This southern state isn’t afraid to try something new
South Carolina: Beacon of Golfing Excellence
The Palmetto State provides the courses, culture and infrastructure for designing and executing a top-notch golf tournament
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South Carolina is the ideal destination for your championship event, no matter the sport or level!
From the Upstate to the Midlands and the coast, the state offers a wide range of venues to host your next competition. With a proven track record of success, South Carolina is “Just Right for Champions.”
The Palmetto State takes pride in hosting a variety of local, regional, national, and international championships. In the past year alone, prestigious events such as the UCI World BMX Championships, World’s Strongest Man, SEC Women’s Basketball Championship, NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships, RBC Heritage PGA Championship, and Bassmasters High School Championships have all taken place here. Whether your event is large or small, South Carolina offers the perfect setting, with the South Carolina Sports Alliance providing local expertise and support to ensure a record-breaking, unforgettable experience.
South Carolina’s golf tourism industry is booming, drawing golfers from across the globe to its renowned courses and scenic landscapes. With over 350 golf courses, including iconic venues like Harbour Town Golf Links and Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course, the state is a premier destination for players of all skill levels. The mild climate allows for year-round play, while coastal views, rolling hills, and luxury resorts elevate the experience. Signature events like the RBC Heritage and the Myrtle Beach Classic further enhance South Carolina’s reputation as a golf paradise, attracting both professionals and casual golfers alike.
Whether you’re exploring charming small towns, vibrant coastal cities, or scenic inland areas, South Carolina offers unique settings for both indoor and outdoor sports. With award-winning dining, affordable accommodations, and a wealth of exciting attractions, the state guarantees a memorable experience for athletes, families, and spectators alike. Plus, with unmatched Southern hospitality, you may find yourself planning your next vacation in South Carolina!
Sincerely,
Jonathan Paris President, South Carolina Sports Alliance
ON THE COVER: A weightlifter shows off his strength.
Photo courtesy of Visit Myrtle Beach
South Carolina is an incredible golfing state.
Photo courtesy of One Spartanburg Inc.
SOUTH CAROLINA:
BEACON OF GOLFING EXCELLENCE
The Palmetto State provides the courses, culture and infrastructure necessary for design ing and executing a top-notch golf tournament
By Billy Stampfl
Myrtle Beach Classic
Photo courtesy of Visit Myrtle Beach
South Carolina has carved out a distinguished reputation as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts and tournament planners alike. With its picturesque landscapes, world-class courses, and strategic partnerships with prestigious organizations like the PGA, the state offers an unparalleled experience for hosting golf tournaments and attracting players and fans from around the globe.
THE PGA PARTNERSHIP
South Carolina recently cemented its status as a top golfing destination by inking a landmark five-year marketing agreement with the PGA Tour. This collaboration aims to elevate the state’s visibility as a golf mecca, showcasing its exceptional courses and facilities to a worldwide audience. But beyond the partnership’s worthy objectives, more important is that it underscores South Carolina’s golf history and commitment to promoting golf tourism. The state has over 350 courses; golf is a vital driver of its $29 billion tourism industry, with an estimated $3.3 billion economic impact in 2021 and a contribution of 38,000 jobs.
RECOGNITION AND ACCOLADES
South Carolina’s commitment to golf excellence has garnered global recognition. The state is consistently praised as one of the top golf destinations worldwide, with major publications and other entities celebrating its contributions to the game. Links Magazine recently hailed three of South Carolina’s islands as part of the 10 best “golf islands” on the planet.
The Palmetto State selections include Hilton Head Island, which has 30 top golf courses, including the spectacular Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, on and around the resort destination; Kiawah Island, home to the Ocean Course, site of the 1991 Ryder Cup and 2012 PGA Championship and considered one of the world’s most difficult courses; and Pawleys Island, located on the south end of Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand. The accolades don’t end there. In 2023, the International Association of Golf Travel Operators named South Carolina among the top five golf destinations in the world. It is the only U.S. state to make the global Golf Destination of the Year list.
