SPORTS
ARKANSAS GUIDE Discovering The Natural State of Arkansas
With an Incredible Amount of Outdoor Attractions, Arkansas Has Something for Travelers of All Ages
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Arkansas Tourism Partners Assure a Successful Event
W ELCOME T O ARKANSAS
Graced with temperate weather all year round, Arkans as is stunningly beautiful. Our terrain is one of the great unsung natural treasures of the nation, threaded with lakes and rivers and host to the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. Our thriving cities offer a wealth of family-friendly activities, a variety of restaurants and comfortable,
MO BENTONVILLE
ROGERS SPRINGDALE JONESBORO
FA Y E T T E V I L L E
convenient lodging. But even in our largest cities, Arkans as is still a budget-friendly sporting event
TN FORT SMITH
of living. With two major airports and several interstate highways
WEST MEMPHIS
R U S S E L LV I L L E
destination thanks to our low cost
C O N WA Y
NORTH LITTLE ROCK
OK HOT SPRINGS
LITTLE ROCK
connecting to surrounding states, Arkans as is close to everywhere
PINE BLUFF
and affordable for everyone!
MS TEXARKANA
All Welcome Centers offer complimentary coffee and multiple restroom stalls. Open 9-5 everyday.
TX
LA
Come experience our warm hospitality and give your athletes and competitors a taste of The Natural State. If you s aid to everyone in the United States, “We’re going to pick a spot right in the middle of where you all live, and we’re going to hold our sporting event there,” you would be talking about a place very close to
ARKANSAS .
C L OS E T O E V E RY W H E R E Branson to Little Rock Dallas to Little Rock Jackson to Little Rock Kansas City to Little Rock Memphis to Little Rock New Orleans to Little Rock Oklahoma City to Little Rock Shreveport to Little Rock St. Louis to Little Rock
3.5 hours 5 hours 5 hours 6.5 hours 2 hours 7.5 hours 5 hours 3.5 hours 6 hours
Tulsa to Little Rock
4 hours
Greetings from
ARKANSAS
Scan to discover more of what Arkansas offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
On behalf of Arkansas Tourism and the Arkansas Sports Team we’d like to welcome you to The Natural State for your next sporting event. Centrally located in the mid-South, with a moderate climate year-round, Arkansas is a beautiful, affordable destination for sporting events. An easy drive from anywhere in the south or mid-west with great interstate connectivity, we are also home to two major airports – Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in Bentonville. Once you arrive, you will find many reasons why The Natural State works well for groups of all sizes. We hope that your team has time to take a break from playing to seek out adventure in Arkansas. We offer an exciting contrast of fast-paced and laid-back, urban and scenic, business and pleasure, all with genuine hospitality you just can’t find anywhere else. Need help planning? Arkansas Sports Team members put the “pro” in proficient when it comes to hosting events. The Arkansas Sports Team is comprised of 13 destinations scattered throughout Arkansas with members who represent cities with a wide array of facilities so you can be sure to find the perfect location for any event. From Texarkana to Jonesboro, monster truck rallies to baseball tournaments, and everywhere and everything in-between, Arkansas is the natural choice for sports! Sincerely, Dalaney and the Arkansas Sports Team
Dalaney Thomas
Tourism Director Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism 1 Capitol Mall, STE 3B-201 Little Rock, AR 72201 P: 501-682-7777 Arkansas.com
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ON THE COVER: The sights of Arkansas are unmatched.
@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
ARKANSAS SPORTS The sales section of Arkansas Tourism, in collaboration with the Arkansas Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, promote The Natural State as a prime sports destination in the United States and internationally. Professional, collegiate, interscholastic, amateur and youth events are all welcome. Arkansas is home to outstanding destinations, sites and venues that enhance recruiting efforts and support events coming to the state. Sports tourism enhances the quality of life for residents of Arkansas and presents a welcoming place to visit and play for visitors. The 13 partners of Arkansas Tourism share a common goal of ensuring sporting events will achieve their greatest success.
BENTONVILLE
KNOWN AS THE MOUNTAIN BIKE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, BENTONVILLE IS A TOWN WHERE PROGRESS MEETS HISTORY AND SPORTS AND ARTS MEET INNOVATION. Bentonville Tiger Athletic Complex
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT 1. Slaughter Pen Trails Bike events
The Slaughter Pen trails in Bentonville provide a unique urban mountain biking experience. The 40- plus miles of single-track flow alongside the paved Razorback Regional Greenway and by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, where the path is dotted with public art. The Slaughter Pen system includes trails ranging in difficulty from beginners to expert, with connector trails taking riders between the various hubs of the system.
