SPG
2019
SOUTH CAROLINA GUIDE
A Great State for Professional Anglers
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Site InSpections
of Event-Ready Destinations and Their Top Venues
Palmetto State’s waters are perfect for big-time tourneys
Plenty of Fabulous Fishing in SC
A Premier Travel Media publication • www.SportsPlanningGuide.com
Lindsay Burns President
If you're searching for a place to hold a professional, amateur or collegiate sporting event, look no further. South Carolina is just right for champions. We're just right for soccer games, baseball tournaments, golf championships and tennis playoffs. And let's not forget about football, basketball and the awesome mud run challenges, 5K walks and runs and fishing tournaments. The Palmetto State has played host to national and worldwide organizations including the PGA Tour, NCAA, Women’s Tennis Association, Bassmasters, International Quidditch Association, USA Cycling and so many more. Whether your event is small or large, professional or amateur, the members of the South Carolina Sports Alliance (SCSA) are committed to helping you create an atmosphere where your sporting event can achieve the utmost success. From the deep forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the beautiful beaches of the Grand Strand, South Carolina's diverse landscapes promise a memorable escape to the great outdoors. Our charming small towns, coastal cities and inland areas offer a unique setting for indoor and outdoor sports. With award-winning restaurants, affordable accommodations and plenty of exciting attractions to keep athletes, families and spectators entertained, we can deliver an unforgettable experience. Did we mention the unrivaled southern hospitality our visitors are certain to receive? You just might want to come back for your vacation! Start planning your event in South Carolina today. Our team is ready to assist you in planning a winning event that your participants won’t forget. Become a champion in South Carolina! Sincerely,
Lindsay Burns President
Tournament Fishing Means Big Dollars in South Carolina South Carolina is home to numerous fishing tournaments that have a sizable economic impact on the state.
The Palmetto State’s abundance of fresh water lakes and rivers, brackish bays and the Atlantic Ocean bring big-time fishing tournaments and a positive economic impact 4 360
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n mid-March of 2018, the Bassmaster Classic was held on Lake Hartwell in South Carolina’s upstate region. This is the third Classic on Lake Hartwell and the first since 2015, which had the third highest attendance of any Classic. More than 100,000 people were spread between the Green Pond Landing launch site in Anderson, the weigh-in at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, or the trade show at the TD Convention Center, the latter two taking place in Greenville. The anticipated $23 million economic impact of the Classic was exceeded. Visitor spending impacted hotels, restaurants, retailers and gas stations. The 30-acre, deep water Green Pond Landing facility was opened just prior to the 2018 Classic. Between the Geico Bassmaster and Walmart FLW tournaments along with numerous additional competitive events, it’s estimated the launch site alone will have an economic impact of more than $10 million annually. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
Regardless of the season, the Palmetto State hosts fishing tournaments almost every week.
August 2017 was the third time the Fishing League Worldwide Forrest Wood Cup had been held at Lake Murray, near Columbia. Fiftythree of the world’s best anglers competed in the FLW’s leading event. According to the Capital City/Lake Murray Regional Tourism Bureau, the 2008 three-day event had a mouth-dropping $46 million economic impact followed by a $24 million impact in 2014. The year 2017 continued the string of bringing millions to the Lake Murray region. FLW credits three reasons for returning to Lake Murray: The fishery, the facilities and the community. The FLW points out that only four times since the inauguration of the annual cup has an angler brought a five bass limit exceeding 20 pounds to the weigh-in. Two of those four times were on Lake Murray. The weigh-in site at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and launch site at Dreher Island State Park are premier facilities. The state’s capitol city Columbia is centrally located in the state with easy interstate highway access. Closer to the coast, the 2018 Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Regional presented by Magellan Outdoors, was held in June of 2018. When the initial action was completed, there were 112 that survived the cut in this unusual format. There were 56 tournament boats on the water, each with a non-boater. Winyah Bay was the fishery, including the five rivers that converge, and Georgetown was the host for the tournament. In 2016, Georgetown got on the map as a community cable of hosting an event