IOWA 2025 GUIDE
Sports in the Hawkeye State
Iowa’s communities have invested in alternative athletics
CONSIDER IOWA TO HOST YOUR NEXT SPORTING EVENT
Centrally located in the United States, Iowa features all four seasons and is easily accessible, with excellent interstate connectivity and major and regional airports conveniently spread across the state. Team Iowa invites your organization, teams, and participants to consider Iowa as the host for your next event.
The Hawkeye State boasts a diverse array of sports facilities, both large and small, and has a rich history of successfully hosting a wide spectrum of events. Among these notable occasions are the AAU Junior Olympic Games, John Deere Classic, NCAA DI Men’s Basketball, NAIA Championships, USA Wrestling Olympic Trials, USATF Outdoor Championships, USA Badminton, USA Gymnastics, National Senior Games, and so many more.
In addition to traditional sporting events, Iowa is also proud to be a prime location for nontraditional sports. Our state offers exceptional venues and natural settings for activities such as bowling, whitewater, kayaking, cheer and dance, cross country, triathlons, mountain biking, equestrian events, motocross, dirt track racing, and even esports. These diverse options highlight Iowa’s versatility as a sports destination, catering to both classic competitions and emerging, adventurous sports.
Team Iowa, an integral division of Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP), represents the sole statewide organization in Iowa with an exclusive focus on the sports travel market. Our mission is to attract youth, amateur, and professional sporting events to Iowa. Sports tradition and culture are deeply embedded in Iowa, rendering it an ideal destination for your upcoming event. Our iTIP membership encompasses a consortium of over 130 partners including Iowa sports commissions, destination marketing organizations, venues, and lodging partners spread across the state, offering event planners a plethora of hosting options to select from.
courtesy of Team Iowa Scan to discover more of what Iowa offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
You can rely on iTIP to assist you in identifying the perfect sports facilities in Iowa. Reach out today to begin planning.
Yours in Tourism, Team Iowa
Chelsea Lerud Executive Director, Iowa Travel Industry Partners IowaTravelIndustry.org/team-iowa
Leatherneck Bowling Classic in the Quad Cities
Photo courtesy of Team Iowa
Photo
NONTRADITIONAL SPORTS
Are a Hit in the Hawkeye State
Iowa’s communities have invested in alternative athletics, making it a dream state for creative sports event planners • By Billy
Stampfl
Football. Basketball. Baseball. These are the games we know well, the ones we watch most frequently on television and at bars and restaurants. Iowans are no different—they, too, enjoy an Iowa Hawkeyes football game or an Iowa State Cyclones basketball contest. But Iowa has also separated itself with a one-of-a-kind commitment to nontraditional sports.
AMES, CEDAR RAPIDS, SIOUX CITY
The Summer Games are Special Olympics Iowa’s largest event of the year, with more than 2,600 athletes 1,200 coaches and 2,000 volunteers converging on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames. The three-day event began with the Torch Run Final Leg bringing the Flame of Hope from downtown Des Moines to Hilton Coliseum for the Opening Ceremony presented by Hy-Vee.
Whitewater rafting in Charles City
Photo courtesy of Team Iowa
Cedar Rapids features the Adapted Sports League, providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in a variety of sports, fostering skill development and community engagement at the Marion YMCA. Iowa City hosts Courage League Sports, delivering tailored sports programs that emphasize inclusion and personal growth for athletes with physical and cognitive challenges. Sioux City’s Siouxland Adaptive Sports program connects athletes with opportunities to engage in sports like adaptive basketball and sled hockey, promoting an active lifestyle and community involvement.
CEDAR FALLS, CHARLES CITY, MANCHESTER
Cedar Falls is nearly finished with the build of a whitewater amenity and riverside park area on the Cedar River which runs adjacent to the bustling downtown area. The river park project will encompass in-river whitewater features for kayakers, stand up paddlers, river surfers and other river users.
Charles City boasts Iowa’s first whitewater park, a gem along the Cedar River. Opened in 2011, this park features three distinct drops and over 10,000 tons of limestone boulders, creating a challenging course for kayakers and tubers alike.
Manchester, a small town with a big passion for outdoor sports, offers a thrilling whitewater experience on the Maquoketa River. Opened in 2015, this park spans nearly 900 feet and includes six drop features. It is a prime spot for kayaking, tubing, and standup paddleboarding, with calm spots perfect for beginners and adrenaline-pumping waves for the more experienced.
