendous renovations before the 2017 season. It was recently deemed the winner in the third-annual Minor League Baseball Best of the Ballparks 2017 fan vote from Ballpark Digest. A family-friendly atmosphere, the stadium seats 8,500 spectators, and has concession stands, restrooms and accessible wheelchair seating.

An abundance of attractions and activities If choosing one of Winter Haven’s sports complexes for your next event, a trip to Legoland Florida Resort is a must. The 150-acre interactive theme park features beautiful botanic gardens, more than 50 rides, shows, attractions restaurants and shops. Take a walk on the wild side at Safari Wilderness, located in Lakeland. If seeking an educational experience, the Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture collection at Florida Southern College was once voted by The Princeton Review as “The Most Beautiful Campus in the Nation,” and is a National Historic Landmark. To experience some of Polk County’s most breathtaking natural beauty, visit Lake Wales Ridge, Floodplain Swamps, Wet Prairie and Scrubby Flatwoods.

How can my team get to Polk County? Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport are excellent ways to reach Central Florida's Polk County. If traveling by car, I-95 and I-75 both run north-south. From there, you'll have to use I-4, which travels East and West, to reach the various areas of the Central Florida's Polk County region.

POLK COUNTY, CENTRAL FL Marc Zimmerman, Senior Sales and Events Manager 863-551-4726 • zimm@centralfloridasports.com CentralFloridaSports.com

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Sports Planning Guide