2023 Florida Sports Planning Guide

FLORIDA 2023 GUIDE

Special Olympics Draws a Crowd in Florida

Competition attracts thousands of athletes from all 50 states

Formula 1 Makes a Major Splash in Florida

Hard Rock Stadium hosts a historic race

Angela A. Suggs President & CEO, Florida Sports Foundation

When looking for the best location for your next sporting event, we make it easy for you to choose to “Come Play in Florida.” Our world-class facilities, top-ranked professional, college, and amateur sports, and an environment that creates life-long memories for competitors and their families will ensure success for your competition.

In Florida, we have a history of finding creative ways to design extraordinary events. In 2022 we hosted the Miami Grand Prix – F1 Race at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins. We brought the English Premier League teams Arsenal and Chelsea to Orlando for the Florida Cup.

We hosted a MexTour event at Camping World Stadium in Orlando with Mexico and Guatemala National Teams, we brought teams from around the world to the International Dragon Boat Festival 13th Club Crew World Championships in Sarasota, and we were selected for the U.S. Figure Skating’s 2022 National Showcase in Wesley Chapel. The same intense attention and care we give to creating exceptional international events are given to every tournament, game, and trip you plan for your athletes.

In this 2022-23 edition of the Sports Planning Guide, you’ll find everything you need to create an incredible sporting event in the Sunshine State. Whether this is your first event in Florida or you’re a seasoned pro working within the state, we want your experience to be unforgettable as you discover why Florida has become the location of choice for sporting events across the country and beyond.

When not competing, athletes and their families can enjoy the hospitality, attractions, beautiful weather, and 1,350 miles of shoreline featuring many of the world’s best beaches. Our local hosts and partners guarantee incredible experiences that send visitors home with plans of returning to Florida.

Through the combined efforts of the Florida Sports Foundation and its 30 industry partners, we bring a $57.4 billion economic impact from sports that produces 580,000 jobs statewide. We invite you to use this guide to create events and experiences for your athletes, families, and fans that drive attendance, interest, and success.

We’ll see you soon when you Come Play in Florida!

Sincerely, Angela Suggs President & CEO, Florida Sports Foundation

Cover photo courtesy of Federico Calvo Photo below courtesy of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission

THE WAY TO BEACH

Vince J. Whibbs, Sr. Community Maritime Park

• 5,000 seat multi-use baseball stadium and amphitheater

• Home to Florida Marlins AA-affiliate, the Blue Wahoos

Soccer / Lacrosse / Football Facilities

• Ashton Brosnaham Park – 2,500 seat lighted stadium, 11 lighted multi-purpose fields, host to SEC Women’s Soccer Championship, NAIA Men’s Lacrosse Invitational and several NCAA DII Championships

• Southwest Escambia Sportsplex – 7 multi-purpose fields (3 lighted)

• Santa Rosa Park – 18 lighted multi-purpose fields

• Tiger Point Athletic Complex – 4 lighted multi-purpose fields

Pensacola Bay Center

• 10,000 seat arena

• Home to Pensacola Ice Flyers

• Host to Sun Belt Basketball Championship

Escambia County Equestrian Center

• 85,000 square foot covered arena (4,500 seats)

• 300 – 12' x 12' wooden stalls

• Cross country course

• Host to NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships

University of West Florida

• 100,000+ square feet of facilities including an indoor turffield,basketball courts, tennis courts, intramural fields, anda heated Olympic-size pool

Baseball / Softball Facilities

• Blue Wahoo’s Stadium – 1 professional lighted field

• Roger Scott Athletic Complex – 5 lighted fields

• Northeast Pensacola Complex – 14 lighted fields, 2 lightedMiracle League Fields

• Southwest Escambia Sports Complex – 10 lighted fields

• Exchange Park – 4 lighted fields, host to Florida Junior CollegeState Softball Championships

• Pace Athletic Park – 16 lighted fields

• Shoreline Park – 9 lighted fields

For 60 years, Pensacola Sports has helped event organizers create successful sporting events. From youth teams to nationally recognized events, we have the know-how and the facilities to attract participants and help your event run smoothly. Learn more at PensacolaSports.org.

More than 4,000 athletes competed in the 2022 Special Olympics in Florida.

Photo courtesy of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission

Florida recently hosted the Special Olympics, which attracted 5,500 from across the country.

Special Olympics Draws a Crowd in Florida

2022 competition attracts 5,500 athletes from all 50 states

By Jason Paha

For 54 years, the Special Olympics have helped change lives by providing athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

This past June was no different as the Special Olympics took place in Orlando, Florida and were among the biggest games in history.

Featuring roughly 5,500 athletes from all 50 states and the Caribbean islands, coaches and officials from the United States and 15 countries across the globe, 10,000 volunteers and an estimated 125,000 spectators, the impact of this event was sizable. In fact, organizers claim the 2022 Special Olympics had an economic impact upwards of $61 million.

“We could not be prouder of our friends and partners with the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, Special Olympics Florida, Orange County, their title sponsor Jersey Mike’s and their host sponsor ESPN Wide World of Sports, who all came together to put on the most impactful, inclusive and largest Games in Special Olympics storied history,” said Jason Siegel, president and CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.

Siegel’s organization, which studied the potential economic impact of the games, estimates as many as 55,000 to 65,000 hotel rooms were used by teams, families and spectators. Some of the spending also came from the Special Olympics, which had a budget of $25 million.

Eleven venues across Central Florida hosted the events, including ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Exploria Stadium in Orlando,

Boardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center in Orlando, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park in Orlando, Lake Minneola Waterfront Park in Clermont, Luckys Lake in Orlando, Orange County National Golf Center in Winter Garden, Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Rosen Aquatic Center in Orlando and the USTA National Campus in Orlando.