CLEAR LAKE
Clear Lake hosts the annual Tri Clear Lake, a premier triathlon event that draws athletes from across the Midwest. This challenging race includes a swim in the clear waters of Clear Lake, a bike ride through scenic rural landscapes, and a run along the shoreline, offering participants a picturesque and invigorating course. Tri Clear Lake is known for its welcoming atmosphere, attracting both seasoned triathletes and beginners.
COUNCIL BLUFFS
Council Bluffs offers a serene kayaking experience on its picturesque lake, a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. The calm waters of Council Bluff Lake provide an ideal setting for both beginners and seasoned paddlers to enjoy a peaceful day on the water. Surrounded by lush landscapes and scenic views, kayaking here is a great way to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle.
DES MOINES
Archery is a popular sport in Central Iowa, with facilities and programs in Des Moines offering exceptional opportunities for bow-and-arrow enthusiasts.
Des Moines’ Hy-Vee Hall is the state’s largest exhibit hall with 100,000 square feet of exhibit space and eight breakout meeting rooms. It hosts events large and small including the 2025 ISAA Pro-Am Archery Tournament.
Des Moines continues to host IRONMAN competitions in June of 2025. The city is considered an excellent Ironman destination because of its scenic beauty, family-friendly fun and upscale downtown vibes. Race day starts with a 1.2-mile urban swim in Gray’s Lake with downtown Des Moines acting as the background. Athletes will push their limits on a 56-mile ride featuring rolling hills and city views.
DUBUQUE, MARSHALLTOWN, OTTUMWA
Dubuque is stepping into the future with its growing esports scene, highlighted by the Dubuque Esports League. This initiative has turned the city into a hub for competitive gaming, offering a space where gamers of all ages can engage in various esports tournaments and leagues. The Dubuque Esports facility is equipped with state-of-theart gaming stations and provides a social atmosphere for gamers to connect and compete.
Ottumwa’s Bridge View Center also hosts esports competitions, including the Meet Your Destiny Esports & Arcade Tournament, featuring three days of games, competition, and fun in the video game capital of the world, Ottumwa, Iowa.
Marshalltown Community College is the unmatched “Mecca of Mario” in esports, as it recently hosted the Iowa High School Esports Association Spring State Showdown featuring Mario Kart.
FORT DODGE
Cross country is a popular sport in Iowa. The Iowa High School Athletic Association initially administered boys cross country state championships in 1930, with the first invitational championships held at the University of Iowa starting in 1922. Kennedy Park in Fort Dodge hosts one of the nation’s longestrunning co-ed state meets each year.
QUAD CITIES
The Quad Cities is home to top sports facilities, including the TBK Bank Sports Complex, Vibrant Arena at THE MARK, Modern Woodmen Park, TPC Deere Run, RiverCenter, QC Tennis Club, and Beyond the Baseline. The American Cue Sports Championships are just one of several billiards competitions hosted regularly in this region. The Quad Cities is currently home to the ACS Midwest and Iowa Championships. Bowling hits a strike every time in the Quad Cities because of its multiple tournament-ready bowling centers with the experience and facilities to wow competitors and fans. The Quad Cities has hosted a variety of United States Bowling Congress competitions and premier collegiate competitions like the 20th Anniversary of the Leatherneck Classic.
WATERLOO
The Cedar Valley SportsPlex in Waterloo is home to a sprawling fieldhouse, a gym, fitness studios, and a pool—is a hub for a variety of activities, including karate, dancing, and tumbling. This unique venue can host a variety of tournaments including the Iowa AAU District Karate Championships.
The centerpiece of Waterloo’s nontraditional athletics scene is not an individual sport or tourney, but a venue: the Waterloo Convention Center. This premier arena offers versatile spaces for events of all sizes. Located in the heart of downtown Waterloo, the center is designed to accommodate everything from large conventions and trade shows to intimate meetings and social gatherings. With modern facilities, 40,000 square feet of space, state-of-theart technology, and a dedicated team of event planners, the Waterloo Convention Center ensures that every event is executed flawlessly. Among the events it has held includes large-scale billiards tournaments including the Iowa State Pool Championships.