2. Memorial Park
Baseball, softball, tennis, biking Memorial Park is home to several sporting facilities, including a tennis complex with 12 lighted courts, five lighted baseball fields, six lighted softball fields and four T-ball fields. The soccer complex has seven lighted soccer fields and two multi-purpose fields. It has two basketball courts, four lighted sand volleyball courts, one multiuse skate and bike park, and an aquatic center featuring an Olympic size pool and a separate diving pool with a water slide.
3. Bentonville Tiger and West Athletic Complexes Baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, track, skateboarding
Both complexes have numerous facilities, college-like stadiums, and indoor practice facilities. Events can seat over 6,000 people with over 232,000 square feet. Both feature courts, arenas, auxiliary gyms, and hardwood surfaces. There are also track/soccer stadiums; championship softball fields and Phillips Park, a 40-acre home to Bentonville High School and American Legion baseball teams.
VISIT BENTONVILLE
Jamie Cathey Sports Sales Manager 479-326-8421 jamie@visitbentonville.com SportsPlanningGuide.com
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CONWAY
WITH MORE THAN 1,200 HOTEL ROOMS, CONWAY HAS PLENTY OF SPACES FOR YOU TO REST YOUR HEAD AFTER ENJOYING A LONG DAY AT A TOURNAMENT.
FAYETTEVILLE
FAYETTEVILLE IS MORE THAN A CITY. IT’S AN EXPERIENCE. WHERE AERIEL ADVENTURES, GRAVEL ROADS, AND WATERWAYS MERGE. COME EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF.
Conway Station Park
Kessler Regional Park
Centennial Park
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. Conway Station Park
1. Kessler Regional Park
A top park in the state, Conway Station Park is home to eight fields with a 225-foot fence, while the final field features a 350-foot fence, giving sluggers an impressive challenge to aim for. This massive park is also equipped with its own concession stand, heated/cooled bathrooms, maintenance shed, and a beautiful pond.
This regional park is home to 6 lighted soccer, - 8 - lighted baseball fields, and - 3-restroom/concession buildings. On its 620 acres, the park is also home to historic Kessler Mountain. The park operates as a regional sports park with popular areas for mountain-bikers, hikers & runners, with more than 10 miles of natural-surface trails that tie back into the amazing Razorback Greenway trail system.
Baseball
2. City of Colleges Park Softball
The gorgeous layout of this lovely award-winning park in Conway allows enough room for five entire softball fields. After being completed in 2009, City of Colleges Park has become known as one of the top softball parks in the area. It also features a playground for children to enjoy. This park is also home to Central Baptist College, St. Joseph High School, and Homeschool softball.
3. Conway Tennis Center Tennis
This beautiful tennis center has eight courts where lessons, leagues, events and reservations are available for players to hone their tennis skills. If a reservation is made, the Conway Tennis Center even rents out ball machines for a small fee. The center is made up of eight courts surrounding two smaller buildings with bathrooms and lounging areas.
CONWAY CVB
Rachel Shaw Executive Director 501-932-5409 rachel@conwayarkansas.org 6
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Soccer, baseball, kickball, mountain-biking, hiking & running
2. Centennial Park
Cycling, running, RC racing & more Centennial Park at Millsap Mountain is a cycling-activated park with state-of-the-art cyclo-cross and mountain biking facilities. On top of this mountain there are 12 miles of soft surface trails, a pavilion with restrooms and parking for up to 90 with 2.5 additional acres for flex space as need for events. The mountain’s world-class cyclo-cross, mountain bike, and running courses include trails with multiple surfaces and features that build users’ skills.
3. AAO P. Whitaker Sports Center
Basketball, volleyball, pickle-ball, boccia ball, corn-hole, table tennis This sports facility is host to 11 standard courts that can be used for multiple sports. AAO has a total of 43,000 sq ft of space with bleacher seating on every court. There is an additional 1,800 sq ft training center on-site for use and a multi-purpose room with 1,800 sq ft of space.
