2020
PENNSYLVANIA GUIDE
Pennsylvania is the Place to Play A can-do attitude, rich resources and outstanding venues separate Pennsylvania from the pack
13 Member Profiles Featuring Event-Ready Destinations
SPG A Premier Travel Media publication www.SportsPlanningGuide.com
Carrie Fischer Lepore Deputy Secretary, Marketing, Tourism, & Film Greetings!
On behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we’d like to welcome you to the Keystone State for your next sporting event. Tourism, and sport tourism in particular, plays an important role in our vibrant Pennsylvania economy. According to a recent study by Tourism Economics, Pennsylvania hosted 5.5 million visits related to sports, and generated nearly $438 million in direct spending in the analyzed year of 2015.
Life in the Keystone State is invigorating, fulfilling, and downright happy, and is home to many modern, cutting-edge facilities equipped with the latest technology that are perfect for your next event. From sandy shores and rugged peaks to tranquil forests and roaring rivers, Pennsylvania provides endless opportunities to pursue your happiness throughout all four seasons. Our diverse market – which includes youth and adult amateur, college, and professional sporting events – attracts out-of-town and out-of-state visitors to an array of destinations and attractions across the state. PA Sports is an organization comprising 13 member destinations throughout Pennsylvania that are home to some of the top attractions for sports tourism in the country. These highly trained professionals understand that success in hosting events is a team effort. From Erie and Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley — and everywhere in between — Pennsylvania has just what you and your colleagues are looking for. To learn more about our sports facilities across the state or to book your next sporting event, visit SportsinPA.com. To start planning your next trip to one of Pennsylvania’s cultural, historic, and greater-than-great outdoor destinations, head over to visitPA.com. We hope to see you soon! Yours in Happiness,
Carrie Fischer Lepore Deputy Secretary, Marketing, Tourism. & Film PA Department of Community & Economic Development
PA
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rom Allentown to Erie, Wilkes-Barre to Zelienople, and every destination in between, no event is too big or too small for PA Sports members. Marking its 17th year as an organization in 2020, PA Sports hasn’t wavered from its mission: showcase Pennsylvania as a viable sports event destination by attracting and hosting international, national, regional, and local sporting events. “PA Sports is a one-stop shop in a sports-centric state,” said R. Ron Sertz, chairman for PA Sports. Sertz describes the group as dedicated, talented, and continuously growing in expertise. Rights holders and event organizers have come to depend on the individual members’ expertise and experience in hosting successful events. The outline for partnership between the original six members actually began in 2003 on a napkin. Those in attendance wanted to open up collaboration with one another to find the perfect fit for events. They wanted to make sure events would stay in Pennsylvania, helping to enhance the economic impact of events held in the state. The Pennsylvania Department of Tourism, as well as state and local legislators from across the state, recognized the importance of sports tourism. For Pennsylvania, that economic impact from sports tourism has value that extends beyond the actual competition. The state is fortunate to be a 12-month vacation destination and has long been a popular travel destination. From sleek cityscapes and charming small towns to
rugged woodlands and a lush countryside, there are endless options to explore. Extending tourism beyond the events is a significant part of the PA Sports mission. Athletes, their families, coaches, and officials all contribute to Pennsylvania’s local and state economies. PA Sports has 13 members and the experience to handle every event. When that experience is coupled with nearby vacation possibilities, planners have a winning combination for their event. Philadelphia’s PHL Sports has a history of handling big time events. The city has hosted the annual Army-Navy game 86 times. Philadelphia has the space, including a Sports Complex that houses three world-class venues that have attracted the NFL Draft, NHL Winter Classic, NCAA Championships and others. Any competitor traveling to Philadelphia should extend their stay with a visit to Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center and so many other attractions tied to America’s Birthplace. When a new eSports event became available, Hershey Harrisburg Sports and Events Authority was the first choice. The Hershey-Harrisburg region hosted the U.S. Junior Nationals Hershey Showcase, with teams from 15 states accounting for more than 4,500 room nights. For the seventh year the event sold out with more than 132 teams competing. There’s family fun at Chocolate Town U.S.A. featuring Hershey Park® and Hershey’s Chocolate World. Just a few years ago, SportsPITTSBURGH won the rights to host
13 Member Destinations Make Pennsylvania a Premier Host
PA Sports members have a “We can do that” attitude. They provide a wide range of indoor and outdoor facilities, a commitment to service at the highest level and a cornucopia of leisure activities in their communities
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Sports Planning Guide
A dedicated cycling scene powers Pennsylvania by luring in top-notch competitors with its world-class facilities.