The athletes competed in 19 Olympic-style events including athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, equestrian, flag football, golf, gymnastics, open water swimming, powerlifting, soccer, softball, stand-up paddleboard, surfing, swimming, tennis, triathlon and volleyball. The games had a variety of partners supporting them including Jersey Mike’s Subs, Disney, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, Experience Kissimmee and Orlando Health. Sponsors are a critical part of delivering the Special Olympics’ mission, offering cash support, in-kind resources, event sponsorship, volunteerism, brand awareness, executive leadership and advocacy. Special Olympics Florida serves 48,700 athletes and offers Olympicstyle individual and team sports that provide meaningful training and competition opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities.

Florida Senior Games

It’s no surprise Florida seamlessly held the Special Olympics considering the state has a history of hosting Olympic-style games. For example, the annual Florida Senior Games, an Olympic-style sports festival for athletes aged 50 and over, have been a popular event in the state for decades.

Recently, the Florida Sports Foundation, the state of Florida’s sports promotion and development organization, has reached an agreement with Pasco County to host the 2022 through 2024 Florida Senior Games presented by Humana. The 2022 Games will be held Dec. 3-11.

“The staff of Florida’s Sports Coast has made Pasco County and the northern edge of Tampa along Interstate 75 a premier sports destination,” said Florida Sports Foundation President Angela Suggs. “We look forward to introducing the area to Senior Games athletes, not only from Florida, but nationwide.”

Hard Rock Stadium in Miami hosted a massively successful F1 race in 2022.

PhotocourtesyofFedericoCalvo

Formula 1 Makes a Major Splash in Florida

Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens hosts a historic, record-breaking race

By Jason Paha

Formula 1 racing is one of the hottest sports in the world these days. Until recently though, it had struggled to make an impact in the United States with only Austin, Texas having hosted an F1 race since 2007.

That seems to have changed this past May when the city of Miami made history with the 2022 Miami Grand Prix. It was the first time the state of Florida hosted an F1 race since 1959 and by all accounts, was an enormous success.

The event took place on a street track next to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. The 3.36 mile, 19-turn street circuit, called the Miami International Autodrome, saw cars reach speeds of 200 miles per hour with Belgian-Dutch driver Max Verstappen prevailing. The buzz around the event was palpable for months as race fans geared up for this historic event. Once race weekend arrived, interest reached a fevered pitch as pre-sale tickets sold out in under an hour and all grandstand seats were gone days after becoming available. ESPN announced the race’s live telecast recorded an average of 2.6 million U.S. viewers, the largest audience for a live F1 race broadcast on American television. The previous record for a live race telecast was the 1995 Brazilian Grand Prix on ESPN, which attracted 1.74 million viewers in the U.S. Hard Rock Stadium saw 242,955 fans come through over the three days with a record 85,280 on race day.

Another big event for Miami

The three-day event was a spectacle as the approximately $40 million venue built for the race featured a track containing a 24,000- square-foot manmade beach and marina with a pool, cabanas, bars and DJs.

Fans attending

the race enjoyed cuisine from around the world, open-air shopping and a variety of interactive activities. Celebrities from across the world flocked to the race, as such luminaries as Serena Williams, Tom Brady, Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal were in attendance.

Hard Rock Stadium is no stranger at hosting major events as it has welcomed six Super Bowls, two World Series, the Miami Open, the 2021 College Football Playoff national championship and a variety of massive concerts.

A history of racing

Prior to F1’s arrival this year, Florida had already established itself as one of the premier racing states in the country. The Sunshine State has hosted racing events since 1903 and is home to such legendary tracks as the Daytona International Speedway and the Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Since opening in 1959, Daytona International Speedway has earned the nicknames the “Birthplace of Speed” and the “World Center of Racing.” It lays claim to arguably the most important and prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar, the Daytona 500. This 500-mile race is held annually at the famous speedway and is the first of two Cup races held every year at Daytona, the second being the Coke Zero Sugar 400. This oval course attracts the best in stock car, motorcycle, sports car and go-kart action and its grandstands seat 101,500 permanent seats with the ability to increase permanent seating to 125,000.

Homestead-Miami Speedway opened in 1995 and has promoted several series of racing including NASCAR, the IndyCar Series, the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series and the Championship Cup Series. The speedway is a 650-acre facility that features a 1.5-mile oval and 2.21-mile road course. It hosts on-track events nearly 300 days per year and generates more than $301 million annually for the region. In 2020, the Speedway commemorated its 25th anniversary of being the home of racing in South Florida. With Florida’s long history of racing and its future looking bright, Formula 1 recently signed a 10-year deal in which it will hold annual championship races in Miami Gardens. Which means the Sunshine State will be impressing racing fans for years to come.

“Prior to F1’s arrival this year, Florida had already established itself as one of the premier racing states in the country.”

Jacksonville, FL

HOME TO THE NFL’S JAGUARS AND A HOST OF ATTRACTIONS, JACKSONVILLE IS A MAJOR CITY WITH A CHARMING FEEL

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Visit Jacksonville offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Jacksonville is the ideal destination where guests can enjoy the excitement of a major city as well as the lure of the great outdoors.

Jacksonville boasts the largest urban park system in the nation with more than 80,000 acres of parks, including three national parks, seven state parks and more than 400 city parks, plus dozens of unique gardens and an arboretum. Explore unspoiled wetlands, marshes and woods.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

TIAA Bank Field Football

Home to the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, TIAA Bank Field is also the headquarters of the popular professional wrestling promotion All Elite Wrestling. This $121 million stadium opened in 1995 and has a capacity of 67,814 (expandable to 82,000). One of the most unique fan experiences in all of sports, TIAA Bank Field is home to two swimming pools on the north side of the stadium, where fans can watch the game while waist deep in a pool. It

has hosted a variety of major events, including Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005.

University of North Florida Hodges Stadium

Football, track and field, soccer Hodges Stadium is where the University of North Florida soccer and track and field teams play their games. Opened in 2004, the stadium features a lighted field and a nine-lane international track. It also houses classrooms, the Browning Athletic Training and Education Center and serves as the primary

Patton Park

home for many members of the UNF Athletics Department. The track has full markings for all NCAA and IAAF events, including the ability to run directional events in either direction on either straight. All field event areas are within the stadium, including four horizontal jump pits, eight pole vault locations and multiple areas for each throwing event.

