2023 Sports Planning Guide (SPG

Hampton, Virginia: An inspired choice for your next event.

COMPETITION INSPIRED.

Bring your next wrestling, boxing, or gymnastics event to Hampton Coliseum, a multi-purpose arena with a capacity of 13,800.

THE BIG GAME

Coordinate basketball, volleyball, and track & field tournaments at Boo Williams Sportsplex, a sprawling, modular complex with retractable bleacher seating for up to 4,000.

WATERSPORTS

Schedule swimming, diving, and other aquatic sports at the newly opened Hampton Virginia Aquaplex, Virginia’s largest competitive aquatic facility.

Bring your next wrestling, boxing, or gymnastics event to Hampton Coliseum, a multi-purpose arena with a capacity of 13,800.

Host big conferences, exhibitions, and athletic conventions at the state-of-the-art Hampton Roads Convention Center, featuring 344,000 square feet of flexible event space, 35 breakout rooms, and a grand ballroom.

Plan your next event. SportsHampton.com

BY NICK POVALITIS

BY NICK POVALITIS

BY CHRISTOPHER D. SILBERNAGEL

BY NICK POVALITIS

BY CHRISTOPHER D. SILBERNAGEL

BY JASON PAHA

BY JON SCHMIEDER

SITE INSPECTIONS BY

STATE GUIDES

JASON PAHA

Welcome to the 2023 Sports Planning Guide

Back in the Dark Ages of 2020, sports tourism’s once ceaseless march skyward took an unexpected and unprecedented tumble.

With billions in lost revenue and facilities shuttered across the world, the sports tourism market faced uncertainty in a manner previously unseen.

Not surprisingly though, the industry is resilient, and through hard work and determination from CVBs and DMOs across the USA, the sector rebounded quickly. In 2021, 175 million sports travelers hit the road, which was only 2.6 percent lower than the record numbers established in the ShangriLa days of 2019. And the surge has continued throughout 2022.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in tourism. Echoing that sentiment is Sports ETA’s most recent State of the Industry Report which shows sports tourism has an economic impact of $91.8 billion and supports 635,000 jobs in member communities across the country.

In other words, sports are again a hot ticket.

To honor this industry resurgence, Sports Planning Guide has rolled out our finest issue yet. For starters, SPG features 12 state guides that provide an in-depth look at what each state has to offer. If you want to know the best place to host a pickleball tournament in Washington, a swimming competition in Indiana or a lacrosse outing in Pennsylvania, we have you covered. SPG also spotlights almost 150 destinations across the country in our industry-leading Site InSpections,

which feature the most up-to-date information on venues and attractions in each location.

SPG’s comprehensive stories will keep you on top of the latest trends as we examine the growth of esports and the surge of facilities hosting esports competitions; highlight upcoming complexes in development across the country; and investigate how the sports world is evolving to implement better and more sustainable practices. We also explain the fine art of facility future-casting and discover how venue developers determine which size complex is the right fit for a community.

Finally, we interview Sports ETA President Al Kidd, who enlightens us about the state of the industry heading into the future. His insight is invaluable and undoubtedly prescient. Speaking of which, the great prognosticator Jon Schmieder returns with his sports industry trends for 2023.

Clearly, the 2023 edition of SPG continues to set the standard for coverage of the sports tournament industry. The same can be said for our popular website, SportsPlanningGuide. com, which features in-depth planning guides, comprehensive facility spotlights and showstopping destination videos.

Simply put, our objective is to help you, the tournament planner, rights holder and governing body, find solutions to your planning needs. And no one does that better than Sports Planning Guide.

Jason Paha Managing Editor

Sports Planning Guide

Vol. 14, No. 1, 2023 Edition

Editorial & Advertising Office 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com

Associate Publisher – Dave Bodle dave@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Jason Paha jason@ptmgroups.com

Writer & Social Media Editor –Christopher Silbernagel, chris@ptmgroups.com

Contributing Writers

Randy Mink

Jon Schmieder

Nick Povalitis

Vanessa Day Heather Dale Isabella Wilkes Margaux Shearer

Director, Design & Production – Lisa Hede lisa@ptmgroups.com

Production Coordinators –Kelsey Ledford, kelsey@ptmgroups.com Theresa O’Rourke, theresa@ptmgroups.com

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The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos or manuscripts.

Sports Planning Guide (ISSN 2153-4179) is published annually by Premier Travel Media, 621 Plainfield Rd., Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. Postage paid at Willowbrook, IL and Lebanon Junction, KY. The magazine is distributed free to sports events organizers. Single copies for all others are $9.95.

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Bluhawk Sports Park in Overland Park, Kansas boasts 250,000 square feet of indoor court and turf space.

Park

FUTURE-CASTING The Fine Art of Facility

By Nick Povalitis, Plus Seven Company

There’s a fine line between projection and performance. Amidst a construction boom and pent-up demand for recreation and togetherness, getting sports facility development done right is perhaps more urgent than ever. And regardless of locality, sport is a significant part of the fabric of our lives, so much so that it begs the question. Is it the right fit?

This uncertainty transcends pro formas and place, and speaks to the inherent, hard-to-measure value of local consideration.

“There might not be anything more critical,” says Evan Eleff, partner at Sports Facilities Companies (SFC). “If you look at our portfolio, you will see a lot of different facilities. Not every

facility built for local recreation is sports tourism capable, but, in our view, every single sports tourism-capable facility has the ability to serve local needs.”

One of the foremost authorities in sports facility design, SFC has overseen more than $10 billion in project development since 2003 and also currently manages more than 35 venues that deliver $250 million of economic impact annually.

While its contributions to tourism have been vast, SFC has also made the most of doubling down on adding value to the communities it serves through tangential partnerships. By joining forces with organizations like the International City/County Management

Association (ICMA) and Aspen Institute Project Play years ago, SFC has been able to curate predictive analytical insight that balances the promise of tourism with the reality of local need.

Photo courtesy of Bluhawk Sports

As competition and cost escalate, sports venue developers right-size for the community

“It should be an opportunity for us to educate the client and the community, to communicate what they should expect and set expectations for what it will take to make the project work in the future,” Eleff says of

The harsh realities of late can pose 30 percent increases to food cost alone, one of many examples

increases can quickly cut into the margins. But sports facilities can be built for these challenges in a sense, and in a foretelling manner that also

THE CONFLUENCE OF COSTS

What flipped the world upside down a little more than two years ago was a blip on the radar of the construction industry, which has marched on to, at times, record heights. Over the first sixth months of 2022, overall construction spending is up 10.7

percent per the U.S. Census Bureau.

Bolstered by the availability of trillions of dollars in government funding that were intended to spark the economy— including earmarks for recreation, sports and tourism projects—sports facility projects made continual progress during the pandemic, including some that crossed the finish line. Despite skyrocketing building costs and lead times, SFC celebrated 2021 facility grand openings in Pecos, TX, with Cyclone Ballparks and Albertville, AL, with Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater.

“We’re seeing facilities 50 to 60 percent more expensive than they were pre-pandemic,” says Jake Whittaker, SFC’s vice president of development services. “What we’ve discovered is managing costs is more important than ever. We’re placing more importance on the correct delivery model as far as how the projects are designed and constructed.”

According to the Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis (CBRE) 2022 U.S. Construction Cost Trends Report, staggering lead time estimates include: 14-16 weeks for drywall and metal studs (a 600 percent increase since 2020); 35-45 weeks for roofing membranes (an 800 percent increase); and 40-50 weeks for roofing insulation (a 667 percent increase).

Given that sports facilities have proven to be a worthwhile long-term investment, Whittaker and his SFC counterparts have found solace and success in ordering ahead to save time and money even in a volatile cost environment. General construction costs are projected to rise 14.4 percent by the close of 2022, a reflection of today’s complex nature of project and political cost.

THE EXPERIENCE RACE

Dubbed by the industry as a facilities arms race, venues big and small have persistently been proposed and built for the last decade-plus. And though the aforementioned construction boom remains in full swing, scaling down the dream may be what’s best for growth and visitation prospects.

“We take a very granular approach at understanding the ins and outs of the

community and what the capacities might be; that calculated approach allows us to, in some cases, steer toward a right-sized complex,” Eleff says. “In other cases, it allows us to focus on the highest and best use of space in the short-term, foreseeable future so that it can prove the concept

— Jake Whittaker, SFC’s vice president of development services

as the community develops a plan for additional sports tourism assets.”

Beyond the big screen, SFC has pulled venue design inspiration from the big leagues, as professional sports organizations have shifted their focus to entertaining the guest. Whereas the game used to be the main thing, pro sports properties have adopted an abundance of fun-filled activation points aimed at engaging customers on a macro level, not just the game itself.

SFC is putting attention to macro details into practice as part of what may be sports tourism’s next iteration in venue development through projects like Bluhawk Sports Park in Overland Park, KS. A regional destination in and of itself, Bluhawk’s first phase boasts 250,000 square feet of indoor court and turf space, an ice rink and flex space as part of a much larger footprint that incorporates a long list of city-esque amenities: hotels, a hospital, a police and fire station, residences, retail and dining options like TJ Maxx and Five Guys, and more. Some of Bluhawk’s other perks include an onsite bank, cleaners, daycare, dentist and veterinary clinic. The next major phase of Bluhawk will bring food, entertainment and other new-to-market offerings that will

“We’re seeing facilities 50 to 60 percent more expensive than they were pre-pandemic.”

The Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater in Albertville, Alabama can host a multitude of sports, from boxing to basketball.

complement the facility’s scheduled opening in Spring 2024.

One of SFC’s West Coast ventures, The Creek at Dominguez Hills is another project prepping for a 2023 opening in Carson, CA. The $60 million first phase includes repurposing the northern 84 acres of the Victoria Golf Course, where an athletic and academic center will merge the expertise of the United States Tennis Association, the Tiger Woods Foundation, AEG Presents and the Los Angeles Galaxy for a portion of the operational duties. The second phase of The Creek, slated for the southern 87 acres of the old golf course, will include nearly 200,000 square feet of multi-use indoor spaces, a half million square feet of retail and restaurant area and, among other features, a ‘Main Street’ park in the southeast section of the plot.

As Eleff describes, the evolution of the sports tourism facility has led to the segment standing as its own element—a responsibility that now requires intentional focus and scrutiny beyond that of being a subtext of the larger community services genre.

“It’s allowed communities to extract the data and create a real focus on how assets like this perform across all metrics and who really needs to help improve performance,” says Eleff.

PURPOSE-BUILT AND PALPABLE

The all-inclusive nature of facilities like Bluhawk Sports Park and The Creek at Dominguez Hills showcases the value of ways sports travelers are engaged during tournament stays and non-eventday shopping strolls through a Main Street park. And as Whittaker shares, it also accentuates the natural synergies between local and tourism use because “without both, the facility would be a fraction of what it is on its own.”

Prior to last year’s opening of Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater, Albertville, AL, may have been best known for being The Fire Hydrant Capital of the World thanks to the millions of units that Mueller Company has manufactured and delivered around the globe. Along with the success of the Albertville High School Aggie Band— as seen performing multiple times in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Tournament of Roses—the national and global reach of Mueller Co. helped to inspire another why-not-us community conversation in 2017, this time focused on improving the physical and mental health of its residents.

Four years later, Sand Mountain— and its 16 tennis courts, 14 outdoor turf fields, eight-lane indoor competition

pool, 55,000 plants including 1,400 trees and 7,500-seat amphitheater— celebrated its grand opening in April 2021. Within 12 months, the facility surpassed economic impact projections by more than $10 million after cultivating a holistic suite of program offerings that includes sports tournaments, league play, wellness memberships and concerts.

“Where a market might not be able to support a dedicated event and sport facility at a magnitude that is needed, you combine those and you don’t have to have duplicate staff, parking and infrastructure,” Whittaker says. “Combining the demand for both of those and utilizing some of the same infrastructure, facilities and what you gain there, suddenly sports and entertainment offer great support for each other.”

By creating its own facility brand that is authentic to the destination, Albertville again unified its 21,000-plus residents. And by developing a sports complex in its own backyard, the city has enriched access through sports and entertainment, one of the many palpable benefits for residents and visitors to boot.

“People want to live in a community where they have an asset that they’re proud of,” Whittaker says. “That’s a non-measurable that we need to look at; they want to see sports being played in their community. There is a sense of pride these facilities generate that is hard to measure.”

SPORTS ETA PRESIDENT SEES OPPORTUNITIES AS INDUSTRY RECOVERS

Photo courtesy of Sports ETA

Al Kidd and Sports ETA are helping guide the sports industry through transformative times

SPORTS PLANNING GUIDE: Let’s start by doing a SWOT analysis of Sports ETA and the sports tourism industry.

AL KIDD: From an organizational standpoint, we gained significant national relevance by becoming the leading sports information resource aggregator for events and tourism. That’s a strength because as a small organization, we cannot live alone on primary research and data collection. As we became the national resource, that proved to be a giant advocacy tool. It’s one of those unintended consequences but now that we became the source, we need to continually fill that. Another one of the strengths is that the sports industry became the leading catalyst for the recovery. America is built on scoreboards and we don’t scoreboard things but we have our role in the tourism ecosystem and that role really is to be a continuous catalyst to tourism and drive economic impact and community value. And that’s what sports does continually.

SPG: What about weaknesses in the industry?

AK: Generally speaking, one of the things that has handicapped DMOs around the United States is the uneven opening. Different states had different rules and different timeframes. So, uneven opening became a weakness for any kind of generalized forward motion, sustainable recovery. The chief source of funding for the majority markets were crushed. And by that, I mean hotel taxes. When your whole revenue stream goes to zero then you’re crawling back up at 10, 20% at a time. Some places are not projected to get back to even until 2024.

SPG: Where are the opportunities?

AK: CARES and ARPA money was a welcome fuel in a lot of places. It created opportunities for communities to develop sports complexes. I talked to a number of destinations around the country that were able to use some of that money for staffing, recovery and marketing. But a number of them also looked at the facility side and spent some time and money trying to decide what to do.

Also, was the value of data and data analysis in (sports tourism) which was born in the last year. We’ve got a number of reports that are high profile, high level, high value that we’re going to be distributing out of our research department using some of the relationships we’ve established to collect and aggregate information. These are primarily aimed at helping destinations make better decisions.

SPG: What do you perceive as threats?

AK: Research by the Aspen Institute indicates there’s been a significant decrease in youth sports re-entry after COVID. A number of kids that were 12 to 15 years old when COVID hit aren’t re-entering sports. We are seeing deficit of young people participating in sports. Another threat is that we have high inflation and gasoline prices. It’s another headwind, everything costs so much more and maybe now future job security is less clear than it was six months ago.

SPG: You were very quick to switch to virtual events but as live events have returned, what position do they have in your future?

AK: I’m so proud of the team that we have because we didn’t foresee COVID, but we foresaw opportunity for virtual events. We had a meeting in January of 2019 and we determined that we were going to add a schedule of virtual events that would be an added value to our symposium. Then COVID hits and we had it pretty much ready to go. We wanted to be the first out in the market with a virtual event, and we crushed it. We were so excited to be first and we had so much success with that. When we got to the latter part of the year, we decided to do

Photo courtesy of Sports ETA

Sports ETA gained national relevance by becoming the leading sports information resource aggregator for events and tourism.

another one that wasn’t so successful. We had great speakers. Nobody wanted that. They just wanted a business transaction to take place because they’re looking for business. So, last January we sat down and we did a survey of our members. We just didn’t get traction. But on the other hand, what did come out of it was there’s a certain segment of meetings that will take place virtually like committee meetings, board meetings, financial meetings and other small group meetings.

SPG: It seems like there’s a new $20+ million sports facility being announced every week. Is development skewing towards specific types of facilities, and is all this development sustainable?

AK: Right now, I don’t see any kind of saturation point. It’s continuing to be vibrant marketplace in most places. Like any business it comes down to if you have good management. Are they good at marketing and bringing events? And just because a few may close doesn’t mean that we’ve reached saturation point. Maybe they just don’t have the right plan in place or don’t have an idea how to get there. Rectangular outdoor fields are probably the most economical to build. Baseball fields are bigger than softball fields, so softball generally yields more revenue, plus the games are shorter and they generally have more people attend their games than baseball. The indoor buildings that can host multiple events like basketball, volleyball and pickleball, they have to be of a significant size to operate effectively.

SPG: More CVBs have realized the importance of sports tourism, but from an association standpoint ETA hasn’t been the benefactor as membership is lower now than it was pre COVID. How do you capture interest from destinations that haven’t participated in sports tourism previously?

AK: We have recovered most of that (deficiency) and though

our relationship with DI (Destinations International) and a new relationship with MPI (Meeting Planners International) we’re going to generate new interest and expand our revenue base by offering educational programming to their membership. Likewise, they’re going provide their educational product at their member pricing to Sports ETA members.

SPG: We see that you spread the distance between the facility summit and symposium in 2023, so instead of being an add on to symposium, it’s really a separate event. Who are you hoping to attract to that event?

AK: We have exclusive access to the 16,000-facility database that Play Easy has. That database is highly filterable so we’re using it to fuel the expansion of our facility’s intention, which is to be able to provide the value that we’ve brought to Sports ETA members, education, advocacy, resources and networking. So, the facilities summit will be couple days before symposium, but it’s going to be bolted together because we are building context around the symposium as the place to be for all the things that we do.

SPG: We’ve talked a fair amount about education. Can you wrap up with what we can expect going forward out of the Sports Tourism Learning Institute?

AK: We’ve got instructional design work with Dr. Stoll on developing bundled certification and educational packages and programming. We came out of the blocks and put a bunch of new stuff into the marketplace and now we’re in the midst of adding content and programming and more courses around it that we can bundle around topical areas. If you want to focus on marketing, you can go and take these bundles. We’re also looking at bundling around first, second, third year people coming into the space and eventually we’re going to level up and have a master’s level type program that’s different than what we currently have.

Photo courtesy of Sports ETA

Sports ETA is a leader in both in-person and virtual events.

ESPORTS FACILITIES

SURGE AHEAD FOR THE MASSES

Multi-purpose

By Nick Povalitis, Plus Seven Company

When the world stopped, esports became the arena of the people.

After nearly 11 million viewers attended Fortnite’s debut metaverse concert featuring DJ Marshmello in February 2019, the title repurposed the differential of community in gaming when Travis Scott took the virtual stage in April 2020 to an audience of more than 12 million.

While crystal balls of years past may have missed the onset of a pandemic, the gaming masses again showed up as predicted. With a critical mass defined by community and purpose, esports investments and revenues have grown exponentially over the last decade

into slam dunk ventures that bring people together through the seemingly limitless potential of design.

“We began to look at this intently in 2013 and did a lot of internal R&D and investigation into how we believe esports and venues of the future could be designed by applying a lot of the principles that we know from our traditional sports venues work,” says Brian Mirakian, senior principal and esports director for the Americas at Populous. “We looked at this in future-thinking mode, to design things as you may for a concept car where we were applying a lot of principles but looking at it in a futuristic sense. From those initial ideas and creative thinking, real projects started to happen.”

This hightech venue is coming to Toronto.

Photo courtesy of OverActive Media

As an increasing amount of data from financial institutions like Goldman Sachs continued to validate the credibility of esports, Populous began testing the market during meetings and industry events. Those efforts crystallized further at South by Southwest (SXSW) 2017 when Mirakian led a presentation that made a case for considering the design and construction of colosseum-esque facilities centered on esports. As no surprise to Populous, a Kansas Citybased sports and entertainment design firm founded in the 1980s, the audience reception was positive and the firm would soon thereafter land its first esports venue design project—Esports Stadium Arlington, a converted convention center space that opened in November 2018 and still stands as the largest esports venue in North America.

