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Washington Sports Scene is Thriving Once Again The Evergreen State is a beautiful place to host your event By Jason Paha
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rior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state of Washington was a flourishing sports haven filled with cacophonous gymnasiums and bustling fields. While the pandemic took some of the starch out of the Evergreen State’s momentum in 2020 as stadiums and complexes were forced to shutter, Washington’s sports scene has again undergone a resurgence in 2021. Across the state, cities are welcoming tournaments and complexes are full on a weekly basis. Here are some destinations that have been thriving in 2021.
OLYMPIA
Washington’s capital city, Olympia is filled with natural beauty, from the historic falls of Tumwater to the denselyforested parklands of Lacey. It is also a popular sports destination as one of its finest athletic venues, the Regional Athletic Complex in Lacey, has been busy. “Our golf courses are full, our Regional Athletic Complex has been turning away spring and summer tournament 8
Sports Planning Guide
business because everyone is looking to get outdoors,” said Jeff Bowe, vice president of sales and development for Experience Olympia & Beyond. “Our biggest challenge is finding sports events that fit need periods for our hotels.” The Regional Athletic Complex is regarded as one of the top outdoor sporting venues in the state. This 100acre facility features spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and houses five softball/baseball fields and six regulation-sized soccer/football/rugby fields. In recent months, the RAC has hosted a USA 12U state fastpitch tournament and Cal Ripken 9U, 10U, 11U and 12U state and regional baseball tournaments. It’s also accommodated the Flag Football Championship Tour, a Washington State girls high school fastpitch tournament and youth baseball and softball tournaments. Continuing its multifaceted ways, the RAC has also hosted events like the Capital Lakefair volleyball tournament, Ultimate frisbee leagues and the Lacey Pocket Gophers semi-pro soccer club. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