ENTICE GROUPS TO COME PLAY IN
IOWA
Iowa boasts an array of sports facilities, making it an ideal destination for tournament planners seeking to host memorable events. With state-of-theart venues like the Iowa Events Center and the UNI-Dome, alongside numerous well-maintained outdoor fields and courts, the state caters to a wide range of sports, from basketball and volleyball to soccer and track.
GREATER DES MOINES CEDAR FALLS
Des Moines represents a large metro area that thrives on sports and has a friendly Midwestern community
IOWA EVENTS CENTER
Iowa Events Center includes Hy-Vee Hall and Wells Fargo Arena. With a 17,000-seat capacity, Wells Fargo Arena is home to the AHL’s Iowa Wild, NBA G League’s Iowa Wolves and IFL’s Iowa Barnstormers.
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY RECPLEX
MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex houses a 150,000-square-foot fieldhouse that features 11 full-size basketball courts, or 29 volleyball courts, and a full-size indoor turf soccer field that can be utilized for multiple sports.
DRAKE UNIVERSITY
Drake Stadium includes the infamous Blue Oval track and field facility as well as one full-size soccer field. Home to Drake Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams, the oncampus Knapp Center seats 6,424 and puts the fans right on the court.
Famous for its museums, outdoors and sports venues, Cedar Falls is a college town with much to experience
UNI-DOME
Located on the University of Northern Iowa campus, UNIDome features 80,000 square feet of AstroTurf and hard floor space and more than 16,000 permanent seats. UNI-Dome is the current home of the UNI Panthers football team, but with its 18 courts for volleyball.
UNI WELLNESS AND RECREATION CENTER
The University of Northern Iowa (UNI)’s Wellness and Recreation Center features 10 full-size basketball courts that can be converted for volleyball and other indoor sports, making it ideal for large youth sports tournaments and competitions.
FIT COURTS
FIT Courts is an ideal venue for indoor sports tournaments and events. FIT features over 14,000 square feet of space, with three college-size basketball courts, or up to six volleyball courts.
LAURA JASS
lauraj@catchdesmoines.com (515) 699-3455
ASHLEY JOHNSON
ashley@cedarvalleysports.org (319) 493-5371
COUNCIL BLUFFS SIOUX CITY WATERLOO
Located in Southwest Iowa, Council Bluffs offers superior sports venues for an array of events
COUNCIL BLUFFS RECREATION COMPLEX
The Council Bluffs Recreation Complex offers multiple fields for bat-and-ball sports, including four for softball, four for baseball and two for youth fast-pitch. The complex also has 10 full-size soccer fields and four full-size football fields.
IOWA WEST FIELD HOUSE
Iowa West Field House houses 100,000 square feet, with 12 regulation-size volleyball courts or eight high school-size basketball courts. The space is versatile to hold a variety of different sporting events as well.
IOWA WEST SPORTS PLEX
This 75,000-square-foot indoor turf facility can accommodate a variety of sporting events, with its regulation-size turf field able to be separated into multiple smaller field configurations. Its upstairs mezzanine area has bleachers as well as
COUNCIL BLUFFS CVB info@unleashcb.com (712) 256-2577, x2
Located in western Iowa, Siouxland boasts boundless sporting opportunities for a wide-range of events
TYSON EVENTS CENTER
Located a short distance from the Missouri River, Tyson Events Center is the prime hub for large sporting events, concerts and competitions in Sioux City, Iowa. The 190,000 square feet dedicated to this venue allows for U-shaped seating, with a 10,000-seat capacity and 28 luxury suites.
SEABOARD TRIUMPH EXPO CENTER
This versatile expo center can be situated to fit numerous sporting and recreational events. With 80,000 square feet, the area is large enough to arrange 14 volleyball courts or 12 basketball courts.
SIOUXLAND SPORTS ACADEMY
This academy boasts numerous full-sized courts and training rooms, including 18 adjustable basketball hoops and a gorgeous hardwood dance studio.
WARD FRANZ ward@exploresiouxland.com (712) 224-1000
Waterloo is the major metro of the Cedar Valley Region of Northeast Iowa with multiple sports facilities
CEDAR VALLEY SOCCER COMPLEX
Located in Waterloo, Iowa, Cedar Valley Soccer Complex includes 11 full-size competition fields as well as four practice fields. The complex’s multipurpose fields are also perfect for flag football, 7v7 football and ultimate frisbee.