GLOBAL ESPORTS INTEREST GROWING

Since then, global interest and investment in dedicated esports venues has surged as new projects have arisen, including other Populous projects like: the 1,000-capacity Fortress Melbourne in Australia (opened March 2020); a new fan district-infused riff on the planned 3,500-seat Fusion Arena concept in Philadelphia; and a 7,000-seat venue with an adjacent 382-unit hotel slated for Toronto (projected opening in 2025). Following a mantra of innovative investment in esports, SURGE, designed by Chicagobased architecture firm KOO, remains on track to open in 2023 in the historic Bronzeville district in south Chicago. Led by Smash Interactive, a joint venture formed by real estate firm ECD Company and virtual reality upstart MassVR, the $30 million SURGE project plans to feature 108,000 square feet of interactive, multi-use space with seating for 1,040. The facility’s location also provides added value, as it’s only 0.6 miles from larger event venues Wintrust Arena and McCormick Place, and approximately one mile north of the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT).

Known for its esports prowess with a club team that dates back to 2013 and its present-day scholarship student-athletes, Illinois Tech Esports naturally became an integral partner of the SURGE project after its work at the 2018 Intel Extreme Masters, a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) tournament at Wintrust Arena. IIT students and staff volunteered at the event and also hosted their own college tournament, repurposing the professional stage and production equipment that was already used and paid for by the Intel Extreme Masters event staff—something that inspired SURGE co-leads Scott Greenberg (ECD Company) and Chris Lai (MassVR) to connect with Illinois Tech.

“SURGE is allowing us to add an educational component to the building; they are building a lab for us that will be branded Illinois Tech,” says April Welch, who serves as Illinois Tech’s associate vice president of strategic initiatives and director of esports and digital arts. Welch, who oversees Illinois Tech Esports that has more than 100 competitors, 500 active Discord participants and 900 members, adds that the flexible

CONNECTIVITY, ACCESS AND ‘THE RACE TO BE FIRST’

The pandemic has led to supply-chain related delays, though the modular design nature of SURGE has allowed it to keep making progress on and offsite. Additionally, the project’s neighboring buildings, Interstate 55, the Chicago Transit Authority Green Line and existing neighborhood aesthetics have helped to provide a defined yet unique set of features to build from.

As a convention center retrofit, Esports Stadium Arlington also presented opportunities for the Populous team to capitalize on. Some of the common amenities that come with the bones of a convention center helped in Texas, including space for a main stage and seating, 30-foot ceilings with rigging capacity, flexible spaces for media and production set-up, and a baseline tech infrastructure.

While Mirakian says technological complexity can account for 40 percent of a total construction budget, Esports Stadium Arlington was completed in 2018 for a relatively modest total—$10 million compared to other projects in the queue with total costs in the tens and hundreds of millions range—and delivered to market through the Populous Design Build method within six months of it being fully funded.

The future of esports is now in the Windy City, where

venue and program design allows for seamless integration of college team practices, community access, weekend tournaments, weddings and next-level tech.

Esports Stadium in Arlington

Photo courtesy of Ross Stewart

Welch and Illinois Tech are busy connecting the SURGE project to the campus, neighborhood and renowned global brands like FaZe Clan. Welch and her students have spent many days and nights presenting to city council members, parents and community leaders about why esports and SURGE are so important for kids to remain connected during a pandemic and to develop career and life skills. The kids ‘are not only gaming, they’re learning how to communicate and work together as a team,’ according to Welch.

FUTURE FORECAST: BALANCING MULTI-PURPOSE WITH PURPOSE-BUILT

Populous has also focused on leveraging localized centers as community safe spaces through its work with Nerd Street Gamers, which it partnered with in designing one of its Localhost facilities dubbed “The Block.” A 40,000 esports micro-campus in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, the space features a robust local area network (LAN) center, retail space, content production and streaming area, training and office space, and food and beverages room.

Even as venues and programs are projected to increase in scale, balancing multi-purpose with purposebuilt presents communities, design firms and gamers a collective goal to target. The futuristic plans for the stillunnamed Toronto 2025 project—a collaborative effort between Populous, OverActive Media and city officials— may provide a forecast of macro-micro coexistence in

the years ahead. In addition to the 7,000-seat esports arena, the entertainment complex will be situated on the shores of Lake Ontario and feature a hotel tower, convention space and privately owned public space. Designed with versatility in mind, the facility will be built for conventions and meetings, live music and performing arts and expected to host 200 events annually.

At SURGE, that theme of versatility extends to the real and virtual world. While the venue set-up and its nearby partners make it tournament-ready to host the latest high school esports championships or NBA 2K League Playoffs, SURGE’s custom full-stack virtual reality program from MassVR adds an additional layer of experiential tech—a differential that may immerse visitors in VR trips to the Museum of Cairo or through the canals of Venice, Italy.

“Esports really opens up the field,” Welch says. “Baseball and basketball are really defined—here’s your court and here you go. When you think about esports, the court has no limits.”

This landmark esports venue called The Block opened in Philadelphia.

Champions compete in Milwaukee.

This is where the champions play and fans can’t wait to stay — the home base of passionate patrons, players, and planners. With six professional sports teams, state-of-the-art venues like the Wisconsin Center, unbeatable prices, expert event planners, and unrivaled accessibility, we are a city that pushes boundaries and never settles.

MAKE YOUR PLAY TODAY AND START PLANNING YOUR NEXT EVENT.

sportsmilwaukee.org

Premier Sports Facilities To Watch 9

By Christopher D. SIlbernagel

With the success of sports tourism, it’s no surprise everyone wants a piece of the action. For some counties, cities or towns, building new sports facilities or upgrading current ones has become a major selling point for increasing tourism numbers. Of course, this doesn’t just reflect booking weekends or big nights at these state-of-the-art complexes, stadiums and arenas, but also the number of heads in beds, restaurants frequented and more.

In recent years there have been plenty of new facilities popping up, each bringing their own unique flair to the industry and the markets which they represent and draw from. Others are still on the way, slated for 2023 and beyond. The excitement these facilities bring to destinations is top-notch—not only in terms of the tourism and financial aspects but also for the excitement and unity that sports deliver. These facilities provide places to play for many youths, which make up a massive chunk of the industry, and more places to play means more scholarship opportunities.

The sports tournament world continues to prosper with a strong pipeline of new and upcoming state-of-the-art facilities

BELL BANK PARK

Mesa, Arizona

The 320-acre Bell Bank Park opened in January 2022, and serves as a premier spot in Arizona youth sports tournaments, major events, concerts and more. The park is also well-known for hosting Legacy Sports USA’s youth, adult and amateur sports teams.

Photo courtesy of Bell Bank Park

COLUMBUS FIELDHOUSE

Columbus, Nebraska

The 200,000-square-foot fieldhouse at Columbus Community Hospital is expected to be completed sometime in late 2023—a perfect combination of state-of-the-art sports facility and sports medicine. The fieldhouse will feature synthetic turf fields for football and soccer, along with a suspended track above for running and walking.

HAMPTON AQUAPLEX

Hampton, Virginia Fall 2022 will see plenty of new facilities opening across America, and Hampton Aquaplex will certainly be one of the biggest highlights. The aquaplex will feature spectator seating for 1,500, an eightlane, 50-meter competition pool with two movable bulkheads, two springboards for competitive diving and more.

Photo courtesy of the Hampton Aquaplex

Photo courtesy of Columbus Community Hospital

MULLETT ARENA

Tempe, Arizona

Opening in October 2022, Arizona State University’s state-of-the-art Mullett Arena will feature a seating capacity of 5,000 for ice hockey and other events. Not only will the new arena host Sun Devils ice hockey, it will also be the temporary home for the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes.

RISE INDOOR SPORTS

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

As one of the largest and most accessible indoor sports complexes in the southeast, RISE Indoor Sports provides a premier spot for tournaments and strives to help build a stronger, healthier community. The facility opened in May 2021 and has been a huge success with its camps, leagues, clinics and more.

ROGUE X

Medford, Oregon

Opening November 2023, Rogue X will be a community-strengthening sports complex that features something for everyone. The new complex will feature courts for multiples sports, two pools for water play, outdoor splash pad and more.

Photo courtesy of Rogue X

Photo courtesy of Mullett Arena

Photo courtesy of Winston-Salem CVB

TAHOE EVENTS CENTER

South Lake Tahoe, California

Set to open in July 2023, Tahoe Events Center will revolutionize Western U.S. sports tourism. With a 4,200- to 5,000-seat capacity for multiple sports and event types, the $100-million center’s location along beautiful Lake Tahoe is a perfect accompaniment to its premier features.

WEIDNER FIELD

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Weidner Field opened in April 2021 to great fanfare with its excellent downtown location near hotels, restaurants and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. The stadium is home to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and has a capacity of 8,000 for soccer.

Photo courtesy of Isaiah Downing

WINTRUST SPORTS COMPLEX

Bedford Park, Illinois

Since opening in November 2021, Wintrust Sports Complex has been a great help to furthering community health and unity in the Chicago Southside area. The new complex totals 116,000 square feet and features eight high school basketball courts, 16 NCAA volleyball courts, an esports lounge and more.

Photo courtesy of charliemayer.com

Photo courtesy of the Lake Tahoe CVB

Even the smoothest events have numerous problems that arise.

OVERCOME OBSTACLES EVENT PLANNERS

OVERCOME OBSTACLES

As the unforeseen endures, sports planners find solutions with the right people

By Nick Povalitis, Plus Seven Company

E E

asily forgotten, lest they forget. So goes the conundrum of the work of event planners, ever magnified amidst a post-pandemic environment characterized by immediacy and the potential for viral reach.

“We’re the people behind the curtain. We’re doing all this stuff and nobody knows what’s going on behind the curtain and, as long as they don’t know, we’re doing okay,” says Christy Strong Simmons, senior director of national events at USA Taekwondo. “Whatever happens, the freight elevator or other things

that go on, as long as when they (guests) come in and can smoothly transition from registration into the venue, figure out where to go, sit comfortably, have food, the lights are on, things are working, referees come, and there are medals, we’re good.” Problem is, that’s not always the case. Strong Simmons, a 25-year events professional with primarily USA Fencing and USA Taekwondo, and the aforementioned freight elevator snafu—caused by a parts delay that added an unexpected layer of complexity to set-up at the 2022 USA Taekwondo President’s Cup this August

in Jacksonville, FL—is a recent example of how things can go awry at any stage of the event planning process.

Earlier in the year, the USA Taekwondo team also had to act on the fly when they walked into the first 2022 regional event venue, which had mistakenly provided incorrect floor diagrams. The faulty, larger dimensions meant production would have to be executed on a smaller footprint, and, on top of that, registration ballooned past projections (from 700 to more than 1,200 athletes) to make physical space even more of a premium.

“Coming away from that, we’re having a lot more conversations with the venues,” Strong Simmons says. “We are on calls; we are talking through every aspect with how it needs to be set up so we don’t have that happen again.”

TROUBLE IS LURKING

And yet it happens again. No matter how much planning ahead there isn’t or is, event planners can rest assured that trouble is lurking, as Jay Kasten, chief operating officer of The World Games 2022 (TWG2022), and his World Games counterparts well understand. The international nature of The World Games placed Birmingham on the global sports map unlike anything Kasten and company had previously experienced, so the region accounted for it with a plan that involved more than 70 staff and seven years of prep work. Yet with The Games’ scale—a projected 3,600 athletes, 500,000 visitors over 10 days and 15-plus venues active at one time—came more margin for error.

One margin revolved around attendance concerns driven by a lack of domestic brand equity for a sports property not well known in the United States, let alone the southeast where traditions like college football gameday Saturday help to make up the region’s DNA. As The World Games hadn’t been back to the U.S. since 1981, TWG2022’s committee steered the narrative through regional community relations and marketing efforts that included grassroots, organic outreach mixed with strategic paid targeting. To optimize effectiveness, TWG2022 centered much of its digital marketing efforts within the state of Alabama, while also touching key out-of-state markets like Nashville and Atlanta.

With attendance totaling 377,000 at 23 venues from opening to closing ceremonies, the program was a success for sure, but not without some growing pains along the way.

The high-profile nature of TWG2022 elevated the event to Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 status, meaning that extensive federal interagency support—i.e. a massive security presence—was required. Planning, thus, became that much more magnified as thousands of athletes,

media, personnel and select invitees would need, among other items, photo identification vetting as part of the accreditation process to get past certain perimeters and appropriate access points.

“When you’ve got 15,000 people trying to ensure they all have proper photos, it’s an incredibly cumbersome process,” Kasten says. “You have language barriers and we had tools in place for that, and we had two athlete villages and then VIPs (to take care of). You want to be able to take care of them, but they assume we should be able to anticipate their every need.”

Beyond deciphering a long line of accreditation requests, the Birmingham Organizing Committee also had to navigate two waves of competitor check-ins and check-outs at two separate athlete villages that pushed the operation and budget unexpectedly further.

“Once you get down to the brass tacks of it, it’s incredibly complicated to turn dorms into hotel rooms for the World Games because the athletes don’t stay the entire time,” Kasten says. “Simple things such as collecting keys—all the (dorm) doors

are outfitted with old school keys. And all of a sudden, when those keys don’t return, you’ve got nightmares and you end up paying $10,000 to get keys replaced, but you have to do it.”

While locksmiths may have been on speed dial, the Birmingham team staved off potential problems related to the electrical grid by putting temporary power, including back-up generators to the back-up generators, throughout the footprint. With broadcast rights liabilities on the line, Kasten says ‘that thing had to be running at all times.’

However, while working for USA Fencing a few years before the pandemic, Strong Simmons recalls a power issue of her own.

“We were doing an international fencing event in California when the power went out,” Strong Simmons says of the 2017 Absolute Fencing Gear FIE Grand Prix Long Beach Finals. “It was during a live broadcast internationally and at first we thought there was a problem at the building. We couldn’t cut the broadcast by the way, so it was broadcast in the dark, and then we found out that it was a section of the city where all of the

The World Games 2022 featured around 3,600 athletes and 500,000 visitors over 10 days and 15-plus venues active at one time.

Photo courtesy of The World Games

Even with a multitude of obstacles, The World Games 2022 was a big success.

power was out. We had to sit there and wait about 45 minutes.”

Strong Simmons could do anything but wait months later when the USA Fencing North American Cup (NAC) was slated for October 2017 in Anaheim. Plans changed in a hurry when a truck transporting goods and equipment from USA Fencing’s Iowa storage facility tipped over in Wyoming due to high winds, causing a delayed event start and highlighting the importance of event insurance.

“We had a sponsor that provides us with a lot of equipment and they had a vested interest in getting money to recover what they had lost,” Strong Simmons says. “On the good side were all of the phone calls we received. You could not believe the amount of people who showed up to help. Vans, cars and trucks were pulling up—referees, athletes parents all came to the (loading) dock to help us carry the equipment in.”

By pulling the pieces together to run that tournament, Strong Simmons attests to the value of community and simply getting messaging out through a crisis. As such, USA Fencing’s communications staff leveraged board members, news releases, website updates and social posts to keep partners and attendees informed and to help control the narrative.

DELICATE BALANCING ACT

Controlling the narrative is a delicate yet critically important balancing act, whether it’s part of playing the middleperson during hotel contract negotiations or mitigating risk of electrical dangers on a Southeastern Conference (SEC) college football Saturday.

Another of Kasten’s challenges during his stint with TWG2022 stemmed from hotels raising room rates as they tried to maximize revenues from the overnight business that is inherent with hosting a multiweek international event.

“We wanted them to capitalize on what they can, but we had to work together,” says Kasten of the hoteliers within regional proximity of TWG2022. “We had to explain that we’re really auditioning for future events with all these different national governing bodies and international federations in attendance.”

To confound matters, Strong Simmons adds that it’s now a hotels market where rates are higher

overall and attrition is more of an expectation—which at times may cause her staff to walk away from cities they want to be in.

“We’re going to be in Valley Forge, PA, and Cedar Rapids, IA, places where USA Taekwondo has not been,” Strong Simmons says. “But they were willing to work with us, get the venue costs where we need to have them, get the hotel blocks and rates where we need to have them.”

Making difficult decisions is something Kasten has learned to embrace as an event planner, demonstrated by his operations work at University of Alabama home football games.

“We’ve had issues with capacity, people spidering on power that has created dangerous issues,” Kasten says of the gameday festivities. “We had one time during an LSU game where it was raining so bad and puddles were being created that we decided to shut down power to the Quad. You would’ve thought we ended the world.”

But thanks in part to UA Gameday, the official Alabama football gameday website and social handle that the Bruno Event Team created for tailgating and traffic updates, communications staff can provide its real-time why to inform and, at times, diffuse.

That art of effective communication is, according to Strong Simmons, a differentiating factor in navigating today’s evolving world of event planning. And while social media can be a communication tool for good, Strong Simmons recognizes that ‘people’s emotions are right there’ after an extremely challenging couple years—a reality that heightens the value of taking the right approach digitally or in-person, and perhaps most importantly putting the right people in position to address problems that arise.

“Having the right team on my side is really important. When people are calm and paying attention to all the details but they’re also customer service oriented, that makes all the difference,” Strong Simmons says. “Trucks can turn over, lights can go out, but if you don’t have the right team in place to provide the public with a show of confidence and empathy and concern and information, then you just can’t do this.”

Photo courtesy of The World Games

“Controlling the narrative is a delicate yet critically important balancing act, whether it’s part of playing the middleperson during hotel contract negotiations or mitigating risk of electrical dangers on a Southeastern Conference (SEC) college football Saturday.”

SUSTAINABILITY

IN

By Christopher D. SIlbernagel

Sports tourism is a multi-billion-dollar industry— according to the Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA), $91.8 billion to be exact—and with a lucrative and fast-growing model comes sets of challenges and trends. One topic in particular that fits the bill for both is sustainability in sport.

Sustainability in sport is directly related to climate change, which is a challenge all on its own as it

becomes highly visible and felt throughout the world. This has prompted governments, companies and everyday people to take action to reduce carbon emissions and water waste, adapt product packaging to more biodegradable materials—the list of actions could go on and on. The question for the sports industry is a simple one: what can we do to help?

The solution is to devise a plan of action and set it in

motion. Enter the Sports for Climate Action Framework. This defining moment to attempt to reduce sports’ carbon footprint was presented at the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP24) in Katowice, Poland. Its two main objectives are to achieve a clear trajectory for the global sports community to combat climate change, and to use sports as a unifier to drive climate awareness and action for all people.

As part of the Paris Agreement, Sports for Climate Action Framework is aiming to halve emissions by 2030 and to achieve net-zero by 2040. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is among many organizations that initiated this plan of action and they have remained in a leadership role ever since. Revealed as a joint cooperation by the IOC and UN Climate Change, Sustainability Essentials: Sports for Climate Action is a guide available for use by sports federations, commissions and others to reduce emissions associated with travel, construction of venues, energy use and more.

Within the framework are five guiding principles which UN Climate Change aims will serve to mainstream climate action and outline actions that

meet fundamental responsibilities in key areas. The five principles are to 1) Undertake systematic efforts to promote greater environmental responsibility; 2) Reduce overall climate impact; 3) Educate for climate action; 4) Promote sustainable and responsible consumption; 5) Advocate for climate action through communication. “By incorporating [these] five principles into strategies, policies and procedures, and by vocalizing them to the sports community, organizations are upholding their basic responsibilities to people and planet, but also setting the stage for wider diffusion of the message and long-term success beyond the context of sport.”

HOW SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS, FACILITIES ARE COMMITTING TO SUSTAINABILITY

The message of sustainability in sport forms a critical trend moving forward—one that calls out to everyone, no matter their walk of life. According to a report by National Geographic, a single National Football League (NFL) game generates 80,000 pounds of waste. Multiply this by the number of games each week, then by an entire season. Double that amount of waste for the Super Bowl. This is just one professional sport with millions of pounds of waste per season. Imagine adding the other major leagues just throughout the United States and Canada, and then add on the amateur and youth tournaments, leagues and games. It’s easy to think that amateur and youth sports won’t be as significant as the pros, but being a nearly $100-billion industry says otherwise.