MYRTLE BEACH: GOLF PARADISE
At the heart of South Carolina’s golfing allure lies Myrtle Beach, the “Golf Capital of the World.” With over 90 championship courses sprawled along its sensational coastline and inland landscapes, Myrtle Beach offers a diverse range of golfing experiences suited for players of all ages and skill levels. The city’s dedication to golf is exemplified by the addition of the Myrtle Beach Classic, a new PGA event that has quickly become a highlight of the golfing calendar. This tourney not only attracts top players; it also draws enthusiastic spectators eager to witness worldclass golf against a backdrop of coastal beauty. The stakes are high, too: the champion this past May took home $3.9 million in winnings. Beyond its splashy new PGA event, Myrtle Beach represents summer golfing at its finest.
A FANTASTIC GOLF DESTINATION
Charleston is one of the best golfing destinations in South Carolina, and the world. Each year, the Charleston area is the host site of some 30 golf tournaments including major tournaments held by the USGA, LPGA, the Ryder Cup and the PGA Tour. In 2012 and 2021, Charleston hosted the prestigious PGA Championship at The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island Golf Resort. This resort was again chosen to host the event in 2031, another major feather in the city’s cap. Charleston is also expanding its golf resume as two new courses are being built, at Kiawah Island Club and Berkeley County.
SPARTANBURG HOSTS QUALITY EVENTS
BMW Charity Pro-Am
The BMW Charity Pro-Am golf tournament has become a summertime tradition in the Upstate, and it’s the only event on the Korn Ferry Tour where amateurs and celebrities are grouped with Tour pros in a three-day better-ball competition over two courses: the Carolina Country Club in Spartanburg and the Thornblade Club in Greer.
Bobby Chapman Junior Invitational
In 2023, Spartanburg played host to the top amateur golfers from across the country for the Bobby Chapman Junior Invitational. The tournament, established in 1995, is one of the top-rated junior golf events in the country.
LPGA Amateur Golf Association Atlantic Regional Qualifier
In August 2024, The Carolina Country Club served as host to the LPGA Amateur Golf Association’s Atlantic Region Qualifier. The LPGA Amateur Golf Association is a passionate, inclusive group of women made up of over 15,500+ members of all golf abilities throughout 130+ global chapters.
MAJOR TOURNAMENTS AND EVENTS
The Myrtle Beach Classic is South Carolina’s newest PGA Tour event, but the state hosts numerous other official tournaments and charity pro-ams. One example is the BMW Charity Pro-Am, held annually in Greenville. Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, this bustling city is famous for the Greenville County Museum of Art–but also for its renowned golf scene. The BMW Pro-Am combines professional golf with philanthropy, attracting top-tier players and enthusiastic crowds to its scenic courses and vibrant downtown area.
Bobby Chapman Junior Invitational
Photo courtesy of One Spartanburg Inc.
The World’s Strongest Man competition was held in Myrtle Beach.
Photo courtesy of Visit Myrtle Beach
UNCOVERING SOUTH CAROLINA’S
HIDDEN SPORTS GEMS
This southern state isn’t afraid to try something new
By Tinder Kiely
South Carolina continues to be a thriving economy for all things sports. College football and basketball reign supreme, with Clemson and the University of South Carolina having some of the most competitive teams in the country. But the Palmetto state has much more to offer than just the big two. Strongman competitions? They’ve got them. Rubik’s Cube tournaments? Yep. The fourth largest 10k road race in America? Come watch it in South Carolina.
CHARLESTON
The Cooper River Bridge Run isn’t just any race: it’s a worldclass competition in a unique setting with gorgeous views of the Cooper River and an elite exposition of athleticism. The 10k hosts 40,000 annual racers, including some of the top long-distance runners in the world, all competing for their best time. Ranked as the 4th largest 10k in the U.S., the race has had a tremendous impact on the community by generating $33 million in just one weekend, with a mission to promote health and wellness and support their charity and grant connections.
