2022
INDIANA GUIDE Nobody Does Aquatic Sports Like Indiana
The Hoosier State Is Home To Amazing Facilities and Incredible Athletes
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Site InSpections of Event-Ready Destinations A Premier Travel Media publication www.SportsPlanningGuide.com
INDIANA
Team Indiana is a statewide effort dedicated to maintaining and strengthening Indiana’s deep sports traditions. The Hoosier State has been referred to as the birthplace of contemporary sport tourism, home to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing and the Amateur Sports Capital of the World. We have hosted hundreds of successful youth, collegiate, Olympic national and international championships across the state, and it would be our honor to host your event in Indiana.
Hamilton County Photo courtesy of Team Indiana
Indiana communities are committed to being the best sports destinations in the country. Our venues span the spectrum from historic to state-of-the-art, so we can find the perfect space to fit your needs. No matter where you go in Indiana, you’ll find consistent, top-notch service from our community members and partners. In addition to experienced professionals, we possess that one invaluable resource – dedicated volunteers who cater to the needs of every participant and fan. Our state is centrally located, so traveling to Indiana is convenient and affordable. We are within a day’s drive for most of the country, and we have several regional and international airports for those who are farther or prefer to fly. Once you arrive in Indiana, you may be surprised to find the terrain varies greatly across the state, from the beaches along Lake Michigan in the north to the rolling hills in southern Indiana. You’ll discover vibrant cities and quaint towns, boasting plenty of attractions for you to enjoy once the event has concluded. For more information on the wide variety of sports-friendly communities, please visit team-ind.org or contact me directly at 317-237-5025. We are eager to help you in the planning process and look forward to sharing our Hoosier Hospitality with you. Sincerely, Shannon Sullivan Team Indiana
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Indiana excels at a variety of aquatic sports including water polo.
Photos courtesy of Indiana Sports Corp
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NOBODY DOES AQUATIC SPORTS LIKE
INDIANA The Hoosier State is home to amazing facilities and incredible athletes By Jill Pillow
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Sports Planning Guide
rom state-of-the-art Olympic-sized pools to recreational swimming and diving facilities, Indiana is one of the best states for aquatic sports. Indiana not only has a history of hosting large scale events to back up its lofty reputation, it also has been the home of some of history’s best swimmers, divers, and water polo athletes. Communities across the state are home to upscale aquatic facilities and the growth of the state’s swim programs call for continuous development. Notably, new pristine facilities in both Elkhart and Evansville will hold largescale events in the near future featuring a variety of amenities. Opening in Fall of 2021, Evansville’s Deaconess Aquatic Center is a two-story center which is separated into both recreational and competitive areas. Both areas have a 50-meter pool and the competition pool and diving well allow for simultaneous swimming and diving and room for nearly 1,000 event spectators. Additionally, the space has relay touch pads, a timing system, Durafirm Maxiflex springboards, and full webcasting capabilities. Elkhart Health & Aquatics provides community members with a comprehensive health and fitness, swimming and community center. The 1.1-million gallon, larger than Olympic-sized pool is event-ready with
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capabilities for more than 10 swimming lanes as well as spring diving boards, 3 and 5-meter diving platforms, adjustable bulkheads, a full-sized diving well, and seating for 1,200 spectators. In 2021, the pool was home to one site of the Central Zone Section 3 Spring Speedo Sectionals, the summer Central Zone 14 & Under Championships, and the Great Lakes Valley Conference Swimming & Diving Conference Championships. Central Indiana’s Hamilton County features Forest Park Aquatic Center for swimming and diving. The complex consists of an outdoor heated 50-foot pool with 10 lanes as well as one and three-meter springboards and 5, 7, and 10-meter diving platforms. Recreational amenities include a waterslide, concessions and a toddler pool. In the summer of 2021, both the Indiana Swimming Age Group Long Course Championships and the USA Diving Open Championship were held at Forest Park. The legendary Indiana University Natatorium, located on