To remain competitive in a surging market like sports tourism, one must understand that there is a need to adapt by taking on challenges and trends. Sustainability in sport has now become a prime initiative for facilities and owners, operators and other players in the industry. Metro areas like the Valley of the Sun in particular have already taken the ball and are running with it.

“Mullett Arena is putting sustainability at the forefront of our endeavors here on the Arizona State University (ASU) campus facility for OVG360,” said Joe Sheridan, general manager of Tempe’s new Mullett Arena and OVG360. “We are working directly with GOAL (Green Operations & Advanced Leadership) to be Zero-Waste

Waste is a big problem during an event.

and will be LEED Certified to ensure proficiency in sustainability in the sports and entertainment world.”

ASU’s contributions should come as no surprise. In a May 2022 report by Cronkite News, Jeremiah Sosa states that “[Arizona’s] teams, facilities and events have been at the forefront of implementing sustainable practices.”

The key factor to the state’s success thus far has been thanks to following the five guiding principles. Sosa notes that not only are colleges in a great position to educate young people on sustainability practices, since many live on campuses, but pro sports are as well. Talking Stick Resort Arena became Footprint Center for a reason, and now they’re using their center-hung scoreboard to educate fans. This is just a cherry on top of their improved practices like removal of plastic materials and packaging to become one of the most carbon neutral arenas.

In other parts of the Western United States like Oregon, where environment and greenery is a prominent image for both tourists and the community alike, local convention & visitors bureaus (CVB) like Travel Medford understand that acting now is not simply a trend but a way of life now and moving forward.

“Southern Oregon’s rugged beauty and mild climate provide for some of the best natural venues in the country,” said Angela Wood, director of sales and sports development at Travel Medford and Southern Oregon Sports Commission. “We also know that with that comes a responsibility to keep these venues beautiful and safe.”

Tulsa Sports Commission (TSC) emphasized that sustainability is not a micro goal for sports tourism and their operations. When sourcing vendors, their servicing team aims to utilize eco-friendly products where possible. Continued investment in evergreen templates for welcoming events is always the desire—with some customization pieces to be the exception. TSC employs a modern RFP platform and has been serving as a spearhead for use, to further reduce reliance on print for business development. The team also likes to ask ‘can

this be digital?’ as the default mindset when concerning assets and resources.

“Overall, sustainability is a powerful and important macro goal for a sports tourism organization—and any type of organization for that matter,” said Joel Koester, director of sales at Tulsa Sports Commission.

NEO-ECOLOGY IS THE NEW MEGATREND

A combination of ecology and economy, neo-ecology is the new megatrend embedded in sports and sports tourism. It’s an optimistic view of our role in sustainability goals and actions on all levels of society, with quality over quantity—utilizing resources more efficiently that not only achieve better results but also reduce environmental impacts. An ISPO report on neo-ecology notes that there are three bases which highlight change to the traditional ideas of ecology and sustainability. 1) Reintegration—we are no longer destroyers or saviors of the world but rather a part of the natural order of Earth’s diverse and resilient system. 2) Smarter, not less—we utilize resources in a smarter, more efficient way with new technologies to overcome current and future challenges. 3) The economic system becomes a value system—maximizing profits gives way to place tomorrow’s growth, sustainability and the common good at the forefront.

Sporting goods manufacturers like Adidas are already utilizing new, sustainable technologies like Primegreen and Primeblue, which contain no virgin plastics and are made of 100% recycled polyester. Sports facilities are playing their part by changing how they operate, as mentioned previously by removing plastic all together, utilizing alternative means for energy production and more. Even outside of the sports spectrum, companies are investing in neo-ecology. BBVA, one of the world’s largest banks, promotes the way forward for investors are companies that have adopted the core values of neoecology, noting that it is better today to invest in a more socially responsible way.

Mullett Arena is working to be LEED Certified to ensure proficiency in sustainability.

Boricua (boh-ree-kwah) is more than a word to identify a person from Puerto Rico. It’s a way of life that means we live for every moment. Our unmatched spirit will inspire and invigorate players and attendees, and our vibrant culture, incredible location, year-round weather, and abundant natural wonders mean that when the game ends, the fun and adventure are just beginning. Learn more at DiscoverPuertoRico.com/Sports.

Puerto Rico

EXPLORE, PLAY AND COMPETE IN PUERTO RICO WITH ITS VAST AQUATIC ADVENTURES, RICH HISTORY AND MODERN SPORTS FACILITIES

Scan to discover more of what Discover Puerto Rico offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

What do you want to do once you’ve arrived in an Island paradise?

Dare to live every moment in Puerto Rico, where the possibilities are endless. Catch some sun on one of the Island’s 300+ beaches, kayak on sparkling bioluminescent bays, enjoy a local rum tasting, hike to see waterfalls in a rainforest, or view contemporary art in a museum that is its own architectural masterpiece.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Puerto Rico Convention Center

Multipurpose

Located in the Puerto Rico Convention District in San Juan, the Puerto Rico Convention Center (PRCC) is a premier facility for hosting all types of major events, including sports like basketball and volleyball. The PRCC has a total of 600,000 square feet between three levels and a 152,700square-foot exhibition hall on a single level that can sit 10,000 spectators, making it perfect for tournaments and leagues.

JUMP

Basketball, volleyball, tennis, soccer, rehabilitation, sports education

Headed by former NBA star and Puerto Rico native José Juan Barea and hotelier Ricky Newman, JUMP is a sports development center located in San Juan that will be at the forefront of youth and adult athletics. The facility will have 100,000 square feet of interior space along with an outdoor soccer field. The first phase of development will be completed in the third quarter of 2022. The facility will not only accommodate for sports and training directly, it

SportLand

SportLand Multipurpose

SportLand is one of San Juan’s top indoor sports facilities, providing over 40,000 square feet of space for weekday recreational sports and weekend tournaments, camps, clinics and other major events. This modern facility features four volleyball courts, two basketball courts and an indoor soccer field, along with a VIP mezzanine and meeting rooms for gettogethers, conferences and more.

Complejo Ferial de Puerto Rico Multipurpose

Complejo Ferial de Puerto Rico is an indoor arena and convention center located in the heart of the City of Ponce, near the Historic Downtown area with plenty of shopping and restaurant options. The facility features a 120,000-squarefoot main exhibition hall which can be uniquely configured into 16 smaller, independent breakout spaces for various events and shows. Each of the 16 spaces have independently controlled climate and sound systems. Utilizing the main hall for sports like basketball, volleyball more, it can seat up to 7,000 spectators.

Bayamón Soccer Complex Soccer, tennis

Located in the City of Bayamón, the Bayamón Soccer Complex is a premier facility with five fields for all levels of competition. Field 1, which is professionally-sized with artificial turf and a capacity of 1,000, is home to Liga Puerto Rico side Bayamón FC. Also at the main complex is the recreational grass Field 2 with an adjacent, smaller youth field. Field 3 is also professionallysized but with grass.

Honda Tennis Center Tennis

The Honda Tennis Center is a state-of-the-art sports facility located in Bayamón. There are 16 tennis courts at this public facility, all of which are lighted. The center offers matching services for players to match up with other players of the same or similar skill level.

DISCOVER PUERTO RICO

Carlos Deliz 787-957-8945

Carlos.Deliz@DiscoverPuertoRico.com www.DiscoverPuertoRico.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

Kayaking at Bio Bay and snorkeling at Culebra Island are just a taste of Puerto Rico’s exciting aquatic tours.

A tour of the island’s rum distilleries will not only please the palate and the eyes; spark your curiosity with facilities ranging in style from the modern at Casa Bacardí, to the late nineteenth century at Hacienda Santa Ana.

Explore unique regional history at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de PuertoRico (MAC), which is dedicated to art produced since the mid-20th century in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Latin America and its diasporas.

Bayamón Soccer Complex Puerto Rico Convention Center

Honda Tennis Center

will also be able to house athletes and trainers with an on-site hotel.

The Southern area of the country is a great place to compete in sports, be it inside or outside. From football and basketball to a rowing competition and an equestrian event, there is something for everyone in the South. Planners will find these destinations primed and ready to host.

Sunshine State Games in Florida

Photo courtesy of the Florida Sports Foundation

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

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

Scan to discover more of what

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

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(468),

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

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.”

– Craig Cress, USA Softball

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

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Pensacola, Fl

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

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

Blue Wahoos Stadium

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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

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

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.

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

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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

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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

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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.

—

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

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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

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

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.

“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.”

“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.

— Jennings

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.

▶

BRADENTON AREA SPORTS

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

▶

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.

SportsPlanningGuide.com is the place to find hundreds of destina tion reviews, facility profiles and insight from the brightest minds in the bu siness.

Your next event destination is waiting for you, along with the contacts to make it happen.

Welcome to ARKANSAS

On behalf of Arkansas Tourism and the Arkansas Sports Team we’d like to welcome you to The Natural State for your next sporting event.

Centrally located in the mid-South, with a moderate climate year-round, Arkansas is a beautiful, affordable destination for sporting events. An easy drive from anywhere in the south or mid-west with great interstate connectivity, we are also home to two major airports – Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in Bentonville. Once you arrive, you will find many reasons why The Natural State works well for groups of all sizes. We hope that your team has time to take a break from playing to seek out adventure in Arkansas. We offer an exciting contrast of fast-paced and laid-back, urban and scenic, business and pleasure, all with genuine hospitality you just can’t find anywhere else.

Need help planning? Arkansas Sports Team members put the “pro” in proficient when it comes to hosting events. The Arkansas Sports Team is comprised of 13 destinations scattered throughout Arkansas with members who represent cities with a wide array of facilities so you can be sure to find the perfect location for any event. From Texarkana to Jonesboro, monster truck rallies to baseball tournaments, and everywhere and everything in-between, Arkansas is the natural choice for sports!

Sincerely, Shelbey and the Arkansas Sports Team

SHELBEY MORRIS

Sales Specialist

Division of Arkansas Tourism

1 Capitol Mall, STE 4A-900 Little Rock, AR 72201 p: 501.682.1081 | c: 501.813.9332 Arkansas.com

ON THE COVER: 50th Anniversary of Title IX celebrated with softball tournament hosted by Cowart Sports.

Photo courtesy of Will Newton/ Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

THE NATURAL CHOICE FOR

CHAMPION SPORTS

Successful tournaments and sporting events are right at home in The Natural State. With the perfect combination of fields and facilities, plus plenty to see and do when the games are over, Arkansas is where teams and their families make winning memories. Find out more at Arkansas.com/sports. ARKANSAS.COM/SPORTS

SCAN TO VIEW THE ARKANSAS SPORTS GUIDE

TITLE IX TOURNAMENT, BRYANT

UCI CYCLOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, FAYETTEVILLE

SALT BOWL AT WAR MEMORIAL STADIUM, LITTLE ROCK

By Dave Bodle

Fayetteville welcomed the 2022 Walmart UCI Cyclo-cross World Championship.

Photo courtesy of Will Newton/ Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

Across the state of Arkansas, sports-minded destinations are rolling out the welcome mat for major events. Rights holders and planners are responding and regardless of the size of your event, The Natural State has the staff, volunteers and awesome venues to guarantee success. Here are some great events the state has hosted and will host in the future.

50th Anniversary of Title IX

On May 23, 1972, the United States Senate and House of Representatives reached agreement and recognized Title IX. This 37-word gender equality law clause was part of the Education Amendments of 1972. It banned sex discrimination in federally funded education programs. The bill became law when signed on June 23, 1972. Title IX has had a huge impact on women’s sports in addition to opening the doors to admission, academic majors and vocational programs.

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, Cowart Sports, an innovative leader in high-quality sports tournaments, hosted a major softball event split between Burns Park, North Little Rock and Bishop Park, Bryant. Regardless of your North Little Rock event, when the games are over, check out The Old Mill, do a scavenger hunt all around North Little Rock, or visit World War II naval vessels downtown.

Little Rock Hosts NJCAA Football Championship

The NJCAA, along with the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau and Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, announced War Memorial Stadium is the site for the 2021, 2022 and 2023 National Junior College Athletic Association Football Championship games.

“The NJCAA cannot think of a better place than Little Rock to host the upcoming football championships for our dedicated fans and student-athletes,” said Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA president and CEO.

Photo courtesy of Pine Bluff Convention Center

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Title IX.

The legendary King Cotton Classic basketball tournament Day 2 winner UCI Cyclo-cross World Championship

Photo courtesy of Will Newton/Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

Photo courtesy of Will Newton/Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

“War Memorial Stadium’s iconic facility and atmosphere align with our mission to provide opportunities and the best overall experience possible. We look forward to having our championship in a destination city like Little Rock.”

Since opening in 1948, War Memorial Stadium has gone through several renovations and expansions. Host to major college football games, concerts and events, seating is now 54,000. Little Rock is proud to showcase its improved stadium and provide a memorable experience for the fans. Before or after the games, there’s always something big to do in Little Rock from exploring presidential history and early Arkansas to downtown treasures and unique eats.

Fayetteville Welcomed the World

The 2022 Walmart UCI Cyclo-cross World Championship was held in January of 2022. The Fayetteville event was only the second time the 73 cyclo-cross championships were held outside Europe. Representing 21 nations including the United States, 219 cyclists competed.

To host a world cyclo-cross championship event, a remarkable championship venue is needed. The City of Fayetteville had the foresight to create Centennial Park,

which has been praised by the international cycling press, riders and coaches as one of the world’s most unique and high-quality venues. The 218-acre Centennial Park also features a world-class mountain bike trail and has already hosted USA Cycling Pro Cup. If you’re coming to Fayetteville for a specific event, take time to enjoy all this vibrant college town has to offer, including live music venues, delicious food, historic sites and a world-class botanical garden.

One April Weekend, Jonesboro is the Center of Disc Golf

For five years the Disc Golf Pro Tour Elite Series Jonesboro Open has found a welcoming site at Disc Side of Heaven Championship Course. The classic course is a major reason the tournament is on the pro circuit and a favorite of the competitors. The community supports the tournament with volunteers and turning out for the event. The pros certainly appreciate that support, but they also care about how tournament directors run the event. Tournament Director Brad Pietz brought disc golf interest to Jonesboro and years of big-time event experience including sold-out concerts and major college football bowls.

Photo courtesy of Will Newton/Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium hosts the NJCAA championships.

There were 115 professionals participating in the 2022 Jonesboro Open with Kristen Tattar winning the Female Pro Open and Calvin Heimburg taking first in the Men’s Pro Open. Whether you’re competing or a visiting spectator, spend time on the Crowley’s Ridge National Scenic Byway and downtown Jonesboro where you’ll find great shops, art galleries, a day spa and restaurants.

Pine Bluff’s King Cotton Holiday Classic is the Standard

The year was 1976 and the Pine Bluff Convention Center had just opened. In an attempt to revive a high school basketball championship, a group of civic-minded residents led by Travis Creed had the dream of a national invitational tournament for great high school teams. Planning was well underway when a meeting with Nolan Richardson resulted in his telephone call to Bob Wade, the legendary coach of Baltimore’s Dunbar High School. The reigning No. 1 high school team in the nation committed to compete in the 1983 classic. They won and successfully defended their championship the following year. In 1987, ESPN televised the classic, making it the first high school tournament to be shown in prime time.

The tournament built a great reputation for 17 years before closing down. Under new leadership and energy from Go Forward Pine Bluff (GFPB), the legendary King Cotton Holiday Classic returned in 2021. That didn’t miss a step. The 2022 tournament is scheduled for December 27-29 and will feature high school powerhouse boys basketball teams from California, New York, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Texas, Alabama and Arkansas.

“We are excited about the talent-rich field that will assemble to compete in this year’s tournament,” said Tournament Director Samuel Glover. “I am confident in saying King Cotton 2022 will boast one of the top tournament fields in the country.”

When not on the court, there are plenty of options for players and their families, from museums and historic homes to Murals on Main and the Gov. Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center.

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Arkansas is blessed with fabulous sporting events, settings befitting The Natural State and talented photographers to capture the moment.

Meet Will Newton, one of two photographers employed by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Most of the images featured in this article are credited to Will. For the State of Arkansas, Will has photographed sporting events, concerts, conferences, meetings, 52 state parks, nature, wildlife, cityscapes and commercial shoots. He guesses he covered 30 sporting events in 2022, while logging more than 5,000 miles.

Will’s background is photojournalism having graduated from Anne Arundel Community College, Maryland. He’s worked as a freelance photographer for some of the world’s top news agencies, including the Washington Post, The Associated Press and Getty Images. He’s photographed a World Series, Super Bowl and an inauguration.

Photographs from Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism are available to any planner promoting an Arkansas event.

Photo courtesy of Pine Bluff Convention Center

It’s fun to play in a tournament celebrating Title IX.

Competition is always intense at the King Cotton Classic.

Photo courtesy of Will Newton/Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

ARKANSAS SPORTS

The sales section of Arkansas Tourism, in collaboration with the Arkansas Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, promote The Natural State as a prime sports destination in the United States and internationally. Professional, collegiate, interscholastic, amateur and youth events are all welcome. Arkansas is home to outstanding destinations, sites and venues that enhance recruiting efforts and support events coming to the state. Sports tourism enhances the quality of life for residents of Arkansas and presents a welcoming place to visit and play for visitors. The 13 partners of Arkansas Tourism share a common goal of ensuring sporting events will achieve their greatest success.

BENTONVILLE

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

1.Slaughter Pen Trails Bike events

The Slaughter Pen trails in Bentonville provide a unique urban mountain biking experience. The 40- plus miles of single-track flow alongside the paved Razorback Regional Greenway and by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, where the path is dotted with public art. The Slaughter Pen system includes trails ranging in difficulty from beginners to expert, with connector trails taking riders between the various hubs of the system.

2.Memorial Park Baseball, softball, tennis, biking Memorial Park is home to several sporting facilities, including a tennis complex with 12 lighted courts, five lighted baseball fields, six lighted softball fields and four T-ball fields. The soccer complex has seven lighted soccer fields and two multi-purpose fields. It has two basketball courts, four lighted sand volleyball courts, one multiuse skate and bike part, and an aquatic center featuring an Olympic size pool and a separate diving pool with a water slide..

3.Bentonville Tiger and West Athletic Complexes Baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, track, skateboarding

Both complexes have numerous facilities, college-like stadiums, and indoor practice facilities. Events can seat over 6,000 people with over 232,000 square feet. Both feature courts, arenas, auxiliary gyms, and hardwood surfaces. There are also track/soccer stadiums; championship softball fields and Philips Park, a 40-acre home to Bentonville High School and American Legion baseball teams.

KNOWN AS THE MOUNTAIN BIKE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, BENTONVILLE IS A TOWN WHERE PROGRESS MEETS HISTORY AND SPORTS AND ARTS MEET INNOVATION.

CONWAY

WITH MORE THAN 1,200 HOTEL ROOMS, CONWAY HAS PLENTY OF SPACES FOR YOU TO REST YOUR HEAD AFTER ENJOYING A LONG DAY AT A TOURNAMENT.

Conway Station Park

FAYETTEVILLE

FAYETTEVILLE IS MORE THAN A CITY. IT’S AN EXPERIENCE. WITH A SLEW OF BIG-TIME SPORTS, FAYETTEVILLE IS A GREAT PLACE TO HOLD A TOURNAMENT.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

1. Conway Station Park Baseball

A top park in the state, Conway Station Park is home to eight fields with a 225-foot fence, while the final field features a 350-foot fence, giving sluggers an impressive challenge to aim for. This massive park is also equipped with its own concession stand, heated/cooled bathrooms, maintenance shed, and a beautiful pond.

2. City of Colleges Park Softball

The gorgeous layout of this lovely award-winning park in Conway allows enough room for five entire softball fields. After being completed in 2009, City of Colleges Park has become known as one of the top softball parks in the area. It also features a playground for children to enjoy. This park is also home to Central Baptist College, St. Joseph High School, and Homeschool softball.