The Charleston Scottish Games and Highland Gathering has been held for 53 consecutive years and is the second oldest event of its kind in the Southeast. The games draw over 10,000 people to watch traditional Scottish strength competitions like Putting of the Stone, Weight Throws, Sheaf Toss, Caber Toss and more. There are also Highland Dancing competitions, Border Collie demonstrations, and the crowdfavorite bagpipe performances.
COLUMBIA
Although South Carolina does not have a Major League Baseball team of its own, there is plenty of good baseball to be had. Columbia’s minor league team, the Fireflies, is one to look out for. Aptly named after the amazing, synchronized fireflies that light up nearby Congaree Swamp, this team has been on fire this summer.
South Carolina is renowned for its fishing, but it’s more than just salt water and deep-sea experiences. Lake Murray holds the impressive rank of No. 4 in the country for bass fishing, and Bassmaster named it as the “Top Lake in the Southeast.” Annually, top-tier fishing tournaments such as the Bassmaster Elite Series and Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour are hosted here. The lake was also the first location in the United States to host the Black Bass World Championship.
MYRTLE BEACH
The 47th World’s Strongest Man competition was held just this past May in Myrtle Beach, after the city proved itself in 2023 as a top pick for this tournament. Myrtle Beach saw fans from all around the U.S. and the world cheering on the strongmen at this exciting four-day event.
Myrtle Beach hosts the American Cornhole League Collegiate Championships each year at the Myrtle Beach Sports Center. This isn’t some backyard BBQ cornhole tournament—this event has over 1,000 total participants competing for the trophy and thousands of dollars’ worth of scholarships. The tournament is proud of its open format which allows teams from any college, large or small, to participate in the games.
FLORENCE
Esports have gained popularity and momentum in the last half-decade, and Florence County Parks and Recreation has staked its claim in this growing field of sports. The Peach Belt Conference is NCAA recognized and includes several esports titles such as Rocket League, Overwatch, Valorant, and League of Legends. The Peach Belt Championships for Valorant and Rocket League are hosted at the Florence Center, where competitors vie for prize money and bragging rights.
SPARTANBURG
In a colorful display of speed, skill and strategy, over 400 Rubik’s Cube competitors converged on Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium in June 2024 for CubingUSA’s Southeast Championship. This three-day event drew cubers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Participants competed across 17 different speed cubing events. Dylan Miller clinched the top spot in the main event, solving the 3x3x3 Cube with an average time of 5.72 seconds.
Myrtle Beach
Photo courtesy of Visit Myrtle Beach
MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA
Widely known as one of South Carolina’s top destinations, Myrtle Beach shines with ocean breezes, sunny beaches and top-notch sports. As a major center for sports tourism, the city brings in over 20 million visitors each year thanks to 60 miles of beaches, 80+ golf courses, multi-sport indoor and outdoor facilities and more.
Myrtle Beach is an excellent choice for your upcoming event with easy access to many of its venues and attractions within the downtown area, which also includes over 2,000 restaurants, great hotels and theme parks. No matter the interest or age, Myrtle Beach Sports shines with Southern hospitality, being there for event planners and guests every step of the way from start to finish.
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH PARK AND SPORTS COMPLEX
Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Flag Football, Ultimate Frisbee, Lacrosse
This 163-acre park includes two first class sports complexes. The baseball/ softball complex consists of 6 total fields with dirt infields and natural grass outfields. The soccer/lacrosse complex consists of 8 natural grass fields (4 with lights). Both areas include concession stands, restrooms and play structures.
MYRTLE BEACH CONVENTION CENTER
Basketball, Volleyball, Pickleball, Archery, Cheer, Gymnastics, Wrestling
Covering 250,000-squarefeet, the Myrtle Beach Convention Center provides easily convertible space for sports and trade shows. Located in the Myrtle Beach Convention and Entertainment District, the center houses a 30,000-square-foot outdoor dance and cheer complex. national meetings. The venue is within walking distance of Broadway at the Beach.