when the Bassmaster Elite Series came to town. Along with the Elite Series, the Winyah Bay Heritage Festival coincided and became a must for anglers and outdoorsmen. Earlier, smaller tournaments had economic impacts of $500,000. The larger tournaments with more competition and practice days anticipated an impact exceeding $2 million. From Little River to Hilton Head Island, there are saltwater fishing tournaments departing from marinas all along the coast. Beginning in mid-February, the calendar of competitions is full. For one-day tournaments with local participation, it’s almost impossible to measure the economic impact for an area. Even the South Carolina Wahoo Series that runs daily from mid-February to April 15 is difficult to gauge with boats leaving from multiple marinas daily. While there is little current data available, a study by Michigan State University in 2009 indicated the economic impact of a Great Lakes tourSportsPlanningGuide.com
nament was $1,463 per day, per boat, or $53,257 per tournament based on spending by the captains and their fishing and traveling parties. A 1999 study by Texas A&M reported on an offshore tournament and measured non-local county anglers separately. It was reported the economic impact of a five-day tournament was $1,136,647. In Charleston, the Lowcounty “Fish Scales” website lists a half dozen tournaments including the Charleston Trident Fishing tournament’s weekly results. In 2019, this legendary tournament will enter its 53rd year. The Carolina Lady Anglers’ 22nd Fishing For the Cure Tournament in early June 2019 is a regional favorite. Benefitting the Palmetto Warrior Connection, the Lowcountry Open, like many one-day events, passes on a portion of every registration fee to a worthwhile cause. The 26th Annual Fishing for Miracles King Mackerel Tournament benefits MUSC Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The four-day Annual Hilton Head Harbor Wahoo Shootout that completes the SC Wahoo Series brings hundreds of anglers and their crews to Hilton Head Island. Likewise, the three-day Bohicket Marina Invitational Billfish Tournament departing from the marina located between Kiawah and Seabrook certainly has an economic impact on the community. Georgetown Landing Marina hosts three multi-day major fishing tournaments. The season kicks off with the late April 11 Annual Georgetown Meatfish Slam. The 53rd Annual Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament will be late May 2019, while the 2019 Wahoo Challenge is mid-August 2019. The three-day Marlin Quay King Mackerel Shootout departs for the Marlin Quay Marina in Murrells Inlet. Competitive saltwater fishing tournaments have a decided economic impact on Georgetown County. On the farthest northern point of South Carolina’s coast, Little River hosts some fun tournaments with generous payouts. The 16th Annual Rumble in the Jungle attracts boasts and crews from as far away as Florida and Virginia in mid October. It’s held during the peak of King Mackerel season. Regardless of the season, freshwater or saltwater, professional, or amateur anglers, there are tournaments almost every week in South Carolina benefiting a local community. To learn more about bringing your fishing tournament to South Carolina visit the South Carolina Sports Alliance at discoversouthcarolina.com/sports-alliance. SPG Sports Planning Guide
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Before or After the The Florida Senior Games feature top-level athletes and will often attract sizable crowds.
Regardless of where your competition brings you in South Carolina, there’s sure to be great fishing nearby
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f you watched any of the College Baseball World Series or the Little League World Series, you probably noticed the number of participants saying they enjoyed fishing. A 2016 Special Report on Fishing shared that 46 million Americans ages 6 and up are “united by a love of fishing.” An encouraging note was that female and youth participants were the majority of newcomers to the general fishing population. The report also shared that freshwater remains the most popular form of fishing, attracting more than 37.7 million participants. Saltwater fishing is second with 12 million participants, or 4.1 percent of the population. Against this backdrop, there are reasons teams and families visiting South Carolina should experience the state’s waters. First, through sports tourism, more boys and girls along with friends and families are visiting the state. Second, South Carolina is unique that no matter where you play, there will be good fishing nearby. In the upstate, there’s great stream and lake fishing. Through the midlands, the lake and river fishing is abundant. On the coast, there’s a mix of river, inlet and ocean fishing. If you were to get up early, you could fish a cool mountain stream for trout, lake fish for bass, river fish for catfish, fish for flounder in the inlet and catch a charter for grouper all in a day.
