SPG SportsPlanningGuide.com • 2019
MISSOURI GUIDE
Sports Industry Trends for 2019
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Site InSpections
of Event-Ready Destinations and Their Top Venues
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GREAT
RIVER
IN
CITIES
MISSOURI
Savor the sights and sounds
of bustling communities alongside tranquil waters
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issouri may be landlocked in the Midwest, but with hundreds of miles of rivers flowing through its fertile terrain, the Show Me State is an appealing destination for lovers of waterside attractions. Here are eight riverside locales that will entertain your team.
1. Arrow Rock In northern Missouri near the Missouri River, the village of Arrow Rock has been designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its association with Westward Expansion and the Santa Fe Trail. Arrow Rock is home to several historic sites, including the J. Huston Tavern, which was established in 1834 and is the oldest operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River, and the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, the oldest theater in Missouri. Visitors can also explore the home of George Caleb Bingham, who is considered one of the greatest American painters of the 19th century. 2 162
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2. Cape Girardeau This elegant town in Southeast Missouri features Riverfront Park, a 1.5-acre park where riverboats dock and visitors can view the Mississippi River. The park contains a riverfront walk/bike trail and has a flood wall that displays murals designed to both educate about local history and display inspiring artwork. Just north of Cape Girardeau resides Trail of Tears State Park, with its pristine view of sharp ridges and steep ravines. This is where Cherokee Indians crossed the Mississippi on their forced relocation from the southeastern United States to Oklahoma during the harsh winter of 1838-39. The park has a section of the original removal route and a memorial dedicated to the thousands who died on the march.
Missouri is filled with popular attractions like the stainless-steel Arch (above), which rises 630 feet. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
3. Hannibal Hannibal, 100 miles north of St. Louis, is all about Mark Twain, who grew up there as Samuel Clemens and went on to become one of America’s foremost storytellers. Groups can tour the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, which encompasses several Main Street properties related to Hannibal’s famous son and characters from his books. A Mark Twain Riverboat cruise and tour of nearby Mark Twain Cave, immortalized in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, round out a Hannibal visit.
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Hermann
This little town is nestled among the rolling hillsides of the Missouri River, in a countryside reminiscent of Germany’s Rhine Valley. Specialty tracks can include shopping tours, a village tour with music or a visit to Hermann Wurst House, a shop that makes German sausages and smoked bacons. The arts and crafts of yesteryear are well preserved in the Historic Hermann Museum at the German School. Built in 1871, the building served as Hermann’s elementary school until 1955. Hermann’s Stone Hill Winery offers tours of the largest series of underground cellars in North America. Its Vintage Restaurant occupies a beautifully restored carriage house and horse barn.
5. St. Charles A western neighbor of St. Louis, St. Charles attracts visitors with an extensive historic shopping district offering 70-some specialty shops housed in 19th century brick buildings on tree-lined Main Street. The riverfront Lewis & Clark Boat House, Museum and Nature Center features replicas of boats used in the famous Corps of Discovery expedition, which headed west from St. Charles in 1804. Another stop is Missouri’s First State Capitol, restored to its 1821-26 appearance.
6. Ste. Genevieve The shores of the Mississippi River are awash in history and a natural place to visit is Ste. Genevieve, the oldest town in Missouri. The town’s French character dates from the 1740s when the region was part of a vast territory held by France. Several buildings from the French colonial era, like the 1792 Louis Bolduc House, are open for tours. Located an hour south of St. Louis, the quaint town of 5,400, a National Historic Landmark, abounds with art galleries, gifts and antique shops. Louis Bolduc House
Mark Twain Riverboat
7. St. Joseph Hoofbeats of the Pony Express seem to echo in St. Joseph, a river city an hour north of Kansas City. A legendary chapter in American history that began on April 3, 1860, the short-lived transcontinental mail service between St. Joseph and Sacramento, is enshrined in the Pony Express National Museum, which occupies the stables from which riders left on horseback. The Pony Express office was at the Patee Hotel, now the Patee House Museum. Besides the re-created Pony Express office, you can see vintage autos, fire trucks and train cars, plus a street filled with model shops and offices from the early 1900s. On the Patee House grounds is the Jesse James Home, the scene of the outlaw’s death in 1992 at the hands of a fellow gang member. See the bullet hole in the wall and artifacts from his grave.