JOHN T. RHODES MYRTLE BEACH SPORTS CENTER
Basketball, Volleyball, Pickleball, Archery, Cheer, Gymnastics, Wrestling
Indoor sports thrive at the Myrtle Beach Sports Center, a 100,000-square-foot indoor sports facility that helped expand sports tourism. The facility, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, includes eight basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, a café and retail area and a large multiscreen video wall. The center has 2,000 seats that can be reconfigured for various sports.
DOUG SHAW MEMORIAL STADIUM
Football, Soccer, Track and Field
The Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium is a testament to the support and resources Myrtle Beach puts into its sporting facilities. In 2017, it went through a $6 million renovation, which expanded seating to 6,500 and added a press box and support buildings. It features an NCAA-certified lighted track with a rubberized surface, a FieldTurf ® field and Daktronics video board.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
NED DONKLE COMPLEX
Baseball, Softball
The Ned Donkle Complex features seven diamond fields with natural grass playing surfaces. The facility has two adult and five youth fields, as well as batting cages, restrooms, concessions and press boxes. The Ned Donkle Complex is located adjacent to Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium, Ashley Booth Field and the Pepper Geddings Recreation Center in Myrtle Beach.
STYERS ATHLETIC
COMPLEX AT GRAND PARK
Baseball, Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball
Located at the beautiful Market Common, the Styers Athletic Complex at Grand Park is Myrtle Beach’s premier outdoor multi-purpose facility. The complex includes nine lighted multipurpose Field Turf fields and two natural youth fields, six-lane batting tunnel and complimentary live streaming for those who can’t make the trip.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“Myrtle Beach is such an easy sell to my travel teams that play in our events. The city sells itself! With miles of sandy beaches, tons of
attractions and plenty of hotels for every budget, teams simply love coming to play in our tournaments.”
— John Whitley, National Travel Basketball Association
A SPORTS PLANNING Triple Threat
ANY SPORT, ANY COMPETITION LEVEL
With our roster of facilities and accommodations, The Beach is the perfect fit for any sporting event. Myrtle Beach has hosted it all, including a wide variety of youth sports, esports, an NCAA football bowl game, an NCAA men’s basketball tournament, an official PGA Tour event and the World’s Strongest Man competition.
WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES
Myrtle Beach has more than 100 fields, courts and facilities that can compete with some of the nation’s best. Whether you need complexes that can host entire tournaments, stadiums that can seat thousands or fields that are suitable for the best of the best, our planning professionals will connect you with the perfect venue for your event.
60 MILES MADE FOR PLAY
At The Beach, the games don’t end at the final whistle. Our 60 miles of beaches, classic boardwalk attractions, theme park rides and live entertainment give your attendees plenty of ways to play on. And when it’s time to refuel, athletes and their families will have over 2,000 restaurants to choose from all across the Grand Strand.
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Columbia is the home of the University of South Carolina’s immensely popular Gamecocks sports programs. The capital of the Palmetto State is more than just a storied college sports town though, bolstering its vibrant sports tourism industry with premier facilities and venues available for all ages, skill levels and interests. The 77,500 capacity Williams-Brice Stadium is a football fan’s dream venue. Colonial Life Arena holds 18,000 and hosts a large number of events from basketball to pro wrestling and more. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia is a great place for all ages to explore. The 170-acre site has over 3,000 animals, ranging from 400 different global species. From koalas to sharks, the zoo offers interactive Outback encounters, a safari to explore African animals, and coral conservation labs. Additionally, showcasing more than 5,700 species of native and exotic plants, the Riverbanks Botanical Garden is a great place to see the beautiful, dramatic, and themed gardens. The South Carolina State Museum provides art collections, exhibitions, planetarium shows, an observatory, a telescope collection, and 4D theater shows.
Opened in 1934 and renovated most recently in 2022, Williams-Brice Stadium is the home of the University of South Carolina football team. The storied stadium holds more than 77,500 people and has hosted some of the most thrilling games in college football history. It was also the host site for a different kind of football in August 2024 as Manchester United and Liverpool faced off.
Colonial Life is an 18,000-seat venue that plays host to both sports and music events. It is best known as the home court of the South Carolina Gamecocks’ men’s and women’s basketball teams, both of which have been highly successful in recent NCAA tournaments. It hosted first- and second-round NCAA men’s basketball tournament games in March of 2019.