EXPERIENCE FAYETTEVILLE
Tina Archer-Cope Vice President of Sales 479-521-5776 ext. 310 tarcher@experiencefayetteville.com @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
FORT SMITH
FORT SMITH IS EASY TO REACH BY ROAD—OR BY SKY— AND OFFERS AN IDEAL MIX OF GROUP-FRIENDLY DINING, SHOPPING, AND ENTERTAINMENT Fort Smith Convention Center
HOT SPRINGS
ENJOY A RELAXING SPA VACATION GETAWAY IN HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, WHERE YOU CAN HIKE, SHOP AND ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS. Bank OZK Arena
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. Fort Smith Convention Center
1. Bank OZK Arena
The infinitely flexible Fort Smith Convention Center offers 116,800 sq. ft. of usable event space and a state-of-the-art performing arts center just steps from downtown dining, shopping, and entertainment. The column-free, 40,000 sq. ft. Exhibition Hall (divisible into 5 sections) features 34’ ceilings and accommodates up to eight (8) volleyball courts; eight (8) Tennis Courts; sixteen (16) pickleball courts; four (4) basketball courts.
Bank OZK Arena seats 6,300 and is connected to the Hot Springs Convention Center, Hotel Hot Springs and Embassy Suites. Bank OZK Arena has hosted the Sunbelt College Basketball Championships, FLW Bass Fishing Tournament, Arkansas High School Basketball Championships, Arkansas High School Cheer Championships, and GAC Volleyball Championships. The Arena has hosted U.S. Indoor Pickleball Championships, and concerts ranging from Foreigner to Tony Bennett to Willie Nelson.
2. Ben Geren Regional Park
2. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
The expansive Ben Geren Regional Park offers a 12-field Soccer Complex; 10-field Softball Complex; 6-court Tennis Center; 27-hole Golf Course; three (3) 18-hole Disc Golf Courses; three (3) Sand Volleyball Courts; a premier Arkansas Mountain Biking Trail System (21+ miles). It is also home to Parrot Island Waterpark and a miniature golf course.
Oaklawn is known for its 100 + year tradition of professional horse racing which is highlighted each season by The Arkansas Derby. The track’s infield has also proven to be a great setting for the Arkansas High School Cross Country Championships. Oaklawn’s newly opened expansion includes a 4-star hotel, spa, multi-purpose event & concert hall, multiple restaurants, sportsbook, and casino.
3. FS Baseball & Softball / Boys & Girls Club
3. Majestic Park
Evans Club includes three (3) Baseball/Softball Fields; two (2) Indoor Basketball Courts; two (2) Outdoor Basketball Courts; one (1) Soccer Field. Goldtrap Club includes four (4) Baseball/ Softball Fields; one (1) Indoor Basketball Court; one (1) Soccer Field. Jeffrey Club includes three (3) Soccer Fields. Stephens Club includes three (3) Soccer Fields; one (1) Indoor Basketball Court; one (1) Outdoor Basketball Court.
The Majestic Park Baseball Complex was specifically designed for youth baseball & softball tournaments and features five fields. Three of the fields are 225 feet to center field, lighted, and fenced with artificial turf infields and outfields, as well as, stationary mounds. The other two fields are 200 feet and 400 feet to center field, lighted and fenced. This new park is one of the best in its area with covered dugouts, covered grandstand seating, concessions and playground.
Volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, cheer, tennis, pickleball, dance, eSports, martial arts, cornhole, wrestling
Soccer, softball, tennis, disc golf, golf, mountain biking
Baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, basketball
FORT SMITH CVB Jenny Butler Group Sales Manager 479-784-2349 jenny@fortsmith.org SportsPlanningGuide.com
Basketball, cheer, volleyball, pickleball, concerts
Horse Racing, track and field, concerts
Baseball, softball
VISIT HOT SPRINGS
Craig Durmon Sales Manager 501-321-2027 cdurmon@hotsprings.org Sports Planning Guide
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JONESBORO
FILLED WITH GIFT SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, ART GALLERIES AND A DAY SPA, JONESBORO HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AFTER A LONG DAY AT A TOURNAMENT. Craighead Forest Park
LITTLE ROCK
THE NATURAL STATE’S CAPITAL CITY, LITTLE ROCK IS HOME TO FABULOUS SHOPPING, IMPRESSIVE ART GALLERIES AND SOME OF THE FINEST DINING IN ARKANSAS. Jack Stephens Center
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. Craighead Forest Park
1. Rebsamen Tennis Center
This 770-acre park opened in 1937 and in the last 20 years, the park has gone through numerous renovations improving the playgrounds (4) and RV campgrounds (41 spaces).Craighead features many popular outdoor activities such as basketball, hiking, disc golf, softball, volleyball, mountain biking, camping and fishing.