8. St. Louis St. Louis’ $380-million CityArchRiver project seamlessly connects downtown with the Gateway Arch and riverfront. The stainless-steel Arch, rising 630 feet from a forested park set above the banks of the Mississippi River, is part of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the area for which was designated a National Historic Site in 1935. The Arch is the tallest manmade monument in the U.S. and commemorates America’s westward expansion in the 19th century. Those visiting the Arch will find new landscaping along with a new visitor center and museum. Those seeking a different view of the Arch and St. Louis’ skyline can travel through time on a replica 19th century paddle-wheeled riverboat. Day or night, riverboats offer stunning skyline views while cruising on the mighty Mississippi. SPG SportsPlanningGuide.com
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BRANSON, MO
BOASTING PREMIUM FACILITIES AND MORE ATTRACTIONS THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE, BRANSON IS THE GO-TO SPORTS DESTINATION FOR SEASONS TO COME
When it’s not game time, bask in all the fun Branson’s world-class attractions offer. With some of the world’s largest museums, signature golf courses and towering roller coaster rides, this vibrant city in southwest Missouri is the place to be for teams of all ages. Planning is made even easier with affordable accommodations equaling over 18,000 rooms. There are so many things to do and so many places to stay in Branson that you’ll simply have to keep coming back to experience them all!
Things to do in Branson 2018 ushered in a wave of new attractions for Branson. Athletes and their families can whiz through the Ozark Mountains in just minutes on the $26 million Time Traveler at Silver Dollar City theme park. For more excitement, try out the Alpine-style Branson Coaster or the daring rides at Bigfoot Fun Park. Branson has a place for thrill seekers as well as nature junkies, who can camp out in the mountains and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. During your time outdoors, go for an unforgettable ride on the Branson Jet Boats. The adventure doesn’t stop there—climb aboard the newly renovated Showboat Branson Belle, a luxurious lake cruise that features fireworks displays, fabulous dining options and holiday-themed shows. 4 164
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Check out Big Cedar Lodge, with new additions to Fun Mountain including new NASCAR-themed go-carts and four-story ropes course, offering even more fun for the whole family. Relax with a game of golf at the Lodge’s professionally designed Mountain Top Golf Course and soon-to-be-open Payne’s Valley Golf Course. Aside from sports, young visitors can add to their knowledge at several of the city’s museums. Take a tour at the Celebrity Museum, the Dinosaur Museum or the Titanic Branson, the museum with the largest display of Titanic artifacts in the world.
How to Get to Branson Branson is located approximately 35 miles south of Springfield, MO via US Highway 65. Branson Airport (BKG), the city’s closest airport, which opened in 2009. SpringfieldBranson National Airport has flights with American Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta, and United – then drive about 50 miles due south to Branson.
@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
1. Branson RecPlex Sports: Multi-sport The Branson RecPlex is always busy hosting prestigious sports tournaments, with its annual event being the USSSA Girls and Boys World Series in July. Covering 35 acres and 44,000 square feet, this massive facility is equipped with an indoor track, gymnasiums and fitness center. Outdoors, you will find four pavilions, soccer fields, a baseball field with its own amenities, playgrounds and walking trails. Swimmers can train and compete at the 12,000-square-foot aquatics center with a zero-depth entry leisure pool, lap lines, water slides and diving well. Athletes will also have access to locker rooms and picnic areas. Celebrate your victories in the party spaces or community rooms. Concessions and restrooms are conveniently located throughout the building.
2. Branson Convention Center Sports: Archery, basketball, crossfit, dance, futsal, martial arts, volleyball Situated in the center of the $420 million Branson Landing development in historic downtown Branson, the Branson Convention Center has everything you need to organize any tournament. This grand complex totals 110,000-squarefeet of event space with 14 convertible rooms. Among these spacious rooms is an estimated 47,000-square-foot exhibit hall that connects to a 22,000-square-foot ballroom. Upcoming tournaments at the convention center include the Missouri National Archery in Schools State Championship in March 2019.
3. Ballparks of America Sports: Baseball
Planner Perspective Babe Ruth League, Inc. made a historical decision to move our Cal Ripken Division Major/70 World Series to Branson, Missouri. The support and extra efforts provided by the City of Branson and Mayor Karen Best, as well as the Convention & Visitors Bureau and Director of Sports Marketing and Development, Terra Alphonso, has continually exceeded our expectations. This successful partnership has resulted in a first-class and extraordinary experience for our players, as well as their parents, coaches, supporters and fans. —Robert Faherty, Vice President, Babe Ruth League
Branson Chamber and CVB Yvonne Long Title: Sales Manager Phone: 417-243-2121 Email: ylong@bransoncvb.com Website: www. ExploreBranson.com
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Known as the chosen site for the 2018 Babe Ruth League/ Cal Ripken Major 70 World Series, Ballparks of America is the ideal venue for America’s favorite pastime. Both youth and adult leagues compete at the St. Louis Stadium, which seats 500 spectators around a 235 x 265 x 235-foot field. This lovely turf field is complete with an arched outfield, terra cotta infield and sunken dugouts. Elevated seats and modern Musco lighting make for perfect views of the game. While you’re in town for your own tournament, catch the St. Louis Cardinals playing at the iconic Busch Stadium.