the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus, can hold up to 4,700 spectators, which makes it the largest indoor pool in the United States. The competition pool is 50 meters in length and contains around 1 million gallons of water with eight racing lanes. Adjacent to the competition pool is a second 50-meter, sixlane instructional pool. The arena has been the location of 19 world records along with 101 national records. The diving well of the natatorium has a 17-foot depth with five diving platforms, four one-meter diving boards, and four threemeter boards. Both the competition pool and diving well hold underwater windows that allow for easy television coverage as well as coaching analysis. Easily, it is the most iconic aquatic sports facility in the country. The Natatorium has been home to many elite aquatics competitions throughout its nearly 40-year history including the NCAA Division I , II, and III Swimming & Diving Championships, NCAA Division I Water Polo Championships, USA Swimming and USA Diving National Championships, FINA Championships, International Swimming League (ISL) Professional Match, USA synchronized swimming championships, Collegiate Conference Swimming & Diving Championships, and 11 Olympic Trials across different aquatic sports. Most recently, the 2021 TYR Pro Swim Series featured 300 worldclass athletes from across the country, and the top divers competed for their place on Team USA at the 2020 US Olympic Team Trials – Diving. The State of Indiana has upheld its distinction as a swimming haven through its training programs, facilities, elite athletes, and collegiate programs. Large-scale and local swimming events throughout the state are sanctioned by Indiana Swimming, which is one of the many local swimming committees under the umbrella of USA Swimming. The committee serves approximately 12,000 athletes from 115 clubs across the state and has the mission of inspiring excellence through progressive, innovative programs and partnerships.
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Additionally, the main campuses of Indiana University and Purdue University, in Bloomington and West Lafayette respectively, each have state-of-the-art 50-meter aquatics venues that attract elite athletes in swimming, diving, and water polo. Both campuses have hosted numerous collegiate and state competitions, including the Big 10 Swimming & Diving Championships. Indiana University has also hosted water polo events, such as the 2019 USA Water Polo Champions Cup. With such great facilities across the state, it’s no wonder Indiana is home to a slew of elite athletes. These products of Indiana’s various high-quality collegiate, professional, and amateur training programs include swimmers Lilly King, Blake Pieroni, Annie Lazor, Michael Brinegar, Cody Miller, Zach Apple and divers David Boudia, Michael Hixon, Andrew Capobianco, Jessica Parratto, Steele Johnson and water polo athletes Jessica Gaudreault and Shae LaRoche. These are just a fraction of the aquatic legends who have come out of the state’s programs. Indiana’s aquatics programs are continuing to grow along with the number of top-tier facilities across all corners of the state.
Elkhart Health & Aquatics hosts numerous events including the Central Zone Section 3 Spring Speedo Sectionals, the summer Central Zone 14 and Under Championships and the Great Lakes Valley Conference Swimming and Diving Conference Championships.
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Promenade Park in Fort Wayne Photo courtesy of Indiana Sports Corp
GET AWAY AND GET HAPPY
IN INDIANA
With an endless array of adventures and activities, the Hoosier State is a spectacular destination for all ages By Vanessa Day
I
f you’ve never visited Indiana, you may be amazed at how much there is to do here. Every region of the Hoosier state boasts endless attractions and activities. Outdoor adventures, culinary escapes, eyeopening museums, breathtaking art, and unparalleled excitement. No matter your travel group’s interest, there is something to satisfy every palate and personality.
GET OUTSIDE
In the northwest corner of the state, tucked along three miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline is Indiana Dunes State Park. There’s over 2,000 acres of towering sand dunes and primitive habitats that house a variety of plant and wildlife. Take a hike up the dunes to get a stunning view of the lake and surrounding areas or enjoy a day swimming in the lapping waves and relaxing on the beach. Potato Creek State Park, located 20 minutes from South Bend, is the perfect spot to take in Indiana’s natural beauty. The nearly 4,000-acre park features miles of hiking and biking trails snaking through wetlands, woods, and old farm fields. Visitors can also take in the views from a kayak or canoe on Worster Lake.