3. Conway Tennis Center Tennis

This beautiful tennis center has eight courts where lessons, leagues, events and reservations are available for players to hone their tennis skills. If a reservation is made, the Conway Tennis Center even rents out ball machines for a small fee. The center is made up of eight courts surrounding two smaller buildings with bathrooms and lounging areas.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

1. Kessler Regional Park Soccer, baseball, mountain-biking, hiking

This regional park is home to six lighted soccer, four lighted baseball fields, and two restroom/concession buildings. On its 620 acres, the park is also home to historic Kessler Mountain. The park operates as a regional sports park with popular areas for mountainbikers and hikers, with more than 10 miles of natural-surface trails that tie back into the amazing Razorback Green-way trail system.

2. Baum Walker Stadium Baseball

Large enough for more than 10,000 visitors, Baum Walker Stadium is home to the University of Arkansas baseball team. This stadium won Baseball America’s poll of best college facilities in 1998 and took second in the same poll five years later. Baum Walker Stadium has hosted five NCAA Regionals and a NCAA Super Regional and has undergone three renovations including the enclosure of hitting and pitching cages and adding 2,600 chair back seats.

3. Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium Football

Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium houses the University of Arkansas football team. Following a major $110 million renovation project prior to the 2001 season, the stadium’s capacity was increased to 80,000. The east concourse is “Championship Alley” with displays of conference championships, the 1964 national title and every football letterman. The south end zone concourse is “All-American Alley” and is dedicated to Razorbacks All-Americans.

Tina Archer-Cope

Razorback Natatorium

FORT SMITH

HOT SPRINGS

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

1. Fort Smith Convention Center

Volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, cheer, tennis, pickleball, dance, eSports, martial arts, cornhole, wrestling

The infinitely flexible Fort Smith Convention Center offers 116,800 sq. ft. of usable event space and a state-of-the-art performing arts center just steps from downtown dining, shopping, and entertainment. The column-free, 40,000 sq. ft. Exhibition Hall (divisible into 5 sections) features 34’ ceilings and accommodates up to eight (8) volleyball courts; eight (8) Tennis Courts; sixteen (16) pickleball courts; four (4) basketball courts.

2. Ben Geren Regional Park Soccer, softball, tennis, disc golf, golf, mountain biking

The expansive Ben Geren Regional Park offers a 12-field Soccer Complex; 10-field Softball Complex; 6-court Tennis Center; 27-hole Golf Course; three (3) 18-hole Disc Golf Courses; three (3) Sand Volleyball Courts; a premier Arkansas Mountain Biking Trail System (21+ miles). It is also home to Parrot Island Waterpark and a miniature golf course.

3. FS Baseball & Softball / Boys & Girls Club

Baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, basketball

Evans Club includes three (3) Baseball/Softball Fields; two (2) Indoor Basketball Courts; two (2) Outdoor Basketball Courts; one (1) Soccer Field. Goldtrap Club includes four (4) Baseball/ Softball Fields; one (1) Indoor Basketball Court; one (1) Soccer Field. Jeffrey Club includes three (3) Soccer Fields. Stephens Club includes three (3) Soccer Fields; one (1) Indoor Basketball Court; one (1) Outdoor Basketball Court.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

1. Bank OZK

Arena

Basketball, cheer, volleyball, pickleball, concerts

Bank OZK Arena seats 6,300 and is connected to the Hot Springs Convention Center, Hotel Hot Springs and Embassy Suites. Bank OZK Arena has hosted the Sunbelt College Basketball Championships, FLW Bass Fishing Tournament, Arkansas High School Basketball Championships, Arkansas High School Cheer Championships, and GAC Volleyball Championships. The Arena has hosted U.S. Indoor Pickleball Championships, and concerts ranging from Foreigner to Tony Bennett to Willie Nelson.

2. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort Horse Racing, track and field, concerts

Oaklawn is known for its 100 + year tradition of professional horse racing which is highlighted each season by The Arkansas Derby. The tracks infield has also proven to be a great setting for the Arkansas High School Cross Country Championships. Oaklawn’s newly opened expansion includes a 4-star hotel, spa, multi-purpose event & concert hall, multiple restaurants, sportsbook, and casino.

3. Majestic Park Baseball, softball

The Majestic Park Baseball Complex was specifically designed for youth baseball & softball tournaments and features five fields. Three of the fields are 225 feet to center field, lighted, and fenced with artificial turf infields and outfields, as well as, stationary mounds. The other two fields are 200 feet and 400 feet to center field, lighted and fenced. This new park is one of the best in its area with covered dugouts, covered grandstand seating, concessions and playground.

ENJOY A RELAXING SPA VACATION GETAWAY IN HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, WHERE YOU CAN HIKE, SHOP AND ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS.

FORT SMITH IS EASY TO REACH BY ROAD—OR BY SKY— AND OFFERS AN IDEAL MIX OF GROUP-FRIENDLY DINING, SHOPPING, AND ENTERTAINMENT

JONESBORO

LITTLE ROCK

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

1. Craighead Forest Park

Basketball, hiking, disc golf, softball, volleyball, fishing

This 770-acre park opened in 1937 and in the last 20 years, the park has gone through numerous renovations improving the playgrounds (4) and RV campgrounds (41 spaces).Craighead features many popular outdoor activities such as basketball, hiking, disc golf, softball, volleyball, mountain biking, camping and fishing.

2. Joe Mack Campbell Sports Complex Baseball, Soccer

The Joe Mack Campbell Sports Complex is home to 14-stunning baseball fields as well as 19 soccer fields. Right off Interstate 555, this complex has baseball fields that accommodate athletes from 7U to 14U leagues. Ten of the 14 fields have turf infields and manicured grass outfields. The complex also has its own batting cages. Soccer has 6 micro fields for 6U all the way up to high-school sized fields. Spectators can enjoy watching all the games in designated picnic areas around the complex with 4 full-function concession stands.

3. Southside Softball Complex Softball

The Southside Softball Complex hosts the Mountain Dew Grand Slam Classic, the oldest youth tournament in the state of Arkansas. The complex has six batting cages and 10 softball fields, split between four pavilions. The softball complex also has two large and fully equipped concession stands for athletes and spectators to enjoy food at the ballpark. The fields are available day or night with updated lighting system installed in 2018.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

1. Rebsamen Tennis Center Tennis

The Rebsamen Tennis Center is a tennis player’s utopia. Open year round, the tennis center offers 17 lighted courts, three lighted backboards and is a past recipient of the USTA‘s National Public Facility of the Year Award. Rebsamen hosts Adult and Junior Arkansas tournaments, and the tennis center has hosted USTA Southern Region tournaments and an annual USTA Men’s Pro Circuit Tournament.

2. Jack Stephens Center Basketball, wrestling

The $25-million Jack Stephens Center is a state-of-the-art 5,600-seat, multi-purpose arena at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The Stephens Center hosts the school’s men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, the Boy’s and Girl’s State High School Wrestling Tournament, regional dance and cheer competitions, and the U.S. National Baton Twirling Championships.

3. Burns Park Soccer, lacrosse, tennis

At 1,700 acres, Burns Park is Arkansas’s largest municipal park. The Burns Park Soccer Complex boasts 17 irrigated fields with tournament lighting on seven fields and 1,500 parking spaces. The complex has hosted several US Youth Soccer Region 3 Tournaments and the 2008 USYS National Tournament. The Burns Park Tennis Center has 24 lighted outdoor courts, six lighted indoor courts and has hosted state and regional tournaments and a Davis Cup Tournament!

Jack Stephens Center

THE NATURAL STATE’S CAPITAL CITY, LITTLE ROCK IS HOME TO FABULOUS SHOPPING, IMPRESSIVE ART GALLERIES AND SOME OF THE FINEST DINING IN ARKANSAS.

Joe Mack Campbell Sports Complex

FILLED WITH GIFT SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, ART GALLERIES AND A DAY SPA, JONESBORO HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AFTER A LONG DAY AT A TOURNAMENT.

NORTH LITTLE ROCK

PINE BLUFF

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

1. Burns Park Soccer, golf, baseball, tennis, disc golf, BMX

The premier soccer complex of the South, Burns Park Soccer Complex contains 17 irrigated fields located between White Bayou and the Arkansas River. The complex features tournament lighting on one quadrant, Stadium Field, pavilions and 1,500 parking spaces. Sitting on 135 acres of preserved wetland, Burns Park is home to three-mile hiking and biking trails, trees and plenty of scenic beauty. The 1,700 acres of Arkansas’ largest ubran municipal park offers two 18-hole golf courses, a baseball complex, softball complex, Bonzai BMX track, the Burns Park Soccer Complex, a tennis center and a disc golf course.

2. North Little Rock Riverfront Park Bicycling, running

This 3.3-acre park with a 17-mile trail system along the Arkansas River is the perfect starting point for large events. A popular run for numerous 5K events, adventure races and marathons there are plenty of open spaces for competitors to relax after the event. Competitive cycling events also call North Little Rock Riverfront Park home with riders in Arkansas’s largest competition the Big Dam Bridge 100 beginning their journey here.

3. North Little Rock High School Football, baseball, basketball, softball, wrestling

North Little Rock High School opened multiple new facilities in the 2015-16 school year, including a brand new 5,000-seat stadium and track which is utilized for football. Along with the stadium is a fitness center, locker rooms, a weight room and a wrestling room.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

1. Pine Bluff Aquatics Center Swimming

Located in the heart of Pine Bluff, the $11 million 36,000-square-foot center offers first class facilities including an eight-lane, 25-yard short course competition pool with water maintained at 82 degrees, state-of-the-art timing scoreboard, a therapy pool, water sports area, and can accommodate up to 1,600 people.

2. Taylor Field Baseball Stadium Baseball

Taylor Field Baseball Stadium is a regulation-size baseball field featuring a U-shaped grandstand that holds 1,800 seats behind home plate. The stadium was constructed in 1939 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It seats 2,400 and reaches 315 feet to the right and left field foul poles, 360 feet in left centerfield, and 390 feet to the deep corner in centerfield.

3. Pine Bluff Convention Center Basketball, gymnastics, wrestling, boxing

Home of the world-renowned King Cotton Holiday Classic basketball tournament, this impressive center features a 23,000-square-foot arena with tiered seating for up to 7,600. Recent upgrades include the latest in audio visual technology such as overhead communications module with live video feed, replay, and broadcast, 12-foot videoboards, 18-foot digital scorer’s table, NCAA-approved lighting, renovated restrooms and dressing rooms, and adjoining concourses with flat-screen monitors and concession stands.

Erica Warden, Director of Events 501-404-0192 erica@northlittlerock.org

Convention

THIS ARKANSAS DELTA CITY IS EXPERIENCED IN HOSTING A VARIETY OF SPORTING EVENTS. BE SURE TO ENJOY THE MANY MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS PINE BLUFF HAS TO OFFER.

Burns Park NORTH LITTLE ROCK CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

NATURAL BEAUTY MIXED WITH A BUSTLING SOCIAL AND DINING SCENE MAKES NORTH LITTLE ROCK A FABULOUS DESTINATION FOR TOURNAMENT PLANNERS AND ATHLETES.

ROGERS

RUSSELLVILLE

Matrix Racquet Club

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

1. Matrix Racquet Club

Tennis,

padel, pickleball, volleyball

Located right across the Rogers city line in Lowell, Matrix Racquet Club offers high-quality tennis facilities for camps, tournaments and events. With both indoor and outdoor courts, the facility is perfect for year-round events. The facility features 12 tennis courts, the ability to have 56 pickleball courts simultaneously, three padel courts, a café, and a health club.

2. Rogers Regional Sports Park/Veterans Memorial Park

Softball,

baseball, kickball, football, quidditch, lacrosse

Rogers Regional Sports Park features six baseball/softball fields, a water fountain in every dugout and a designated warm-up area for each team along with a central concession stand. Veterans Memorial Park features two baseball fields, two softball fields, five grass multi-purpose fields, and one turf multi-purpose field.

3. Beaver Lake

Fishing, boating, swimming, scuba diving,

kayaking

Beaver Lake, a 28,370-acre freshwater lake, is located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains and is a popular place to boat, camp, fish, scuba dive, canoe, wake board, kayak, stand up paddle board, and swim.

4. Arkansas Athletes Outreach

Basketball, volleyball, cheer, dance, wrestling, table tennis, flag football,

lacrosse

Arkansas Athletes Outreach is a newly built indoor/outdoor facility that features four indoor multi-purpose courts and two outdoor 100-yard grass fields.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

1. Russellville Soccer Complex Soccer, hiking

Russellville Soccer Complex has multiple soccer fields for tournament play and plenty of open space for outdoor activities. The park has a 1.1-mile trail that can be used for running and walking. The path is also paved so it’s ADA accessible. The soccer complex has 3 lighted fields.

2. Lake Dardanelle State Park Fishing, hiking, camping

This park is located in two areas on Lake Dardanelle, a 34,300 acre reservoir on the Arkansas River. It features a fishing pier, boardwalk trail and visitor center with five aquariums and the Lakeview Room meeting facility. There are 57 campsites in the Russellville area of the park. The park is also a National Park Service-certified site on the Trail of Tears water route.

3. Pleasant View Park, Shiloh Park, M. J. Hickey Park Baseball, softball, swimming

Pleasant View Park and Shiloh Park have 6 softball fields with covered pavilions, restrooms and a dog park. The 7-field M.J. Hickey Park baseball complex has 3-lighted pavilions, restrooms, picnic tables and a 50-meter municipal swimming pool. The baseball and softball fields all feature benches, barbeque grills and picnic table so fans can eat heartily while enjoying the action .

Lake Dardanelle State Park

SITUATED NEAR THE ARKANSAS RIVER, THIS CITY OFFERS 23 PARKS, SOCCER, SOFTBALL AND BASEBALL COMPLEXES AND PLENTY OF OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES.

THIS VIBRANT OUTDOOR COMMUNITY FEATURES GLISTENING LAKES, MUSEUMS OVERFLOWING WITH ARTWORK, AND A VARIETY OF RESTAURANTS FOR ALL TASTES.

SPRINGDALE

TEXARKANA

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

1. C.L. “Charlie” and Willie George Park

Baseball, softball, football, soccer, tennis, walking

This park features several amenities including one lighted football field, three lighted tennis courts, four artificial turf baseball fields with concessions, six soccer fields, a dog park, a paved walking trail, two pavilions, play structures and a splash pad open daily.

2. The Jones Center Skating, swimming, fitness

This state-of-the-art 220,000-square-foot recreation, community and event center is located in the heart of Northwest Arkansas. This massive facility houses a year-round ice arena, junior-Olympic-sized lap pool, activity pool with a slide, world-class bike park, basketball court, fitness center, indoor track, conference center and chapel/auditorium. Also located in the center is a cafe with a menu designed in collaboration with local partners.

3. Springdale Recreation Center

Basketball, volleyball, soccer, group fitness, weight training

This newly remodeled facility boasts six indoor hardwood courts for basketball and volleyball, two indoor soccer fields, group fitness areas, and weight training equipment. The center is home to area youth sports and is an ideal location to host a tournament or camp at any age level. Ample parking, spectator seating, and full-service concessions are available to accommodate guests. The Springdale Recreation Center offers yearly memberships and facility reservations to meet any number of needs.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

1. Ed Worrell Memorial Baseball Park Baseball

Ed Worrell Park in Texarkana has 115 acres of recreational land area with amenities including seven lighted baseball fields, running/jogging trails, parking, restrooms and two concession stands. It features concessions, off-street parking and is located near the Texarkana Regional Airport.

2. Ermer Dansby Pondexter Sports Complex Baseball, softball

The Ermer Dansby Pondexter Sports Complex is home to five fields, a walking trail, playground, a huge pavilion, concession stand, air-conditioned bathrooms, plenty of shade for a picnic, and lots of parking. Guests appreciate the digital scoreboards courtesy of Youth Scoreboards of Arkansas as well as the convenience of using debit/credit cards at the concession stand. Players and coaches enjoy the playing surface, new lights and 200-foot tournament fences.

3. Texarkana Arkansas Convention Center Conventions

Nestled in southwest Arkansas, just one mile from the Texas border in Texarkana, the Arkansas Convention Center is the premier location for events in its area. Its 10,000-square foot state-of-the-art facility was newly constructed in 2014, and is conveniently located on Interstate 30, just miles from I-49 south. The ballroom can be divided into four breakout rooms and it features a brightly lit gallery space that connects the four rooms.

CITY OF TEXARKANA ARKANSAS

Ed Worrell Memorial Baseball Park

UNIQUE IN THAT IT STRADDLES TWO STATES, TEXAS AND ARKANSAS, THIS CITY HAS A WIDE ARRAY OF RESTAURANTS, SHOPPING AND A BUSTLING NIGHTLIFE.

Wesley Oliver Director of Tourism

The Jones Center

SPRINGDALE IS FOR EXPLORING. WORLD-CLASS CYCLING TRAILS, PRO BASEBALL AT ARVEST BALLPARK, ART, AND HISTORY COLLIDE FOR A CHANGE OF SCENERY AROUND EVERY CORNER.

Decatur, AL

LOCATED ON THE TENNESSEE RIVER AND SPORTING A RICH HERITAGE, DECATUR IS A GREAT PLACE TO HOST YOUR TOURNAMENT

Decatur is one of the south’s finest destinations for indoor and outdoor activities. Residing on the Tennessee River, it is home to a gorgeous harbor and pavilion, the beautiful Wheeler National Wildlife Fund, as well as the massive Jack Allen Recreational Complex. Along with clean and welcoming facilities, Decatur also features a wildlife refuge, visual arts center, water park and a natural science museum.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful 35,000-acre wildlife refuge that attracts thousands of wintering waterfowl every year. Twelve federally listed endangered or threatened species call this wildlife refuge home.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Jack Allen Recreation Complex Soccer, disc golf

One of the best multi-use facilities in the South, the Jack Allen Recreation Complex features 10 beautifully maintained international size soccer fields, lighting, locker and shower rooms, a playground area, disc golf course, full-service concession stand, and an easily accessible walking trail. Situated on 77 acres of manicured turf, the complex has hosted numerous soccer events, Alabama State Cup Championships, Presidents Cup and the NAIA Women’s Soccer championships.

Wilson Morgan Softball Complex Softball, baseball

This facility features six 300-foot lighted softball fields with each field equipped with bleacher seating, electronic scoreboards, press boxes, covered dugouts, a telephone system from the press box to the dugouts and more. Wilson Morgan Softball Complex has hosted

Scan to discover more of what Decatur Morgan County Tourism offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Partnering with Decatur Morgan County Tourism for our nationals events was GREAT! They deliver on all fronts – facilities, resources and support. The whole organization was on board for planning, implementation and wrap-up. Couldn’t ask for better partners.”

— Sheri Rhodes, National Events Manager, USA Archery

slow-pitch softball tournaments, fast-pitch softball tournaments and baseball tournaments.

Jimmy Johns Tennis Complex Tennis

This re-modeled complex features 16 championship hard courts, four championship clay courts, and even two indoor hard courts. This complex also has a lounge area with restrooms attached, which are handicap accessible. All courts are lighted with a large viewing area. Besides the high-quality courts, Jimmy Johns Tennis Complex also features a backboard area for players to practice their strokes and volleys.

DECATUR MORGAN COUNTY TOURISM

Don Dukemineer, STS, CHSP 256-350-2028

ddukemineer@decaturcvb.org www.decaturcvb.org

Jimmy Johns Tennis Complex

Jack Allen Recreation Complex

HUNTSVILLE-MADISON, AL

THIS ALABAMA CITY INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED AS A CENTER FOR AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY, AND IS MAKING A NAME FOR ITSELF IN THE WORLD OF SPORTS

Scan to discover more of what Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“The team in Huntsville gets sports – from an event standpoint, as a participant, and as a fan to create a first class experience. They exceeded our expectations and we look for to working with them for many years to come.”