Segra Park is the home of the Columbia Fireflies, the city’s Minor League Baseball team. The stadium, with the capacity to seat more than 9,000, opened in 2016 for the Fireflies’ first game. Baseball fans can catch exciting minor league games here, though Segra Park is much more than just a ballpark. It is also a great choice for weddings and business meetings.
WILLIAMS-BRICE STADIUM Football
COLONIAL LIFE ARENA Basketball
SEGRA PARK Baseball
CAYCE TENNIS AND FITNESS CENTER Tennis
Cayce Tennis and Fitness center is a wonderful 30 court tennis facility located right outside the heart of downtown Columbia. As longtime area tennis players know, this facility offers one of the best playing experiences in the capital city. The 30 lighted world-class courts include USTA QuickStart Courts for children eight and under, and a champion-sized stadium court with a viewing capacity for 500.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“We were a problem child that came out of nowhere. Scott provided me with opportunities and options that I never would have considered., He has been a steady hand from the day I met him. He and Anna never let us down when we made a request. Our games started in Florence over 40 years ago. I don’t think they ever had the quality of assistance that Scott and Anna provided us.”
At the intersection of two bustling highways—I-85 and I-26—Spartanburg is within driving distance of major Southern cities like Birmingham, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Richmond. But beyond a premier geographical location, this town offers so much more, from its various extracurricular attractions to incredible athletic facilities. Your Spartanburg adventure begins at the BMW Performance Driving School, where visitors can enhance their driving skills and have fun in the process. The setting: a versatile driving course equipped with a skid pad, slalom course, and water walls. Great times await under the expert guidance of professional driving instructors, behind the wheel of a fleet of new BMWs. You can also head over to Croft State Park, which offers over 20 miles of biking and hiking trails, a playground, and picnicking and camping areas.
TYGER RIVER PARK
Baseball, Softball, Disc golf
A top baseball and softball tournament complex in the South, Tyger River Park features 12 youth fields in four-field clusters, a championship stadium with 600 seats, and a range of amenities including a clubhouse, concession areas, umpire rooms, lounge, VIP suite, wireless internet, and covered seating. It also boasts two playgrounds and flatscreen TVs at each field.
NORTH SPARTANBURG PARK
Baseball, Softball, BMX
As a sports complex, North Spartanburg Park is a picture of versatility: it has five baseball/ softball fields, a BMX track, outdoor fitness equipment, picnic shelters, a playground, restrooms, and a half-mile walking trail. Little compares to a sunny afternoon at this facility, taking in a youth sports tournament, eating lunch by the picnic area, then going for a leisurely stroll.
With some facilities, it is best to start with the basic facts. Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park is one of those: it offers full-sized, natural grass multipurpose fields, eight pickle ball courts, five tennis courts, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Excited yet? Get ready for a soccer tournament or a rugby game, a tennis match or disc golf.
THE CAROLINA COUNTRY CLUB
Golf
Designed by Tom Jackson, the 18-hole championship course at the Carolina Country Club is renowned as one of the best in Upstate South Carolina. It features a stunning natural setting, incorporating a stream and signature lake on several holes. The course can extend up to 7,000 yards from the Championship tees and as short as 4,700 yards from the Red tees.
Tyger River Park
MILLIKEN ARBORETUM Cross Country
This storied arboretum is not just a nature enthusiast’s dream, but also a top crosscountry venue, hosting youth, high school, and collegiate events like NCAA D-I and D-II National Regionals. In 2025, it will be the site of the NCAA D-III National Championship. The arboretum also hosts the Eye Opener, one of America’s premier high school cross country meets, attracting over 3,200 runners annually.
THE STAR CENTER
Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Football,
Lacrosse
The Star Center boasts a 100,000-square-foot indoor sports center with outdoor multipurpose fields (four grass, two turf), four basketball courts, and eight volleyball courts. No matter the sport or event, whether it is a youth volleyball camp, a basketball travel tournament, or an adult soccer league, the Star Center uses sports as an outlet to get athletes to the next level.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“Spartanburg has been home to one of our annual flagship events for nearly a decade. The growth and success of this tournament wouldn’t be possible without the support of OneSpartanburg, Inc. We look forward to calling Spartanburg home for many years to come!”