@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
more NCAA events than any other destination in the United States. Pittsburg’s facilities are legendary. The David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) has hosted the USA Karate National Championship, the annual East Coast Volleyball Championship, the annual Hoop Group Pittsburg Jam Fest, and many others at both the PPG Paints Arena and Robert Morris University Island Center. The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium are visitor favorites. With a central location to three major cities and state of the art facilities, Erie Sports has been the National Sports Commission of the Year in 2014 and 2016. The downtown Erie Insurance Arena is multipurpose and hosts NCAA Women’s Division II Basketball Elite Eight, as well as wrestling and ice hockey championships. Presque Isle State Park boasts seven miles of shore and 25 miles of recreational trails. The Bayfront Convention Center has hosted everything from cheerleading competitions to dog trials. Fishing and hiking in the Erie National Wildlife Refuge, or a stop at any area vineyard are well worth extending your stay. With Penn State University right down the street, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau has access to top-of-the-line facilities. Bryce Jordan Center has hosted multiple NCAA-Big 10 and PIAA Championships. Pegula Ice Arena has the best amenities college hockey offers. Penn State’s wildly popular Berkey Creamery and a nearby tourist coal mine are must sees when away from the competition. Only 20 miles north of Pittsburgh, the Butler County Sports Commission provides more than 50 indoor and outdoor venues. The UPMC Lemieux Sports Center is the primary practice and training facility for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Slippery Rock University has venues for all imaginable sports. Cooper’s Lake features a variety of terrains. More than a dozen area attractions have made Butler a visitor favorite. Just 20 minutes east of Pittsburgh, VM Sports Monroeville Sports Tourism features multiple venues. Monroeville Convention center has hosted Tyrant Wrestling, Pittsburgh Fitness expo and others. Ten soccer fields at CNX Sports Complex at Turner Valley have all the amenities. Four newly turfed fields are found at Monroeville Baseball Park. With Pittsburgh so close, visitors will have no difficulty filling their day. Chester County’s Brandywine Valley is located near Philadelphia in Pennsylvania’s southeast. Ice Line Quad Rinks features four rinks and a restaurant on site. United Sports is a multi-sports complex, ideal for tournaments. Westtown School features space for tennis, crosscountry, basketball and wrestling competitions. Take time to visit the Best Botanical Garden in the U.S. Longwood Gardens. The Valley Preferred Cycling Center is home to cycling events for Discover Lehigh Valley Sports. The Velodrome and the Trexlertown roads are known around the world as best in class. In your leisure time the former ArtsQuest at Steel Stacks always has events and celebrations, concerts and festivals. SportsPlanningGuide.com
Outstanding venues ensure Valley Forge Sports has the right facility for numerous field and indoor events. The newly renovated Greater Philadelphia Expo Center features 240,000 square feet of uninterrupted space. Nine outdoors lighted and one indoors turf field are available for soccer, lacrosse and field hockey. Competitive Edge Sports is a premier volleyball and basketball facility with five hardwood floors. Nearby Valley Forge is a history lesson all Americans should experience. Less than two hours from Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Sport York offers exceptional facilities. York Expo Center’s Utz Arena is perfect for gymnastics, wrestling, and cheerleading, while the 72-acre Memorial Park Softball Complex accommodates softball on an eight-field complex with batting cages and Hoffman Stadium, plus beach volleyball and a skate park. Check out one of the three Harley-Davidson factory tours in the York Vehicle Operations Plant. Visit Johnstown has a far-reaching history of hosting big-time sports events. 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial has been home to wrestling, basketball, cheer, and volleyball events. Stonycreek River with 15 rapids in four miles is ideal for kayaking and canoeing competitions. The 140 miles of trails in Rock Run Recreation Area is a prime destination for ATV, UTV, and OHV. Put the Johnstown Flood Museum on your to-do list. Located in the foothills of the Pocono mountains, Visit Luzerne County is less than two hours from Philadelphia and New York City. The Mohegan Sun Arena continues to host PA Junior Wrestlers tournaments. Hockey tournaments are regularly drawn to the Toyota Sports Arena. The Wyoming Sports Dome with its 67-foot ceilings is popular with numerous soccer, lacrosse, and volleyball tournaments. There are fun attractions both indoors and outdoors in the Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, and Pittson area. Let your games begin at sportsinpa.com. SPG
Sports Planning Guide
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13 Regions 201 Unique Venues 759 Events Annually The mission of Pennsylvania Sports is to attract and host international, national, regional, and local sporting events, and showcase Pennsylvania as a viable sports event destination for professional, collegiate, interscholastic, amateur, and youth sporting ventures, which will foster economic development and enrich the quality of life in the Commonwealth, making it a better place to visit, live, work, and play.
SportsInPA.com
Butler County THIS COUNTY’S MOST IMPRESSIVE FEATURE IS ITS WIDE VARIETY OF SPORTS FACILITIES, MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR NUMEROUS PLANNERS TO HOST THEIR TOURNAMENTS AT ONCE. Moraine State Park
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT 1. Moraine State Park Sports: Biking, disc golf, running, mountain biking, snowshoeing, fishing, cross-country skiing Moraine State Park is 16,800 acres of beautiful outdoor space. During the summer, athletes can mountain bike for a challenging six miles or hike along 38 miles of trails. The disc golf course weaves through the woods and has hosted tournaments. Winter brings the opportunity to ski or snowmobile for 26 miles. Test your endurance at the park's Mighty Moraine Man Triathlon or Glacier Ridge Trail Ultra-marathon (pictured above). The 3,225-acre Lake Arthur has 10 boat launch areas for kayaking, fishing, windsurfing, and more.