4. Branson’s Tri-Lakes Sports: Water sports Ride the waves at Branson’s Taneycomo, Bull Shoals and Table Rock lakes. Each lake is no stranger to hosting all kinds of water events daily, such as fishing, jet skiing, tubing, boating, water skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, boating, wakeboarding, sailing and kayaking. Throughout the years, they have also been the chosen venue for several prestigious competitions, such at the FLW and Bassmaster fishing tournaments, the King of Wake pro wakeboarding events and the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon. Lake Taneycomo is a popular spot for trout fishing in its own right, while Table Rock and Bulls Shoals are consistently included in Bassmaster Magazine’s Top 50 Best Bass Lakes. Sight & Sound Theatres is famous for “where the Bible comes to life.” Along the way, purchase gifts from hundreds of local vendors and explore Branson’s dynamic local food scene. Sports Planning Guide
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St. Joseph, MO
St. Joseph, Missouri is one of the country’s finest destinations for tournament planners and sports enthusiasts alike. This picturesque town sits on the Missouri River and boasts some of the finest sports facilities in the state. From Griffon Indoor Complex — home of the Missouri Western State University Griffons — to Bode Ice Arena, a tournament planner cannot go wrong in setting up an event in St. Joseph. Those two are big attractions, but this city also offers the Civic Arena for events of any kind, Heritage Park Softball Complex, and the REC Center. In fact, St. Joseph knows sports so well, the National Football League’s Kansas City Chiefs use the Griffon Complex each year for their annual training camp. St. Joseph also has some of the country’s most interesting museums and peaceful nature areas as well. Visitors should stop by the Pony Express Museum and the Glore Psychiatric Museum before heading to the Walter Cronkite Memorial. If this isn’t enough, the Remington Nature Center is a can’t-miss attraction where history and nature collide. The Pony Express Museum honors the Pikes Peak Stables and the Pony Express riders. These riders traveled all the way from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California — with the hopes of uniting a nation divided by distance. This museum is exciting, educational, and altogether enjoyable. Next, visitors will want to explore the Glore Psychiatric Museum, which is regularly distinguished as
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one of the most unusual museums in the United States. It chronicles the 130-year history of the state hospital and centuries of mental health treatment.
How to get to St. Joseph St. Joseph is served by two interstate highways and four U.S. Routes. I-29 runs south to Kansas City and north to Iowa. I-229 acts as a western bypass to St. Joseph. The nearest major airport is Kansas City International Airport, approximately 35 miles to the south.
Planner Perspective “St. Joseph provides the amenities of a big city with the customized service of a small town. The CVB staff is among the best of the best and are actively involved in the planning and execution of our event. They go above and beyond to diligently meet the needs of their customers. It is a pleasure to do business in St. Joseph!” – Trish Lutz, Vice President – Programs, Special Olympics MO
@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT 1. Griffon Indoor Sports Complex
Sports: Football, baseball, soccer, men’s and women’s golf This massive indoor facility, opened on July 21, 2010, cost $10.3 million to build — and it was worth every penny. Griffon Indoor Sports Complex has been a valuable asset to Missouri Western State University sports teams, serving Griffon football, softball, baseball, soccer, and men’s and women’s golf. In the summer, it plays home to the Kansas City Chiefs. The complex has a 100-yard turf indoor field, a state-of-theart locker room, a 120-seat theatre, and an athletic training room. In addition, there’s the Herzog Strength Training Room, which spans 5,500 square feet and includes top-notch technology to make working out efficient and enjoyable. With all these features, it would be a mistake to miss out on this sparkling indoor facility.
3. Heritage Park Softball Complex
Sports: Softball, kickball, outdoor festivals This sprawling sports complex is filled with five dazzling softball fields. Named the 2009 National Amateur Softball Association Complex of the Year, Heritage Park has hosted 10 national tournaments, several regional and state tournaments, and numerous local contests since its opening in 2003. Each field includes covered dugouts, scoreboard, and state-ofthe-art lighting. The Championship Field has a press box and bleacher seating for up to 1,200 people. The complex is also great for kids: there is a playground with a rubber floor just outside the pavilion. Heritage Park Softball Complex is set to host USA Softball National Qualifiers this summer.