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Before going much further, here’s some basic information on fishing licenses in South Carolina. First, no child under 16 years of age is required to obtain a fishing license. A freshwater fishing license is required for adult (16+) non-residents. A saltwater recreational fishing license is required unless fishing on a licensed public pier or, fishing from a hired license charter vessel. Nonresident Freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses are $11 each, good for 14 consecutive days. To purchase a license online, or to get further information, go to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website at dnr.sc.gov. Coastal South Carolina is a honey hole of fishing opportunities. Ocean surf fishing may be right out your accommodation’s front door. Adults now need a saltwater license to surf fish. If you find the right spot, there’s some good eating fish to be had. In saltwater, you may not want to use your own equipment.
South Carolina’s many lakes, streams, rivers and the ocean ensure there is great fishing almost anywhere you venture.
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Games, Go Fish
There are plenty of stores where you can get the equipment you’ll need. water fishing destination. Lake Murray, like Lake Hartwell, does more From North Myrtle Beach to Hunting Island State Park, there are than just host big-time professional fishing tournaments. Locals and piers stretching further into the ocean than you can cast from the visitors are pulling bass, crappies, bream and catfish from its waters. Lake Moultrie in Berkley County, has become a star destination for beach. Often, there’s equipment to rent and some grizzled locals availbass fishermen. Lake Greenwood in the county with the same name able to share a few secrets of pier fishing with a visitor. Remember, no has a reputation for good catches in spring, summer and fall. Lake license is required for pier fishing. In the Myrtle Beach area alone, there Monticello in Fairfield County, gives anglers a chance at both smallare seven piers ranging from the Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle mouth and largemouth bass. The Santee River has prospered and Beach to the Pier at Garden City on the south end of the Grand Strand. become noted as a great bass destination with strong catches in 2015, Other notable saltwater piers are the Old Pitt Street Bridge that con16 and 17. Lake Thurmond in McCormick County, is an excellent black nected Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island. Memorial Waterfront Park bass fishery with good numbers of largemouth bass being caught. The in Mount Pleasant stretches into Charleston Harbor. Folly Beach Fishlake borders two Georgia counties, also. ing Pier is the second longest on the East Coast. Hunting Island Pier Some of the best trout fishing can be found in South Carolina’s is the furthest south of South Carolina’s piers. Apache Pier in the Myrtle upstate. The Middle Saluda River flows through Jones Gap State Park Beach area lays claim to the longest wooden pier on the East Coast. in Marietta. Look for some wild and native brook trout. The Chattooga If you’re looking to get on some ocean water, there are options. For National Wild & Scenic River offers the best trout angling at the Elliott larger families, groups or just a parent and the kids, consider a Head Rock Wilderness Area accessible through the Walhalla State Fish Boat. Depending on whether you book a half day, or a three-quarter Hatchery in Mountain Rest. The East Fork of the Chattooga River is just day trip, a Head Boat will often take up to 70 passengers from three to as promising. In Salem you’ll find Lake Jocassee. Be careful, you just 20 miles into the ocean. Head Boats usually include in their per person might catch a record-breaking brown, or rainbow trout. Chauga River in price all fishing equipment, bait and a crew to ensure a good fishing Walhalla requires a hike into the backcountry. The reward is good fishing experience. Individual charters running from almost every South Carand a fabulous landscape. The Lower Saluda River below the Dreher olina marina with ocean access provide an even more personal saltShoals Dam on Lake Murray is popular for rainbow and brown trout. water fishing experience for smaller groups and families. You can be assured that no matter where your event takes you in There’s great bass fishing in South Carolina lakes and rivers. Lake South Carolina, or the season you visit, there are fishing opportunities Hartwell in the upstate is bass happy. The Darwin H. Wright Park in Captionhas hereaon these pier lines to here Caption here on these lines here Caption herePack on these lines here Caption here ongear thesewhen lines here on way, nearby. your tackle or get some you Caption arrive. here Either Anderson fishing access the waters. Like every strong here fish-on Caption check with your South Carolina event host for the best fishing spots, or ing lake in South Carolina, there are guides available to identify the best visit online at DiscoverSouthCarolina.com. SPG spots. Lake Marion, South Carolina’s largest lake, is a premier fresh-
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Columbia, SC Reputable sports facilities and contemporary amenities make it easy for planners to choose this capital city for their next sports event.