121 Financial Ballpark Baseball

The 121 Financial Ballpark, which opened in 2003, is one of the premier minor league ballparks in North America. Featuring an oldfashioned design, brick facade, and a grass seating berm, the ballpark reminds fans of the days of yesteryear and preserves all of the wonderful tradition baseball has to offer. The vivid sightlines capture the action up-close while providing fans with comfortable seating and easy access to concessions and restrooms.

121 Financial Ballpark sits on a little more than nine acres and includes a 112,000-square-foot field, 12 luxury skyboxes, four skydecks, a large scoreboard and videoboard, a playground, and the “knuckle” – a unique nine-foot-high mound for seating at the left field corner.

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena Hockey, basketball

The VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena is a state-of-the-art multi-purpose arena with a capacity of up to 15,000. Built in 2003, the arena is home to the East Coast Hockey League’s Icemen, the National Arena League’s Jacksonville Sharks, the American Basketball Assocation’s Jacksonville Giants and the Florida/Georgia Hall of Fame.

The VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena has hosted the NCAA Men’s Regional Basketball Championships in 2006, 2010, 2015, and in 2019 as well as some of the biggest names in entertainment including: Paul McCartney, Elton John and Garth Brooks.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ With over 2,000 animals and 1,000 plants, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is one of only seven zoos in the United States with an animal wellness team, helping provide the very best care for our animals.

▶ Jacksonville boasts the largest urban park system in the nation with more than 80,000 acres of parks, including three national parks, seven state parks and more than 400 city parks, plus dozens of unique gardens and an arboretum.

VISIT JACKSONVILLE

Bob Doering

Bdoering@visitjacksonville.com 904-798-9123 www.visitjacksonville.com/ group-sports

▶ With 1,100 miles of navigable water, Jacksonville has more shoreline than any other city in the nation. It is home to 22 miles of beaches, 40 miles of the Intracoastal Waterway, 50 public boat ramps and the longest stretch of the St. Johns River in the state of Florida.

121 Financial Ballpark

University of North Florida Hodges Stadium

TIAA Bank Field

Polk County, Fl

FOR THE BEST WEATHER AND AN INCREDIBLE ARRAY OF SPORTS VENUES, HOST YOUR TOURNEY IN POLK COUNTY

Polk County, Florida is more than just a beautiful locale with pristine weather. It’s also a perfect destination to host your next sporting event. It houses a multitude of excellent facilities including the RP Funding Center (a multipurpose entertainment complex in Lakeland) and Lake Myrtle Sports Park (a multipurpose sports complex with nine collegiate-sized baseball fields and 11 lighted soccer fields).

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

RP Funding Center Basketball, soccer, events

The RP Funding Center is a multipurpose entertainment complex in Lakeland, comprising a convention center, arena and theater. It is home to the Florida Tropics SC of the Major Arena Soccer League and the Lakeland Magic, the Orlando Magic’s affiliate in the NBA G League. Opened in 1974, the complex is home to Jenkins Arena (capacity: 8,178), YouKey Theatre (2,236), Exhibit Hall (2,834), Sikes Hall (1,865), Lake Hollingsworth Ballroom

Scan to discover more of what Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

(468), Lake Parker Room (164) and Lake Morton Room (110).

Lake Myrtle Sports Park Baseball, lacrosse, flag football

This multi-purpose sports complex consists of nine collegiate-sized baseball fields featuring electronic scoreboards, oversized dugouts, home and visitor bullpens and batting cages. It also has 11 lighted soccer fields. Events hosted at Lake Myrtle have varied from the National Dog Agility Championships to regional rugby championships as well as lacrosse, flag football

Lake Myrtle Sports Park

and the Russ Matt Central Florida Baseball Invitational, the largest collegiate baseball tournament in the nation.

AdventHealth Fieldhouse & Conference Center Basketball, volleyball

A multi-purpose building in Winter Haven features a 58,400-square-foot multi-use gymnasium space (with seating for 800) as well as a second-floor observation area. It also houses numerous meeting rooms, six basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts, a blackbox theater, classroom space and a workout area.

Northeast Regional Park Soccer

The 83-acre park includes six soccer/football fields with 4 brand new, turfed collegiate baseball fields, a concession stand, a pavilion for special events, picnic facilities and an exercise trail and a dog park. It also has lights for nighttime play and seating can be brought in if needed.

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium Baseball

This 8,500-seat stadium in Lakeland was opened in 1966 and has had multiple renovations, most recently in 2017. Spring Training home to the Detroit Tigers, it was named after local resident and former Lakeland Parks and Recreation Director Marcus “Joker” Marchant. Among the recent renovations include six new covered sections (211-216), increasing the number of covered seats (rows N and up) from 1,246 to 2,098 seats, while more seats will be shaded with the extended roof. more air-conditioned spaces, more concession stand offerings and more restrooms as number of women’s restroom toilets is increasing 50% from 48 to 72.

CENTRAL FLORIDA VISITORS & CONVENTION BUREAU

Neal Duncan neal@centralfloridasports.com 863-551-4714 centralfloridasports.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Legoland Florida Resort is a vacation destination in Winter Haven, Florida. The resort features the Legoland Florida theme park itself, the Legoland Water Park, three on-site accommodations and a separately-ticketed onsite park based on the British children’s animated series Peppa Pig that opened in February.

▶ Bok Tower Gardens has offered some of Florida’s most remarkable experiences to more than 23 million visitors since 1929. The Gardens offer unparalleled opportunities for artistic, cultural, personal and spiritual enrichment. At Bok Tower Gardens there is something to discover for visitors of all ages.

▶ Safari Wilderness Ranch is a high-quality wildlife safari park in Central Florida. Experience magnificent herds of African and Asian species on 260 acres of pristine Florida wilderness.

AdventHealth Fieldhouse & Conference Center

AdventHealth Fieldhouse & Conference Center

Northeast Regional Park

When It Comes To Competition, We’re Ahead Of The Game.