2. Slippery Rock University Sports: Baseball, basketball, field hockey, football, soccer, lacrosse, softball, track and field, volleyball, disc golf Known as one of Western Pennsylvania’s largest college campuses, Slippery Rock University covers 611 acres and houses 17 varsity sports in several modern facilities. These include, a baseball stadium with 1,800+ seats, a stadium that can host multiple sports, including football, lacrosse, soccer, field hockey, and track & field.
3. UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex Sports: Hockey The UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex is the primary practice and training facility for the Pittsburgh Penguins as well as a comprehensive outpatient facility for UPMC Sports Medicine. This multi-use facility is a destination for athletes of all ages and skill levels seeking sports medicine, performance, and rehabilitation expertise as well as hockey-specific skills and performance training. The UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex prepares athletes of all levels and hosts various tournaments, such as the United States Hockey League.
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PA Sports
Butler County Sports Commission
R. Ron Sertz Chairman 814-392-1599 ron@eriesports.com www.SportsInPA.com
Brianna Kaiser Sports Sales & Event Manager 724-234-4619 Brianna@VisitButlerCounty.com www.VisitButlerCounty.com
Sports Planning Guide
@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
Chester County
Erie
A MULTITUDE OF SPORTS FACILITIES IN HISTORIC CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MAKES IT A WINNING DESTINATION.
THE LAKEFRONT CITY OF ERIE IS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR SPORTS PLANNERS WHO SEEK QUALITY FACILITIES AND A COMMUNITY DEDICATED TO SPORTS.
West Chester University
Presque Isle State Park
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. United Sports
1. Presque Isle State Park/Presque Isle Bay
Sports: Basketball, field hockey, flag football, gymnastics, lacrosse, pickleball, soccer, softball, volleyball
Sports: Running, bicycle, fishing, beach sports, triathlon
The world-class United Sports, the region’s largest sports facility with both indoor and outdoor surfaces, emerged from an old airport using $15 million in private funds to become a top contender for your event. These 60 acres of outdoor fields and 127,000 square feet of indoor space are located in Downingtown. This facility has 11 premier fields adjacent the indoor complex with synthetic field turf. Ten-thousand square feet of parking is also available.
2. Iceline Ice Rink Sports: Ice hockey, figure skating, ice skating The rush to goal starts on one of four NHL-regulation ice surfaces at Ice Line Quad Rinks in West Chester, each with seating capacity of 500. Take pride presenting your event at this state-of-the-art facility, be it ice skating, figure skating, or hockey. Three university teams and junior hockey teams call Iceline home with dozens of tournaments year-round in hockey, figure skating, and ice skating.
Presque Isle State Park, a forested peninsula arching into Lake Erie, is perfect for all of your outdoor pursuits. Across 3,200 acres, you will find seven miles of sandy beaches, multiple boat launch areas, and flat trails that are ideal for cycling, running, triathlon, and beach sports events. The peninsula creates Presque Isle Bay, and provides calm waters protected from Lake Erie, primed for some of the best and most competitive bass fishing in the country.
2. ERIEBANK Sports Park Sports: Hockey, basketball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, flag football
3. West Chester University
With 43 acres of multi-sport space in the heart of Erie's busy Peach Street hotel and entertainment district, ERIEBANK Sports Park is an ideal destination for tournaments and events. The park completed a $9.1 million renovation in 2018, which saw the installation of two new NHL regulation-size ice rinks and construction of eight locker rooms. Other features include a four-court gymnasium, 10 grass fields, and a four-season training dome.
Sports: Football, track and field, basketball, volleyball, baseball, soccer, rugby, field hockey, lacrosse, swimming
3. Bayfront Convention Center
John A. Farrell Stadium contains 7,500 seats for football and track & field and Serpico Stadium features 1,000 bleacher seats for baseball fans. Hollinger Field House seats 2,500 for basketball and can also host volleyball events. John A. Rockwell Field is a soccer facility with artificial field turf and two adjacent natural grass practice fields. West Chester University Softball Field has a dirt and clay infield mix and a natural grass outfield. Graham Natatorium can host swimming, diving and water polo events.
Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau Travis Geiser, Sports & Events Sales Manager Phone: 484-840-7216 travis@brandywinevalley.com www.BrandyWineValley.com/sports SportsPlanningGuide.com
Gymnastics, fitness/physique, cheerleading Need space for your next event? The Bayfront Convention Center is made to host your group in style. The 100,000-squarefoot facility regularly hosts some of the largest gymnastics and billiards tournaments in the state, and the staff is well-versed in accommodating a variety of events. Treat your spectators to easy access with nearly 500 free parking spaces and two adjoining hotels that are perfect for hosting athletes and spectators.