Columbia, South Carolina is a destination that has been attracting sports planners and teams for decades, namely for its reputable and renowned sports facilities at the University of South Carolina, home to the Gamecocks sports teams. Other than the university’s award-winning sports facilities, Columbia has a number of athletic centers and recreational parks for indoor and outdoor sporting events.
Things to do in Columbia In Columbia, there are a number of fun and educational experiences for all ages, including Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, a hands-on, interactive experience for the whole family to enjoy. With discounted prices for groups, teams can retreat to a refreshing water extravaganza at the Waterfall Junction, soar through the trees on a zipline tour and gaze upon an array of exotic animals from every continent in the world.
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of historical astronomy, a 55-foot digital dome planetarium and a 2,500 square foot observatory. At Columbia Museum of Art, unparalleled art exhibits filled with educational opportunities are on display, such as Hiroshi Sugimoto’s Time Exposed and Jackson Pollock’s 20-foot Mural painting.
How to Get to Columbia The three major interstates that run through Columbia and are easily accessible from anywhere on the Eastern corridor are I-26, I-77 and I-20. If coming from the West Coast, take I-70. Major cities located within a five-hour drive from Columbia are Atlanta, Jacksonville, Savannah, Charlotte and Montgomery. Conveniently located approximately 10 minutes from downtown Columbia, Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is the region’s leading commercial airport with 35 daily non-stop flights from eight destinations.
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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT 1. Williams-Brice Stadium Sports: Football
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Home to the South Carolina Gamecocks football team, Williams-Brice Stadium was originally constructed in 1934, and with its recent renovations completed in 2012, has the capacity to seat nearly 85,000 spectators. Further renovations at the stadium include expanded stadium seating with 8,000 additional seats, supplementary office space, new athletic training facilities and locker rooms. As the 20th largest college football stadium in the NCAA, the sporting facility remains the pride and joy of South Carolinians. It has been the playing field for several great athletes that went on to the NFL, including Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers.
2. Colonial Life Arena
Sports: Basketball, ice hockey
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A multi-purpose arena primarily home to the University of South Carolina’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, Colonial Life Arena seats 18,000 spectators and hosts a variety of other events, including conferences, concerts and graduation ceremonies. As the largest arena in the entire state and the eighth largest college campus arena in the nation, Colonial Life offers sports teams a renowned and reputable facility with top-notch amenities, such as handicap seating and parking, restrooms, assisted listening devices and concession services. The arena hosts the annual South Carolina High School Basketball and Cheerleading State Finals.
3. Spirit Communications Park
Planner Perspective
“We are really for Experience Columbia SC Sports! You and your team are to be commended for your hard work. We can’t thank you enough for your care, energy and time. Tremendously appreciated, thank you so much.” – Randy Coleman, CEO/President, International Dance Challenge, LLC
Sports: Baseball
As the stomping grounds for the Minor League Baseball team Columbia Fireflies, Spirit Communications Park was recently established in 2016 and can seat 9,077 spectators. In its opening year, Ballpark Digest deemed the facility “Ballpark of the Year.” This was only the second time the award was ever given to a ballpark in its first year. With retractable garage doors, yearround batting cages are available for rent for a maximum of 20 batters at a time, with bats and helmets provided by the park.
4. Palmetto Health Fields at Saluda Shoals Park
Experience Columbia SC Sports CS. Scott Powers Executive Director Phone: 803-545-0009 Email: spowers@experiencecolumbiasc.com Website: www.ColumbiaSCsports.com
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Sports: Soccer, tennis, lacrosse, cross country, running
Situated on a 480-acre riverfront park, Palmetto Health Fields feature a six-field soccer complex with six clay and four hard-surface tennis courts. Built to support modern competition, the park’s sports facilities feature natural turf fields, stateof-the-art lighting, extraordinary field visibility, Wi-Fi access and plenty of available parking. Sports Planning Guide
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GREENVILLE, SC
KNOWN FOR ITS NATURAL BEAUTY AND LUSH FOLIAGE, GREENVILLE PROVIDES A PLETHORA OF GREAT SPORTS FACILITIES AND THINGS TO DO FOR YOUR UPCOMING ATHLETIC EVENT
Greenville, in the upstate region of South Carolina, is home to the breathtaking, majestic Reedy River with beautiful gardens, a bridge overlooking the region and an incredible waterfall. Visitors will be sure to revel in the natural beauty and winding trails along the river, as well as several state parks and museums offering insight into the city’s culture and history.