Central Florida’s Polk County is where you’ll discover a true paradise for athletes, organizers and attendees of sporting events large or small. At the award-winning Diamond Plex, five top-notch softball fields await, with all the accompanying facilities to match. Lake Myrtle Sports Park offers nine collegiate baseball fields and 11 multipurpose fields, while Northeast Regional Park houses four brand new collegiate baseball fields and six multipurpose fields. The RP Funding Center is home to the NBA G-League Lakeland Magic, and Florida High School basketball finals. AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center boasts 60,000 sq. ft. of multi-use gymnasium space ideal for wrestling, gymnastics, martial arts, cheer and dance competitions and basketball tournaments. Plus, Central Florida’s Polk County has been the Spring home for the Detroit Tigers for 86 years. Add it all up, and you’ll find Polk County to be the sweetest spot for sporting events in the Sunshine State.

For more information, visit CentralFloridaSports.com

St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Visit St. Pete Clearwater’s support and level of commitment to USA Softball year after year is beyond exceptional. Every event we have in Clearwater has been a smooth process from beginning to end. VSPC has one of the best staff to work with, and we will continue to have our events there.”

Situated off the coast of the breathtaking Old Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg-Clearwater can be easily traversed by Interstate 75 and Interstate 275 that join to the surrounding neighborhoods. St. PeteClearwater International Airport is conveniently located just 15 minutes away.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ St. Pete Beach offers a variety of watersports, shopping, restaurants, galleries and more. It has plenty of options that please families or solo travelers.

▶ Touted as the Southeast’s largest waterfront playground, the new St. Pete Pier offers something for everyone.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex

Softball, baseball

Serving as Clearwater’s go-to softball facility, the expansive Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex is the city’s state and national award-winning softball complex. Across three locations you will find nine natural-grass fields, all of which are linked by the East-West Trail. Available for tounaments are five 300-foot fields, two 250-foot fields and two 200-foot fields. The highly-acclaimed facility includes soft toss areas with batting cages for pre-game warm-ups and practices, and two fields feature the latest technology with covered batting tunnels. The complex is home to the prestigious St. Pete/Clearwater Elite Invitational. This is a recurring event.

North Shore Aquatics Complex

Swimming, water polo, water sports

Situated on the St. Petersburg waterfront, St. Petersburg’s premier pool spotlights a

number of facilities that will enhance your swimmers’ taxing days of practices and meets. The complex features a 50-meter main pool, 25-meter warm-up pool, a play pool equipped with flume slides and zero depth entry.

Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort Golf

This beautiful resort is the host for the nationally televised PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship and is a bucket-list golf destination. This is a recurring event. Home to four outstanding courses, including the top-rated Copperhead Course, this course is a favorite among some of the world’s finest golf professionals.

VISIT ST. PETE CLEARWATER

Caleb Peterson, STS 727-434-1609 caleb@visitspc.com www.SportsSPC.com

LOCATED IN FLORIDA’S SUNNY TAMPA BAY AREA, ST. PETERSBURGCLEARWATER SPOT-LIGHTS SEVERAL SPACIOUS SPORTS FACILITIES AND ENTERTAINING ATTRACTIONS FOR YOUR UPCOMING ATHLETIC EVENT

Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex

Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort

– Craig Cress, USA Softball

Scan

St. Pete Clearwater offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Pensacola, Fl

When visiting Pensacola, you’ll discover nearly 500 years of history, unique shopping, and luxurious places to stay. Journey along the 3-mile America’s First Settlement Trail, which takes you through downtown and the Pensacola Historic District with over twenty significant stops and more than seventy points of interest. Pensacola Bay provides abundant opportunities like kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding and diving.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Ashton Brosnaham Park

Soccer, softball, dog park, playground

This 103-acre regional park is heavily used for soccer and softball. Among its many facilities are a dog park, covered pavilion, picnic area and 13 soccer fields. A partnership with the Pensacola Futbol Club provides a wide range of soccer activities for all ages. Engage in team-building sports or pack a picnic lunch and watch the kiddos discover the playground. It’s an ideal green expanse for expending energy.

Blue Wahoos Stadium Baseball

With a capacity of 5,038 fans, Blue Wahoos Stadium is the smallest in the Double-A South, allowing fans to get closer to the players and the action than any other park in the league. Nestled alongside the water in Pensacola’s Community Maritime Park, the field provides unbeatable views of Pensacola Bay. The playing surface at Blue Wahoos Stadium was officially named Admiral Fetterman Field in 2015 in honor of the late Admiral Jack Fetterman who was instrumental in the creation of Community

PENSACOLA’S SUGAR SAND BEACHES ARE JUST THE BEGINNING OF YOUR VACATION EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU VISIT.

Blue Wahoos Stadium

Scan to discover more of what Pensacola Sports offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Maritime Park for the Pensacola community. Entering its 10th season, Blue Wahoos Stadium is widely considered one of the premier facilities in Minor League Baseball. Recently named the Best View in Double-A baseball, the ballpark has established itself as one of the best places to enjoy a Minor League Baseball game in the country.

Escambia County Equestrian Center Equestrian

The Escambia County Equestrian Center is a service provided by the Board of County Commissioners and Escambia County Parks and Recreation Department. Since its completion in 2002, events hosted at the 151acre county park and multi-purpose venue continually draw participants and enthusiasts from around the country to the greater Pensacola area, creating a significant economic impact on the community. It features a multipurpose covered and lighted arena, 294 12 x 12 stalls in three permanent barns, four all-weather outdoor performance rings, 75 RV hookups, an air-conditioned show office with a PA system, outdoor warm-up areas and a clay arena, concessions, restrooms and showers and multiuse nature trails and open grass fields.

Exchange Park

Slow and fast-pitch softball, kickball

At Exchange Park, engage in slow and fast-pitch softball at one of four softball fields. The park provides clean bathroom facilities and concessions for sale. Besides hosting a multitude of leagues and tournaments, they also host kickball games during the summer.