The Rebsamen Tennis Center is a tennis player’s utopia. Open year round, the tennis center offers 17 lighted courts, three lighted backboards and is a past recipient of the USTA‘s National Public Facility of the Year Award. Rebsamen hosts Adult and Junior Arkansas tournaments, and the tennis center has hosted USTA Southern Region tournaments and an annual USTA Men’s Pro Circuit Tournament.
Basketball, hiking, disc golf, softball, volleyball, fishing
2. Joe Mack Campbell Sports Complex
Tennis
Baseball, soccer
2. Jack Stephens Center
The Joe Mack Campbell Sports Complex is home to 14-stunning baseball fields as well as 19 soccer fields. Right off Interstate 555, this complex has baseball fields that accommodate athletes from 7U to 14U leagues. Ten of the 14 fields have turf infields and manicured grass outfields. The complex also has its own batting cages. Soccer has 6 micro fields for 6U all the way up to high-school sized fields. Spectators can enjoy watching all the games in designated picnic areas around the complex with 4 full-function concession stands.
Basketball, wrestling
The $25-million Jack Stephens Center is a state-of-the-art 5,600-seat, multi-purpose arena at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The Stephens Center hosts the school’s men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, the Boy’s and Girl’s State High School Wrestling Tournament, regional dance and cheer competitions, and the U.S. National Baton Twirling Championships.
3. Southside Softball Complex
Soccer, lacrosse, tennis
Softball
The Southside Softball Complex hosts the Mountain Dew Grand Slam Classic, the oldest youth tournament in the state of Arkansas. The complex has six batting cages and 10 softball fields, split between four pavilions. The softball complex also has two large and fully equipped concession stands for athletes and spectators to enjoy food at the ballpark. The fields are available day or night with updated lighting system installed in 2018.
JONESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION Danny Kapales, Director 870-933-4604 dkapales@jonesboro.org 8
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3. Burns Park
At 1,700 acres, Burns Park is Arkansas’ largest municipal park. The Burns Park Soccer Complex boasts 17 irrigated fields with tournament lighting on seven fields and 1,500 parking spaces. The complex has hosted several US Youth Soccer Region 3 Tournaments and the 2008 USYS National Tournament. The Burns Park Tennis Center has 24 lighted outdoor courts, six lighted indoor courts and has hosted state and regional tournaments and a Davis Cup Tournament!
LITTLE ROCK CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU Mitchell Haskett, Sales Manager 501-370-3228 mhaskett@littlerock.com
@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
NORTH LITTLE ROCK PINE BLUFF NATURAL BEAUTY MIXED WITH A BUSTLING SOCIAL AND DINING SCENE MAKES NORTH LITTLE ROCK A FABULOUS DESTINATION FOR TOURNAMENT PLANNERS AND ATHLETES.
THIS ARKANSAS DELTA CITY IS EXPERIENCED IN HOSTING A VARIETY OF SPORTING EVENTS. BE SURE TO ENJOY THE MANY MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS PINE BLUFF HAS TO OFFER. Pine Bluff Convention Center
Burns Park
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. Burns Park
1. Pine Bluff Aquatics Center
The premier soccer complex of the South, Burns Park Soccer Complex contains 17 irrigated fields located between White Bayou and the Arkansas River. The complex features tournament lighting on one quadrant, Stadium Field, pavilions and 1,500 parking spaces. Sitting on 135 acres of preserved wetland, Burns Park is home to three-mile hiking and biking trails, trees and plenty of scenic beauty. The 1,700 acres of Arkansas’ largest ubran municipal park offers two 18-hole golf courses, a baseball complex, softball complex, Bonzai BMX track, the Burns Park Soccer Complex, a tennis center and a disc golf course.
Located in the heart of Pine Bluff, the $11 million 36,000-square-foot center offers first class facilities including an eight-lane, 25-yard short course competition pool with water maintained at 82 degrees, state-of-the-art timing scoreboard, a therapy pool, water sports area, and can accommodate up to 1,600 people.