Things to do in Greenville Give your athletes the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the abundance of things to do in Greenville. Off the court or field, there are a plethora of restaurants, entertainment options, shopping districts and so much more to take your mind off stressful games. If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, Greenville offers a number of nature tours and parks to revel in the diverse plant and animal life. Start your trip off the right way with a visit to GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail along the picturesque Reedy River. The scenic trail lies along a historic rail bed featuring 22 miles perfect for walking, jogging and biking with friends. Continue your excursions by the river by traversing the 10 366
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Liberty Bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy overlooking the gorgeous local waterfall and lush gardens. Your journey does not stop here. Check out Greenville Tours, including engaging culinary and brewery tours, Greenville Segway tours revealing the history and favorite spots of the locals and a number of other hands-on tours. If you’re not a fan of the great outdoors, then worry no more, as the Children’s Museum of the Upstate is ideal for that young fan who just can’t keep still at sports games.
How to Get to Greenville Getting to Greenville is simple and worry-free with clear directions. From the north, follow I-26 E and enter South Carolina on US 25 South toward US 276 S. From the south, take I-26 W to I-385 N to Greenville. From the east, use I-85 South to I-385 N to Greenville. Just 13 miles away, 20 minutes, is the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, which services Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, Southwest and United.
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1. Bon Secours Wellness Arena Sports: Basketball, volleyball, hockey, wrestling, indoor sports This state-of-the-art multipurpose complex is ideal for sporting events, live entertainment, family shows, concerts and so much more. More commonly known as “The Well,” the complex holds, on average, 120 major events per year, and provides several guest services to ensure maximum comfort. With 15,000 seats throughout the entire facility, there is more than enough space to enjoy a basketball game on one of their championship-ready courts, watch a nail-biting wrestling match or keep your eye on the puck in a hockey game. With 30 luxury suites, restrooms, parking and hotel services nearby, the Bon Secours Wellness Arena is the perfect place for your next athletic function.
2. Fluor Field at the West End Sports: Baseball This 7,400-seat baseball-only stadium is a premier choice for your upcoming baseball game. Fluor Field closely emulates the dimensions of Fenway Park, as the only exception includes the Green Monster, a 30-foot high wall in left field. All other dimensions are equivalent to those of Fenway Park. Fluor Field also has a manual scoreboard, dugout and practice area and, in 2007, the venue underwent renovations funded by the Greenville Drive. Enhancements include a display of Greenville’s own baseball stars to highlight the rich heritage of the city. Recent events that the field hosted include the 2009, 2012 and 2013, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Southern Conference Baseball Championships. With parking and restrooms available onsite, this deluxe baseball field is an excellent alternative for competitive baseball games and tournaments.