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Head toward central Indiana to discover Prophetstown State Park, the newest to join the ranks. Located at the junction of Tippecanoe and Wabash Rivers, the park boasts dramatic prairie and restored wet slopes known as fens. As they stroll through the prairie, visitors can get a glimpse of 1920s farm life and Native American culture. Down near Bloomington, groups will find the largest land-bound body of water in Indiana, Monroe Lake. The 10,750-surface acre lake provides plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation. Enjoy a day out on the water kayaking or canoeing, or spend some time fishing in a secluded cove, or get the blood pumping with some moderate hiking trails. If your group loves the water, be sure to check out Lake Wawasee in Syracuse. It’s the largest natural lake in Indiana, offering ample space for lots of activities. For something a little special, reserve a spot on the SS Lillypad, a two-story, 110-passenger dinner boat serving brunch, lunch, or dinner on a two-hour cruise of the lake.
JOURNEY BACK IN TIME
If your crew is full of history buffs, Indiana has no shortage of significant landmarks and memorials spread across the state.
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The Culbertson Mansion, located in New Albany, is admired for its history and architecture. The SecondEmpire mansion is stunning both inside and outside, with hand-painted ceilings, walls, and floors, as well as elaborate marble fireplaces and carved staircases. Built in 1867, it was the home of William Culbertson, once said to be the wealthiest man in Indiana. To get a dose of living history, visit Conner Prairie in Carmel. This 1,000-acre park features 11 distinct areas that focus on different time periods and experiences of 19th century life. Journey from an 1836 Prairie town to the Civil War era to Indiana’s first brick home, all in one day. Over in Jasper, groups will find Lincoln State Park, established in 1932 as a memorial to Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks. The 1,747-acre park sits on the land where Abraham Lincoln lived as a child. Visitors can tour Colonel Jones’ home, the house of the merchant who employed young Lincoln. Also in the park is the Little Pigeon Creek Baptist Church and cemetery, where Lincoln’s sister Sarah is buried. Guests can also check out the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza, which honors the 16th President and his time spent in Indiana. Those looking to enjoy the National Pastime can pay a visit to historic Bosse Field, which opened in 1915 and was the first municipally owned sports facility in the United States. Only Boston’s Fenway Park (opened in 1912) and Chicago’s Wrigley Field (1914) are older. Bosse Field is the site for the filming of “A League of Their Own” in 1992 and is home to the Evansville Otters, who play independent baseball in the Frontier League.
and Washington, D.C. The Columbus visitor’s guide lists over 90 buildings and pieces of public art by internationally-noted architects and artists. The Columbus story is regularly featured in national and international publications. Even if you are not an architecture buff, learning how this small town strives for excellence is both unique and inspiring. For those looking for bucket-list experiences, head straight to the Miller House and Garden Tour to experience the acclaimed masterpiece from the dream team of Eero Sarrinen, Dan Kiley, and Alexander Girard. The Visitors Center guided tours have been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Tripadvisor. Art and nature effortlessly mix at the Quilt Gardens in Elkhart. Between May and September, visitors can wander through 16 stunningly curated gardens, each a different pattern and style. Add a “happy little accident” to the itinerary with a visit to the Bob Ross Experience at Minnetrista. The famously soft-spoken host of The Joy of Painting filmed most episodes in Muncie, Indiana. The former studio has been refurbished and decorated with memorabilia f rom Bob’s life and career. Groups can experience all of it right in the historic home where the show was filmed.
ADVENTURE FOR ALL AGES
TAKE AN ARTISTIC STROLL
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
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Photo courtesy of Indiana Sports Corp
For creative types, Indiana’s art scene is something to be appreciated. Groups can admire blown glass masterpieces as the Kokomo Opalescent Glass Factory, the oldest glass company in America. Tours through the facility get you up close to the action, as skilled artisans carefully hand-ladle, roll out, and hand-blow incredible creations. Columbus is a city of over 47,000 yet The American Institute of Architects ranked it 6th in the nation for architectural innovation and design – right behind Chicago, New York, Boston, San Francisco,
Groups with multi-generational attendees will find plenty to keep the crew occupied in Indiana. Holiday World in southern Indiana celebrates Christmas, Halloween, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving all at the same time. There are themed roller coasters, games, live entertainment, and rides the whole family will love. Splashin’ Safari, the neighboring water park, is considered one of the best in the country, and boasts the world’s longest water coaster, Mammoth. If there are race fans in the group, don’t miss a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the famed Indianapolis 500 race. The museum, located within the speedway oval, showcases the rich history of the venue and the sport of auto racing. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo opened in 1965 and is a 1,000-animal zoo located on 40 acres in Fort Wayne’s Franke Park. The zoo is northeast Indiana’s largest tourist attraction and ranks as one of the Top 10 zoos in the nation. Fort Wayne is also home to Promenade Park, a one-of-a-kind park that joins the city’s natural rivers to its thriving urban center. The park features a variety of family fun attractions including the tree-top canopy trail and kids’ canal. Get your heart pounding with a journey through the trees. Go Ape Treetop Adventure in Eagle Creek Park is not your ordinary zipline tour. It includes 40 unique obstacles to tackle, as well as Tarzan swings and five ziplines. This list doesn’t begin the scratch the surface of all the activities and attractions Indiana has to offer. The only way to know what you’ve been missing is to experience it yourself.