Erie Sports Commission Mark Jeanneret, CSEE Executive Director 814-454-1000 mark@eriesports.com www.ErieSportsCommission.com Sports Planning Guide
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Greater Johnstown Happy Valley NESTLED IN THE ALLEGHENY MOUNTAINS OF PENNSYLVANIA, VISITORS COME FOR THE SPORTS AND STAY FOR THE SCENIC BEAUTY AND WEALTH OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.
HOME TO A MAJOR UNIVERSITY WITH A STRONG SPORTS HISTORY, THE HAPPY VALLEY AREA ALLOWS SPORTS PLANNERS TO DREAM BIG.
Beaver Stadium
Sargent’s Stadium at the Point
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial
1. Bryce Jordan Center
Sports: Hockey, basketball, cheerleading, skating, wrestling
Sports: Basketball, hockey, multipurpose
As one of the premier sports facilities in Cambria County, the 1st Summit Arena has become a go-to for sports planners looking for top quality amenities and event planning assistance. This 4,000-seat arena has hosted tournaments, games, concerts, and more! Home to both a local junior and university hockey team, 1st Summit Arena caters to both players and fans, offering plenty of parking options, concessions, restrooms, and player facilities.
Home to the nationally acclaimed Penn State men’s and women’s basketball teams and the site of major events such as university commencement, this 16,000-seat arena sees hundreds of thousands of fans come and go each year. It offers players and fans state-of-the-art facilities, locker rooms, sound systems, and concessions.
2. Beaver Stadium Sports: Football
2. Sargent’s Stadium at the Point Sports: Baseball, football For a top-notch baseball facility right in downtown Johnstown, check out Sargent’s Stadium at the Point. Named for its position at the confluence of the three rivers, the park is both scenic and practical. It is home to the annual All-American Amateur Baseball Association (AAABA) national tournament and is also used for local high school football games. For those looking to plan an event in the heart of Johnstown, Sargent’s Stadium is not to be missed.
It’s hard to imagine a more perfect setting for football. Situated on the edge of the Penn State campus is a stadium of epic proportions. In fact, with a seating capacity of more than 106,000, Beaver Stadium is the second-largest stadium in the Western Hemisphere and the third-largest in the world. Inside you will find all that you would expect in a world-class facility, and planning your next event here is sure to impress even the most devoted sports fans.
3. Toftrees Golf Resort Sports: Golf
3. Rock Run Recreation Area Sports: ATV, dirt biking There are over 140 miles of trails within the Rock Run Recreation Area just waiting to be explored, and the area has become a popular weekend getaway for ATV, dirt bike, OHV, and side-by-side enthusiasts! Events such as Rock Run’s Summer Blast and Rally at the Rock are just a couple examples of ways in which sports lovers make the most of the Allegheny Mountain trails.
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Toftrees Golf Resort is more than just a course – it’s truly an experience for players and visitors alike. Nestled among a scenic 1500-acre forest in a serene setting, Toftrees has attracted top national talent, and the adjoining Resort & Conference Center is regularly recognized by Golf Digest for its comfort and amenities. Located just three miles from the PSU campus, the resort offers free parking and over 100 hotel rooms to accommodate large events.
Visit Johnstown
The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
Nicole Waligora Sports Travel Program Coordinator 800-237-8590 ext. 30 NicoleW@visitjohnstownpa.com www.VisitJohnstownPA.com
Dave Gerdes Vice President of Sales & Marketing 814-231-9684 daveg@visitpennstate.org www.VisitPennState.org
Sports Planning Guide
@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
Hershey Harrisburg Lehigh Valley WITH DOZENS OF SPORTS TOURNAMENTS SUCCESSFULLY PLANNED AND EXECUTED EACH YEAR, HERSHEY HARRISBURG IS QUICKLY SOARING TO THE TOP OF THE SPORTS WORLD. Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center
WORLD-CLASS SPORTS AMENITIES AND ELITE ATTRACTIONS COMBINED WITH A CONVENIENT LOCATION MAKE LEHIGH VALLEY THE PRIME SPOT FOR SPORTS EVENTS. Valley Preferred Cycling Center
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center
1. PPL Center
Sports: Archery, basketball, fencing, indoor soccer, martial arts, volleyball, wrestling
Sports: Hockey, figure skating, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, indoor racing, indoor football
The multipurpose Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center hosts a variety of exciting sports events, highlighted by the USJN Hershey Showcase and four Keystone Regional Volleyball Association events. The USJN Hershey Showcase is a four-day girls basketball event drawing more than 200 teams to compete on 20 courts. The KRVA events each use up to 29 courts for both boys and girls tournaments. The complex is home to the Harrisburg Heat pro indoor soccer team, which plays its home games in the 7,300seat New Holland Arena.
Located in downtown Allentown, PA, the PPL Center is a state-of-the-art arena. It’s home to the Phantoms, an AHL affiliate of the NHL Philadelphia Flyers. The sports venue also plays host to several regional events, from hockey leagues and figure skating competitions. The arena features on-site food, parking, and seating for 8,500 for hockey games.