John R. Jones Athletic Park

Youth football, youth baseball, adult baseball

For youth football and baseball, head to John R. Jones Athletic Park, a 63-acre expanse comprised of 12 youth baseball fields, a youth football field, a children’s playground, and a covered pavilion. Youth sports programs are made possible through partnerships with the Ensley Chiefs Football Association and the Youth Association of Northeast Pensacola.

PENSACOLA SPORTS

Ray Palmer

850-434-2800 rpalmer@pensacolasports.org pensacolasports.org

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

Pensacola is a beautiful coastal paradise bursting with natural amenities sure to please everyone in your group. When you’re not on the soccer field or basketball court, check out some of the most stunning attractions in Florida.

Situated in the far western reaches of the Sunshine State, Perdido Key, Spanish for “lost island,” is a stunning hidden gem of awardwinning, sugar-white beaches and several world-renowned nature parks waiting to be discovered.

Take a stroll along the warm Gulf waters on Johnson Beach or immerse in history at Fort Barrancas and Fort Pickens, all located at Gulf Islands National Seashore. America’s largest national seashore is a natural wonderland of pristine emerald waters, whitesand beaches, and old oak forests brimming with history and outdoor recreation opportunities. Hike the many trails to the historic forts, take a bicycle or boat ride.

Pensacola Beach

Bronsnaham Soccer Complex Escambia County Equestrian Center

Palm Beach County, Fl

Stretching from Florida’s Atlantic coast into the state’s rural center, Palm Beach County is easily accessible via Interstate 95. The Palm Beaches are serviced directly via Palm Beach International Airport, with Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport as alternative options to the south.

The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches Baseball, Multipurpose

The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches is the Spring Training home to the 2019 World Series champion Washington Nationals and 2017 World Series champion Houston Astros. Designed with an elegant wrap-around concourse and inviting sightlines, the 160-acre complex features a fan-friendly 7,700-capacity stadium as its centerpiece, along with six practice fields per team. A total of 13 MLB fields and five 120-by-80-yard multipurpose athletic fields are covered in beautiful Bermuda grass and cater to soccer, lacrosse, football, rugby, and more.

Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium Baseball, Multipurpose

One of the region’s preeminent baseball stadiums for more than 20 years, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is the current Spring Training home of the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals, and is also the only complex in the country that is home to four Minor League Baseball teams. The stadium seats 8,030, including box suites, and a press box, professional scoreboard and JumboTron enhance the experience for fans of all ages. In addition to the main lighted stadium field, the complex features 12 full-size baseball fields with MLB dimensions—six which are lit for night play—on nearly 120 acres in the cozy Abacoa neighborhood of Jupiter, Florida.

Scan to discover more of what Palm Beach County Sports Commission offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

National Polo Center

National Polo Center Polo, Multipurpose

The National Polo Center is a premier polo destination hosting the most prestigious tournaments in the United States with some of the world’s highest-ranked players. The centerpiece of the winter polo season, and spanning nearly 250 acres, NPC is the largest spectator-friendly polo facility in the U.S. Its seven polo fields can be converted into 47 multipurpose fields, ideal for rugby, field hockey, lacrosse, football, soccer and more. In 2017, the Florida Sports Foundation named NPC the “Large Market Sports Venue of the Year.” Created with players and fans in mind, the stadium welcomes up to 794 spectators, with an additional 1,028 box seats, and features 7,000 square feet of indoor usable floor space.

Palm Beach County Convention Center Multipurpose

Walking distance from the bustling nightlife and dining scene of downtown West Palm Beach, the Palm Beach County Convention Center presents a spectacular setting for conventions, tradeshows, meetings and social events. An architectural masterpiece with state-of-the-art amenities, the 350,000-square- foot center features a 100,000-square-foot exhibit hall which can

be divided into two 50,000-square-foot areas that can be used for a variety of sporting events, a 22,000-square-foot ballroom and 21,000 square feet of flexible breakout space divisible into 19 rooms. Parking is located onsite at the convention center’s parking garage which features over 2,600 spaces. The Hilton West Palm Beach has 400 luxurious rooms and suites, an additional 24,000 square feet of meeting space, a modern restaurant with outdoor dining and an infinity pool with full-service poolside bar.

Gardens North County District Park Multipurpose

Gardens North County District Park opened in summer 2019 on 82 acres of land in the immaculate and inviting City of Palm Beach Gardens. Soccer players can get their kicks on the 10 lighted multipurpose fields. The on-site Joseph R. Russo Athletic Complex is notable for its awardwinning Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center, which contains 18 Har-Tru courts for tennis and 12 pickleball courts, four of which are lit for evening play.

PALM BEACH COUNTY SPORTS COMMISSION

Glen Allen, Director of Sports Development 561-233-3174 gallen@palmbeachsports.com www.palmbeachsports.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ The Palm Beaches are home to 47 miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean beaches from Jupiter to Boca Raton.

▶ Home to more than 160 golf courses, many of them public, it’s easy to see why The Palm Beaches are Florida’s Golf Capital.

▶ With an average winter temperature of 76 degrees, The Palm Beaches has great weather to enjoy golfing, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits.

Palm Beach County Sports Commission offers unparalleled customer service consistently while offering a multitude of event management services including pre-event planning, operational support, permitting, public relations, and on-site staff assistance. Our sports commission has the tools and resources to make any event a success. Just bring your game –we’ll handle all the rest.

The Gardens

North County District Park

Palm Beach County Convention Center

Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium

Ballpark of the Palm Beaches

Daytona Beach, Fl

THIS PICTURESQUE DESTINATION IS HOME TO MILES OF BEACHES AND A SLEW OF GREAT FACILITIES

Scan to discover more of what Sports Daytona Beach offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Our customers love the atmosphere. The city of Daytona Beach is the perfect backdrop to recognize these young people for their hard work, dedication and talent,” comments Bill Boggs, director of the NCA and NDA College Programs. In past years, those “customers” have included up to 300 teams and upward of 8,000 registered participants – with 10,00015,000 spectators, many of them family members.”