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JON SCHMIEDER
SPORTS TOURISM TRENDS FOR 2022
W
e have a secret … sports saved the tourism industry’s bacon in 2020 and 2021. Yes, COVID-19 knocked us all for a loop, but one great thing came from it. Most tourism leaders across the country finally realized the value sports brings to the collective table. We say most because, ironically, there are still some destinations that are talking about when leisure travel and the meetings industry will bounce back. The answer may be “never” but some are still holding out hope that the tourism industry will be back to normal in the near future. We think that is very unlikely. Sports tourism will continue to drive the bus for our industry in 2022 and likely the years that follow. Here are the top 10 trends we are closely following as we move into 2022.
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Downsizing – Nearly every CVB, sports commission, or event organization we work with cut their staff in 2020 and 2021. A good number of folks figured out they could run with a leaner ship and are going to see if that is sustainable as things ramp back up.
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Alignment – The pandemic forced tourism driven organizations to fight for declining resources, which means they had to be able to effectively message their mission and impact and how that aligns with the community they represent. This forced alignment should bear fruit in the future as communication lines are more open now than in years past.
3
Vulnerability – Many of the CEOs we have spoken to recently talked about the limited control they had over their funding sources. The goal is to diversify revenue streams as much as possible so your organization is not vulnerable if one financial channel shuts down.
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Accountability – Given that resources are more limited
Sports Planning Guide
“The New World”
today, the microscope is now on every transaction that is made. Every dollar has to have a good result and people are paying a lot more attention to how money is spent. Transparent organizations have a process for why decisions are made and document every move.
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Choices – Today, our industry has an unprecedented number of resources available to leverage in an effort to drive our organizations forward. The key is choosing the right tools and people to engage with that will drive the highest and most efficient return on investment.
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Focus – The pandemic has changed the way we all do business, including the approach on what events we look to partner on, whether you are an event owner or a destination. It’s more important today to “right size” the events you seek to host or produce to generate maximum impact. This can include how we market the event and even if we limit capacity to create scarcity in the marketplace.
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Development Mentality – Destinations have been forced to become more proactive than reactive. We work with many CVBs and sports commissions to help build a culture of “development.” These organizations are now leading efforts to develop new venues, develop new events, develop staff and board, and to develop relationships. Build your pathway or leave it to others to potentially choose your fate for you.
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Remote Control – Working remotely is not just a trend that industry was forced to adopt due to the pandemic. It is here to stay. If anything is the “new normal,” this is it. Given that the generations entering the workforce today largely prefer flexibility, remote work teams were likely going to take
over the business world anyway. COVID-19 just sped up the process.
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Silent Sports – Several outdoor sports have seen massive spikes in participation the past two years. Golf, canoe/kayak, and fishing (among others) all offer opportunities for those destinations that seek them. These “silent sports” have become a cornerstone for business development with many CVBs across the country.