Planner Perspective Let’s make Greenville the basketball capital of the South! —Leslie Claybrook, Assistant Commissioner Southeastern Conference
VisitGreenvilleSC Robin Wright Senior Sales Manager, Sports Phone: 864-421-0000 Email: rwright@visitgreenvillesc.com Website: www.VisitGreenvilleSC.com
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3. Greenville County Aquatic Complex Sports: Swimming, water polo Completely reconstructed in 2011, the Greenville County Aquatic Complex is one of the most dynamic, state-of-the-art swim facilities in the nation. The main indoor competition pool has eight 50m lanes, which easily converts to 20 lanes by 25 yards. With a consistent depth of six-to-seven feet and wave-refracting gutters, the GCAC makes for an exceptionally swift course during meets. A second indoor pool also serves as a heated therapy pool for swimmers, and measures five 25-yard lanes. A recent upgrade to the facility is the Paddock Evacuator System, which removes the chlorine odor from the air. In addition, retractable overhead doors help to keep air moving. The facility now includes new locker rooms, concessions, and aerobic equipment. In addition to swimming, water polo, kayaking, and triathlon events are also held. Events recently hosted are SC State Short Course Championships and the USA Swimming Southern Zone Age Group Championships. Sports Planning Guide
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Myrtle Beach, SC Don’t miss the chance to compete and relax in this modern city on the Atlantic Coast. 3 Planners will look forward to comprehensive assistance when it comes to booking facilities, lodging and recreational activities in Myrtle Beach. Getting around is made easy by each facility’s proximity to first-rate hotels and popular group-friendly attractions. In addition, you won’t want to miss a moment out on Myrtle Beach’s world-class white sand beaches. Spend an afternoon out on the water or checking out the city’s theme parks, shopping centers and museums. Evening brings amazing opportunities to dine out on the town and stroll along the boardwalk.
Things to do in Myrtle Beach Myrtle presents several different ways for your team members to enjoy themselves. One of the more notable and obvious natural attractions is the city’s boardwalk and promenade, which offers Instagram-worthy views of the beach. That said, you can even enjoy the waters indoors at Myrtle Beach Waves. Here, you can choose from more than 30 water slides and learn how to go tube sliding or flow riding (basically, belly flopping) on water. Small children will have their own zones equipped with shallow pools and three open body slides. Visit the Family 12 370
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Kingdom Amusement Park for more adventures on 38 roller coasters. Choose from coasters that will take you on twisty turns or (safely) on exhilarating free falls from 100 feet up in the air. You can also whizz around on bumper or go-karts.
How to Get to Myrtle Beach Planners and their teams can drive to Myrtle Beach along either Highways 51, 73 or 501, which can also be accessed from within the city. Jacksonville, Florida; Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Charlotte, North Carolina are all situated less than eight hours away from Myrtle Beach. Visitors from farther cities can fly into Myrtle Beach International Airport, which is seven minutes from central Myrtle Beach.
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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT 1. Myrtle Beach Sports Center
Sports: Badminton, basketball, volleyball Indoor sports thrive at the Myrtle Beach Sports Center, a $12.4 million complex that features indoor court space totaling 100,000 squarefeet. Volleyball teams will have access to 16 courts. These surfaces can also be converted into badminton courts, while basketball games take place in eight courts of their own. The center offers seating for up to 2,000 spectators. When the game is done or even in-between games, venture into the entertainment center, equipped with a video wall covered in screens for gamers to enjoy, and the retail shops.
2. North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex
Sports: Baseball, lacrosse, soccer, softball The North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex houses diverse playing space for outdoor athletes. To start, baseball and softball athletes will have access to four fields with a 225-foot fence and accompanied by a dirt infield. Eight full-size fields with natural grass are available for lacrosse and soccer. Four of these fields are lit at night. College and adult softball games take place on fields that also have dirt infields, but with a 330-380-foot fence. Games are called from an official’s room. A full-service concession stand sees many guests each year.
3. Grand Park Athletic Complex
Sports: Baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball
Planner Perspective “Myrtle Beach is such an easy sell to my travel teams that play in our events. The city sells itself! With miles of sandy beach, tons of attractions and plenty of hotels that accommodate any budget, teams simply love coming to play in our tournaments. Parents use our events as a vacation while getting a chance to watch their child play in a national championship. The city facilities are top-notch as well. I highly recommend Myrtle Beach, SC to any event organizer as not only will you not find better amenities and a better location in the country, but more importantly your teams will thank you for hosting your event there and come back year after year.” – John Whitley, National Travel Basketball Association
Myrtle Beach’s Grand Park Complex boasts fields with surfaces that can accommodate any outdoor sport. Namely, the complex holds seven multisport baseball fields, each of which are equipped with lighting and can be transformed for football and lacrosse games. A six-tunnel batting cage accompanies these fields. Three more full-size fields for youth lacrosse and soccer games sport artificial grass surfaces. The complex additionally has two convertible baseball fields with natural grass. Concessions stands and restrooms surround each area, and on-site parking is available. Other attractions such as the Crabtree Memorial, a roller hockey rink and The Market Common neighbor the facility.