Located just northwest of Columbia, South Carolina, the Irmo-Chapin area boasts rich nature and outstanding athletic facilities operated by the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission for high-level tournament play. One of America’s best zoos, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, is home to over 2,000 animals and an inspiring botanical garden. Lake Murray, the Jewel of South Carolina, offers world-class fishing, and boating, and golf, along with fun activities for the entire family. The South Carolina State Museum is the largest in the state, featuring four floors of permanent and changing exhibits, a digital dome planetarium, and an observatory. In the Main Street district, the Columbia Museum of Art attracts over 150,000 visitors annually with its renowned collection and innovative educational programs.
IRMO CHAPIN
RECREATION COMMISSION
Ashley Smith (803) 772-1228 asmith@icrc.net www.icrc.net/sports-tourism
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“As you know, we run over 40 different events around the country – so we work with a lot of different facilities. Ashley and his staff are THE BEST that we work with. They go above and beyond what we could ever ask for. Ashley is with us every step of the way. You can tell he is just as invested in the success of the event as we are. “
– Ryan Long, Former Event Director, Boys Events NXTsports Inc. // Make it Matter
THE FIELDS AT SALUDA SHOALS PARK
Soccer, Lacrosse, Tennis, Races and Runs
With six soccer, lacrosse, and multi-use fields, plus six clay and four hard surface tennis courts, The Fields is sought after for tournaments and events. The complex features natural turf fields, state-ofthe-art lighting, and onsite amenities, with exceptional field visibility, and plenty of parking. Located within Saluda Shoals Park, this 480-acre riverfront park, offers paved and unpaved trails, kayaking, tubing, a splash pad, and Leo’s Landing Inclusive Playground.
MELVIN PARK
Baseball, Tennis, Pickleball
Located in Chapin, SC, this park features four regulationsized baseball diamonds, two youth baseball diamonds, two multi-use fields, and an impressive sixteen-court tennis and Pickleball complex. During non play, explore and relax in the sprawling 71-acre park, which includes a refreshing splash pad and take advantage of picnic areas, walking trails, and a playground, making it an ideal destination for your tournament.
CROOKED CREEK PARK
Baseball, Soccer, Lacrosse
Crooked Creek is a thriving park in the heart of Lake Murray country in Chapin, offering a vibrant community space for recreation and family activities. The park features three youth and three intermediate baseball diamonds, along with three multi-use fields designed for soccer, lacrosse, and other sports. Well-maintained facilities, walking trails, and picnic areas, make it an ideal destination for your next event.
SEVEN OAKS PARK
Baseball, Pickleball, Basketball, Volleyball
Seven Oaks is one of the Midlands’ premier baseball venues. The park’s six natural-turf baseball diamonds include four youth, one intermediate and one regulation-sized in addition to three multi-use fields. The park also has three onsite gyms where pickleball, basketball and volleyball shine, along with trails and playgrounds.
Saluda Shoals
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA
Florence is the perfect place to explore. Florence offers a wide range of dining, with spectacular local cuisine served up with a side of southern hospitality. And to make your culinary experience even more interesting, the origins of the SC Pecan Trail start here. The trail highlights local restaurants and businesses that display pecans in food, crafts, and more. Following the trail through Florence County will be the tastiest trek you’ve ever made. From downtown Florence to the heart of Lake City, the SC Pecan Trail offers a little something for everyone. Collect stamps while checking off stops along the trail to receive Pecan Trail swag! The SC Revolutionary Rivers Trail® follows the Lynches Scenic River from Lynches River County Park to the cypress and tupelo-laden stomping grounds of Revolutionary War hero General Francis Marion. The fact Marion and his band of militia could simply disappear into the cypress swamplands earned him the name Swamp Fox. Designated as a National Water Trail in 2022, the 66mile trail offers paddlers a captivating experience of floating through swampland that was once traversed by Patriots engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Loyalists.