CEDAR VALLEY SPORTSPLEX
Cedar Valley Sportsplex features two full-size basketball courts that can be converted into four for volleyball. The Sportsplex also features a nearly 30,000-square-foot fieldhouse with artificial turf for indoor football and soccer.
YOUNG ARENA
Young Arena features one Olympic-size ice rink with 3,500 permanent seats. The arena utilizes an insulated ice cover and has floor space to accommodate eight 42′ x 42′ mats.
ASHLEY JOHNSON ashley@cedarvalleysports.org (319) 493-5371
CLEAR LAKE
Clear Lake, Iowa has a mighty sports community that ranges from perfect sailing conditions to fishing and basketball
CLEAR LAKE
This 3,684-acre, spring-fed glacial lake in Northern Iowa is a popular destination for fishing tournaments, with walleye, yellow bass and channel catfish. Along with fishing, Clear Lake has yearround events that range from sailing regattas to paddling competitions.
CLEAR LAKE ATHLETICS & WELLNESS CENTER
Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center is a state-of-the-art facility featuring 81,000 square feet of indoor space. Indoor facilities include two hardwood courts, three multipurpose courts, a 200-meter track and a 47,114-square-foot fieldhouse.
CLEAR LAKE LIONS FACILITIES
Clear Lake’s community takes great pride in school athletics with the Lions team name at the forefront. Lions Field Athletic Complex in particular features an artificial turf field suitable for football and soccer.
LIBBEY HOHN libbey@clearlakeiowa.com (641) 357-2159
AMES
Beyond the Cornfields: Ames, Iowa offers a vibrant and dynamic backdrop for your next sporting event
CYCLONE SPORTS COMPLEX
Cyclone Sports Complex provides ample space for events of all sizes and is home to Iowa State’s track and field, soccer and softball teams. The soccer facility features a seating capacity of 1,500, a surrounding Hobart Texture Track Surface, four long jump/triple jump runways, two pole vault areas and 3.5 acres of throw space.
LIED RECREATION CENTER
Lied Recreation Center is a large indoor sports facility, featuring 20 basketball courts that can be converted into eight racquetball or badminton courts. One basketball court can typically be converted into two volleyball courts.
HUNZIKER YOUTH
SPORTS COMPLEX
This spacious outdoor facility is perfect for youth and amateur sports, offering 24 soccer fields that can be utilized for various sports, as well as four softball and five baseball fields.
TRISTAN SPEARS tristans@discoverames.com (515) 956-4604
IOWA CITYCORALVILLE AREA
Located a short drive from one another, Iowa City and Coralville provide a superb, combined sports scene
XTREAM ARENA AND GREENSTATE FAMILY FIELDHOUSE
Xtream Arena powered by Mediacom is a modern 5,100seat arena that is home to Iowa Hawkeyes volleyball teams and the ECHL’s Iowa Heartlanders. The attached GreenState Family Fieldhouse provides its own space for additional sports with five courts.
CAMPUS RECREATION AND WELLNESS CENTER NATATORIUM
Located on the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City, the Natatorium at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center features a 2,500-seat Olympic-size pool and diving well at 14 to 17 feet for topnotch competitions.
HAWKEYE TENNIS AND RECREATION CENTER
HTRC houses 12 outdoor tennis courts, along with eight indoor courts that can be utilized for additional sports like
LUKE EUSTICE luke@thinkiowacity.com (319) 337-6592
MARSHALLTOWN SIOUX CENTER FORT DODGE
Welcome to Marshalltown, Iowa:
A top choice for a “meet in the middle” sports tournament with top-notch facilities and activities
MARSHALLTOWN ROUNDHOUSE
This indoor facility boasts abundant court space for a multitude of sports, featuring a main gym that is the largest high school basketball arena in the State of Iowa at a capacity of 5,100. The court space can be utilized for up to six basketball courts and eight volleyball courts.
LINDA BLOOM NATATORIUM
Home to multiple swimming and diving championships, Linda Bloom Natatorium is a premier venue for water sports in the Midwest. With a capacity of 2,200, the natatorium features eight 7-foot lap lanes that are lined with 6-inch lane ropes.
THE ORPHEUM THEATER ESPORTS ARENA
Two gaming arenas are located within The Orpheum Theater Esports Arena, boasting a capacity of 40 computers and up to 300 spectators.