Myrtle Beach Area CVB Jonathan Paris
Executive Director Phone: 843-916-7264 Email: Jonathan.Paris@VIsitMyrtleBeach.com Website: www.MyrtleBeachSports.com
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Sumter, SC
Visit this South Carolina town for a taste of hospitality and sporting fun Come enjoy an outdoor lover’s paradise with an abundance of leisure activities, including a vibrant arts culture and superb sport facilities. More than enough exciting attractions orbit this wonderful community as well. In Sumter, you’re just a 90-minute drive from the state’s beautiful beaches, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are only three hours to the northwest.
Things to do in Sumter
Enjoy the local artistic community by visiting spots like Sumter Little Theater, Sumter Opera House, or the Sumter County Gallery of Art. In between games, teams can be inspired by the local artists and performers and support the local community at the same time. Sumter offers much natural beauty for its visitors to enjoy, with nature trails through Crosswell, Memorial and Palmetto parks, among others. The crowning jewel would have to be Swan Lake Iris Gardens, a vast collection of expertly maintained gardens with sections like the Butterfly, Chocolate and Camellia gardens. Local eateries offer a diverse range of cuisines, from Sambino’s Bistro, Asian Barbecue, Willie Sue’s and Hamptons to J. O’Grady’s, in historic downtown Sumter to Baker’s Sweet’s Bakery & Cafe’. Sports enthusiasts may have one of the unique opportunities to visit Riley Park while attending a tennis tournament or a swim meet.
How to Get to Sumter
Several major roads intersect in Sumter. Routes 76 and 521 come in from the west and northwest, respectively, while Route 15 bisects the town from north to south, with Route 521 accompanying the southern portion of 15. Coming in from the east and northeast are Routes 378, 401 and the other tail of Route 76. Sumter’s two nearest commercial airports are Florence Regional Airport and Columbia Metropolitan Airport, with Florence roughly 50 miles to the east of Sumter and Columbia roughly 50 miles to the west. SportsPlanningGuide.com
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT 1. Palmetto Tennis Center Sports: Tennis
The Palmetto Tennis Center at Palmetto Park boasts 24 stateof-the-art, hard-surface tennis courts with lighting for night play. Other amenities include shaded stadium and courtside bleacher seating, cool water misters, a bistro-style seating area, a shelter area with picnic tables, two ball machines, stringing service, pro shop and a locker-showers facility. The PTC’s years of successful new and returning events and tournaments come from experience. In April of 2004, the PTC opened the doors to the Conference Carolinas and added a fall individual event soon after. Collegiate play also includes the Southeast Regionals and National Small College Championships. They’ve learned from the best by hosting annually a Women’s 25K Pro Circuit Event since 2008 and the National Zonal TEAM Championship since 2013, as well as four junior state tournaments. (www.sumtertennis.com)
2. Aquatics Center Sports: Swimming
The public Aquatics Center’s six-lane, 25-meter pool meets requirements for competition swim meets with its unique design and is fully equipped with swim lanes, diving blocks, and electronic timer and touch pads. Each year, the center hosts more than 11 swim meets for the city league, community invitational and high school. In October, the center is host to the TriSumter Triathlon. (www.sumterswim.com)
City of Sumter Susan H. Wild
Recreation Programs & Facilities Director Phone: 803-774-1651 Email: swild@sumtersc.gov Website: www.sumtersc.gov Sports Planning Guide
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Spartanburg, SC Spartanburg Turns Tournament Planners’ Heads. Softball and track and field facilities highlight a South Carolina city that hosts national championships.