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DMO vs. CVB – We have seen more CVBs transition to a destination marketing organization (or DMO) mission. The difference is that DMOs are responsible for branding and marketing their destination beyond tourism. DMOs have a lot of verticals to contemplate and manage. Yes, tourism is one, but just one of many things a DMO blends into a community-wide strategy to put their destinations in the best light. By transitioning to a DMO, tourism suddenly has a more important and integrated seat at the larger table in these destinations. While the past two years have been a rollercoaster, a lot of good has and will come from what we have all been through. Those that accept the challenges of the past and build from them rather than focus on them have a bright future ahead. Good luck to all in 2022.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jon Schmieder is
the Founder of the Huddle Up Group LLC, a sports industry consulting company led by award winning executives. Schmieder has 25 years of experience in leading sports tourism and events organizations through strategic growth and increased community collaboration. We can be reached at Jon@HuddleUpGroup.com or www.HuddleUpGroup.com. © Huddle Up Group, 2021
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Grand Park Sports Campus, IN
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LOCATED IN CENTRAL INDIANA IS WESTFIELD’S 400-ACRE GRAND PARK SPORTS CAMPUS, WHICH IS A DESTINATION LIKE NOWHERE ELSE
Picture your average sports complex or park and multiply it by … a lot. The massive Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield covers 400 acres and is home to 31 multipurpose fields, 26 diamonds, four indoor facilities and has hosted over 100 events in a year. Grand Park welcomes 2.5 million visitors a year and in 2020 was voted Best Soccer Facility.
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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
Impressive outdoor fields
Soccer, lacrosse, football, ultimate f risbee, rugby, field hockey, baseball, softball, running Grand Park’s 31 outdoor fields accommodate soccer, lacrosse, football, ultimate frisbee, rugby and field hockey. The baseball and softball diamonds all have lighting, and eight of the 26 are synthetic turf. Be sure to also make use of the running/walking trails that span for miles; the campus also features a mapped out 5K course that makes hosting a 5K run/walk a breeze.
Grand Park Events Center
Soccer, football, rugby, field hockey, lacrosse This indoor sports facility is a sight to be seen. Opened in 2016, the Event Center covers 377,000 square feet and features three fullsize synthetic turf fields, a 45,000-squarefoot warmup area, four locker rooms, fully equipped conference rooms and is truly incredible. The facility also has a full-service restaurant and sports pub, which offers viewing suites. 30,000 square feet makes up the mezzanine for spectators. The fields @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
▶ Grand Park is proud to be the home
accommodate soccer, football, rugby, field hockey, and lacrosse, and they can further be adapted to accommodate volleyball and futsal. The Events Center can also house events outside of sports, and notably is the home to the Indiana Soccer Association, Indiana Fire Juniors, and Methodist Sports Medicine. It is also the official training center for the Indy Eleven (Indianapolis United Soccer League team) and is home to the College Summer League (a renowned baseball tournament).
Pacers Athletic Center
Pro X Athlete Development
No sporting event can take place without food options, and Grand Park has you covered there also. Throughout the campus are seven concession stands conveniently located among the fields and diamonds where all the sports action will take place. If you are looking for a destination that will elevate your event, then Grand Park Sports Campus is the place to go.
Athletic training
Dedicated to providing sports performance training, Pro X provides sport-specific programming for baseball, softball, golf and football using state-of-theart technology to help each athlete reach their potential. Equally important to sports training is recovery, which Pro X offers sports rehab and physical therapy. Pro X understands all the factors that contribute to optimized athletic performance, which is why they further provide Sports Vision programs, Mental Training, and Nutrition consultations.
Basketball, volleyball, futsal
to the Indianapolis Colts Training
Located in Grand Park is this 88,000-squarefoot athletic facility for youth sports training, leagues, and tournaments in basketball, volleyball, and futsal. Kids are welcome to take part in many different sporting events, camps, or club teams year-round. The Indy Youth Basketball League is the largest youth basketball league in the state and is proudly run by Pacers Athletic Center.
Camp, which you can be a part of. Going to training camp means you get to watch the team practice and participate in the theme days, which feature food and drink deals, apparel deals, live music and entertainment, special activities, giveaways, and cheerleader performances. The camp is loaded with fun and excitement that you don’t want to miss.
Excellent food
▶ Grand Park is fun for everyone with youth, adult, and high school flag football camps and leagues. The Grand Park Flag Football League is perfect for both players with no prior experience and players looking to be challenged. The 5-on-5 league builds confidence and provides fun and healthy competition for youth.