2. Giant Center℠ Sports: Basketball, cheer, ice sports, wrestling This state-of-the-art, 10,500-seat arena hosts ice shows, concerts, state high school championships (wrestling, competitive cheer, and basketball), graduations, and more. The U.S. Figure Skating Eastern Sectional Synchronized Skating Championships have been held here on several occasions. In 2016, the facility invested $4.7 million for a new scoreboard, LED electronics, and a production system.
3. FNB Field Sports: Baseball, soccer FNB Field is home to the Harrisburg Senators, the Washington Nationals’ AA affiliate. In 2009, FNB Field underwent a major $45 million renovation project. The stadium now houses luxury seating, a high-definition field lighting system, a “Midway” activities center for families and children, and 20 suites with skyline views. FNB Field is the main attraction on the 62-acre City Island, which also features a multipurpose grass field, riverside park, launching site for river cruises, miniature golf and more.
Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority Gregg Cook, Executive Director 717-231-2996 gregg@hhsportsandevents.com www.HHSportsandEvents.com SportsPlanningGuide.com
2. Valley Preferred Cycling Center Sports: Track cycling This renowned sports venue, commonly referred to as “T-Town,” is the Bicycle Racing Capital of the World. The Valley Preferred Cycling Center is at the heart of the 103-acre Bob Rodale Cycling and Fitness Park. The Velodrome is a 333.3-meter outdoor track with a concrete surface, 12.5-degree banked straightaways, and 30-degree banked turns. It has hosted several UCI World Cups and National Championships, and it’s the home of the World Series of Bicycling.
3. Coca-Cola Park Sports: Baseball, softball The Coca-Cola Park is the home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the AAA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Beyond the manicured field, the facility boasts the ability to host banquets, corporate events, meetings, and more – all in a venue designed to be universally accessible. The venue has a total seating capacity of 10,100 and offers use of a hi-def video board as well as on-site food and parking.
Discover Lehigh Valley Sports Bree Nidds Vice President of Sales 610-973-3830 bree@discoverlehighvalley.com www.DiscoverLehighValley.com/sports Sports Planning Guide
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Luzerne County
Monroeville
LOCATED IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE POCONO MOUNTAINS OF NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA, LUZERNE COUNTY IS DEDICATED TO CREATING MEMORABLE SPORTS EVENTS FOR PLANNERS, ATHLETES, AND SPECTATORS.
A COMBINATION OF CONVENIENCE, AFFORDABILITY, ENTERTAINMENT, AND TOP-NOTCH ATHLETIC FACILITIES MAKES MONROEVILLE YOUR SPORTING PLACE.
Mohegan Sun Arena
Monroeville Baseball Park
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. Mohegan Sun Arena
1. Monroeville Convention Center
Sports: Basketball, boxing, bowling, rodeo, table tennis, lacrosse
Sports: Wrestling, cheerleading, dance, boxing
With a convenient location right off of Highway Interstate I-81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Mohegan Sun Arena is a 10,000seat multipurpose venue that is consistently ranked amongst the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine. Previously home to NCAA Division 1 and professional basketball tournaments and games, the arena also has 30,000 available square feet of indoor meeting space and over 245,000 square feet of outdoor meeting space.
Located 12 miles east of downtown Pittsburgh, the Monroeville Convention Center is right in the heart of the action. It’s near great dining, shopping, and entertainment, and offers convenient lodging for all tournament attendees at the DoubleTree by Hilton. The 100,000-square-foot facility offers flexible space to accommodate a variety of sports, including the Tyrant Wrestling event.
2. Monroeville Baseball Park
2. Toyota SportsPlex
Sports: Baseball, softball
Sports: Hockey, curling, figure skating
Part of Monroeville parks and recreation, the Monroeville Baseball Park hosts several baseball and softball events. It’s home to Atlantic Coast Baseball games as well as regional and local tournaments. It features four baseball fields with new turf, concessions, restrooms and pavilions.
Serving as the official practice facility for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins and the Wilkes-Barre Junior Pens, Toyota SportsPlex is Luzerne County’s go-to complex for winter sports. The facility offers programming for adult and youth teams of all ages and skill levels. The figure skating program features coaches who were all once competitive skaters, and the facility’s camps and clinics offer instruction from current and former professional players.
3. Luzerne County Sports Complex Sports: Soccer, softball Deemed one of the finest outdoor sporting facilities in northeastern Pennsylvania, Luzerne County Sports Complex in Mountain Top is a youth activity center holding some of the area’s most prestigious tournaments, leagues, clinics, camps and other outdoor sporting events. This 30-acre facility is idyllically-located along the banks of the Susquehanna River, adjacent to several hiking and biking trails overlooking the river. The complex’s softball and soccer fields can be rented by the day, week, month, or season.
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3. Pro Sports Sports: Baseball, basketball, flag football, futsal, indoor training, volleyball Boasting bright blue courts and fun party spaces, Pro Sports is the ideal venue for youth groups looking to train or compete. This group-friendly facility customizes sports packages for planners who are organizing a full day of activities. Here, your team can play on easily convertible courts. Each comes with its own netting and seating for families and fans. Afterward, celebrate your victory at the venue's spacious event rooms, which can be rented with court space for an affordable price. Delicious options, such as pizza, hot dogs, and veggie plates are available.