Spartanburg is home to one of the biggest and best softball/baseball complexes in the nation and features over 20 youth softball/baseball fields overall in addition to 14 multipurpose fields. Tyger River Park Softball Complex hosted the 2015 ASA USA 18U Class A World Series and 2015 NSA B Girls Fast-Pitch World Series. Spartanburg also hosted the Southern Conference Track and Field Championships, USA Track & Field Junior Olympics Region 4 Championship, AAU State Gymnastics championships and many more. Oh, and you know the Carolina Panthers? They’ve held summer training on Wofford College’s campus since 1992. Throw in two brand new, state-ofthe-art facilities in the Upward Star Center and the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium and you’ve got yourself a premier sports tournament destination.
Things to do in Spartanburg
It’s tough to find a place that not only offers everything you need for your sporting tournament, but also offers entertainment value during downtime. And it’s even harder to find a place that offers a broad range of entertainment for both children and adults. Spartanburg is a rare combination of all of the above. The kids will love 16 374
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exploring the Spartanburg Science Center. Parents will love the relaxing atmosphere of Strawberry Hill USA, where you can pick in-season fruits like berries, peaches or pumpkins. All parties will enjoy an afternoon of boating, fishing or hiking at Croft State Park. The BMW Zentrum and Performance Driving Experience is the only BMW factory on the continent. With its interactive museum exhibits, this attraction will hold the attention of everyone.
How to Get to Spartanburg
Spartanburg County, at the crossroads of Interstates 85 and 26, is less than a six-hour drive from major cities like Atlanta, Birmingham, Lexington, Jacksonville and Richmond. Major airlines serve the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), and from there it’s just a 2030 minute drive east on I-85 to downtown Spartanburg.
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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT 1. Jerry Richardson Indoor Arena Sports: Basketball, volleyball
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We’ll start with the latest and greatest. With an expected opening date of fall 2017, the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium is a 123,000-squarefoot facility that will include a 3,400-seat basketball arena and a 500-seat volleyball competition venue. The facility will replace Benjamin Johnson Arena and will serve as the home for women’s basketball, men’s basketball and volleyball at Wofford College. The facility will have a seating capacity for non-athletics functions, such as commencement and concerts, of 4,500. Hosting a tournament in this gym would give players the opportunity to feel what it’s like playing in a Division 1 basketball arena – something they will never forget.
2. Upward Sports Star Center
Sports: Soccer, basketball, volleyball Upward Sports just opened the Upward Star Center, a 120,000-square-foot indoor facility equipped with two regulation-size artificial soccer fields and up to four grass multi-purpose fields as well as six basketball courts, 12 full-sized volleyball courts, four lighted sand volleyball courts. This union facility features seven meeting rooms and can host an event of roughly 3,000 people indoors and 8,000 people outdoors. This massive facility, only a 10-minute drive from over 3,000 hotel rooms, could not be more convenient for hosting a tournament in Spartanburg.
3. Tyger River Park
Planner Perspective
Sports: Softball, baseball
“The SC association USATF held its region meet in Spartanburg in 2016. The support from the community and the city and county administration of Spartanburg was tremendous. We are considering a bid for the youth national cross country meet in Spartanburg also on the campus of Milliken corporation. All of this is due to the hospitality and support we received from Spartanburg.” – Thaddeus Sligh, USATF Region 4 Youth Coordinator
Spartanburg CVB Kristyn Hawkins
Sports Tourism Sales Director Phone: 864-594-5050 Email: khawkins@visitspartanburg.com Website: www.visitspartanburg.com
SportsPlanningGuide.com
Tyger River Park, one of the South’s premier baseball and softball tournament complexes, features 12 youth baseball/softball fields arranged in convenient four-field clusters, a championship stadium seating 600 people and with unmatched site amenities, clubhouse, concession areas, umpire changing rooms, lounge, VIP Suite, wireless internet, covered seating, two playgrounds and flat-screen TVs at each pod. Located 15 miles from downtown, Tyger River Park has hosted the 2015 USSSA Global Sports Baseball World Series, 2015 ASA/USA Girl’s 18 U Class A National World Series and 2015 NSA Girls FastPitch Class B World Series, among other events. All fields are dirt and irrigated. Eight fields have permanent fences at 275 feet, two fields have permanent fences at 220 feet and two fields have permanent fences at 260 feet. The stadium field has a permanent 300-foot fence. Ample parking and restroom facilities are available.
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