DYLAN DOES ddoes@marshalltown.org (641) 753-6645
Sioux Center, Iowa creates an exceptional experience for players, coaches, planners and fans
AMERICAN STATE BANK SPORTS COMPLEX
The air-inflated domed American State Bank Sports Complex provides nearly three acres of indoor turf for a multitude of year-round sports uses: two regulation softball fields, a regulation soccer field or a regulation football field.
OPEN SPACE PARK ATHLETIC COMPLEX
This award-winning athletic complex includes 80 acres of public recreational facilities, including the Iowa Baseball Field of the Year in 2017 and National Softball Field of the Year in 2019.
ALL SEASONS CENTER/ VERNON ARENA
This facility features an indoor NHL-sized ice rink, with ice events September through March and dry floor events April through August. Bleachers seat 750 spectators, with locker rooms and concessions. Facility also features indoor pool.
TRENT ROOSE
trent.roose@dordt.edu (712) 722-6503
Enjoy family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures and cultural opportunities
HARLAN & HAZEL ROGERS
SPORTS COMPLEX
Home to the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State Softball Championships for 54 years, the 100-acre Harlan & Hazel Rogers Sports Complex is an ideal spot for a sports tournament. The complex features 11 diamonds of different sizes for baseball and softball.
LAKESIDE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE
Lakeside Municipal Golf Course is a beautifully manicured 18-hole course that includes a long and straight front nine and a short and narrow back nine. Along with the course, the site features a putting range, a driving range and a clubhouse with a pro shop concessions.
LIZARD CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
Traverse 10 miles on the hand-cut, single-track Lizard Creek Mountain Bike Trails, situated along the Des Moines River Valley.
TIFFAY CONRAD
tconrad@fortdodgeiowa.org (515) 573-4282
GREATER MUSCATINE
Plan your next sporting event in Greater Muscatine, Iowa, which borders the mighty Mississippi River
KENT-STEIN BASEBALL & SOFTBALL COMPLEX
Sprawled over 66 acres, KentStein Baseball & Softball Complex features nine softball diamonds, eight baseball diamonds and nine horseshoe courts, all of which are lighted.
MUSCATINE SOCCER COMPLEX
This impressive 41-acre, $3.8 million soccer facility features eight full-size soccer fields. Two of the eight fields are internationally sized, lighted and contain amended soils. The complex is fully equipped, including concessions, a media center, restroom facility and a parking area.
MUSCATINE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE
Golfers will love this 18-hole facility located on the north side of Muscatine, offering a complete pro shop, concession area, cart rental and driving range. Hit your golf ball over the water on No. 13 or test your leg strength on a Par 5 on the nine-hole Foot Golf course.
REBECCA PAULSEN rpaulsen@muscatine.com (563) 263-8895
OTTUMWA DUBUQUE
Located in southeastern Iowa, Ottumwa is an upcoming sports city, featuring a revitalized downtown district
BRIDGE VIEW CENTER
Ottumwa’s Bridge View Center is a 30,000-square-foot exposition hall that is often used for many indoor sporting events. Past sporting events held at the center include AAU Trampoline & Tumbling, the Bullriders of America Finals, Cornhole League and esports tournaments. Along with the exposition hall, Bridge View Center also has a theater, conference rooms, a studio and an outdoor plaza with views overlooking the banks of the beautiful Des Moines River.
SOUTHEAST IOWA JBS SPORTS CENTER
Opening in 2025, the state-ofthe-art Southeast Iowa JBS Sports Center will provide three full-size basketball courts, four volleyball courts, a 9v9 turf soccer field, a softball and baseball infield, two batting cages, a turf football field, concessions and offices. Along with sporting events, the center will be able to be used for other major events.
LAURA CARRELL lcarrell@meetottumwa.org (641) 684-4303
Uncovering Dubuque, Iowa: a rich tapestry of history, charm and surprising sports adventures
FIELD OF DREAMS MOVIE SITE
Step onto the iconic baseball field where cinematic magic was born, surrounded by the nostalgic charm of Iowa farmland. This historic location provides ample space for events with additional facilities and its expansive grass/gravel parking lot.
DUBUQUE ICE ARENA
Get ready to lace up and hit the ice at Dubuque Ice Arena. Nestled on an island surrounded by the Mississippi River, this 3,200-seat arena offers spectators breathtaking views and ample space for ice hockey tournaments, figure skating competitions and more.
UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE CHLAPATY RECREATION AND WELLNESS CENTER
This center is a top-notch venue able to host a wide range of indoor sporting events. The center has a sixlane track, perfect for running competitions.
NOAH WESTHOFF nwesthoff@traveldubuque.com (563) 845-7698
CHARLES CITY CEDAR RAPIDS VISIT QUAD CITIES
Located along the scenic Cedar River, Charles City is a rural Iowa community that is rich in history
CHARLES CITY WHITEWATER
Charles City Whitewater is Iowa’s first whitewater park. With multiple river flows and skill levels and open year-round, kayakers, stand-up paddle boarders, tubers, fishermen and all river enthusiasts will enjoy this park on the Cedar River. The park hosts annual events, with a course prepared to host slalom, downriver, and surf competitions.
ALL IOWA LAWN TENNIS CLUB
This grass tennis court is located on a family farm in rural Charles City, offering a oneof-a-kind tennis experience. Featured in Tennis magazine and dubbed as “The Court of Dreams,” AILTC is a prime spot.
USSSA BASEBALL
With multiple baseball diamonds across Charles City, including at Sportsman’s Park and Lion’s Field Park, USSSA Baseball has been putting on many 9U–13U tournaments over the past few years in the months of June and July.
GINGER WILLIAMS ginger@charlescitychamber.com (641) 228-4234
Cedar Rapids is a vibrant city in eastern Iowa and a host to wonderful sports facilities and activities for all to enjoy
ALLIANT ENERGY POWERHOUSE
The Alliant Energy PowerHouse, located in downtown Cedar Rapids, is a versatile complex featuring an arena, convention center and a 267-room hotel with two attached parking garages. The 37,550-square-foot arena seats 6,800 and includes four team locker rooms and two officials’ locker rooms.
TUMA SPORTS COMPLEX
Tuma Sports Complex features 22 full-sized soccer fields that can be customized for soccer, rugby and a multitude of other sports. It also includes two youth football fields at 50 x 120 yards, parking for over 1,000 vehicles and a 5,600-squarefoot pavilion.
IMON ICE ARENA
ImOn Ice Arena features two sheets of ice: an NHL arena with seating for 3,800 and an Olympic rink with seating for 200. The facility includes eight team locker rooms and two officials’ locker rooms.
JAY FANTA
J.Fanta@tourismcedarrapids.com (319) 731-4557
The Quad Cities feature versatile facilities for all sports and events from soccer to esports and more
TBK BANK SPORTS COMPLEX
TBK Bank Sports Complex is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facility. Outdoors, it offers four soccer fields, 10 lighted turf baseball/ softball fields, and five sand volleyball courts. Indoors, you’ll find two turf multipurpose fields and eight basketball or 12 volleyball courts. Across the road and open in 2024, Iron Tee Golf adds 58 temperaturecontrolled driving bays.
MODERN WOODMEN PARK
Featuring 4,000 permanent seats and 2,000 additional seats on the grass and in the picnic area, there is also versatile meeting and event space with spectacular views. Families can also enjoy a variety of amusement rides at the park.
DAVENPORT RIVERCENTER
The RiverCenter is a 100,000-square-foot multiuse convention center that is conveniently connected to two of downtown Davenport’s finest hotels.
JESSICA VANDYKE jvandyke@visitquadcities.com (309) 736-6823
QUAD CITIES, IOWA
The Quad Cities region combines a family of dozens of communities in Illinois and Iowa to create one major sports destination. Whether it’s for sporting events along the beautiful Mississippi River at the awardwinning Modern Woodmen Park, voted the best minor league ballpark in the U.S., or top tournaments for a multitude of sports at TBK Bank Sports Complex, the Quad Cities has you covered. There’s also plenty to see and do away from the action in the Quad Cities. Discover how local powerhouse John Deere forges the cutting edge every day at John Deere Pavilion, which features new and vintage equipment and interactive and immersive exhibits. The community-centered Figge Art Museum is located along the Mississippi River and features nine permanent galleries, traveling exhibitions, art studios and more. Enjoy a family-owned riverboat cruise aboard the Celebration Belle. For over 40 years, this four-deck riverboat has been a favorite attraction in the Quad Cities.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“This is such a cool area, and it’s so close to so many different larger places, that this is kind of a home away from home.”