Soccer, golf, baseball, tennis, disc golf, BMX
2. North Little Rock Riverfront Park Bicycling, running
This 3.3-acre park with a 17-mile trail system along the Arkansas River is the perfect starting point for large events. A popular run for numerous 5K events, adventure races and marathons there are plenty of open spaces for competitors to relax after the event. Competitive cycling events also call North Little Rock Riverfront Park home with riders in Arkansas’ largest competition the Big Dam Bridge 100 beginning their journey here.
3. Stone Links Park Disc golf
Stone Links Park is a new disc golf complex that has four basic tracks ranging from 5,500 – 9,000 feet with multiple tee pads and multiple baskets. This complex is cut from the prairie grass. The space is flexible for all events that require an open outdoor space. There is a clubhouse, restrooms, and ample parking available on the grounds.
NORTH LITTLE ROCK TOURISM Erica Warden, Director of Events 501-404-0192 erica@northlittlerock.org SportsPlanningGuide.com
Swimming
2. Taylor Field Baseball Stadium Baseball
Taylor Field Baseball Stadium is a regulation-size baseball field featuring a U-shaped grandstand that holds 1,800 seats behind home plate. The stadium was constructed in 1939 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It seats 2,400 and reaches 315 feet to the right and left field foul poles, 360 feet in left centerfield, and 390 feet to the deep corner in centerfield.
3. Pine Bluff Convention Center
Basketball, gymnastics, wrestling, boxing Home of the world-renowned King Cotton Holiday Classic basketball tournament, this impressive center features a 23,000-square-foot arena with tiered seating for up to 7,600. Recent upgrades include the latest in audio visual technology such as overhead communications module with live video feed, replay, and broadcast, 12-foot videoboards, 18-foot digital scorer’s table, NCAA-approved lighting, renovated restrooms and dressing rooms, and adjoining concourses with flat-screen monitors and concession stands.
EXPLORE PINE BLUFF
Sheri Storie Executive Director 870-534-2121 sstorie@explorepinebluff.com Sports Planning Guide
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ROGERS
THIS VIBRANT OUTDOOR COMMUNITY FEATURES GLISTENING LAKES, MUSEUMS OVERFLOWING WITH ARTWORK, AND A VARIETY OF RESTAURANTS FOR ALL TASTES.
RUSSELLVILLE
SITUATED NEAR THE ARKANSAS RIVER, THIS CITY OFFERS 23 PARKS, SOCCER, SOFTBALL AND BASEBALL COMPLEXES AND PLENTY OF OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES. Lake Dardanelle State Park
Matrix Racquet Club
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. Matrix Racquet Club
1. Russellville Soccer Complex
Located right across the Rogers city line in Lowell, Matrix Racquet Club offers high-quality tennis facilities for camps, tournaments and events. With both indoor and outdoor courts, the facility is perfect for year-round events. The facility features 12 tennis courts, the ability to have 56 pickleball courts simultaneously, three padel courts, a café, and a health club.
Russellville Soccer Complex has multiple soccer fields for tournament play and plenty of open space for outdoor activities. The park has a 1.1-mile trail that can be used for running and walking. The path is also paved so it’s ADA accessible. The soccer complex has 3 lighted fields.
2. Rogers Regional Sports Park/Veterans Memorial Park
Fishing, hiking, camping
Tennis, padel, pickleball, volleyball
Softball, baseball, kickball, football, soccer, lacrosse
Rogers Regional Sports Park features six baseball/softball fields, a water fountain in every dugout and a designated warm-up area for each team along with a central concession stand. Veterans Memorial Park features two baseball fields, two softball fields, five grass multi-purpose fields, and one turf multi-purpose field.
3. Beaver Lake
Fishing, boating, swimming, scuba diving, kayaking Beaver Lake, a 28,370-acre freshwater lake, is located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains and is a popular place to boat, camp, fish, scuba dive, canoe, wake board, kayak, stand up paddle board, and swim.
4. Arkansas Athletes Outreach
Basketball, volleyball, cheer, dance, wrestling, table tennis, flag football, lacrosse
Soccer, hiking
2. Lake Dardanelle State Park This park is located in two areas on Lake Dardanelle, a 34,300 acre reservoir on the Arkansas River. It features a fishing pier, boardwalk trail and visitor center with five aquariums and the Lakeview Room meeting facility. There are 57 campsites in the Russellville area of the park. The park is also a National Park Service-certified site on the Trail of Tears water route.