2. Civic Arena
Sports: Basketball, football, bull riding, wrestling, weightlifting, cheerleading, dance, tumbling The beauty of Civic Arena comes in its incredible flexibility. It has seating capacities that enable accommodation of any type of event. General assembly seating can provide for 4,200 spectators, or 19,000 square feet of exhibit space along with seating for 2,300 people. Some features event planners might be interested in: top-of-the-line acoustics, great lighting, and meeting rooms throughout the arena. Overall, Civic Arena is St. Joseph’s most adaptable facility.
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Lindsay Bernard
Sports Marketing Sales Manager Phone: 816-233-6688 or 800-785-0360 Email: LBernard@StJoMo.com Website: www.stjomo.com
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Cape Girardeau, MO
This small city along the Mississippi River plans national sports tournaments for big-time players. Affectionately known as the Cape, this busy town draws thousands of people, many of whom are sports fans looking to cheer on their favorite teams. Everyone, from tournament planners to families, will feel relieved by the sense of camaraderie they’ll encounter as they navigate their new town. Not to mention, they will come across some unique finds given the Cape’s rich history and numerous attractions
Things to do in Cape Girardeau Once a tiny trading town, Cape Girardeau has grown into an industrious city that sees about 90,000 people on a daily basis. Those traveling to the Cape will revel in its simultaneous tranquility and excitement. To start, visitors have the option to stay at the Drury Suites, Drury Plaza Hotel, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Suites and Candlewood Suites, among several other hotels. Tournament planners and athletes will find tons of fun in the Cape, from nature excursions to unique shopping experiences. Families can indulge in water park rides at the Cape Girardeau Splash Aquatic Center, which covers 3.5 acres and includes a 700-foot lazy river, a waterfall and intricate slides. Wildlife adventures also await—think exploring the 3,415-acre Trail of Tears State Park, which offers breathtaking views of one of the country’s longest 8 168
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rivers, or observing exotic plants and wildlife at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. Young athletes can improve their daily skills at the Cape Girardeau Discovery Playhouse.
How to Get to Cape Girardeau A number of highways lead to Cape Girardeau, with the easiest routes being along I-55 and Exit 91 (MO AB). Many visitors traveling by car also take I-57 S.The Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, just under 15 minutes away from the city itself, remains the most convenient way to get to town if you’re flying from the Midwest. United services flights from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.
Planner Perspective “We always receive positive feedback from our participants! The players, coaches, and parents always leave telling us they haven’t seen anything like the Sports Plex and when we host elsewhere we have teams try and compare other facilities to the SportsPlex!” – Sam Swinford, AthElite Sports Management, Under Armour Summer Select Tournament
@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
3. Show Me Center Sports: Multi-sport
1. Cape SportsPlex Sports: Multi-sport
The Cape Girardeau SportsPlex, a 121,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art complex, is one of the Cape’s premier sports facilities. With 57,600 square feet of Anchorflex Northern Hardwood Maple Flooring covering six basketball courts that turn into 12 regulation volleyball courts, the complex is a basketball and volleyball haven. The Cape also contains 32,000 square feet of X-Gen Pro artificial turf. These neatly groomed grounds feature two regulation indoor turf soccer fields which meet FIFA standards. The facility features spectator seating, drop down curtains, a modern audio system and several scoreboards.
2. Shawnee Park Sports Complex Sports: Baseball, softball, soccer
Boasting 14 regulation soccer fields, eight softball/baseball fields and two football fields, the Shawnee Park Sports Complex is the largest youth and adult sports facility between St. Louis, Western Kentucky, Western Tennessee and Northern Mississippi. Those out to play baseball, softball or football will find eight fully lit fields equipped with lighted scoreboards and estimated 300-foot fences. Nighttime soccer players have access to 14 fields, six of which are lit. All fields are complete with pavilion seating, concessions stands and restrooms.
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Southeast Missouri State University’s Show Me Center is located right on campus and has hosted the college’s Redhawks basketball teams since 1987. This notable venue, which underwent a $5.62 million renovation in 2015, now sports new amenities, such as a center-hung video display, high-tech audio system, LED lighting scoreboards and shot clocks. Aside from the 7,300-seat arena, tournament planners can hold meetings in separate spaces.