GRAND PARK SPORTS CAMPUS
The Adult Flag Football League is also the perfect way for friends to
William Knox, Director
get together, play sports and have a
317-804-3010
great time.
wknox@westfield.in.gov grandpark.org
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“It was our first time to host an event at the Grand Park Events Center on a turf surface and the Xcel Regional Championships turned out to be a wonderful competition. The new sports complex offers state-ofthe-art facilities and plenty of space for the gymnast’s competition, awards ceremonies, spectators and exhibitors.”
–Joan DeVeau, Owner of DeVeau’s School of Gymnastics
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TERRE HAUTE, IN
Scan to discover more of what Terre Haute CVB offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
CLOSE TO CINCINNATI AND ST. LOUIS, THIS SMALL TOWN ON THE INDIANA/ILLINOIS BORDER OFFERS PARKS, MUSEUMS AND SOME TOP-NOTCH VENUES
LaVern Gibson Cross Country Course
An abundance of museums makes it a great town in which to learn and explore—venture over to the Indiana Track & Field & Cross Country Hall of Fame Museum, Terre Haute Children’s Museum or check out the military memorabilia on display at the Veterans Memorial Museum. Ready to head outdoors? This Hoosier State gem boasts a multitude of parks where children can play and adults can spend some time relaxing in the sun.
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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
LaVern Gibson Cross Country Course Cross Country
This world-class, 240-acre course, located just east of downtown Terre Haute at the Wabash Valley Family Sports Center, has the distinction of being one of the few purpose-built cross country courses in the world, as well as one of the most spectator-friendly distance running courses. It has been home to the NCAA Division I Great Lakes Regional, Division III Regional and Men’s and Women’s NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships. It has also hosted the Indiana
State High School Championship Meet, Nike Cross Nationals Midwest Regional Meet, and numerous invitational and championship meets.
Griffin Bike Park Biking
This full spectrum destination riding experience is designed for riders of all ages, skills and abilities. The Veteran-themed bike park was founded on honoring and empowering those who have served our country. This unique bike park has several specialized riding areas designed to provide a wide range of features for special riding style and disciplines. Griffin Bike Park also @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
has a new “Freedom Trail” designed especially for those with differing disabilities and using adaptive equipment. With a 5-acre terrain park, a basic training skills park, loop trail and racing venues all designed for large scale, national level races makes this park worth visiting.
has 10- and 50-meter training lanes. The 10-by15-foot video board can show live competition. The center can seat up to 500 people for major events and is the home to three Vigo County High School swim teams, as well as the Terre Haute Torpedos, a local swim club.
Soccer
The Springhill Soccer Complex features 45 soccer fields for varying ages f rom four to 13 years of age. It is home to the Vigo County Youth Soccer Association and host of the Midwest Soccer Classic.
Vigo County Aquatic Center Swimming
is a ½ mile dirt track located at the Vigo County Fairgrounds. It hosts USAC midget and sprint cars. Notable drivers have and Tony Stewart.
Racing
Springhill Soccer Complex
▶ T he Terre Haute Action Track
included A J Foyt, Jeff Gordon
Hulman Mini-Speedway The Terre Haute Quarter Midget Association (THQMA) is based at the Hulman MiniSpeedway. Quarter Midget Racing is a familyoriented sport that involves racing that is designed specifically for kids aged five to 16. Racing is divided into many different classes based on age, skill level and motor type.
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
▶ T he Veteran’s Memorial
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“It would not be possible to provide the many soccer programs and events without the support of the many volunteers, soccer families, local businesses, colleges, universities and especially the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau.” — Jim Wilkey, VCYSA Tournament Director and Past President
Museum honors veterans from all branches of the military service. This 2,000-plus square feet commemorative space is filled with a varity of military memorabilia from WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan.
▶ 1 77-acre Deming Park is home to a miniature train for children to ride, fields for softball and an ADA-certified playground.