— Colleen Craig, CEO of Rally Volleyball

Centrally located in the Southeast and one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., Huntsville offers big city amenities with small town hospitality to create a one of a kind experience. Nicknamed the Rocket City as the home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Space Flight Center, the destination offers new facilities that are equipped to host your event.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

John Hunt Park

Soccer, lacrosse, cross-country, sand volleyball, tennis

John Hunt Park is the centerpiece of nearly 1,000 acres of recreational facilities in the geographical center of Huntsville. The park has hosted the Alabama High School Soccer Championships since 2001 at its two lush championship fields, with seating for than 2,000 fans, and other multipurpose fields, for soccer or lacrosse, are adjacent. The park also boasts a cross country course chosen as an NCAA

Regionals site as well as 15 sand volleyball courts that hosted the USA National Beach Tour Junior Championships in 2020. Additionally, John Hunt Park is in close proximity to both Brahan Spring Park and Merrimack Park, each of which offer a number of additional fields.

Huntsville Aquatics Center Swimming, diving

The Huntsville Aquatics Center opened in 2017 and has made a splash on the national stage, most recently as a host site for the 2020 Toyota U.S. Open meet. Two 50-meter indoor

Huntsville Aquatics Center

John Hunt Park

Robert Trent Jones at Hampton Cove

competition pools are housed under one roof, the larger with spectator seating for more than 1,400, as well as deck space seating for more than 400 competitors.

Toyota Field Baseball

It’s home to the Rocket City Trash Pandas, one of the most popular nicknames in professional baseball. The newly opened stadium has a capacity of 7,000-plus, with skyboxes, concourse-level suites and meeting space for groups up to 300.

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Hampton Cove Golf

Hampton Cove is the first step onto the famed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail for visitors from the North, Northeast and Midwest. The impressive layout offers a variety of challenges for golfers, as well as all the amenities needed to host successful tournaments. The Highlands Course meanders across hilly terrain and offers spectacular views, while the River Course offers no sand but plenty of water hazards.

Huntsville Tennis Center and Athletic Club Alabama Tennis

The sites for the annual USTA Girls 16s Clay Court National Championship, the facilities are less than a half-mile apart and near the John Hunt Park complex. Huntsville Tennis Center is a city-owned facility with 24 lighted clay courts and six lighted hard courts. Athletic Club Alabama, a private facility, has six indoor courts and 15 outdoor courts, as well as a restaurant and meeting space.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Blast off on The Space Shot liftoff simulator at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center—the largest aerospace museum in the world.

▶ MidCity Huntsville offers unique entertainment and cultural experiences, featuring The Orion Amphitheater, TopGolf, High Point Climbing and Fitness and The Camp, a casual venue for food and drink.

▶ Explore more than 80 shops and restaurants at Bridge Street Town Centre and catch a movie while you’re there.

HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Joel Lamp, Convention Sales Manager 256-551-2334 jlamp@huntsville.org www.huntsville.org

▶ Over 200 working artist studios, six fine-art galleries, a theater, shopping, dining and more are available at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment.

▶ The EarlyWorks Children’s Museum lets kids climb, run, play and explore all its interactive exhibits.

Foley, AL

FOLEY IS HOME TO SOME OF THE BEST SPORT FACILITIES IN THE SOUTH, BUT

ALSO A GREAT DESTINATION FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND FAMILY ATTRACTIONS

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

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Where else are you going to have a world-class amusement park, a wonderful shopping village with restaurants, and outlets all within three minutes of where your meet site is? You’ve got great hotels, a great family area, and a lot of things for kids and their parents to do.”

— Mike Holderfer, Alabama USA Gymnastics, State Administrative Committee Chair

No matter how many athletes are competing or how many events they’re competing in, it’s hard to keep track of everything during a sports trip. Your instincts will tell you that the best way to plan is to find somewhere convenient— somewhere that will have your tournament space, lodging options and off-court excitement.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Visit OWA Parks & Resort which is a great family-friendly destination as it features seasonal events, an outdoor amusement park, indoor water park, plenty of shopping and dining.

▶ Tanger Outlets are located just across from the Foley Sports Tourism Complex which includes over 100 stores for mega savings.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Foley Event Center

Basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, pickleball, gymnastics

One of Foley’s busiest facilities is the Foley Event Center, a 90,000-square-foot multi-use indoor facility located adjacent to the sports fields. This indoor facility offers ample space for basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, gymnastics competitions and more. It is also a great place for meetings, banquets and expos. The center’s main floor measures more than 55,000 sq. feet and it also has three meeting rooms, three concession/vending areas and two mezzanines overlooking the main floor.

Championship Stadium Soccer, lacrosse, ultimate, football, archery

The championship stadium offers TVready lighting and seating for up to 1,000. Along with the scoreboard and press box the

championship stadium can be used for the big time games that are TV worthy.

Foley Sports Tourism Complex

Soccer, lacrosse, football, ultimate

Part of the Foley Sports Tourism Complex includes 15 high quality grass sports fields. The FST Fields include team benches, lighted fields and lightning detection system.

FOLEY SPORTS TOURISM

Shellie Kichler Sales & Marketing Director 251-923-2119 skichler@cityoffoley.org www.FoleySportsTourism.com

IT’S

Foley Event Center

Foley Sports Tourism Complex

WELCOME TO MISSISSIPPI

Mississippi is a land of diverse culture, with activities and attractions for all ages. It is also home to a slew of great cities that feature some of the finest sports venues in the country.

Whether your game requires a diamond, field, hardwood or sand, you’ll find the perfect venue in Mississippi. Along with facilities that fit your need, you’ll also enjoy an abundance of Southern Hospitality. More than just a warm smile and friendly greeting, the Mississippi Sports Team will work with your event from beginning to end. A successful competition is the hallmark of a Mississippi sports event.

From facilities ready to host your event to a level of service that reaches a new level, Mississippi welcomes you.

COASTAL MISSISSIPPI RIDGELAND

Coastal Mississippi’s location, climate and affordable sports event venues perfectly complement the 62 miles of scenic coastline. With a variety of lodging and family entertainment, the region provides the ideal sporting experience.

Just off the Natchez Trace Parkway in central Mississippi, Ridgeland is home to over 1,500 hotel rooms, 150 restaurants, and some of the finest shopping and athletic facilities in the state. Ridgeland’s small town charm with big city amenities makes tournament and event play a breeze.

TOP VENUES:

1. The Mississippi Coast Coliseum is capable of hosting major events with multiple seating arrangements from 1,500 to 15,000 while the adjacent convention center features over 400,000 square feet of space.

2. MGM Park has been home to the Biloxi Shuckers since 2015. The park features 4,500 reserved seats, 12 suites, two open-air party decks, a grass berm and a 1,472-square-foot scoreboard.

3. The Gulfport Sportsplex features six full size soccer fields and 15 baseball and softball fields. The facility hosts some of the largest and finest local, state, regional & national tournaments.

TOP VENUES:

1. Freedom Ridge Park is a 50-acre complex with four 300’ turf baseball/softball fields, four lighted 360’ x 225’ soccer fields, plus two playgrounds.

2. Hite Wolcott Park hosts USSSA and Grand Slam baseball tournament on seven lighted baseball/softball fields at a 40-acre complex.

3. Ridgeland Tennis Center contains 17 lighted hard courts, a 2,000-square-foot covered porch for viewing, 4 pickleball courts, a pro shop and men’s and women’s locker rooms.

MARQUEZ SINGLETON

228-280-3136 marquez@ coastalmississippi.com coastalmississippi.com

KELLY DURRETT 601-605-5253 kdurrett@visitridgeland.com visitridgeland.com

HATTIESBURG TUPELO

With thousands of hotel rooms, more than 200 locally owned restaurants, awardwinning attractions, two universities who call it home and spacious sports facilities, Hattiesburg, Mississippi is a premier destination in the Gulf South.

JACKSON

Home of the PGA Tour’s Sanderson Farms Championship, Jackson is a lively capital city with plenty of southern hospitality. Whether you need courts, fields or arenas, the sports facilities in the City With Soul can accommodate your event and with just over 5,000 hotel rooms you can “Stay Where You Play.”

A variety of venues makes it easy for Tupelo to accommodate local, statewide, regional, and national events. Off the field, you can feel the beat of live music, see all the Elvis Presley tour sites or hang out at one of the area’s hot spots –there’s lots of fun things to do in Tupelo.

TOP VENUES:

1. Tatum Park offers 18 soccer fields, four softball fields, nine baseball fields, 10 tennis courts, and an 18-hole disc golf course with ample parking and practice facilities.

2. The University of Southern Mississippi opens their collegiate-level facilities to host a wide-variety of sports, including football, baseball, softball, volleyball, gymnastics, track and field, swimming, marching band, cheerleading, tennis, badminton and golf.

3. Forrest County Multipurpose Center is a 120,000-square-foot indoor facility, available to host rodeos, motocross, barrel races, sports competitions and concerts.

KRISTEN BROCK 601-296-7475 kbrock@visithburg.org Visithburg.org

TOP VENUES:

1. Opened in 2009, the Jackson Convention Complex features 330,000 square feet of flexible exhibit, ballroom, and meeting space and is located in the heart of downtown Jackson.

2. The Mississippi Coliseum is a 25,000-square-foot facility with 70-foot ceilings and permanent seating for 6,500 spectators. The facility has hosted basketball, rodeo, ice skating and wrestling.

3. Adjacent to the Coliseum is the new 110,000-square-foot Mississippi Trade Mart which features 63,000 square feet of column-free space that can be divided into three trade halls.

TOP VENUES:

1. The 43,665-square-foot Tupelo Aquatic Center boasts a 12,625-square-foot Olympic size competition and 3,000-square-foot teaching pool that can accommodate a 20-lane short course, eightlane long course and four-lane warm-up.

2. Cadence Bank Arena is a 32,000 square-foot facility that can accommodate wood, ice or dirt, and a variety of events.

3. BankPlus Sportsplex at Ballard Park boasts 13 baseball fields, 16 multi-purpose fields, a skate park, 1.7-mile trail and 1.2-mile cross country course.

FLOYD WILLIAMS, JR., CMP 601-345-2535 fwilliamsjr@visitjackson.com visitjackson.com

STEPHANIE COOMER 662-841-6521 scoomer@tupelo.net www.tupelo.net/sports

When it comes to youth sports, Mississippi doesn’t play around.

Here in Mississippi, we take youth sports – and our sports facilities – very seriously. If you’re looking for a perfect location for your next event, learn more about our venues and nearby attractions at VisitMississippi.org/YouthSports.

International Futbol Club of Mississippi | Flowood Liberty Park | Flowood, Mississippi

#WanderMS

Welcome to Virginia!

Virginia Tourism Corporation and our world-class Sports Virginia partners are excited to welcome you, your athletes, and families to come experience all that Virginia has to offer. Whether it’s your first time or you’re back for seconds, there is always something new to discover when you visit Virginia!

Sports Virginia is a statewide collaboration of professionals from local convention and visitor bureaus, sports commissions, parks and recreation offices and facilities. Virginia has been hosting successful sporting events for decades and we are committed to providing excellent service.

Virginia is for Sports Lovers!

With many new state-of the-art facilities opening all around the state in 2022 and 2023, Virginia continues to prove that it is the premier destination for sports. Read about the new venues in this year’s Virginia Sports Planning Guide.

It’s always a great time to Visit Virginia!

A true, year-round sport and vacation destination, Virginia has something for everyone. From theme parks for thrill seekers, to over sixty state and national parks for those looking for adventure, to American history buffs looking to explore the birthplace of our nation, Virginia offers more than just state-of-the-art athletic facilities. In Virginia the beach is only a few hours away from the mountains, the charm of small town is a short drive away from urban cities. Endless breweries, wineries and local cuisine that will make you come back for seconds. No matter what you decide to do on your visit one thing is guaranteed, you will be met with southern hospitality wherever you go in Virginia.

Visit SportsVirginia.org for more information or please contact me at dsaadat@virginia. org for personal assistance and remember…Virginia is for Sports Lovers!

The new Hampton Aquaplex opened Fall 2022.

Photo courtesy of Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau

Danish Saadat

National Sales & Marketing Manager

Virginia Tourism/Sports Virginia 804-545-5543

• dsaadat@virginia.org

ON THE COVER:

Bryce Resort is a fourseason sports and recreation resort featuring a mountain bike park with beginner, intermediate and expert trails and lift access.

Photo courtesy of Andrew DeVier-Scott

By Dave Bodle

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

From the mountains to the coast to the cities large and small, no matter where your competition takes you in Virginia, there are a wealth of vacation options to explore.

Virginia’s Blue Ridge

The mountains are the perfect backdrop for any outdoor activity. There’s 700 miles of hiking trails and plenty of biking from mountains to an urban greenway system. Or bring your swimsuit and paddle the Roanoke River Blueway. Virginia’s Official Museum of Transportation highlights the region’s rail history. Visit the O. Winston Link Museum for amazing photography of the last days of locomotive steam engines.

Lynchburg

There’s so much to see and explore in Lynchburg, including historic sites, urban trails a riverfront downtown and indoor activities for those rainy days. Nearby, discover the American Civil War Museum-Appomattox and its rich collection of artifacts. Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, a National Historic Landmark, is considered an architectural masterpiece. Legacy Museum of African American History provides rotating exhibitions on all aspects of local African American history.

Loudoun

Whether you’re inside or outside, there are incredible activities in Loudoun County. There’s a day trip to our nation’s capital or a visit to the nearby Steven F. Ubar-Hazy Center, National Air & Space Museum. Summit Ropes Indoor adventure is the largest indoor rope course in the U.S. At iFly, you’ll float on a cushion of air. Your need for speed will be satisfied at Autobahn Indoor Speedway, Virginia’s largest indoor go-karting.

Prince William

Known for its Civil War battlefields, scenic beauty and outdoor experiences, visitors are sure to discover there’s much more for them to enjoy. The Manassas National Battlefield, Bristoe Station Battlefield and the Ben Lomond Historic Site are just a few of the historic sites worth a visit.

Stafford County

There’s so much history in Stafford, you must get out for the experience. A guided tour of Washington’s Ferry Farm shares how young George Washington spent his formative years. Historic Kenmore focuses on the Lewis family and Betty Washington Lewis sacrifices during the Revolutionary War. It’s always Farm Fun Season at Belvedere Plantation. The Battlefield Tour takes you through the Fredericksburg National Battlefield Visitor Center, Chatham and Stafford Civil war Park.

Richmond Region

This bright spot on I-95 is filled historical significance, outdoor activities and award-winning attractions. One of the first capital buildings in the new United States, it’s well worth a visit. American Civil War Museum explores the war from perceptions of Union and Confederate, enslaved and free African American, soldiers and residents.

Henrico County

The county curves around the City of Richmond to the north, east and west and many of the most popular

attractions have Richmond addresses. America’s premier “short track” hosts the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. If you’re looking for something a little quieter, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and observatory is sure to please. Richmond National Battlefield Park commemorates 13 Civil War sites.

Hampton

Opening in Spring 2023, SplashDown Park will follow and adjoin the Fall 2022 opening of Hampton AquaPlex. It promises 26,000 feet of fun. Before you jump in and get wet, there’s plenty to see and do. In August 1619, the first ship carrying “20 and odd” enslaved Africans arrived at Point Comfort where Fort Monroe is today. They were traded for rations and thus became an important event in our history. The Fort Monroe Visitor and Education Center displays the intersection of American, Indian, African and European cultures.

Williamsburg

Much of our nation’s beginnings can be traced to the Williamsburg area. There you will discover a living history museum of 17th century Virginia history that traces European colonization in America begin, interaction with the Powhatan Indians and the West Central Africans that followed through galleries, films and living history. The English surrender takes you through the time a young nation won its freedom with dynamic galleries, films and outdoor living history.

Virginia Beach

You would think wide-sandy beaches and a world-class, three-mile boardwalk would be enough for any Virginia Beach visitor. However, that’s just the beginning. There’s family friendly fun at the Military Aviation Museum, Cape Henry Lighthouse, hiking trails at First Landing State Park, The Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Center, or the Atlantic Wildlife Heritage Museum.

Love sign on the downtown Lynchburg bike and paddle trails

Photo courtesy of Downtown Lynchburg Association

New Facilities and Venues Enhance

VIRGINIA’S SPORTS SCENE

Throughout the Commonwealth, there are new additions to Virginia’s sports footprint while offering new options for planners.

By Dave Bodle

Photo courtesy of Virginia Beach

Grant Holloway Holiday Invitational in Virginia Beach Sports Center

With so many new and upcoming facilities joining the Virginia landscape, the sports scene in the Old Dominion State has never looked brighter. Here are some of the recent and upcoming developments:

Loudoun County’s New Hal & Berni Hanson Regional Park

(Opened September 2022)

Located in Arcola, this massive park features 11 multipurpose soccer fields, two turf fields and four baseball/ softball fields with batting cages, a cricket field, four tennis/ pickleball courts and grandstands. The 2023 U.S. Soccer Eastern Regional will bring more than 200 boys and girls youth teams.

“Opening the park allowed us to bid and fortunately get this event,” said Torye Hurst, director of Sales Sports & Services for Loudoun Sports.

Hampton Aquaplex (Opens Fall 2022)

Hampton’s proximity and heritage are tied to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean which makes sense that this coastal community is home to one of the largest competitive aqua facilities in the Mid-Atlantic.

“The Hampton Virginia Aquaplex will have a great economic impact on the City of Hampton and the surrounding region. The facility will bring thousands of athletes and their families to Hampton to compete in multi-day events and stay in in area hotels,” said Mary Fugere, director of the Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau.

Features of the new facility include an 8-lane 50-Meter Competition Pool with two moveable bulkheads, an 8-Lane 25-Yard Competition Programming and Warm-Up Pool, two 1-Meter Springboards for competitive diving and two-3-Meter Springboards for competitive diving.

Fairfax County Baseball/Softball Complex (Coming Spring 2023)

Patriot Park North a 67-acre facility in Fairfax, Virginia is under construction. When completed it will feature four 90-foot turf diamonds, lighted and adjustable to 70’, 60’ and 50’ with fences of 375-feet. The diamonds will be in a wagon wheel configuration. There will be two turf 70foot diamonds lighted and adjustable to 60’ and 50’ with 225 feet fences. Each field will have portable mounds, bullpens, batting cages, scoreboards and press box. There will also be a lookout tower for scouting. Concession stands, picnic pavilion, restrooms and playground round out the amenities.

Henrico Sports & Entertainment Center (Under Construction)

Work continues on the 115,166 continuous-square-foot event space with the opening planned for September 2023. The new venue will offer 12 NCAA basketball courts and 24 volleyball courts. The equipment is state-ofthe-art ceiling-mounted allowing for rapid changes. A championship/convocation venue-seats 3,500-plus. There will be four Team Meeting Rooms and two Team Rooms with shower areas. The coach’s room will be adjacent to the mezzanine viewing area.

Pickleball Virginia Beach Courts (Open for Play)

Pickleball has a new home in Virginia Beach. Converted from a former tennis facility, this new venue has 25 courts with 20 more completing renovations. The facility spans 14 acres and includes a Pro Shop and locker rooms with showers. It hosts a variety of year-round tournaments.

USTA Mid-Atlantic Unveils Plans for WorldClass Tennis Campus in Loudoun County

In mid-March, the United States Tennis Association MidAtlantic Section (USTA MAS) announced plans to build a state-of-the-art 36-court tennis campus. In addition to community-based tennis and outreach, USTA MAS anticipates the tennis campus will be a top venue to draw regional, national and international events that will engage fans and players from around the country and beyond. The organization anticipates hosting 50 annual events after the anticipated grand opening in 2025.

Richmond Hosting U.S. Sports Congress December 5-8

Top level decision makers representing sport Rights Holders and Olympic NGBs and key industry destinations and suppliers converge on Richmond for four days of professional development sessions.

A lineup of notable industry leaders will serve as speakers for the Inside Sports Conversation, The Evolution of the Sports Complex, Informative Sessions and sharing Round Tables.