Visit Luzerne County-Northeast PA
VM Sports
Theodore B. Wampole, Jr. Executive Director 570-819-1877 ext 6331 Theodore.Wampole@luzernecounty.org www.VisitLuzerneCounty.com
Amy Capcara Sales and Marketing Manager 412-856-7422 amycapcara@visitmonroeville.com VisitMonroeville.com/vm-sports
Sports Planning Guide
@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
HOME TO NINE PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAMS, NEARLY 100 COLLEGIATE INSTITUTIONS AND COUNTLESS SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS, PHILADELPHIA IS A WORLD-CLASS SPORTS DESTINATION.
WITH A LEGENDARY SPORTS HISTORY AND WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES, PITTSBURGH HAS STAKED ITS CLAIM AS THE DEFINITIVE DESTINATION FOR ICONIC SPORTS EXPERIENCES.
Citizens Bank Park
Matt Shuck
PPG Paints Arena
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. Lincoln Financial Field
1. David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Sports: Football, Soccer, lacrosse With a seating capacity of 69,176, “The Linc” recently completed a $125 million renovation. It serves as home to both the Philadelphia Eagles and Temple Owls football teams while hosting the classic Army-Navy game and numerous NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships. Other events include the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Gold Cup, Copa America, and U.S. Men’s National Team competitions. Lincoln Financial Field hosted the USWNT vs Portugal in a Victory Tour Match. This game set a new attendance record for the largest ever standalone friendly game with over 49,500 fans. Lincoln Financial Field will host the 2020 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championships in May.
2. Wells Fargo Center Sports: Basketball, hockey, wrestling Home of the National Hockey League’s Philadelphia Flyers and the National Basketball Association’s Philadelphia 76ers. The arena has hosted many NCAA events, including basketball, hockey (Frozen Four) and wrestling championships, multiple WWE premier events, the 2016 Democratic National Convention, and the 2002 NBA All-Star Game. The Wells Fargo Center seats 20,478 and is currently going through a three-phase $265 Million renovation that will be completed by 2021.
3. Citizens Bank Park Sports: Baseball, hockey, races Citizens Bank Park is the home park of Major League Baseball’s Philadelphia Phillies. Opened in 2004, the 43,000-seat ballpark includes Ashburn Alley and All-Star Walk, which pays tribute to Phillies players that have played in the MLB All-Star Game. In 2012, the stadium hosted the NHL’s Winter Classic on New Year’s Day, as well as a number of Spartan Races and other events. Citizens Bank Park was awarded the 2026 MLB All Star Game during the US Semiquincentennial.
Sports: All The David L. Lawrence Convention Center features 313,400 square feet of flexible exhibit space, of which 236,900 square feet is column-free with a 125-foot ceiling height. The center features four floors with 53 meeting rooms, the Spirit of Pittsburgh Ballroom at 31,610 square feet, and pre-function space included at every concourse. Recently, the convention center hosted Hoop Group Pitt Jam Fest and East Coast Volleyball Championships.
2. PPG Paints Arena Sports: Basketball, Gymnastics, Hockey, Figure Skating, Wrestling, Volleyball PPG Paints Arena is home to the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins. The arena boasts a seating capacity of 18,087 fans for hockey and 19,100 for basketball. With a total field space of 29,095 square feet, the arena is equipped for various event setups. PPG Paints Arena previously hosted the 2019 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships and the 2019 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship.
3. Highmark Stadium Sports: Soccer, Archery, Football, Lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee Highmark Stadium is home to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC professional soccer team. With a seating capacity of 5,000 people and a 4,000-square-foot banquet area, the stadium’s FIFA-certified synthetic turf overlooks the city’s downtown skyline, features a high-definition score board, press box, and 2 locker rooms. Highmark Stadium previously hosted the 2018 NCAA Division II National Championships Festival and the 2019 NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships.
PHL SPORTS
SportsPITTSBURGH
Brea Webster Stanko Director of Business Development & Sports Marketing 215-636-3319, brea@dsicoverphl.com www.PHLSports.com
Dana Kramer Senior Development Manager 412-325-0292 dana.kramer@sportspittsburgh.com www.SportsPITTSBURGH.com
SportsPlanningGuide.com
Sports Planning Guide
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Valley Forge
York
THIS HISTORIC REGION NEAR THE HEART OF PENNSYLVANIA HARBORS SEVERAL FIRST-RATE SPORTS VENUES.
MAKE YOUR YORK SPORTS EVENT STAND OUT WITH TOP-NOTCH FACILITIES, CHEER-WORTHY ATTRACTIONS AND A CONVENIENT LOCATION EVERYONE WILL APPRECIATE.