TERRE HAUTE CVB David Patterson Executive Director
The Vigo County Aquatic Center, opened in 2016, is a 50-meter-by- 25-yard competition and teaching pool. It is an Olympic-sized pool that
812-234-5555 david@terrehaute.com TerreHaute.com
Griffin Bike Park
Vigo County Aquatic Center
Terre Haute Quarter Midget Association Race Track
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Springhill Soccer Complex
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Fort Wayne, IN
Scan to discover more of what Visit Fort Wayne offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
IN THE HEART OF THE MIDWEST, FORT WAYNE OFFERS COUNTLESS STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES SURROUNDED BY ACTIVITIES FOR ALL
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
“We host events all over the nation and Fort Wayne is our favorite by far! Fort Wayne’s welcoming community and outstanding facilities are second to none.” — Todd Hensley, Gym Rats
SportONE/Parkview Fieldhouse
SportONE/Parkview Icehouse
Nestled in northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne is approximately 200 miles from three major Midwestern cities in Chicago, Cleveland, and Milwaukee. Rich in history, Fort Wayne was named after a U.S. military fort founded in 1794 by General Anthony Wayne. Originally drawn to its central location as the hub of three rivers, the city developed into the second largest in Indiana.
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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Basketball, Hockey, Wrestling, Volleyball With the capability to hold 13,000 spectators for basketball games and 10,480 for hockey, this massive arena has hosted many major sporting events since opening in 1952. Its resume includes the 1955 and 1956 NBA Finals, and the 2010 NCAA Men’s DI Ice Hockey Tournament for the Midwest Region. Initially authorized in 1946 to be constructed into a memorial for the nation’s war veterans, the arena now serves the Fort Wayne Komets, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, and Fort
Wayne Derby Girls. It will also host the 2022 through 2026 NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Championships.
SportONE Parkview Fieldhouse
Basketball, Volleyball, Futsal, Pickleball This 57,000-square-foot multipurpose facility is a premier destination for indoor competitions, with its eight hardwood volleyball courts which can transition into six high school regulation basketball courts. Equipped with bleacher seating, on-site storage, and a sports performance area, many clubs around the area @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
ASH Centre
including Summit Volleyball, Fort Wayne Futsal, and Gym Rats Basketball call this facility home. Located steps from the TownePlace Suites makes a perfect location for tournaments.
SportONE Parkview Icehouse
Hockey, Sled Hockey, Ice Skating, Curling, Roller Hockey With three NHL-sized ice surfaces, SportONE Parkview Icehouse is the only three-sheet facility in Indiana. Home to the Fort Wayne Komets of the ECHL, Parkview has partnerships with Fort Wayne Amateur Hockey Association, Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club, and the Indiana Tech Hockey teams. The Thirsty Penguin Grill House overlooks all three surfaces to ensure you won’t miss a moment as you visit this full-service restaurant and bar. The Icehouse has hosted many large tournaments such as the 2019 Midwestern Sectional Figure Skating Championships and the United States Roller Hockey 2019 State Wars National Championship.
Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Basketball This facility hosts many tournaments, camps, and instructional sessions from Fort Wayne’s most prominent baseball trainers, the World Baseball Academy. This multipurpose sports facility is located near downtown Fort Wayne, making it accessible for those traveling in and out of town. With three artificial turf baseball diamonds, all equipped with new lighting, the Hoosier Classic Baseball Tournaments are hosted here. The ASH Centre is also equipped with an indoor soccer field, a basketball court, and batting cages.
POPULAR ACTIVITIES Experience rides, animals and unique hands-on experiences at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, one of the top zoos in the nation. Watch the TinCaps battle it out on the diamond at Parkview Field, then run the bases after the game concludes. Check out more than 200 exhibits at Science Central, a fun interactive science center. Submerge into an oasis of natural wonders at the
VISIT FORT WAYNE
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, where you can
Nicolle Campbell
traverse luscious gardens before
260-424-3700
finding a cascading waterfall.
nicolle@visitfortwayne.com www.visitfortwayne.com
More Wins. Big Grins. Score Big
in Fort Wayne, Indiana. You’ll score more wins and grins from your players and parents when you plan your next tournament in Fort Wayne – Indiana’s second largest city. With a wide selection of premier sports venues, first-rate hotels, family-friendly entertainment and restaurants, Fort Wayne can host tournaments of all sizes and skill levels.
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Learn MORE about how we can make your next event a big win! Contact Nicolle Campbell at Nicolle@VisitFortWayne. com to get started. ®
VisitFortWayne.com 260-424-3700
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South Shore, IN
Scan to discover more of what South Shore CVA offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
LAKE MICHIGAN’S SOUTHERN EDGE IS IDEALLY POSITIONED TO HOST YOUR NEXT TOURNAMENT
Hobart Aquatic Center
Dean and Barbara White Community Center
Crown Point Sportsplex
The South Shore of Lake Michigan is the perfect destination for your next sporting event. Situated just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago, our centralized location makes us easily accessible from almost anywhere in the United States.