Running simultaneously, the Collegiate Championship Symposium on December 5 caters to academic institutions and athletic conferences with emphasis on the process and opportunities for hosting collegiate sport championships. On December 6 and 7, Economic Development Corporations/Chambers of commerce, Government and Municipalities and Parks and Recreation are invited to register for a conference within a conference – US Sports Congress Economic Development & Sports Tourism Summit. For more information and registration visit ussportscongress.com.

U.S. Sports Congress 2022 will be headquartered at the Omni Richmond Hotel featuring luxurious amenities and exceptional service within the vibrant Shockoe Slip Historic District overlooking the James River. The US Congress networking outings are perfect for connecting with attendees and Richmond has rolled out the red carpet. The Golf Outing will feature Magnolia Green Golf Club in nearby Mosley. Transportation, Lunch, golf and cart are included. The Walking Foodie Tour is a 1.5-mile stroll through historic Church Hill neighborhood. Take a closer look at Richmond here visitrichmondva.com.

Virginia Beach, VA

VISIT ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AREAS IN THE COUNTRY AND COMPETE IN SOME OF THE FINEST FACILITIES

Virginia Beach, located in the Coastal Virginia Region, has a reputation as one of the most attractive destinations in the country. A vibrant coastal city with unique districts that is open year-round, it features a variety of attractions and a beautiful oceanfront and boardwalk. Visitors can reach Virginia Beach from I-80, I-85, I-95 and I-64.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Virginia Beach Sports Center

Basketball, volleyball, indoor track and field, indoor field hockey

This state-of-the-art facility which opened in October of 2020 can host a diverse roster of sporting events and tournaments. With 285,000 square feet of space, including 117,000 square feet of multi-purpose space and 195,000 square feet of programmable space, the center is built to accommodate 12 basketball courts, 24 volleyball courts, a 200-meter, hydraulically banked track,

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seating for 5,000 spectators and more. It also offers two skybox meeting rooms overlooking the track and one skybox meeting room overlooking the courts.

Princess Anne Athletic Complex Baseball, lacrosse, football, soccer, softball

This complex features 16 Musco-lit, multipurpose fields, eight of which are fully fenced and equipped with irrigation systems, electronic scoreboards and shaded player benches. Planners can choose between four

Virginia Beach Sports Center

full-sized synthetic fields and scoreboard or four hybrid Bermuda fields. Between games, spectators can picnic at two nearby Gazebos with four seated areas.

Virginia Beach Convention Center

Wrestling, badminton, fencing, gymnastics, cheer/dance

Host your next sporting event in the beautiful, eco-friendly Virginia Beach Convention Center. The center features more than 959,551 square feet of meeting space, 26 meeting rooms and can handle sports of any capacity. The center features portable walls, a staging area, and its largest room is 150,012 square feet. Its second-largest room stands at 112,509 square feet and its column-free exhibit space totals 150,012 square feet.

Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Fat tire biking, roller skating, running, soccer, surfing, ultimate frisbee, beach volleyball

This pristine waterfront is home to a 28-footwide boardwalk that stretches three miles and features a separate bike path ideal for strolling, rollerblading and biking. Along the boardwalk there’s a wide variety of shopping,

outdoor restaurants and vendors offering bike and surrey rentals. Live music and street performers can be found at the Oceanfront, but it is also a go-to place for sporting events and has hosted the North American Sand Soccer Championships, the Shamrock Marathon, and the East Coast Surfing Championship.

Hampton Roads Soccer Complex Soccer, lacrosse, camps, clinics

This complex is located in the beautiful city of Virginia Beach with easy access to restaurants, attractions, hotels and the oceanfront. The facility has two turf fields with lights and 22 Bermuda grass fields and hosts more than 7,00 games, practices and clinics every year. It also includes two state-of-the-art turf fields, both with Musco lighting (one field has stadium seating for 260 spectators).

VIRGINIA BEACH CVB

Dani Timm

Director of Sports Marketing 757-385-6648

DTimm@visitvirginiabeach.com www.visitvirginiabeach.com/sports

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Enjoy the majestic views of the Oceanfront, Sandbridge and Chesapeake Bay beaches or take a peaceful walk or bike ride along the three-mile long Virginia Beach Boardwalk

▶ The Cape Henry Lighthouse is the fourth-oldest lighthouse in the country and offers an unimpeded coastal view and can be enjoyed from the 360-degree lantern room.

▶ Groups can savor Cape Henry’s beautiful 2,888-acre First Landing State Park, where more than a million visitors hike, bike, swim and camp every year.

▶ The Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the largest private collections of World War I and World War II era military aircraft in the world.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

Virginia Beach Convention Center

Princess Anne Athletic Complex

Virginia Beach Oceanfront

“The accessibility of Virginia Beach really does allow us to attract the national audience.”

— Bob Ferraro, Executive Director, NHSC

water breaks unlimited

Virginia Beach Sports Center boasts a sprawling 285,000 square feet with 12 basketball courts, 24 volleyball courts, 200 meter hydraulically banked track, and seating for 5,000 screaming fans. Awaken to a sunrise over the ocean and walk or bike to a tournament at the Sports Center. Take in any number of outdoor adventures and unique dining experiences just blocks away – now this is what we call a sportscation.

DANI TIMM, CSEE Sports Marketing National Sales Manager

Richmond, VA

TOP-FLIGHT SPORTS VENUES, SCENIC VIRGINIAN LANDSCAPE AND GREAT FUN AWAIT TEAMS IN RICHMOND

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PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“The RRT staff, from start to finish, is one of the most supportive sports tourism teams we have had the opportunity to work with. They offer a truly collaborative planning process, aid in making community connections, and are on site during the event to lend a helping hand. They somehow have found the perfect balance of providing professional event experience while allowing us as a client to feel like family.”

— BJ Berteges, Executive Director, United States Collegiate Athletic Association

Richmond is an aptly named city, rich in American history as the site of great events such as Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty, or give me death” speech. Thanks to its advantageous location at the fall line of the James River, Richmond is within a day’s drive to half of the U.S. population by Interstates 64, 95 and 295.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Stay on the history trail with a walk or bike ride on the Virginia Capital Trail.You’ll encounter various courthouses, forests and rivers.

▶ James River awaits those who enjoy white water rafting and boating. This 348-mile wonder starts in the Appalachians and continues into the Chesapeake Bay.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

River City Sportsplex Soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, flag football

River City Sportsplex encompasses 115 acres of top-notch athletic fields, including 12 all-weather turf fields, all of which are fully lighted. In addition to warmup areas, River City Sportsplex includes a plaza and common area with access to electricity, bleachers on both ends, indoor restrooms and a concession stand.

Greater Richmond Convention Center Multisport

Teams will feel like champions no matter what the score at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, located only minutes from Richmond International Airport. The 700,000-square-foot facility boasts the title as largest convention center in Virginia with 180,000 square feet of exhibit hall space.

Dorey Park Baseball, softball, football, soccer, disc golf

This 400-acre park is conveniently located 10 minutes from Richmond International Airport and features abundant competition fields and amazing amenities for the traveling fan. The park features six (four slow pitch and six fast pitch compatible) softball fields, seven 12-andunder baseball fields, one 13-and-up baseball field and seven football/soccer fields with one field featuring a 500 seat grandstand. There is also an 18-hole disc golf course, five miles of horseback riding trails and hiking trails.

SPORTS RICHMOND, VA

Danny Bonifas, Director of Sports and Events 804-783-7422

dbonifas@visitrichmondva.com sportsrichmondva.com

Greater Richmond Convention Center

River City Sportsplex

Prince William County, VA

As part of Northern Virginia (NOVA) and the Washington metropolitan area, Prince William County (PWC) is a surefire pick for sporting events with its prime location and diverse and abundant facility options. From indoors to outdoors, no matter the sport PWC has you covered for events. Outdoor venues like James S. Long Park, PWC Stadium Complex and Valley View Park all offer a plethora of options, with top-notch fields and facilities.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

James S. Long Park

Soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball, basketball, tennis, equestrian Haymarket’s James S. Long Park is perfect for outdoor sports, with ample space and quality fields and courts for major events. Seven multipurpose fields of various sizes for different ages make up the bulk of the action here, with three 225 ft by 360 ft lighted artificial turf fields and four smaller grass fields. There are three baseball diamonds, one with a 300 ft fence, two for Little League at 200 ft and one for t-ball at 135 ft. The park also has

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PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“The best thing I can say about working with Prince William Sports is that they take the time to understand what we do and use that investment to help us anticipate needs and navigate obstacles. Michael’s efforts make him like a member of your team that happens to also work for the destination.”

— Eddie Meador, President 3v3 Live National Soccer Tour 2021 and 2022 Atlantic Regional Championships

batting cages, two basketball courts, two tennis courts, an equestrian ring, a concessions and education building and more.

Prince William Ice Center

Ice hockey, figure skating

Located in Dale City, Prince William Ice Center offers a full range of year-round ice hockey and skating programs on Olympic-sized and NHLsized ice sheets. Professional instructors are available for lessons at all ages and skill levels. A full-service pro shop is available at the center for skate repairs, sharpening and more. The center

WITH A PRIME LOCATION AND MANY FACILITY OPTIONS, PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY IS A SUREFIRE PICK FOR A SPORTS TOURNAMENT

PWC Stadium Complex

Freedom Aquatics and Recreation Center

Forest Greens Golf

also has a café for snacks, meals and catering with space for parties and business meetings.

PWC Stadium Complex Baseball, softball

The main stadium at PWC Stadium Complex in Woodbridge meets Minor League Baseball specifications, featuring an electronic scoreboard, press box, professional audio capabilities and a seating capacity of 4,000. In addition to the main stadium on the quad, there are three softball fields with bleachers. All four diamonds are lighted. Plentiful parking surrounds the complex and on-site concessions and a gift shop are available.

Freedom Aquatics and Recreation Center Swimming, water polo, racquetball

With 110,000 square feet of space, Freedom Aquatics and Recreation Center has something for everyone. The large natatorium holds a 50-meter competition pool, a leisure pool with serpentine slide and swirling vortex, as well as a whirlpool spa for adults to relax after a

workout. Aquatic fitness classes and swimming lessons are available for multiple age groups. In addition to the natatorium, the center also has an on-site indoor gymnasium and track, strength room, aerobics studio, cardio room and spacious locker rooms.

Valley View Park

Softball, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey Nokesville’s Valley View Park is a haven for a multitude of outdoor sports. Five lighted softball diamonds all feature fences at 300 feet, with electronic scoreboards, covered dugouts and bleachers Six 225 ft by 360 ft bermuda grass multipurpose fields are ripe for soccer and more. All of the fields at Valley View Park are irrigated.

PRINCE WILLIAM, VA

Michael Rojas mrojas@pwcgov.org 571-454-4433 www.visitpwc.com/sports

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ The National Museum of the Marine Corp in Triangle has several permanent military exhibits, including the incredible Leatherneck Gallery, and draws over 500,000 annual visitors.

▶ Farm Brew Live in Manassas offers delicious craft beer and food along with live local music all within a 12-acre brewery campus. It recently opened an indoor events center and is building a 60-room on-site boutique hotel.

▶ Splashdown, Virginia’s largest waterpark, features 13 slides, interactive play areas and more.

▶ Potomac Mills Mall is Virginia’s largest outlet mall for premier shopping experiences.

▶ For a natural escape, Potomac Heritage Scenic Trail offers history, nature, recreation, wildlife and conservation, all of which can be enjoyed via biking, hiking and paddleboarding.

Michael Rojas (He/Him/His) Sports Tourism Manager mrojas@pwcgov.org 571-454-4433

Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority, VA

WITH SO MUCH TO DO IN HENRICO COUNTY, VIRGINIA, YOU WON’T WANT TO HOST YOUR TOURNAMENT ANYWHERE ELSE

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PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Henrico County has been hosting USA Softball of Virginia girls youth fast pitch softball tournaments for the past 6 years. The decision to come to Henrico County was based on its central location in the state, facilities available, and the wonderful staff. All facilities are kept in great shape and its field crews are excellent.”

— John McPhail,Commissioner USA Softball of VA

The Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority is responsible for Henrico County, Virginia’s sports tourism program which brings in over $60 million in economic impact annually as well as the management of Henrico’s public/private investments. This includes the current construction of the indoor athletic and events center at Virginia Center Commons and the future build of the 18,000seat arena at the GreenCity site.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

RF&P Park

Baseball, softball

This athletic facility, in Glen Allen, features four restored RF&P train cars, picnic shelters, and athletic fields, including The Glen Allen Stadium at RF&P Park. This park seats 600+ and has hosted many World Series and National Tournaments. The park features five youth fields, convertible for baseball or softball, each with 200-foot fences; one dedicated youth baseball field with grass infield; one 60/90 grass infield baseball stadium and one football field.

Henrico Sports & Events Center

Basketball, volleyball

Henrico County’s new $50 million indoor sports and event center is expected to open in September of 2023. The 115,000-squarefoot center will be located at Virginia Center Commons in Glen Allen. The center will feature an adaptable event space of more than 115,000 square feet with room for up to 12 regulation basketball courts or 24 volleyball courts and a 3,500+ seat arena with stadium seating. The center also will include a mezzanine level with

RF&P Park

Glover Park

Dorey Park

viewing areas, multiple entrances and exits, meeting and changing rooms, vendor and concessions areas and a broadcast room, among other amenities.

Dorey Park

Baseball, tennis, hiking, softball

Dorey Park is the largest park in Henrico, encompassing 400 acres in the eastern portion of the county. The park includes something for everyone: sports, trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters, disc golf course, and even a dog park. Henrico County recently added a trailhead that links to the Virginia Capital Trail. The park is home to a five-acre lake with the entire shoreline accessible, six multi-purpose fields, four tournament fields, convertible for softball or youth baseball, each with 300-foot fences, two youth fields, convertible for baseball or softball, each with 200-foot fences, a dedicated youth baseball field with grass infield, a 60/90 baseball field with grass infield, three tennis courts and one 18-hole disc golf course.

Glover Park

Volleyball, soccer

Glover Park features four synthetic turf fields with lights, eight sand volleyball courts, restrooms, and a parking lot. Future construction will add a running trail, playground, additional fields, and other features. This tournament-quality complex is consistently used for local schools, recreation leagues, and tournament play.

Pouncey Tract Pickleball Courts Pickleball

This park in Glen Allen features 12 pickleball courts with lights, softball and multipurpose athletic fields, picnic facilities, and an accessible and inclusive playground. The park has held the World Pickleball Tour Tournament.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ One of the top gardens in the country, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden was recognized by the Travel Channel as a best botanical garden in the U.S.

▶ Short Pump Town Center is an open-air premier shopping mall in the Richmond, Virginia area. The center offers some of the best shopping and dining in the region.

▶ Unforgettable adventures await at Kings Dominion, home to some of the best things to do around Richmond. With more than 60 rides, shows, attractions, a kids area, and a waterpark, Kings Dominion has fun for everyone.

▶ Have fun with the National Pastime at a Richmond Flying Squirrels game, a minor league baseball team in Richmond.

Lynchburg, VA

HOME OF THE VIRGINIA 10 MILER AND THE VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH GAMES, LYNCHBURG IS A SMALL CITY WITH A BIG HEART, READY TO WELCOME SPORTS FANS OF ALL

AGES

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PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“The experienced staff at the Virginia Amateur Sports organization held a hugely successful 2019 State Games of America. The City of Lynchburg welcomed us with open arms and we still receive compliments from our athletes on Lynchburg’s first-class facilities. I would highly recommend event planners take a serious look at hosting their event in the Lynchburg, VA area.”

— Eric Engelbarts, National Congress of State Games President

Home of the Virginia 10 Miler and the Virginia Commonwealth Games, Lynchburg is a small city with a big heart, ready to welcome sports fans of all ages. Whether it’s popping in to locally-owned eateries, taking a stroll on the Blackwater Creek Trail and Bluffwalk, or visiting the Lynchburg Museum, Lynchburg has amenities, activities and sports facilities for the entire family.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Peaks View Park, City of Lynchburg Baseball, softball, disc golf, soccer, tennis, fishing, football, lacrosse, field hockey, mountain biking, rugby

The second largest park in Lynchburg, Peaks View Park offers both passive and active recreation for the entire family. The park has three lighted tennis courts, seven multi-purpose fields (soccer, football, softball and baseball), volleyball courts, a basketball court, mountain bike trails and a disc golf course. The park also has a popular sprayground and is ADA compliant.

Liberty Indoor Track & Field Complex

Track, field, judo, jujutsu, ninja challenge, tae kwon do, wrestling, aquathon

Liberty University added a state-of-theart indoor track facility to its impressive list of athletic complexes in January 2017. The 169,000-square-foot facility features a dynamic track, which is one of only a handful of tracks in the country to offer a six-lane, 20-meter hydraulically banked oval. The complex is 425 feet long by 300 feet wide and

Liberty Indoor Track & Field Complex

City Stadium

Peaks View Park

includes room for all six field events, with the weight throw, shot put and high jump pits located outside the track oval.

Lynchburg City Stadium and Bank of the James Stadium Football, baseball, softball, lacrosse, rugby, soccer

Originally constructed in 1939 as a complex for professional baseball teams, Bank of the James Stadium is home to minor league baseball team the Lynchburg Hillcats, a low-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. This classic stadium seats 4,300 fans and has undergone a slew of renovations, most recently in 2005, with six new luxury boxes and a video board in right field. City Stadium, primarily hosting football events but also more recently home to Lynchburg FC professional soccer club, can seat audiences up to 10,000. Renovations completed in 2016 include a new ticket booth, concessions, restrooms and locker rooms and a new scoreboard.

Liberty Natatorium Swimming and diving

Opened in 2018, the 75,000-square-foot natatorium has become a prime venue for collegiate and competitive swimming and diving, standing out in the crowd as one of the few facilities in the nation with an Olympic-distance competition pool and separate 17-feet diving well. Connected to the Liberty Indoor Track Complex, the natatorium features a nine-lane, 50-meter pool with a moveable bulkhead. The complex shares a 6,554-square-foot weight room and a 2,400-square foot training room that includes a 1,000-square-foot hydro room with an underwater treadmill and two plunge pools.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ With James River Adventures, guests can canoe or kayak the city’s downtown riverfront and within minutes be in a natural river setting teeming with fish, birds and other wildlife.

▶ Experience Earth’s Majestic Wonders at SeaQuest. Interact with the species we share this planet with at this “petting zoo feeding aquarium experience.” SeaQuest provides enhanced, age-specific adventures for all ages, inspiring conservation and protection of our planet’s diverse inhabitants.

Andrew.Marks@LynchburgVA.gov

Lynchburgvirginia.org

▶ Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre specializes in year-round mountain activities. Blast down tubing runs or ski/snowboard in all four seasons on Snowflex slopes. It also offers one of the prettiest sunset views around.

Atlantic Lacrosse Conference Championships hosted in LYH

Williamsburg, VA

VOTED BY READERS OF SOUTHERN LIVING MAGAZINE AS ONE OF “THE SOUTH’S BEST SMALL TOWNS” IN 2022, WILLIAMSBURG HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. ESPECIALLY TOURNAMENT

ORGANIZERS.

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PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Great organization to work with. Very involved in the whole planning process and execution. Made our National Softball Association World Series a success.”

Frank Rachubka, National Softball Association Hall of Fame

Located less than three hours from Washington, D.C., and conveniently accessible via three international airports and Amtrak, Williamsburg has all the ingredients needed to make your sporting event a success. Long revered for its historic charm, you’ll find an unmatched combination of attractions and activities that promises to delight athletes and families alike.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Kiwanis Park

Baseball, softball, basketball, tennis

Whether your team dons a glove, bat, or tennis shoes, Kiwanis Park is the place for you to host your next sports tournament, championship, or competition. This 27-acre park in Williamsburg has four softball fields with electronic scoreboards, dugouts, and bleachers. It also features a basketball court, six lighted tennis courts, a playground area with a pavilion, a concession building, and restroom facilities.