3. Pleasant View Park, Shiloh Park, M. J. Hickey Park Baseball, softball, swimming
Pleasant View Park and Shiloh Park have 6 softball fields with covered pavilions, restrooms and a dog park. The 7-field M.J. Hickey Park baseball complex has 3-lighted pavilions, restrooms, picnic tables and a 50-meter municipal swimming pool. The baseball and softball fields all feature benches, barbeque grills and picnic tables so fans can eat heartily while enjoying the action.
Arkansas Athletes Outreach is a newly built indoor/outdoor facility that features four indoor multi-purpose courts and two outdoor 100-yard grass fields.
VISIT ROGERS
Luke Wiggins Director of Sales 479-619-3191 luke@rogerslowell.com 10
Sports Planning Guide
RUSSELLVILLE TOURISM & VISITORS CENTER
Christie Graham, Executive Director 479-967-1762 cgraham@discoverrussellville.org @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
SPRINGDALE
SPRINGDALE IS FOR EXPLORING. WORLD-CLASS CYCLING TRAILS, PRO BASEBALL AT ARVEST BALLPARK, ART, AND HISTORY COLLIDE FOR A CHANGE OF SCENERY AROUND EVERY CORNER.
TEXARKANA
UNIQUE IN THAT IT STRADDLES TWO STATES, TEXAS AND ARKANSAS, THIS CITY HAS A WIDE ARRAY OF RESTAURANTS, SHOPPING AND A BUSTLING NIGHTLIFE.
Ed Worrell Memorial Baseball Park
The Jones Center
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. C.L. “Charlie” and Willie George Park
1. Ed Worrell Memorial Baseball Park
This park features several amenities including one lighted football field, three lighted tennis courts, four artificial turf baseball fields with concessions, six soccer fields, a dog park, a paved walking trail, two pavilions, play structures and a splash pad open daily.
Ed Worrell Park in Texarkana has 115 acres of recreational land area with amenities including seven lighted baseball fields, running/jogging trails, parking, restrooms and two concession stands. It features concessions, off-street parking and is located near the Texarkana Regional Airport.
2. The Jones Center
2. Ermer Dansby Pondexter Sports Complex
This state-of-the-art 220,000-square-foot recreation, community and event center is located in the heart of Northwest Arkansas. This massive facility houses a year-round ice arena, junior-Olympic-sized lap pool, activity pool with a slide, world-class bike park, basketball court, fitness center, indoor track, conference center and chapel/auditorium. Also located in the center is a cafe with a menu designed in collaboration with local partners.
The Ermer Dansby Pondexter Sports Complex is home to five fields, a walking trail, playground, a huge pavilion, concession stand, air-conditioned bathrooms, plenty of shade for a picnic, and lots of parking. Guests appreciate the digital scoreboards courtesy of Youth Scoreboards of Arkansas as well as the convenience of using debit/credit cards at the concession stand. Players and coaches enjoy the playing surface, new lights and 200-foot tournament fences.
3. Springdale Recreation Center
3. Texarkana Arkansas Convention Center
This newly remodeled facility boasts six indoor hardwood courts for basketball and volleyball, two indoor soccer fields, group fitness areas, and weight training equipment. The center is home to area youth sports and is an ideal location to host a tournament or camp at any age level. Ample parking, spectator seating, and full-service concessions are available to accommodate guests. The Springdale Recreation Center offers yearly memberships and facility reservations to meet any number of needs.
Nestled in southwest Arkansas, just one mile f rom the Texas border in Texarkana, the Arkansas Convention Center is the premier location for events in its area. Its 10,000-square foot state-of-the-art facility was newly constructed in 2014, and is conveniently located on Interstate 30, just miles from I-49 south. The ballroom can be divided into four breakout rooms and it features a brightly lit gallery space that connects the four rooms.