— Bill Boggs, Sr. Vice President - Varsity NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships

With 23 miles of iconic whitesand beaches, Daytona Beach is an idyllic place to host your tournament. Experience all the family beach fun to be had along the Atlantic coastline and indulge in Daytona Beach’s famed arts scene, festivals and attractions, local eateries, shopping and golf. You can also venture out on day trips to explore Kennedy Space Center, Orlando and St. Augustine.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Ocean Center

Basketball, hockey, esports, judo, karate, volleyball and cheer/dance

The Ocean Center features more than 205,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space and serves as the host site for major college basketball tournaments such as the Roman College Basketball Invitational postseason tournament. It is situated along 23 miles of white-sand beaches and conveniently located close to major hotels, popular restaurants, and entertainment options.

Ormond Beach Sports Complex

Baseball, softball, soccer, football, T-ball

The Ormond Beach Sports Complex, as well as the Nova Community Park, has 25 fields, many of which are used for multiple sporting events. Currently, there are four T-ball fields, four full-sized baseball fields, five full-sized softball fields, nine full-sized soccer fields and three multi-purpose fields. The complexes host professional, national, regional, college and high school competitive and recreational events. The facilities’ softball, baseball and soccer fields are designed for the many age

Daytona International Speedway

Pictona at Holly Hill

LPGA International

groups which utilize them yearly. The “premier stadium” field plays host to soccer and football games for local high schools, Pop Warner football programs, and the Ormond Beach Soccer Club.

Jackie Robinson Ballpark Baseball

Jackie Robinson Ballpark is home to the area’s minor-league baseball team, the Daytona Tortugas, a Cincinnati Reds affiliated team. The historic baseball park, which has a capacity of approximately 4,200, is the site where ground-breaking African American baseball player Jackie Robinson played in the first integrated Major League Baseball spring training game in 1946. The ballpark features a statue of Robinson, historical markers, a museum, and easy on-site parking.

Pictona at Holly Hill Pickleball

This premier facility opened in July 2020 and features 24 pickleball courts with 8-foot sides and 10 feet behind base lines. The complex includes eight covered courts with “Skybox” viewing, LED lighting on all courts

and fences separating each court; court layout designed for optimal viewing without looking through fences. In addition, the facility has a restaurant serving healthy and tasty foods while the clubhouse features locker rooms, massage room and player shop.

Daytona International Speedway

Karting, soccer, esports, fishing, running Daytona International Speedway completed a $400 million renovation project several years ago that transformed the “World Center of Racing” into a state-of-the-art motorsports facility. With a capacity of 101,000, improvements included wider, more comfortable seats, five expanded and redesigned entrances, 40 escalators and upgraded amenities throughout the 11 football-field size neighborhoods.

SPORTS DAYTONA BEACH

Brandon Little BLittle@Daytonabeach.com 386-255-0415 www.daytonabeach.com/sports

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Venture behind-the -scenes and discover what makes Daytona International Speedway the “World Center of Racing” with a track tour. For an “only in Daytona Beach” encounter, race fans will want to try the elite NASCAR Racing Experience where fans can drive or ride on the high banks at Daytona International Speedway.

▶ The Museum of Arts and Sciences is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum and considered Central Florida’s premier museum. Visitors can experience the beauty of art, the wonder of science and stories of history, along with an amazing collection of Coca-Cola® memorabilia.

▶ Daytona Lagoon is the area’s premier waterpark and family entertainment center with over 12 water rides, a huge wave pool and various kiddie pools, fun in the sun for all ages comes easily here.

Lake County, FL

IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO ORLANDO, LAKE COUNTY HAS PLENTY TO OFFER ON ITS OWN MERITS AS IT STAKES ITS CLAIM AS A PREMIER ATHLETIC

DESTINATION

Whether you are hosting a championship event or a team training session, Lake County’s natural resources and top-notch facilities welcomes a variety of sports including golf, fishing, watersports, triathlons, beach volleyball, softball and more. All located 30 minutes from Orlando, Florida.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Hickory Point Park/Hickory Point Beach

Sand volleyball, soccer, fishing

Located in Tavares, the Hickory Point Beach sand volleyball complex is Florida’s largest beach volleyball complex with 21 sand volleyball courts ready for action.

Hickory Point Beach has hosted the AVCA Small College Beach Championships, professional events, and many more. Hickory Point Park is home to the Mike Stone Soccer complex (six fields) and a boating complex used for fishing tournaments.

Victory Pointe

Triathlon, rowing, watersports, endurance

Victory Pointe, located on Lake Minneola in Clermont, is a world-class venue designed for multi-sport athletes, event organizers and visitors. For over 34 years, Clermont has been a global destination for multi-sport training and competitive events including numerous regional and national championships. Nearby, the Clermont Boathouse and Clermont Waterfront Park, include a 1,000-meter and 2,000-meter course for rowing and other watersports and an oak-tree covered

Victory Pointe

The National Training Center

Scan to discover more of what Visit Lake County, FL offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Hickory Point Beach

shoreline which provides spectators a great viewing area.

Mission Inn Resort & Club Golf

Spectacular vistas, sparkling water hazards and a stunning—yet challenging—course layout separate tournament play at the Mission Inn Resort & Club, which has a particular expertise when it comes to hosting golf tournaments. The club boasts two championship-caliber golf courses in the El Campeón and Las Colinas courses, which blend right in with the surrounding Florida landscape.

The National Training Center Swimming, soccer, softball, track and field

This state-of-the-art training center located in Clermont is nationally recognized as a USA Triathlon Certified Performance Center thanks to the available services in running, swimming, cycling, wellness and nutrition that maximizes

sports performance through great coaching. Professional and amateur athletes from all around the world compete and train at the NTC including many preparing for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. The NTC campus includes a Track & Field Complex, Aquatic Center, five multipuropse athletic fields and the Legends Way Ballfields softball complex. The Track & Field Complex features a 400-meter Eurotan Premier Sandwich (an impermeable synthetic surface) track and grass infield that supports multiple events.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Revolution Adventures lets guests cruise around a 230-acre property on ATVs, go land-to-sea with the Mucky Duck amphibious vehicle or try their hand at target archery or clay-shooting.