4. Osage Centre
Sports: Basketball, volleyball The Osage Centre provides 16,6677-square-feet of playing space for tournament planners and athletes. This main floor can be converted into either two fully lined volleyball courts or four fully lined basketball courts. Training takes place in a separate fitness room, equipped with an indoor track, classroom and workout gear.
Alyssa Phares
Senior Director of Sales and Strategy Phone: 573-335-1631 Email: aphares@visitcape.com Website: www.visitcape.com
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Maryland Heights, MO
West Suburban St. Louis sports facilities and location are a winning combination for athletic event planners. Maryland Heights, St. Louis’ backyard, offers a cornucopia of great facilities, superior lodging, fascinating eateries and plenty of non-sports entertainment. There are also two professional sports franchises, the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues, with proud sporting traditions, to solidify your marketing, enhance your event and make you look good.
Things to do in Maryland Heights Maryland Heights, Missouri is all about outdoor adventure, but when weather is less than permitting, the city still offers a variety of indoor activities fun for the whole family. Aquaport, Maryland Heights’ municipal outdoor waterpark, opened in May of this year and features an 8,000-squarefoot family-friendly pool with bubblers, sprinklers and fountains. For the most adventurous visitors, check out the park’s Extreme Bowl, an exhilarating waterslide sending riders straight down an enclosed tube-slide into a funnelshaped bowl, then splashing into a giant pool below! Whether you prefer water or land sports, Creve Coeur Lake Rentals has what you’re looking for. Spend a day here and rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, quadricycles or bicycles, an ideal way to get around the lake’s scenic bike path. 10 170
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How to Get to Maryland Heights The destination is easily accessible by car, Maryland Heights is less than a day’s trip from major cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, Memphis, Kansas City, and many others. Drivers from greater distances can reach Maryland Heights via I-70 (both east and west) I-55 (north and south) and I-44 from the southwest. Lambert - St. Louis International Airport is a six mile drive to Maryland Heights, with many hotels that offer complementary shuttle service to and from the airport and all hotels offer complementary parking.
Planner Perspective “One of the things that keeps me coming back to Sportport is the fact that they treat my tournaments like their own. They’re always very accommodating and do whatever it takes to make sure the tournament is a success. Another huge plus is Sportport is located in Maryland Heights which is such a family-friendly and affordable area in St. Louis! There’s so much for our participants to do after games in Maryland Heights whether it’s hopping on a zip line, trying their skills at an Escape Game, or having a blast at Dave & Busters! And it’s just a short 15 minute drive to most everything St. Louis is known for!” – Robyn Gross, Tournament Director, Sporting STL Premier Cup @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
4. Creve Coeur Park & Lake
Sports: Marathons, triathlons, archery, Frisbee disc golf and more
1. Creve Coeur Park Soccer Complex
Sports: Soccer, lacrosse, flag football, ultimate Frisbee and more This complex contains 13 synthetic turf fields (11 lighted), including a standalone championship field with permanent seating for up to 500 spectators and two smaller, youth-sized natural grass fields. The complex features ample concessions, restrooms and lighted parking areas.
Creve Coeur Park and Lake offers a six mile path around the 320 acre lake for walking and hiking. The bike path also joins the Katy Trail which is perfect for hosting marathons, triathlons and more! There is a total of 11.9 miles of trails within the park. In addition Creve Coeur Park has archery, Frisbee disc golf, sand volleyball and horseshoe pits.
5. Upper Limits Rock Climbing Gym Sports: Rock climbing
2. Lou Fusz Soccer Complex
Sports: Soccer, lacrosse, football and more This complex is a large facility with 10 soccer fields, two of them grass and the rest featuring a synthetic grass surface. The complex also includes the Back Post Grill & Tap, a team store, pavilion and ample parking.
With 14,500 feet of climbing surface, Upper Limits Rock Climbing Gym may be the only full-service climbing gym in the nation. The facility can host your event’s scheduled program or you can use the regularly scheduled programming, such as Rocky Gym 101 which includes rental gear and 2 hours of instruction.
3. Sportport International
Sports: Soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, cross-country, ultimate Frisbee and more
Visit Maryland Heights Laura Brahan
Sportport International is St. Louis’ premier 90-acre multisport facility located in Maryland Heights that can play host to soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and cross-country events. It has a total of 15 fields, including six state-of-the-art turf fields, including a GreenFields watered turf stadium built for play at the International and World Championship levels.
Sales Director Phone: 314-548-6052 Email: laura@visitmarylandheights.org Website: www.visitmarylandheights.org
Game on!
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