Baseball, softball, football, soccer, tennis, walking
Skating, swimming, fitness
Basketball, volleyball, soccer, group fitness, weight training
EXPLORE SPRINGDALE
Wesley Oliver Director of Tourism 479-927-6413 wesley@chamber.springdale.com SportsPlanningGuide.com
Baseball
Baseball, softball
Conventions
CITY OF TEXARKANA ARKANSAS Adam Dalby Director of Parks and Recreation 870-779-4943 Adam.Dalby@txkusa.org
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DISCOVERING
THE NATURAL STATE OF ARKANSAS With an incredible amount of outdoor attractions, Arkansas has something for travelers of all ages By McCartney Walsh
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Sports Planning Guide
@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
Arkansas, known as The Natural State, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. From serene lakes and beaches to diverse wildlife and breathtaking mountains, the state offers countless opportunities to reconnect with the natural world and rediscover oneself. Arkansas encompasses a variety of unique ecosystems, providing something for every type of traveler seeking an escape from the daily grind. In Arkansas, where the four elements coexist harmoniously, explorers can immerse themselves in nature and find the element that resonates with their own natural state.
Mount Nebo State Park SportsPlanningGuide.com
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A scenic cruise
Blanchard Springs Caverns
For those drawn to heights and adventure, the Ozark Mountains offer an exhilarating experience. The Ozark Mountain Range spans 1.2 million acres across four states, with the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas being one of its most well-known features. Here, travelers can soar through the air, climb mountains, bike through rugged terrains, and experience life from new heights. Mountain biking in the Ozarks caters to all skill levels, from leisurely rides on flat roads to thrilling descents along natural pathways. The Slaughter Pen Trail in Bentonville, Arkansas, offers over 40 miles of single-track mountain bike trails, blending natural features with man-made obstacles. Another popular biking destination is the Blowing Springs Loop, accessible through the Slaughter Pen Trails. This six-mile loop takes riders through caves and provides refreshing bursts of cool air, with a highlight being a 30-foot bridge that allows riders to catch air as they descend. Rock climbing is another exciting way to connect with Arkansas’ natural state. The state’s unique sandstone 14
Sports Planning Guide
formations, particularly at Sam’s Throne Recreation Area, offer a perfect playground for climbers. With more than 300 routes, climbers can scale flat-sided mountains and enjoy panoramic views of the landscape. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Jasper is another renowned destination for recreational biking and climbing, with additional activities such as zip-lining. After a day of adventure, visitors can rest in cozy log cabin-style cottages. For those seeking a deeper connection with the earth, Arkansas provides numerous opportunities for grounding and reflection. Walking beneath towering tree canopies, meditating in peaceful surroundings, practicing yoga in forest centers, or exploring botanical gardens all allow for serene realignment with the earth. The Open Air Meditation Sanctuary in Eureka Springs is a unique destination that helps visitors decompress and learn about the earth. This 10-acre wilderness sanctuary offers self-guided walks, peaceful sitting meditations, and even guided meditations and yoga classes. With 14 specified @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
Fly fishing is one of many fabulous outdoor activities guests can enjoy in Arkansas.
meditation areas along a one-mile trail, visitors can explore at their own pace. Hiking is a popular activity throughout Arkansas, with options for all skill levels. Devil’s Den State Park in Northwestern Arkansas is an iconic hiking spot. The park features beautifully crafted structures that complement the natural surroundings, as well as stunning rock formations, caverns, and an eight-acre crystal lake. Accommodations include cabins, campsites and camper cabins, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the flourishing forest. Water activities also play a significant role in connecting with Arkansas’ natural state. With 23 state parks situated on lakes and rivers, visitors can canoe, swim and enjoy the tranquil beauty of water. Lake Catherine State Park, for example, offers a serene waterfall where visitors can swim, kayak, and relax in natural springs. The sound of waves and the crisp water enveloping one’s senses create a sense of calm and relaxation. For those seeking more adventurous SportsPlanningGuide.com
water experiences, white-water rafting on the Cossatot River in Cossatot River State Park provides thrilling fun for expert rafters and families alike. Finally, the element of fire, or heat, combines with water to provide a unique experience in Arkansas. Hot Springs National Park is a prominent destination for travelers seeking relaxation. The park’s naturally heated water, produced at a rate of almost 1 million gallons per day, offers a never-ending spa experience. The warm, mineral-rich waters, sourced deep within the earth, provide healing properties. Bathhouses throughout the park allow visitors to soak in the rejuvenating hot springs, and there are even spouts in the city where visitors can taste the water straight from the source. Arkansas’ untouched beauty showcases its natural state, without the need for man-made industrialization. When immersed in the wonders of the Natural State, the four elements come together harmoniously, allowing travelers from all walks of life to connect with and discover their own natural state. Sports Planning Guide
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