▶ Get a birds-eye view of Orlando’s attractions, the Harris Chain of Lakes, Mount Dora and much more at The Jones Brothers Seaplane Adventures

VISIT LAKE COUNTY, FL

Ryan Richie 352-742-3904 ryan.richie@lakecountyfl.gov visitlakefl.com

▶ Try a tour a working citrus and cattle ranch in the World’s Largest 4×4 Monster Truck Adventure at the Showcase of Citrus.

▶ Experience award-winning festivals, fine dining, shopping and more in historic downtown Mount Dora.

CITY OF GAINESVILLE AND ALACHUA COUNTY, FL

HOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA AND ELITE SPORTS VENUES WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF MUSEUMS AND STATE PARKS, THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO IN THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE AND ALACHUA COUNTY, FL

Scan to discover more of what Gainesville Sports Commission offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

the venues the GSC has to offer, including the Stephen C.O’Connell Center, they immediately think they are on the world’s biggest stage.”

Kellie Doucette, Director of Athletics, Florida High School Athletic Association

Alachua County, FL is central located in state and southeast region with five hour drive times to Atlanta, Miami and Pensacola, FL. If you’re flying, Gainesville is serviced through Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV), which offers flights through American Eagle, Delta and Delta Connection.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Legacy Park

Baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics, karate, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball, volleyball

Legacy Park is a major hub for sports tournaments, including the USA Gymnastics Men’s Florida State Championship, Babe Ruth Softball World Series and US Amateur Boys Basketball Championship. The 100acre facility was awarded the Florida Sports Foundation Mid-Market Venue of the Year Award in 2019. The outdoor part

of the complex is joined with the Hal Brady Recreational Sports Complex. Teams will have access to five baseball and softball fields equipped with lighting and six other multi-sport fields plus a brand-new amphitheater. The Championship softball field offers an air-conditioned press box and seating for up to 2,500 spectators. Planners can also host competitions indoors, where they will find 40,000 square feet of space, 30,000 of which is open wooden floor space.

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Alachua County Sports & Event Center at Celebration Pointe

Champions Park

Stephen C. O’Connell Center

Stephen C. O’Connell Center Multipurpose

Host sports competitions of all levels at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. This popular venue is home to University of Florida sports as well as the USA Artistic Swimming Junior Olympics, the USA Weightlifting National University & Under 25 Championships, and the Florida High School Athletic Association Competitive Cheerleading State Championship. This 292,000-square-foot facility houses a variety of sports arenas, including a main court that seats a maximum of 10,500 guests. Athletes will also find 20,000 square feet of open space and an eight-lane indoor pool.

Alachua County Sports & Event Center at Celebration Pointe Basketball, volleyball, pickleball, baseball, cheerleading, track

OPENING JANUARY 2023: This 130,000 square foot facility has 83,000 square feet of open space that includes, 13 Basketball Courts, 18 Volleyball Courts, 21 Pickleball

Courts, Indoor Track & Field, Dedicated Cheer Space, Strength & Conditioning and Multipurpose Flooring.

Champions Park Baseball, fast-pitch softball

If you’re looking for a premier baseball or softball facility to host your next tournament, Champions Park is tough to beat. Located in nearby Newberry, this park features 16 fields which can accommodate youth baseball and any level of fast pitch softball. All fields are lighted along with scoreboards, covered and enclosed dugouts and have state-of-the-art A-Turf infields to limit the chance of rainouts. Additionally, space to hold over 1,000 cars, concessions and air-conditioned administration building.

GAINESVILLE SPORTS COMMISSION

Joleen Cacciatore Miller Executive Director 352-338-9300 jcacciatore@gainesvillesportscommission.com www.gainesvillesportscommission.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Journey more than 30 miles of single-track mountain bike trails through Florida hammock woodland at San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park

▶ Take a tour through the University of Florida’s campus and the famous Gateway of Champions at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

▶ Explore the interactive museum, Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, named after Dr. Robert Cade, the lead inventor of Gatorade.

▶ Finally relax and refresh while tubing down one of our freshwater springs and rivers. It’s a popular activity that all ages can enjoy!

Orange County Convention Center

Scan to discover more of what Orange County Convention Center offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Offering the best-in-class service, location and venue, many sporting events return to The Center of Hospitality year-afteryear, solidifying the Center’s ability to satisfy and exceed expectations.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

North-South Building

Volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, gymnastics, taekwondo, wrestling, indoor sports

With more than 950,000 square feet of exhibition space, the North-South Building offers exceptional flexibility for diverse sporting events. Home to the world’s largest volleyball competition, the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championship, the 2021 event broke records, welcoming more than 135,000 guests and more than 3,445 teams from around the world.

West Building

Volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, gymnastics, taekwondo, indoor sports

Boasting more than 1 million square feet in exhibit space, the OCCC’s West Building has welcomed a wide variety of high-profile sporting events, including WrestleMania Axxess, USA Volleyball Florida Region and American Open Cheer and Mr. Olympia Fitness and Performance Weekend. Designed with flexibility and functionality in mind, the modern West Building offers state-ofthe-art amenities for attendees, including newly renovated food courts and refreshment areas.

The OCCC West and North-South Buildings offer 2.1 million square feet of exhibit space.

THE AWARD-WINNING ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA IS RECOGNIZED FOR ITS EXTENSIVE SPACE, STATE-OF-THE-ART AMENITIES, COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AND DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE

Competing Safely at the OCCC

As a Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) Star accredited venue, the OCCC has taken every precaution to ensure a safe and seamless experience for sporting events at The Center of Hospitality. This includes enhanced cleaning in line with GBAC STAR standards, collaborating with Orlando Health to offer the first-of-its-kind medical concierge service for attendees, and working closely with groups to identify safe solutions that tailor to their event and adhere to current guidelines. With ample space for physical distancing, the OCCC can help devise solutions to create a controlled and organized space, so that you can host your next sporting event with confidence.