— Casey Clark - Keeper Wars CEO & Co-Founder
VISIT QUAD CITIES
Joan Kranovich jkranovich@visitquadcities.com (309) 736-6831 sportsquadcities.com
TBK BANK SPORTS COMPLEX
Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, Indoor and Outdoor Sports
TBK Bank Sports Complex is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment complex. Outdoor facilities include two lighted turf soccer fields, 10 lighted turf baseball/softball fields and five sand volleyball courts along with concessions. The indoor facilities feature two turf multi-purpose fields, eight regulation-size basketball or volleyball courts, along with a team training area, a fitness center and batting cages.
MODERN WOODMEN PARK
Baseball, Events
Located in Davenport, Iowa, Modern Woodmen Park sits right on the banks of the Mississippi River. Home to the Quad Cities River Bandits, a High-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, the stadium has also hosted many collegiate and high school tournaments and events. Featuring 4,000 permanent seats and 2,000 additional seats on the grass and in the picnic area, there is also versatile meeting and event space with spectacular views.
DAVENPORT RIVERCENTER
Dance, Cheerleading, Table Tennis, Esports, Indoor Sports and Events
The RiverCenter is a 100,000-square-foot multiuse convention center that is conveniently connected to two of downtown Davenport’s finest hotels. It has a 32,400-square-foot hall with concrete floors and no columns, making it a perfect room to host any dance or cheer competition, table tennis tournament and more. In addition, there is a 13,130-square-foot carpeted hall perfect for billiards tournaments.
ST. AMBROSE UNIVERSITY FACILITIES
Track And Field, Soccer, Volleyball, Baseball, Indoor and Outdoor Sports
St. Ambrose University features an 80,000-squarefoot Wellness Center with a 56,000-square-foot fieldhouse. Sports events have use of a 200-meter, six-lane track, pole vault areas, long and triple jump pits and four multi-sport courts. Lee Lohman Arena has a collegesize basketball court with seating for 2,000.
Lee Lohman SAU, Cheer & Dance
FORT DODGE, IOWA
When the games are done, visitors to Fort Dodge, IA will be pleasantly surprised with the variety of local restaurants and attractions available. John F. Kennedy Memorial Park and Badger Lake are located behind Lakeside municipal golf course. Families can kayak or fish as well as enjoy a picnic or take the kids to the play area. A new 2.6-mile paved path goes around Badger Lake where families can walk or ride bikes. The Corridor Plaza Sports Plex will be completed in early 2025 and is included within a retail district. The Sports Plex will include space for pickle ball, volleyball and basketball courts. Included in the space will be retail and food options. The Matt Cosgrove River’s Edge Discovery Center offers an opportunity for visitors to learn and play while sharing the story of Iowa’s vital water resources. Cool down during hot summer months at Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center with over 30 water amenities offered including a lazy river, multiple slides, and diving boards. Two local ice cream shops, the Dariette and Snack Shack Treats N Eats offer weekly specials and fun flavors to try! The Community Orchard offers the Back 40 Play Area designed for families. Grab lunch or dessert from the café, shop the apple attic, or the market which offers dessert, food, and snacks.
LAKESIDE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE
Golf & Cross Country
Play a round at the Lakeside Municipal Golf Course on 18 attractively manicured holes. The first nine are long and straight while the back nine are short and narrow. A driving range, clubhouse, pro shop, and deck with concessions are also available. The golf course hosts tournaments and numerous golf leagues along with high school state cross country and junior college cross country championships.
LIZARD CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
Mountain Biking
Traverse ten miles on the hand cut Lizard Creek Mountain Bike Trails situated along the Des Moines River Valley. The trail system has three sections offering each skill level a chance to ride through the Fort Dodge wilderness. Beginners to pro mountain bikers can choose from Lower, Middle or Upper Lizard or the recently made Phinney Loop.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union is proud to call Rogers Sports Complex in Fort Dodge the home of the Iowa Girls State Softball Tournament for over 50 years. The city of Fort Dodge and the Rogers Park staff has been providing high school girls an amazing athletic experience in one of the top softball venues in the United States.”