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
Memorial Park Softball Complex
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. The Proving Grounds
1. Memorial Park Softball Complex
Sports: Field hockey, lacrosse, soccer
Sports: Baseball, pickleball, kickball, sand volleyball, softball
The Proving Grounds houses Villanova University’s premier hockey stadium. This multipurpose facility accommodates a variety of sports tournaments, including the upcoming Pro Football Hall of Fame World Youth Championship Regional Championship Series—Mid-Atlantic Region from November to December. Stateof-the-art amenities, including striped tournament-approved artificial fields with surrounding lights, make competing even easier.
A multi-sport venue, Memorial Park Softball Complex has hosted several events for USA Softball, the Pennsylvania State Championships, and USA Softball Eastern Nationals. The 72-acre park features an eight-field softball complex, which includes Hoffman Stadium. Four of the fields are lighted. The facility also has four sand volleyball courts, batting cages, miniature golf, a skate park, picnic areas, and spectator seating for 1,100.
2. York Expo Center 2. Greater Philadelphia Expo Center Sports: Basketball, billiards, futsal, martial arts, weightlifting, wrestling The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center has seen many national sports tournaments, such as USA Weightlifting’s Junior National Championships. Known as one of the East’s largest indoor sports complexes, the center boasts about 240,000 square feet of singlefloor exhibition space, perfect for martial arts and wrestling competitions.
3. Valley Forge Casino Resort Event Center
Sports: Wrestling, volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, cheerleading, gymnastics With indoor and outdoor facilities, the 120-acre York Expo Center offers versatile space that allows it to serve a wide range of sports events. The venue consists of the 74,000-square-foot York Expo Arena with a capacity of 5,500, the 58,000-square-foot Memorial Hall with a capacity of 4,000, and the 10,000-capacity Grandstand. It has welcomed events like the Tyrant Wrestling’s Columbus Day Duals, the USA Wrestling Cadet Duals, the MLK Kickoff Classic, the MAPL Girls Volleyball Tournament, the Blue Ribbon Brawl Volleyball Tournament, and the Keystone State Games Floor Hockey.
Sports: Billiards, fencing, martial arts, weightlifting, wresting
3. Graham Aquatic Center
The Valley Forge Resort’s Event Center has had a busy season as the most recent host of the USA Weightlifting Nike American Open Series in July 2018. With about 50,000 square feet of multipurpose facility space, the event center is the perfect venue for indoor sports competitions and national tournaments.
The Graham Aquatic Center features 33,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor space. It has hosted the PSAC Swimming Championships, MAC Swimming Championships, and the Middle Atlantic JO Swimming Championships. The complex can be adjusted for 16 25-yard lanes or eight 25-meter lanes inside and four 25-meter lanes outside.
Valley Forge Sports/Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board Brendon Fitzsimons Sports Sales Manager 610-834-7994, Fitzsimons@valleyforge.org www.ValleyForge.org/sports 12
Sports Planning Guide
Sports: Swimming
Sport York Rasheeda Martin Sport Sales and Services Manager 717-852-9675 x114 rasheeda@yorkpa.org www.SportYork.org @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
JON SCHMIEDER
t is that time of year to chime in on the
teams/athletes participating. There are several
true with golf courses and aquatics facilities
tourism trenches. The arms race in our indus-
Tokyo that bear watching. We think freestyle
has a negative cash flow, cities and counties
has never been greater. From larger markets
momentum.
top trends we are seeing out in the sports
try is at an all-time high and the competition battling to host high-profile mega events to
the smaller markets investing significantly in
tourism-driving facilities, there doesn’t seem to
new sports that will be contested next year in
BMX and skateboarding are naturals to gain
2
Tourism-Driving Facilities – More tourism related dollars are being
be an end in sight. The top sports tourism des-
invested into venue development than ever
resources efficiently to compete. If there ever
money, restaurant taxes and tourism-improve-
tinations are laser focused and allocate their was a time to recalibrate what your organiza-
tion has always done, now is that time.
Since this is a look ahead to 2020, it only
goes to reason that we would offer up a vision
to convention & visitor bureaus (CVBs) but
destinations. Unlike years past, if you are not
leading the discussion on planning and fund-
Retrofit Projects – Golf courses turned
time a new sport debuts on the Olympic
destination, you are in the minority today.
3
into soccer complexes. Big-box retail
USA Swimming, USA Cycling and USA Gym-
nastics all come from the private sector. Max
Siegel at USA Track and Field came from
Nike and NASCAR. The USOC’s new CEO came from a golf and media background.
One of the founding father sports commis-
sions in our country is led by a person with a
retrofitted into skate parks. If there is a facility
to lead their organizations – Monroe, Tulsa,
leads to more membership with the National
that isn’t pulling its financial weight, it is ripe
SportsPlanningGuide.com
also sports organizations. New leaders at
background in politics. In addition, several
Tennis courts converted to pickleball. Pools
Governing Body (NGB), and often times more
in the hospitality sector. This not only applies
stores becoming hardwood sports venues.
exposure. That interest usually manifests itself
in more kids wanting to try that sport, which
more tourism organizations today are
being led by people with entrepreneurial busi-
ment-district funds directly into facilities that
will drive economic development back to their
New Olympic Sports – Nearly every
1
4
Non-Traditional CEOs – More and
ness backgrounds than those with experience
ing tourism-driving sports facilities in your
program, that sport sees a significant bump in
are looking to get those assets off their
balance sheets one way or another.
before. Communities are allocating bed-tax
for the future, a crystal ball if you will. We hope you enjoy this year’s list.
that are owned by municipalities. If a venue
for a change. We are finding this especially
CVBs have tapped into the sports profession
Quad Cities, Butler County and Cleveland, to
name only a few.