Warhill Sports Complex

Baseball, softball, soccer

The Warhill Sports Complex is an excellent facility for outdoor sports. The venue features three lighted youth baseball fields, one lighted majors baseball field, four T-ball fields, outdoor batting cages, and a concession building with restrooms and a playground. Warhill also houses a soccer/multiuse complex that contains four intermediate grass soccer fields, four premier full-size soccer fields, six synthetic turf multi-use fields, and a concession building.

—

Warhill Sports Complex

McReynolds Athletic Complex

McReynolds Athletic Complex Baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse

The McReynolds Athletic Complex in Yorktown is a 70-acre park with 13 lighted athletic fields that are available to rent for games, tournaments, and camps. The complex features four regulation soccer fields, two instructional soccer fields, two youth baseball fields with grass infields, three youth baseball/ softball fields with skinned infields, one adult softball field, and one adult baseball field.

Quarterpath Park and Rec. Center Softball, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, dance, aerobics

Quarterpath can simultaneously hold outdoor or indoor league play, championship tournaments, or showcase events. This 23acre facility in Williamsburg features three lighted softball fields, four indoor volleyball courts, three tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts, a picnic shelter with tables and grills,

and a children’s play area. The park also houses the Quarterpath Recreation Center, a 35,000-square-foot indoor facility that offers a wide array of amenities.

College of William and Mary Multipurpose

William and Mary fields NCAA Division I teams for men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, diving, and tennis. Each of these teams, along with the school’s non-Division I programs, compete in topnotch facilities. Among them is Walter J. Zable Stadium at Cary Field, which houses football and track and field programs.

VISIT WILLIAMSBURG

Robert Larson

757-920-6294

robert.larson@visitwilliamsburg.com visitwilliamsburg.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Williamsburg features premier golf courses designed by all-time greats of the game alongside endless teambuilding, recreational, cultural, educational, and entertainment opportunities.

▶ Bite into the eclectic and exciting food scene, enjoy a variety of craft beer breweries and small-batch distilleries, tour a sprawling vineyard and winery and attend interactive cooking experiences with farm-to-table creations.

▶ Get your adrenaline pumping on world-class roller coasters, thrilling water slides, tree-top zip lines and roaring go-karts.

play. at your pace.

Planning any sporting event is a challenge, but allow us to check one thing off your list: location. Williamsburg not only offers world-class fields and facilities, but also all the amenities of a top-notch vacation destination. Put your game face on and meet us in Williamsburg.

Loudoun County, VA

JUST 25 MILES FROM WASHINGTON, D.C., LOUDOUN COUNTY IS THE IDEAL SPORTS DESTINATION, ATTRACTING OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS, FOODIES AND TOURNAMENT PLANNERS ALIKE

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Located just west of Washington, D.C., Loudoun County is bordered by Interstate 81 to the west, I-70 to the north, I-66 to the south and I-495 to the east, where state route 267 runs out of the city and through the county’s countryside. If you’re flying in, Washington Dulles International Airport is located in southeastern Loudoun County.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Brambleton Sportsplex Baseball, softball

The facility includes four 400’ fields and two 200’ fields with a completely resurfaced parking area. Brambleton Sportsplex has been the host for several tournaments including the PONY Nationals, USSSA “C” National Championships, USA Softball Eastern Nationals, and Senior Softball-USA Eastern Nationals.

Hanson Park

Soccer, baseball, softball, cricket

Coming Fall 2022! Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park will include 17 athletic fields – 10 multipurpose soccer fields, four baseball/softball fields, a cricket field and two artificial turf fields as well as 75 acres of passive recreational space and infrastructure.

ION International Training Center

Ion International Training Center Figure skating, hockey, speed skating

The 90,000-square-foot facility features two NHL ice sheets, including a 3,500-seat area in addition to a full-service gym, café, pro shop, medical room and hockey training room, among other amenities. Ion annually hosts several MYHockey Tournaments and will be the site of the 2022 US Figure Skating Championship Series presented by Toyota. The center, with nearly 1,000 parking spaces, has room to expand to four ice sheets on the 16.5-acre site.

Potomack Lakes Sportsplex Soccer, softball

The 47-acre athletic complex has won numerous national awards including the 2019 Senior Softball USA Softball Complex of the Year Award. The Sportsplex includes four lighted softball fields with 300-foot permanent fences and 200-foot temporary fences as well as six large, irrigated, adjacent soccer fields.

Segra Field Soccer

Located within Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park is Segra Field, which is the home of Loudoun

United FC, a Division II affiliate of DC United playing in the United Soccer League; Old Glory DC, a member of Major League Rugby and the Washington Spirit, a member of the National Women’s Soccer League. Segra Field has a seating capacity of 5,000 and includes eight, 24-person suites, which are available for groups.

VA Revolution Sportsplex Multipurpose outdoor, soccer

The nearly 44-acre facility features four fully lit, over-sized FIFA certified, bio-turf fields capable for the use of a variety of sports. The stadium features bleachers and can seat approximately 1,500 people with additional seating in CroppMetcalfe Park and auxiliary seating, which can be brought in if needed. CroppMetcalfe Park & Adventure Course complement the fields with more destination features including a zip-line.

LOUDOUN SPORTS TOURISM

Torye Hurst

Director of Sales, Sports & Services 703-669-2005 Hurst@VisitLoudoun.org www.loudounsportstourism.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Have a ball and compete with friends or family at Topgolf

▶ Experience the thrills of flying without having to jump out of an airplane when you visit iFly, Loudoun County’s premier indoor skydiving venue.

▶ The largest indoor ropes course in the U.S., Summit Ropes is a one-of-a-kind indoor adventure park consisting of 16,550 square feet of ropes course with integrated VIA Ferrata climbing. Fun for all ages, Summit Ropes is divided into a children’s course and an adult course.

▶ Speed demons will thrive at the Autobahn Indoor Speedway, where the Italian pro-style electric go-karts zip you around the track at speeds up to 50 MPH.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“2022 was the sixth year USSSA has held our Eastern National Championship in Loudoun County. Their fields and facilities are second to none. Add in exceptional lodging and endless entertainment for the whole family, and it is no wonder our first choice is Loudoun County. They are a home run!”

— Andy Wisk, Program Operations, USSSA East

Brambleton Sportsplex

Hanson Park

Potomack Lakes Sportsplex

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Sports

Scan to discover more of what Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge Sports offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

WITH OUR COMBINATION OF AWARD-WINNING SPORTS FACILITIES, CONVENIENT LOCATION IN THE MID-ATLANTIC, AND EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE, YOUR PLAYERS, COACHES, AND FANS WILL HAVE AN OUTSTANDING TIME IN

HEART OF VIRGINIA’S BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

This picturesque area is home to an abundance of wellmaintained, centrally-located fields and facilities that can accommodate all types of sports. With over 1,000 miles of trails, Virginia’s Blue Ridge has established itself as a premier destination for outdoor recreation and adventure. The challenging elevations of its landscape allow for many sports such as mountain biking, triathlons, marathons, and disc golf.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

James I. Moyer Sports Complex

Softball,

baseball

James I. Moyer Sports Complex hosts events ranging from youth, adult, and high school events to collegiate and national level events.

The Moyer Complex boasts four fields. Moyer also has a 50/30 lighting system and electronic scoreboards. Stay tuned for the all new Moyer Complex opening in 2024 with new and improved seating, lighting and turf with additional parking and amenities!.

Berglund Center

Basketball, hockey, volleyball,

gymnastics, wrestling, boxing, cornhole, cheerleading

The Berglund Center is one of Western Virginia’s premier full-service facilities. The multi-purpose facility can accommodate sports events of all sizes, and hosts more than 350 events every year. It features a 10,500 seat Coliseum, 2,148 seat Performing Arts Theatre, 10,000 sq./ft. Exhibit Hall, and a 46,000 square foot Special Events Center.

Roanoke College Cregger Center/

Donald J.

Kerr Stadium

Basketball, track & field, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, indoor track & field

James I. Moyer Sports Complex

THE

The Cregger Center is a 155,000 sq./ft. athletic center that includes a 2,000-seat arena, a field house that has an eight-lane, 200-meter track, event seating space for 1,000, a training room, and enhanced locker rooms. Donald J. Kerr Stadium at Roanoke College adjoins the beautiful Cregger Center. Kerr Stadium has seating for 1,400 fans.

Taliaferro Sports and Entertainment Complex

Basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, wrestling, boxing, pickleball, equine, cheerleading, football, baseball

The Taliaferro Sports and Entertainment Complex offers a diverse group of facilities, including the Salem Civic Center, the Salem Football Stadium and the Salem Memorial Ballpark, all located approximately one mile southeast of downtown Salem. The Salem Civic Center consists of an indoor Virginia’s Blue Ridge Sports arena with a 22,000-square-foot floor, seating for 7,000, an annex of 10,000 square feet and various meeting spaces. The Salem Football Stadium is a 7,157-seat municipal stadium. The stadium proudly hosted the NCAA Division

Ill Football Championship for 25 years and the championship plans to return to Salem Stadium in 2023 for its 50th Anniversary Championship. The stadium features dual team coaches’ boxes, suites and broadcast quality lighting. Salem Memorial Ballpark is home to the Single-A Salem Red Sox and can seat 6,300.

Botetourt Sports Complex Softball, baseball, soccer, cross country, disc golf

The Botetourt Sports Complex is located within the 125-acre Greenfield Recreation Park which features a cross-country course, soccer fields and a hiking trail. The complex features four championship level softball and youth baseball fields, all with beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

VISIT VIRGINIA’S BLUE RIDGE SPORTS

John Oney

Director of Sales 540-342-6025 joney@visitvbr.com www.VBRsports.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Welcome yourself to Virginia’s Blue Ridge by visiting the must-see Roanoke Star that sits atop Mill Mountain and offers scenic views of Roanoke Valley.

▶ The vibrant arts and culture scene includes amazing attractions like the Taubman Museum of Art, the renovated Center in the Square, the Virginia Museum of Transportation and more.

▶ Make sure to pay a visit to the Cheers Trail – a delightful collection of local breweries, wineries, and distilleries that will quench anyone’s thirst.

▶ Put on your hiking boots and experience the many incredible footpaths in the Appalachian Trail.

▶ Explore your wild side at Treetop Quest at Explore Park. Zip-lines and aerial obstacles will give you the thrill you crave.

▶ Check out the nation’s second largest municipal park, Carvins Cove Nature Reserve, and go hiking, biking or fishing.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“As the new training ground for VBR TWENTY24, a women’s professional cycling development team, Virginia’s Blue Ridge is a top notch location for our multi-discipline team. It is the perfect place to train with all the natural assets. The team can take advantage of the great road conditions, beautiful climbs, mixed surface terrain, including stellar gravel roads and skill building technical single track.”

— Nicola Cramner General Manager,

VBR TWENTY24 Team

VBR TWENTY24 Women’s Cycling Team

Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge

One of the nearly 100 NCAA Championships awarded in Salem

Stafford, VA

DIVERSE SPORTS DESTINATION IN DC’S BACKYARD. TAKE THE NEXT STEP AND BRING YOUR FUTURE SPORTING EVENT TO STAFFORD, VA FOR SPECTACULAR ATTRACTIONS AND STATE-OF-THE-ART ATHLETIC FACILITIES

Scan to discover more of what Stafford County Tourism offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Stafford County, Virginia, is becoming a go-to place for sports tournament rightsholders looking for a location with ample facilities for events, hotels, and other infrastructure to support players on and off the field. One of our goals as an organization is to make it easy and convenient for sports rightsholders to choose Stafford. The Stafford team also has a competitive incentive package for sports operators to take advantage of.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Embrey Mill Park

Soccer, football, field hockey, lacrosse

Situated in the heart of Stafford, the stately Embrey Mill Park is conveniently located near the county’s major thoroughfares, shopping centers, restaurants and hotels, making it the ideal stop for teams and their families. The impressive multi-sport complex houses eight fields — six synthetic, lighted rectangular fields and two lighted grass fields, and a recently added practice field with ample parking. Adjacent to the sports complex is the

Jeff

Jeff Rouse Swim and Sports Center Swimming, diving, water polo, water sports

This 76,000 square-foot world-class Olympic sized sports complex is equipped with a 50-meter by 25-yard competition pool with seating for more than 800 spectators and movable bulkhead, a 25-yard recreation pool, and a warm-water wellness pool. Additionally,

Rouse Swim and Sports Center, which houses an Olympic sized competition pool and athletic center.

Embrey Mill Park

the Rouse Center features a full-size basketball court, a group exercise studio, a fitness floor, restrooms, a full- service cafe and parking. The athletic facility presents 5,000 square feet of exercise space and workout equipment, strength and conditioning machines and free weights.

Potomac River Kayak bass fishing, bass fishing, water sports

The water is open for any sports adventure. With creeks and tidal tributaries of the Potomac River, many sports have caught wave to our hidden gems. Kayak fishing, specifically for bass have put Stafford on the map for a hidden “fish town” and we have become the epicenter for snakehead fishing on the east coast.

Curtis Park and John Lee Pratt Park Disc golf

Stafford boasts two challenging disc golf courses at Curtis Park and John Lee Pratt Park that wind through woods within the parks and feature 18-holes at each, offering year-round recreation and tournament play. Adjacent to Curtis Park is the Gauntlet Golf Club, which frequently partners to host two-round tournaments for unique and exclusive play.

Chichester Park Baseball and softball

Bring your upcoming outdoor sporting event to the spacious Chichester Park, a county park that offers five lighted baseball/ softball diamonds and a concession stand. The vast park also features walking tracks, hiking and jogging trails with a natural mulch surface, a pavilion, restrooms, picnic areas with BBQ grills and tables and a new playground. Chichester Park promises protected spectator seating to enhance the fans’ experiences while watching nail-biting tournaments. The venue is conveniently near major transportation thoroughfares, making traversing to and from the park and other locations throughout Stafford stress-free.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Stafford is the home of George Washington’s Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm; Georgian-style Chatham Manor; Stafford Civil War Park, which all played a huge part during the Civil War.

▶ Take some time to explore Government Island, an island which provided Aquia sandstone for the construction of the U.S. Capitol and the White House.

▶ Block off the whole evening for dinner and a show at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, stroll the nearby historic downtown, or wander the grounds of a famous artist at Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont.

STAFFORD COUNTY TOURISM

Lisa Logan, Assistant Director, Stafford County Department of Economic Development and Tourism 540-658-4580 tourism@staffordcountyva.gov www.tourstaffordva.com

▶ If you’re hosting an adult competition, consider spending some down time sipping along Stafford’s breweries and wineries trails or taste local flavors from Stafford area food trucks and restaurants.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“KBF is excited to continue our partnership and bring tournaments to Stafford County, Virginia for the KBF Trail Series and other Snakehead Fishing tournaments. The hospitality, amenities, water access, host venues, and world class fishing make Stafford County the perfect host for our event series.”

— Chad Hoover, KBF Founder/President

Potomac River

Chichester Park

Jeff Rouse Swim and Sports Center

NCSportsNC and its winning team of partners invite you to choose North Carolina for your future sporting event. Anchored by Visit North Carolina, North Carolina Amateur Sports, and the North Carolina Sports Association, SportsNC channels the expertise of local sports commissions and authorities, chambers of commerce, and convention and visitors bureaus into helping you create tailored experiences and ensuring that every tournament, game and trip is a success.

With world-class indoor and outdoor venues, top professional and collegiate teams, and exciting vacation destinations, North Carolina builds the action from your arrival to beyond the final whistle. As your dedicated partner, we will work with you to create unforgettable events and experiences that drive attendance, interest and success for athletes, families and fans.

From amateur events to international championships, North Carolina can provide the perfect location for any sports activity. Situated in the center of the Eastern seaboard, North Carolina is an easy drive for the nearly 39 million potential event participants who live within 300 miles of our mountains, Atlantic coastline and Piedmont landscapes. With international and regional airports, extensive rail service and well-maintained highways, travel to, from and around North Carolina is fast and convenient.

For more information on the wide variety of sports-friendly communities and award-winning venues in North Carolina, please contact info@sportsnc.com.

We look forward to seeing you here soon.

Yours in Sports, The SportsNC Team https://www.sportsnc.com

2018 Deep South Classic

Photo courtesy of Keenan Hairston

ON THE COVER: Charlotte FC vs. Chelsea F.C. at Bank of America Stadium

Photo courtesy of VisitNC.com

NCAA Division II Baseball

Photo courtesy of Alyson Boyer Rode/Greater Raleigh Sports Authority

Photo courtesy of Greater Raleigh Sports Authority

to Add Vacation Days to Your North Carolina Competition

By Dave Bodle

10 Reasons O

ne of the true beauties of the Tar Heel State is the diverse tourism offerings of each community. No matter where your games are played, there’s plenty to do for athletes and families outside the lines.

1. CABARRUS COUNTY

If you’re a race fan, you’ve found your dream destination. Experience an event at Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMax Dragway and The Dirt Track, or visit a top NACAR Race Shop, including Hendrick Motorsports and RFK Racing. Visit Kannapolis and take the selfguided tour of racing legend Dale Earnhardt. There’s still plenty to do after you’ve had your fill of horsepower. Check out the site of America’s first discovery of gold, the Reed Gold Mine.

2. HICKORY METRO

Whether you have a few days or just a few hours, there is plenty to see and do. You might want to begin with a visit to the Hickory Furniture Mart featuring more than 1,000 manufacturers. There’s history to be found in historic homes like Harper House/Lyerly House and Fort Defiance. Catch a Crawdads baseball game, or an evening at Hickory Motor Speedway. Checkout a real covered bridge and a water-powered mill. There are a dozen parks and trails and countless activities along the Catawba River Greenway.

Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro

3. NASH CO./ROCKY MOUNT

Nash County has made it easy to plan with their “Family Day Out.” Actually, it’s two days and they even put you in touch with THE breakfast, a gourmet burger spot, a massive mason jar milkshake and an artisan, wood-fired pizza restaurant. You’ll need the energy at Game Day Adventure and Arcade. At Sunset Park you can rattle the disc golf chains, ride the carousel and miniature train, or cool off in the spray ground. Check in at the River and Twine-Tiny House Hotel. Tar River Life Kayaking shuttles you upriver for a two-three-hour journey.

4. GREENVILLE-PITT COUNTY

Home to East Carolina University, Greenville is a vibrant city rich in the arts, live music, culinary and outdoors. There’s plenty to do with the kids between competitions from an indoor trampoline park and laser dome to escape rooms, movie theaters, miniature golf and a splash pad. Uptown Greenville is home to the NC Museum of Natural Science at Greenville with plenty of interactive exhibits. The Walter L. Stasavich Science & Nature Center is located at 320-acre River Park.

5. ALAMANCE COUNTY

There’s a wide variety of fun waiting for athletes and families in Alamance County’s small towns and villages. This is North Carolina so you can anticipate racin’ and Ace Speedway doesn’t disappoint. History buffs will enjoy the Alamance Battleground State Historic Site, along with the Alamance County Historical Museum and Alamance County Civil War Trail. Delve into the county’s African-American history at the African-American Cultural Arts & History Center. There are plenty of outdoor activities at Cedarock Park and Guilford Mackintosh Park & Marina.

6. MOORESVILLE

“Race City USA” is home to numerous race teams, activities and auto museums. Memory Lane Museum and the GoPro Motorplex are favorites. More than a dozen racing attractions, many featuring racing’s household names, have their racing shops in Mooresville.

7. VISIT NC SMOKIES

Explore 46 scenic miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway and just as many photo opportunities. Then there’s Great Smoky National Park with more to do than can be accomplished in one visit. Experience elk watching in the Cataloochee Valley. There ae plenty of outdoor options to peak your interest in the NC Smokies. Hiking, waterfalls, horseback riding, rafting and did we mention bringing your fishing rod and casting a line in the Mountain Heritage Trout Waters? There’s still more to experience in the charming towns of Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton and Clyde.