Notable Recent and Upcoming Events

In 2021, the OCCC welcomed 27 sporting events with more than 420,049 attendees. In 2022, sporting event business continued to grow, as the Center of Hospitality hosted 30 sporting events, with approximately 464,000 attendees.

2022 Highlights

•Open Championship Series (April 2022)

• USA Volleyball Sunshine Volleyball Classic (April 2022)

• AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships (June-July 2022)

•Ohio Basketball (July 2022)

Offering the best-in-class service, location and venue, many sporting events return to The Center of Hospitality year-after-year, solidifying the Center’s ability to satisfy and exceed expectations.

Returning Sporting Events

All Out Grand Nationals (February 2023)

USA Volleyball Sunshine Volleyball Classic (February-March 2023)

• The ONE Cheer and Dance Finals (April 2023)

• AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships (June-July 2023)

ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

Eric Blanc, Deputy Director, CMP (407) 685-9833

Eric.Blanc@occc.net www.occc.net

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ See your favorite characters, fantasy landscapes and thrilling rides at Universal Orlando Resort, which is home to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay.

▶ Immerse yourself into the wonders of marine life and hop on a variety of rides and enjoy a wealth of attractions at SeaWorld Orlando

▶ ICON Park is an entertainment complex for the whole family featuring more than 40 restaurants, funky bars, boutique shops and amusement park rides.

▶ Pointe Orlando, a beautiful outdoor shopping center, offers more than 40 unique stores, delicious restaurants and exciting nightlife near Orlando’s entertainment center, International Drive.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“We are pleased to have been able to yet again offer the opportunity to let athletes do what they really want to do, and that’s to play. The 2021 AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships at the Orange County Convention Center welcomed our biggest numbers to date, positively impacting not only the AAU organization but also the Central Florida area as well. Hosting such a large event successfully would not be possible without the dedication, commitment and tireless efforts of the Orange County Convention Center team.”

Jennings “Rusty” Buchanan, President/CEO of the AAU

The OCCC’s West Building has hosted a variety of high-profile sporting events through the years, including WestleMania Axxess, USA Volleyball Florida Region and American Open Cheer.

West Building newly renovated food courts and refreshment areas.

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USA Volleyball Sunshine Volleyball Classic

BRADENTON, FL

WELCOME TO THE EMERGING ALL-STAR OF SPORTS IN FLORIDA. DOZENS OF FIRST-RATE SPORTS FACILITIES ARE SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE BRADENTON AREA—ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS CHOOSE WHERE TO COMPETE

Scan to discover more of what Bradenton Area Sports offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“We want to thank Bradenton Area Sports for their continued support and assisting at our tournaments. We have built a great working relationship and look forward to future opportunities.”

— Cristian Cubillas, CONCACAF

The Bradenton Area has been a perennial favorite for athletes, teams and their coaches for many years. For a variety of sports, the area offers the finest facilities for training and sporting events in the nation. Along with superb weather, a welcoming attitude and tremendous value, these all combine to make Bradenton a top sports destination. Let Bradenton help you get your game on!

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

IMG Academy

Baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track and field

IMG Academy is the most prestigious sports performance complex in the world. This megacomplex features over 60 tennis courts, over 20 multisport fields and an 18-hole golf course. The Academy also has eight convertible basketball courts, weight rooms totaling more than 10,000 square feet of space and a 5,000-seat outdoor stadium. IMG Academy annually attracts nearly 200,000 athletes, coaches and spectators from 100 countries.

Premier Sports Campus

Ultimate frisbee, football, lacrosse, rugby,

soccer

The Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch hosts regional and national tournaments throughout the year. The campus holds 23 contiguous FIFA-approved Celebration Bermuda grass fields, eight of which are lighted. A 3,000+ seat stadium completes the facility’s offerings. All the fields are equipped with 65,000 square-feet of underground irrigation systems.

IMG Academy

Ellenton Ice & Sports Complex

Premier Sports Campus

LECOM Park Baseball

For more than 90 years, LECOM Park has been a source of fun and excitement in Bradenton. This 8,500+ person, state-of-theart stadium is perfect for baseball training and tournaments. A 19,000 square-foot boardwalk spanning the outfield provides an exceptional experience for both athletes and fans.

Pirate City Baseball

Pirate City provides tournament space and amenities for sports planners everywhere. This massive venue includes four full-sized baseball fields; each named after Hall of Fame or Pirates luminaries and equipped with bleacher and grandstand seats.

State College of Florida (SCF) Baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, volleyball

Home of the Manatees, the State College of Florida campus in Bradenton offers a number of facilities and accommodations.

Manatee County Sports Complexes

Baseball, rowing, t-ball, softball, soccer, football, basketball, pickleball

The Bradenton Area offers a number of pristine, landscaped parks to host your next sporting event. With seven top-notch facilities designed to accommodate large crowds and multiple events, they include seven big league fields, 19 little league fields, five t-ball fields, 13 softball fields, 23 soccer fields, five football fields, eight outdoor courts and the Manatee County-owned Fort Hamer Rowing Facility.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Just minutes f rom the world-class, white-sand beaches Bradenton is known for, visitors will find unbeatable opportunities to enjoy the region’s rich history.

▶ In addition to superb facilities like IMG Academy, where many athletes trained as youths prior to turning pro, restaurants and shopping experiences are abundant with a picturesque, Atlantic Ocean setting.

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BRADENTON AREA SPORTS

Elliott Falcione 941-729-9177 sports@bacvb.com bradentonareasports.com

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At the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, visitors can study fossils and prehistoric archeological artifacts, explore space at the Bishop Planetarium, and learn about wild manatees and witness their rehabilitation at the Parker Manatee Aquarium.

Thrill-seekers can climb, zip and swing their way through TreeUmph! Adventure Course.