Sports Planning Guide
13
Freebird7977/Bigstock.com
I
Sports Industry Trends for 2020
5
Measurement – We are often asked, “How do you keep score beyond room
nights and economic impact?” It is a good
question and one that we are addressing
with a tool we created called the Sports
Tourism Index™. We surveyed the top event professionals in our industry to ask them
what was important to them in a host desti-
nation. These leaders helped us shape a
T 8
he last few trends for 2020 are holdovers from last year that are worth monitoring.
Expanding Roles – One trend from last year that we are keeping our eye on is
the expanding of mission and purpose of
many sports tourism organizations across the country. The skill it takes to successfully exe-
cute a sporting event is quite similar to the skill
10
Oversight – Non-profit organiza-
tions are being looked upon more
and more scrupulously on how they operate, and specifically, how they spend the funds
that are given to them. This includes conven-
tion and visitor bureaus, sports commissions,
NGBs and others in our industry. Whoever
manages the various funding pipelines to your
organization are becoming more interested in
it would take to produce a music festival,
how those funds are allocated. With C-level
1,900 different metrics. Add to this the in-
that right, we have a client that runs a chicken
spending practices, today’s leaders need to
national association, and it’s evident that an
cial events to their sports staff’s plate. If it uses
ing success is critical for our industry going
overnight stays, why not expand from just
measurement tool that numerically evaluates
a host destination across four areas including creased focus on primary research by our added emphasis on identifying and measur-
forward.
Harley rally or chicken festival (yes, you read
festival). Many of our clients are adding spe-
the same event production skills and drives sports to sports and events?
industry will take the brunt of the hit in the
“If you are not intentionally leading the charge in building relationship bridges with your stakeholders, sustainable success will be a challenge.”
Relationships – More and more, our
Creating Owned Events – Another re-
6
Participation (or lack thereof) – Research by the Aspen Institute, the driv-
ers of Project Play, indicates that a majority
of youth stop playing sports at age 11. Three years ago the average age was 14. This trend
is not only bad for sports tourism, it is bad for
our nation. Sedentary kids playing video
games all day is not a pathway to success
on several fronts. Sports teaches kids so many valuable life lessons that a video game
console cannot. We are losing this battle and
if the tide doesn’t turn, the sports tourism future.
7
9
destinations, but to also referee relationship
their resources in created events. This is now
team at the Huddle Up Group is asked
to not only consult on strategic planning for issues between CVBs/sports commissions
peat from years past, our destination
clients are more and more opting to invest
professionals having lost their jobs over be overly transparent in this area.
11
Safety – A closely related issue to
oversight, athlete safety continues
to serve as a high-profile issue on multiple fronts. The discussion on football concus-
sions has escalated to the highest levels, and additional sports are joining the fray.
Athlete safety in several Olympic sports has spawned the creation of Safe Sport, an
independent investigative organization cre-
ated to protect athletes and those involved
in the Olympic movement. Safe Sport, and in some cases full background checks, are
now mandated by numerous sports organizations across the country, and it doesn’t
stop with coaches. Officials, board mem-
bers, event volunteers and others are now very likely to be required to complete a back-
ground check and the Safe Sport training
program. Where the merry-go-round stops, nobody knows.
Leaders in our industry have a lot of hard
work ahead of them. While these challenges
may seem daunting, that is what we love about
especially true in small and mid-tier markets
our industry. Every day we get the chance to
issue nearly always includes a rift between
the big boys. If you can create an event with
and events market and compete. No matter
department and/or elected officials. As in most
ones that already exist), those are assets that
and their local stakeholders. Specifically, the
our client and the local parks and recreation
industries, relationships are key in opening up
doors for success. No matter your position, if you are not intentionally leading the charge in
building relationship bridges with your stake-
holders, sustainable success will be a challenge. 14
Sports Planning Guide
that don’t have the resources to compete with
your local partners (or enhance/replicate
you don’t have to bid for against your well-
funded competitors. This doesn’t just apply to
the traditional sports either. CVBs and sports commissions across the country are devel-
oping new events in many of the emerging sports noted above.
lace ‘em up and go out into the sports tourism
how challenging the tasks that lie in front of us,
we are all blessed to go to work every day and call sports our profession. SPG
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jon Schmieder is the Founder + CEO of the Huddle Up Group LLC, an award-winning sports tourism industry consulting firm based in Phoenix, AZ. Jon can be reached at Jon@HuddleUpGroup.com. For weekly best practice articles, sign up for the Monday Morning Huddle Up at www.tinyletter.com/JonSchmieder.
@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
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