FLORENCE CENTER
Multi-use
The award-winning Florence Center is the largest convention, meeting, and events center in northeast South Carolina with over 79,000 square feet of multi-purpose space, including a 10,000-seat arena. The Center is able to host a wide variety of events from volley, cheerleading, gymnastics, to basketball, and horseshoe pitching tournaments.
FLORENCE SOCCER COMPLEX
Soccer, Lacrosse, Flag Football
The expansive 80-acre complex features 14 soccer fields with two championship style with MUSCO lighting. Two bathroom complexes conveniently located on either side of the complex, and a 6,000 square foot pavilion that houses concessions, athletic training room, official’s room, offices, a conference room with kitchenette.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“Conference Carolinas has worked with the Florence Area Sports Council for numerous Championships and they have gone above and beyond in every way possible. The attention to detail provided before, during and after each of our Championships in the Florence area has been top-notch.”
— Chris Colvin, Conference Carolinas Commissioner
FLORENCE AREA
SPORTS COUNCIL
Jade Perkins (843) 664-0330
jade.perkins@visitflo.com visitflo.com/sports
FLORENCE SPORTS COMPLEX
Baseball, Track and Field
The Carolina Bank Field opened for play in May of 2022 as home of the Florence Flamingos baseball team, and stars as the centerpiece of the Florence Sports Complex. The complex has officials’ room, locker rooms, two concession stands with facilities, five little league baseball fields, one high school field, and MUSCO lighting. The complex also features a collegiate level outdoor track with eight lanes of synthetic track, four long jump/triple jump pits, two high jump pits and all other field event venues house within the track.
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA
When it comes to hosting local, regional, and national sporting events, Greenville, South Carolina brings its “A” game. We’ve become one of the Southeast’s hottest destinations for all things sports, offering a friendly, 4-season climate that’s ideal for athletes, spectators, families, and friends alike. Events for every athlete are possible with our 280,000 Sq. Ft. Convention Center, 15,000+ seat arena, and countless other indoor and outdoor facilities.
Discover the beauty of Greenville, SC, along the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail Network—a stunning 28-mile greenway perfect for walking and biking. This scenic trail meanders alongside the Reedy River, guiding your guests through charming city parks and hidden gems that truly capture the essence of our vibrant community.
Don’t miss Falls Park on the Reedy, recognized as one of the best parks in the U.S. Guests can take in breathtaking views of the city from the Liberty Bridge, the only single-sided suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere, and check out the picturesque Reedy River Falls below.
This state-of-the-art multipurpose complex is ideal for sporting events, live entertainment, family shows, concerts and so much more. The 15,000-seat arena, located in Downtown Greenville, is the home ice for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey team. The floor can be transformed for courtside sporting events, and is frequently used for collegiate tournaments. There are also 30 luxury suites, restrooms, parking, and lodging options nearby.
GREENVILLE CONVENTION CENTER
Mat Sports, Cheerleading/Dance, E-Sports, Indoor Sports
As one of the Southeast’s largest venues, boasting 280,000 sq. ft. of impressive event space in one of the most sought-after cities, the Greenville Convention Center is committed to providing you with the resources you need to turn your event into an experience that brings your plans to life. The facility also offers an additional 60,000 sq. ft. of meeting and conference space, and a ballroom with 30,000 sq. ft. of column-free space, allowing flexibility for a variety of sporting events.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“There is nothing like an elite game in the NCAA tournament in Greenville, SC. We want to thank everyone, all the organizers, for putting on a great NCAA tournament. I hope we can host this every year right here in Greenville.”
– Coach Dawn Staley, 2023 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball ChampionshipRegional Round VISITGREENVILLESC
Home of the Greenville Little League, Greenville Dirt Series, and many community events, this “Central Park”of the Upstate features five baseball/ softball diamonds with combined seating for over 8,000 spectators, a playground, walking trail, large shelter, and dog park.
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?