– Jason Eslinger, Associate Director, Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union
VISIT FORT DODGE
Tiffany Conrad tconrad@fortdodgeiowa.org 515-573-4282 ext. 1016 www.dodgetheordinary.com
HARLAN & HAZEL ROGERS SPORTS COMPLEX
Softball, Baseball, Soccer
Enjoy 100 acres of recreational opportunities for Iowa sports including baseball, softball and soccer at the Harlan & Hazel Rogers Sports Complex. The site comprises 11 baseball/softball fields (2 turf) with six equipped with Musco lighting. Amenities include three batting cages, four concession stands, 13 soccer fields, scoreboards, restrooms and parking for over 600 vehicles. Home of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State Softball Championships for 54 years.
By Jon Schmieder
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 28 years of experience in leading sports tourism and events organizations through strategic growth and increased community collaboration. The Huddle Up Group has worked with more than 450 sports organizations and destinations since its founding in 2012. In 2017 the Huddle Up Group was given the Superior Service Award, the highest honor a consulting firm can earn from the National Association of Sports Commissions. We can be reached at Jon@ HuddleUpGroup.com or 602.369.6955. To receive the weekly “Monday Huddle Up” visit www.HuddleUpGroup. com or sign up at www. tinyletter.com/JonSchmieder.
10 EMERGING FORCES
Shaping a Milestone Year Ahead
This year marks the 10th edition of our annual Sports Planning Guide trends article. So, we brought our “A” game this year to celebrate such a grand milestone. Let’s get right to it! Here are the 10 sports tourism and events trends we are following as we launch into the new year.
1
Statewide Alignment – Our team at Huddle Up Group (HUG) has seen a lot more intentional involvement in sports tourism from the state level across the country. There is a lot more strategic thought and political influence than in the past. Seems like state tourism leaders have figured out that a majority of those they serve (DMOs and CVBs) count sports tourism as their top priority. Good to see the higher ups leaning into our industry.
2
National Leadership – One year into the role as the leader of our national sports tourism association, John David is coming up aces. His vision and engagement of people and organizations across our industry has made for a stronger SportsETA and has set the table for longterm success. It’s no secret that John and I have been friends for a long time. That said, his energy is contagious and his team has exceeded even my wildest expectations. We believe that even greater things are to come.
3
Transitions – There are a lot of great sports tourism leaders that are nearing the end of their careers. A few have retired recently and there will likely be more to come soon. Given the migration of these historically important figures to our industry, we will be looking to see how each of their organizations transitions into their next iteration as these leaders phase out.
4
Facility Development – There are new and creative funding models out there today that have historically not been available in our industry. Those that are leaning into these mechanisms are delivering tourism driving facilities faster and more effectively than those that use traditional voter-approved bonding mechanisms.
5
The Portal – As the NCAA recently announced their future event sites, what will the destinations that don’t fare well do for future business? The tea leaves say the NCAA portal is also about to change, which is worth monitoring in 2025 and beyond.
6
“Favored Nation Status” – Those that have worked with our team have this term ingrained in their brains. If you are a tourism driving entity and can’t get access to college or high school or parks venues, there are ways for you to move your way up the food chain. We are experiencing a larger number of intentional partnerships revolving around using tourism dollars for facility development, usually between a CVB/DMO and a parks district or academic institution (athletics).
7
External Partnerships – If you are a small CVB and you want to build your sports presence without adding headcount, a few solutions have popped up this past year. Airstream Ventures out of Jacksonville has been the lead in this space. If you don’t want to add head count with payroll and benefit costs, a third party may be a good option to handle your business development (sales) and event execution needs.
The last three are carryovers from last year…
8
Overflow – Our country is about to host two of the largest events the world has to offer (World Cup and the Olympics). You may say, “Our destination isn’t in the mega events game.” However, the spillover of these major events offers opportunities for international visitation for communities both large and small. What is your destination doing to be part of these legacy events?
9
Data – There has never been more research and data specific to the sports tourism industry than there is today. Those that lean into it will be able to make intentional and intelligent decisions on where they invest their time and money. What sources are you using in your sector of our industry? If the answer is “nothing” let’s rethink things.
10
Highest
Best Use – The three biggest parks/city trends we see across the country on the facility side are: (1) get pools off our books, (2) get golf courses off our books, and (3) convert tennis courts to pickleball. The theme here is what is our highest and best use of the real estate and facilities we have?
Best wishes for an awesome 2025.
Yours in Sport, Jon