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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
Hobart Aquatic Center
Swimming, diving, water polo This new aquatic facility in Hobart offers multiple configurations to fit all events. It features a 50-meter pool with 10 lanes and two bulkheads, 20 starting blocks, four 1 meter and one 3 meter diving boards, infinity gutter system and depth ranges f rom 4.5’ to 13’. The center also features spectator seating for 630, hospitality room with 86” smart display board, six locker rooms, Colorado timing system, eight-place
award podium, state-of-the-art scoreboard/ video player and a fieldhouse attached to the pool for overflow area.
Hammond Sportsplex and Community Center
Basketball, dodgeball, soccer, volleyball, wrestling, gymnastics Opened in 2018, the complex features six basketball courts with practice cross-court rims, six regulation-sized and 12 cross-court practice volleyball courts; two regulation-sized indoor turf soccer fields, six indoor batting @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
cages, a quarter-mile walking/running track and a hospitality room. In October 2021, the Sportsplex is scheduled to host the largest NCAA volleyball tournament, the Midwest Region Volleyball Crossover Tournament.
Dean and Barbara White Community Center
Volleyball, basketball, soccer, football, lacrosse, wrestling Opened in March of 2021, this facility features three regulation-sized basketball courts, six volleyball courts, a rock climbing wall, a multi-purpose turf field for soccer, football and lacrosse, a multi-purpose hospitality room and three meeting rooms.
four locker rooms per rink and bleachers for 200 spectators. The Sky Kube features a trampoline park and Ninja Challenge Course.
Crown Point Sportsplex
Baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball This sportsplex in Crown Point is a 95acre multi-use outdoor sports and event destination conveniently located off I-65. The facility features two synthetic turf multi-purpose fields, 10 natural grass, illuminated baseball/softball fields including a championship field with stadium seating.
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
▶ Enjoy year-round fun at Fair Oaks Farms. Guests can enjoy daily
tours and adventures, a farm-totable restaurant and even stay at a modern farm hotel.
▶ Satisfy your sweet tooth at
Albanese Candy in Merrillville where you’ll find World’s Best Gummies and candies.
▶ Visit the Mascot Hall of Fame. Here, iconic mascot performers, performances and programs are enshrined for educational purposes.
Kube Sports Complex
SOUTH SHORE CONVENTION AND VISITORS AUTHORITY
Kube Sports Complex is Northwest Indiana’s newest recreational facility offering ice hockey, figure skating and trampoline activities. The Ice Kube features one full-sized ice rink (with number two coming soon) with
Megan Goodan
of wooded hiking trails, beaches,
Manager of Sports Development
rugged sand dunes, mysterious
219-301-7762
wetlands, open field prairies and
mgoodan@southshorecva.com
winding rivers at Indiana Dunes
www.alongthesouthshore.com
National Park.
Hockey, figure skating
▶ Explore 15,000 acres and 50 miles
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The Terre Haute Convention & Visitors Bureau would love to help you plan your next sporting event in the Midwest. Known as “The Crossroads of America,” Terre Haute provides a central location for any sport. With the Terre Haute Convention Center opening in 2022, Terre Haute can easily provide a venue for your next competition. Our hotel selection continues to grow, offering a variety of convenient rooms for teams. Popular stops include everything from wineries, breweries, unique restaurants, theaters, museums, spiritual walking tour at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods college campus, Griffin Bike Park and the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course. The veteran-themed Griffin Bike Park features trails that all have special riding styles for everyone of all ages. It has a new “Freedom Trail,” which is offered for those individuals with differing disabilities or those with adaptive riding equipment. The LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course has hosted a variety of races over many years including: NCAA Division I, Great Lakes Regionals, Division III Men & Women’s, NCAA Division I Championships, IHSAA Sectionals and State Championships and the Nike Cross Country Nationals. The course is constantly improving and now has a newly built medical building on-site.
www.TerreHaute.com