8. WINSTON-SALEM

Although deeply rooted in history, Winston-Salem provides a wonderful blend of art, outdoors, science and the strange. Old Salem Museum & Gardens is a historic district of Winston-Salem. Settled as a Moravian community in 1766, today this living history museum interprets that community. Make sure you sample the cookies and take some home. Reynolda House Museum of American Art features colonial to contemporary exhibits. Tanglewood Park has something for families every season of the year, but the Tanglewood Festival of Lights during the holidays are well worth a return visit.

9. GREENSBORO

With world-class attractions and plenty of kid-friendly activities, Greensboro has a mix of things to do that appeal to all ages.

Greensboro Science Center is a oneof-a-kind facility and the only one in North Carolina that features an accredited aquarium, museum and zoo in one destination. Downtown Greensboro in a building that formerly housed the Woolworth’s is the International Civil Rights Center & Museum. February 1, 1960, four students from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University started the sit-in at the “whites only” lunch counter.

10. WILMINGTON

There are a wide variety of attractions in the Wilmington area that appeal to all ages and interests. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk offers amusement rides, carnival games and the Carolina Beach Arcade with the beach as your background. Voted North Carolina’s favorite beach destination there are plenty of watersports activities, including SUP, kayak, SCUBA and scenic cruises at Wrightsville Beach. Fishing off the Johnnie Mercers Pier is a favorite.

Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington

Major Facility Development is Happening Throughout North Carolina

Newly opened, renovated and planned fields and facilities keep North Carolina in the forefront of sports competitions

By Dave Bodle

ACC tennis action can be found in Raleigh.

From soccer, disc golf and swimming/diving to cricket, tennis and paddleball, there are new indoor and outdoor facilities popping up across the Old North State.

GREATER RALEIGH AREA

There are more sports venue developments in the Raleigh Area than at any time in the past 20 years.

Wake Stone Athletic Park, Knightdale: The Town of Knightdale, in partnership with Wake Stone

Corporation, NCFC Youth and Wake County, opened this new facility in fall of 2021. The park includes five soccer fields, with more fields planned in future phases.

Triangle Aquatic Center, Cary: The addition of a new 50-meter outdoor pool in July of 2022 has expanded the programming and hosting capabilities for the center.

PNC Arena, Raleigh: The arena, which opened in 1999, is moving forward with a major design,

Photo courtesy Garrett Poulos/ Greater Raleigh Sports Authority

enhancement and renovation project that will feature a variety of upgrades.

The Center (Cary Indoor Multisport Complex): The new proposed venue will feature a small arena (approximately 4,000 seats), 12 basketball courts convertible to 20 volleyball courts and full Esports capabilities. A site has been selected (South Hills Mall) and a design team has been brought on board. A soft timeline will have construction beginning in 2024 and opening in 2026.

USA Baseball National Training Complex, Cary: Enhancement will include a covered, open-air, full infield and batting cages for workouts and practice as well as umpire locker rooms, additional meeting and function space and USA Baseball offices. Expected completion date is summer or fall of 2023.

Pleasant Park, Apex: This new venue is under construction with six multipurpose synthetic turf fields, all with lights, along with four tennis courts and six pickleball courts. It is expected to open in fall of 2022 or spring of 2023.

Church Street Park, Morrisville: Enhancement to this cricket venue includes artificial turf practice pitches and nets, an addition of 2,000 permanent seats, broadcast infrastructure and additional parking. Estimated completion date is summer 2023.

SWING, Raleigh: The new proposed venue will include 35 tennis courts, 25 pickleball courts, 16 paddleball courts, 20 table tennis tables and four beach tennis courts. It is expected to break ground fall 2022.

Calvert Ice Sports, Holly Springs:

The proposed venue is expected to include four National Hockey League-sized ice rinks. The expected completion date is 2024/25.

BURLINGTON/ ALAMANCE COUNTY

The home of the Burlington Sock Puppets, the 2022 Appalachian League Organization of the Year, will have renovations. Burlington Athletic Stadium is adding an entertainment venue to the center, upgrading the fan experience and increasing the opportunity to hoist events.

ASHEBORO/ RANDOLPH COUNTY

Zoo City is frequently used to define Asheboro due to its proximity to the

North Carolina Zoo, the world’s largest natural habitat zoo. Zoo City SportsPlex, Asheboro: The new 100-acre facility is scheduled to open March 2023 with eight athletic fields for soccer, lacrosse and football, six beach volleyball courts and four pickleball courts.

MCDOWELL COUNTY

With popular attractions including the Blue Ridge Parkway, waterfalls hiking and mountain biking trails, it’s understandable there would be new developments in McDowell County. The Old Fort Gateway Trails, Old Fort: The 42-mile trail project opened the first six-mile section of the trail in June 2022. These are multi-use trails including a one-mile handicap-accessible trail. Primarily, the mountain biking trails are by far the most used.

Venues, Fans and Esports Incentives Assure Success

North Carolina is demonstrating a long-term commitment to the Esports community and industry.

The North Carolina Esports incentive is up to a 25% rebate on direct spending within the state of North Carolina via funds from the NC Esports Industry Grant.

The NC Esports Industry Grant current designated an amount of $5 million available per fiscal year (July 1- June 30). A minimum in-state spend of $150,000 per event is required to qualify. Qualifying expenses are goods, services, rentals, compensation and wages, fringes, per diems, living expenses and stipends.

Applications should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the start of the event.

FOR APPLICATION AND DETAILS, reach out to Amanda Baker at 919-447-7765, or via email, amanda.baker@visitnc.com.

North Cove Leisure Club hosts an annual Collegiate Disc Golf Championships.

Photo courtesy of McDowell Cnty TDA

WILMINGTON, NC

WILMINGTON AND ITS ISLAND BEACHES HAVE BECOME A SOUGHT-AFTER DESTINATION FOR SPORTS PLANNERS THANKS TO A VARIETY OF VENUES AND PLENTY TO SEE AND DO BEFORE AND AFTER THE EVENT

Scan to discover more of what Wilmington and Beaches

CVB offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

The major east/west interstate artery, I-40, leads to Wilmington and Beaches, which is located halfway between New York and Florida. The destination is also served by Highways 17, 74/76, 117 and 421. Interstate I-95 is 73 miles away.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Althea Gibson Tennis Complex at Empie Park Tennis

The Althea Gibson Tennis Complex has 24 lighted hard courts, a clubhouse and restrooms. Courts are open for public play, while the City of Wilmington offers recreational programs throughout the year, and the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association uses the courts for tournaments and league play.

Cape Fear Regional Soccer Complex Soccer, lacrosse, running

With construction slated to begin in 2022 and being completed in 2023, Cape Fear Soccer Park is undergoing renovations. When finished, the park will have 11 full-sized fields, one of which will be synthetic turf, and include outdoor lighting. The Wilmington Hammerheads Youth Soccer Club will manage the new park, which will become known as nCino Sports Park when it opens.

Althea Gibson Tennis Complex

Legion Sports Complex Football, soccer, baseball, tennis

With more than four acres of paved parking, this great complex includes Legion Stadium/Jurgenson-Gabriel Field (which hosts football and soccer matches on artificial turf), the Legion Back Field, Buck Hardee Field (baseball), four lit tennis court and the Robert Shipp Pool.

Wilmington Convention Center Cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, badminton, volleyball

The Wilmington Convention Center is the only convention center on the North Carolina coast. The convention center has a 30,000-square-foot exhibit hall, 12,000-square-foot ballroom, 5,784-squarefeet of meeting space, 15,000-squarefeet of pre-function space, ticket office, concessions and an attached parking deck.

Olsen Park Baseball, softball

This city park has five lighted baseball/ softball fields along with concession stands and a picnic shelter, and the handicap accessible Miracle Field and Miracle Playground. It is used to host regional and state athletic tournaments.

Ogden Park Baseball, football, soccer, tennis, skateboarding

Three lighted baseball fields, one youth football stadium with lights, one lighted softball field, three soccer/football fields with lights, nine lighted tennis courts, 10,000-square-foot concrete skatepark, shelters, a paved trail around the pond and an off-road trail through the woods.

WILMINGTON AND BEACHES CVB

Joel Smith, MPRTSM Senior Sales Manager 800-650-9064

JSmith@wilmingtonandbeaches.com SportsWilmington.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Step back in time when you get onboard the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, a WWII-era vessel that faced fierce combat in the Pacific Theater.

▶ Climb along the Adventure Reef, witness an albino alligator, wonder at sea turtles and a family of otters or feel the smooth skin of a gliding stingray at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

▶ The Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park features water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, rock climbing, go-karts and more awesome family fun.

▶ Get outdoors at Greenfield Park, where biking and walking trails, tennis courts, an outdoor amphitheater and boat and kayak rentals all await your next workout.

“Wilmington, N.C., and Island Beaches is growing, and so is the attraction to attend events on the Atlantic Ocean, in Historic Downtown Wilmington on the Cape Fear River and at the nearby beaches. The CVB has grown along with [our events], creating ideas, supporting new venues, and assisting with marketing efforts encouraging out of town visitors to come here for the event and enjoy their entire experience.”

— Tom Clifford, Without Limits CEO (Wilmington NC Marathon; Battleship Half Marathon, 10K & 5K)

Olsen Park

Ogden Park

Wilmington Convention Center

Hickory, NC

WITH A WORLD-FAMOUS RACING SHORT TRACK, PROFESSIONAL AND COLLEGIATE FACILITIES AND A GREAT HISTORY AND HERITAGE, HICKORY’S ROOTS RUN DEEP IN NORTH CAROLINA SPORTING LORE

Scan to discover more of what Visit Hickory Metro offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Everybody loves it here, it’s beautiful. It (Lake Hickory) is the perfect size for a competition such as this one. It offers a variety of fishing experiences depending on how the anglers prefer to fish.”

Secret York, Co-founder of LBAA

Hickory, NC is conveniently located off Interstate 40, which connects Knoxville to the west with Raleigh to the east. If you’re flying in, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is around 42 miles away in Charlotte. Immerse yourself in the interactive opportunities presented at the SALT Block, which encompasses an entire city block filled with Science, Arts & Literature Together.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Hickory Metro Convention Center Multipurpose indoor

As one of the premier trade show and meeting locations in the Southeast, the Hickory Metro Convention Center features more than 76,000 square feet of meeting space, making it ideal for tournament planners looking to host fantastic indoor events. This facility has been the home to a variety of indoor sports including: Bull riding, soccer clinics, martial arts, wrestling, gymnastics, dance and more. The center hosted the XCEL Regional Gymnastics

Competition in May 2019, which drew in more than 1,500 gymnasts and also hosted the Camp for a Cause in November 2021.

Henry Fork Regional Recreation Park

Canoeing, running, soccer

With eight soccer fields, an 8,000-squarefoot picnic shelter, picnic tables and grills, an alpine tower ropes course, two playgrounds, a concession stand, walking trail, canoe launch and horseshoe pits, this multiuse park is ideal for soccer, lacrosse, rugby and other sports.

—

Hickory Metro Convention Center

Henry Fork Regional Recreation Park

Rock Barn Country Club & Spa

Lake Hickory (Catawba River) Boating, fishing, swimming

Take in the magisterial beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains when you plan an outdoor tournament on Lake Hickory. Fishing tournaments are popular here during the summer months, when the lake has an abundance of largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie and channel catfish. Lake Hickory hosted two Lady Bass Anglers Association Pro Tour events in the Spring of 2019 and 2021. Also, episodes of “Fishing University” were filmed in 2018, with another in 2022.

Rock Barn Country Club & Spa Golf, tennis

With a foundation tracing back to the early 19th century, this gorgeous country club has a storied history, one which grew to include golf in 1966 when it added The Rock Barn Club of Golf to its grounds. Today the club features two championship golf courses which have yielded praise from Golf Digest

Catawba Meadows Park Baseball, disc golf, multipurpose indoor, softball

With the Catawba River Greenway serving as a border, this multipurpose park is an ideally located hotspot for tournament planners. The park features five lighted Little League baseball fields, four lighted youth and adult softball and baseball fields, a field house with concessions, a disc golf course with 18 holes, an umpires and coaches meeting room and much more.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Downtown Hickory yields a fantastic community feel as you explore a bevy of local retail shops, locally owned restaurants and breweries, entertainment options, theatrical pursuits and a newly renovated downtown and a new city walk.

▶ Explore outdoors adventures by taking to the trails (bike, hike and more) and Lake Hickory with over 100 miles of shoreline.

VISIT HICKORY METRO

Sarah Davis Jones, CMP, TMP Director of Sales & Marketing 828-322-1335 sarah@hickorymetro.com www.visithickorymetro.com

▶ The SALT Block is a cultural art complex with four main buildings, including the historic Arts and Science Center, which also houses the Western Piedmont Symphony with auditorium seating for 400, the Aquarium and Planetarium building, the West Wing and the Patrick Beaver Memorial Library.

Photos By: Ernie Masche

Haywood County, NC

THIS LOVELY PORTION OF THE COUNTRY OFFERS A TRUE AUTHENTIC OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE FILLED WITH ADVENTURE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES AND UNIQUE EVENT LOCATIONS

Scan to discover more of what Visit NC Smokies offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“The NC Smokies is a great place for hosting our annual event. All of our participants enjoy staying in the mountains, exploring the national park and parkway. They especially love the fresh mountain air and open space.”

— Matthew Bounds, SOWO Partners

Best known for its 46 miles of scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Haywood County is also home to a variety of hiking trails and valleys in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering affordable accomodations with creekside access and spectacular views. Haywood County is comprised of five mountain towns— Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton, and Clyde.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Lake Junaluska

Golfing, fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, tennis Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, Lake Junaluska is a tranquil body of water that covers 200 acres amid a peaceful mountain setting. With 60,000 sq ft of meeting and event space in total and room for 2,000 overnight visitors the lake is ready to host your next event.

Maggie Valley Festival Grounds

Festivals, concerts, car shows, archery, grass volleyball, 3v3 soccer

The festival grounds, which reside in the heart of Maggie Valley is within walking distance of shopping, dining and lodging. This 8-acre fenced in facility includes a permanent stage, lights, restrooms and plenty of parking.

Smoky Mountain Event Center

Equestrian, dog competitions, cornhole, timber-sports, CrossFit, archery

The fairgrounds is comprised of two large

Blue Ridge Parkway

Maggie Valley

Lake Junaluska

exhibit halls, a covered regulation size arena, a livestock barn, 30 stalls and beautiful grounds with Smoky Mountain views, these versatile facilities will satisfy a range of needs. This facility is located next to Lake Junaluska and just minutes from both Waynesville and Maggie Valley.

Lake Logan Swimming, kayaking, cycling, fishing, running, festivals

Located in a pristine valley near the Blue Ridge Parkway, Lake Logan is a 300-acre sanctuary that houses lakeside cabins featuring decks with incredible views, fireplaces and kitchenettes. There is a permanent stage in the lower meadow and a large dining hall with meeting space.

Chestnut Mountain Nature Park Mountain Biking, cycling, trail running, hiking

This newly created 450-acre nature park is located in Canton. Berm Park is a Mountain

Bike complex with-in Chestnut Mountain and will feature 6,835 linear feet of trails! Additionally there will be over 15 miles of multi-use, hiking and biking trails when all phases of the plan are complete, spanning both the front country and backcountry.

Blue Ridge Parkway Cycling, hiking, trail running

The first national rural parkway to be designed for a leisure-type driving experience, the Blue Ridge Parkway’s varied topography and numerous vista points offer easy public access to spectacular views of Appalachian rural landscapes and forested mountains.

VISIT NC SMOKIES

Ben Wilder 828-944-0762 ben@visitncsmokies.com visitncsmokies.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ The most visited park in the country, Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses 522,419 acres and is internationally recognized for its mountains, waterfalls, biodiversity and forests.

▶ Considered by many to be America’s Favorite Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway passes beautiful topography and picturesque vista points.

▶ Dale’s Wheel Through Time Museum, in Maggie Valley, is home to the world’s premier collection of rare American motorcycles, memorabilia and a distinct array of unique American automobiles.

▶ Scenic Lake Junaluska is home to the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, which hosts a variety of events.

Haywood You Like To Hit The Trail?

Explore the outdoors in Haywood County’s five adventure-filled mountain towns of Canton, Clyde, Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, and Waynesville. From scenic mountain hikes to cascading waterfalls, swimming holes to trout fishing, there are outdoor adventures here for everyone.

Plan your adventure at VisitNCSmokies.com.

Winston-Salem, NC

WITH AN INCREDIBLE ARRAY OF SPORTS FACILITIES, WINSTON-SALEM IS A MUST-SEE DESTINATION OF THE SOUTH

Scan to discover more of what Visit Winston-Salem offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

A modern destination with a unique past, Winston-Salem combines history and culture in fun ways. Whether you’re strolling through heirloom gardens, sampling Moravian cookies or relaxing with a glass of North Carolina wine, Winston-Salem will have you looking forward to your next trip back. WinstonSalem was designated a “Runner Friendly Community” by the Road Runners Club of America.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

RISE Indoor Sports

Basketball, volleyball, training, soccer, cheer, gymnastics

Newly opened in 2021, RISE Indoor Sports is home to more than 123,000 square feet of flexible, programmable space including eight high school regulation basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts, 28,000-square-feet of sports indoor turf, 8,300-square-feet of Torque Performance and Fitness training, 6,000-square-feet of fitness and cardio space, concessions with indoor and outdoor dining, and onsite meeting rooms.

JDL Fast Track

Indoor track & field

This premium 105,000-square-foot facility is no stranger to prestige. Sporting a 200-meter oval track made of Mondotrack FTX surfaces, this complex has held multiple national championships since opening in 2012. Teams also have access to a 100-meter training track and an athletic trainer room. Hospitality suites await game day officials and coaches.

JDL Fast Track

Truist Sports Park

Lacrosse, soccer, field hockey, ultimate Truist Sports Park boasts 13 full-sized fields, including four artificial turf (450,000 total square feet) and 11 of which are lighted. The field house provides concessions, office facilities and a multi-purpose meeting room with multi-media, audiovisual and seating for 120. Spectators enjoy elevated viewing areas, including the 1,400-seat stadium field.

Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex and Education Buildings Hockey, wrestling, martial arts, gymnastics, archery

The Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex and Education Buildings encompass a roughly 70acre property minutes from downtown. This multi-purpose complex features over 55,000 square feet of programmable event space, including a 4,000-seat arena at the WinstonSalem Fairgrounds Annex, home to the Carolina Thunderbirds, a minor league hockey team.

Wake Forest University Tennis Complex Tennis, pickleball

Built as the home to the Wake Forest men’s and women’s tennis teams along with the ATP’s

Winston-Salem Open, the Wake Forest Tennis Center opened in the summer of 2011 as one of the finest facilities in all of college tennis. The state-of-the-art complex features 13 Deco-Turf II courts, the same court surface that is used at the US Open. The 64,000-square-foot indoor tennis center houses eight climate-controlled indirect-lighted Mondo-Ten tennis courts.

Truist Stadium Baseball

Truist Stadium is host to the Winston-Salem Dash, a Class-A advanced minor league affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. This downtown ballpark features 5,500 stadium-style seats, 16 luxurious suites on the Club Level, three concession stations, and a 200-foot LED outfield wall scoreboard with video and animation capabilities.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Enjoy a stroll through the Old Salem Museums & Gardens to tour dozens of 18th and 19th-century restored buildings.

▶ Winston-Salem’s award-winning, walkable downtown boasts more than 100 restaurants, shops, art galleries, and nightlife options. Find family-friendly fun at Roar, a 42,000-square-foot dining, entertainment, and event complex that recently opened in the Downtown Arts District.

▶ Tanglewood Park offers 1,100 acres of recreation space, complete with a BMX track, aquatic center, equine facilities, soft golf course, signature golf courses, gardens, and more than eight miles of mountain bike and multi-use trails.

VISIT WINSTON-SALEM

Paul Sheehan, STS Sports Development Manager 336-728-4215

Paul@VisitWinstonSalem.com visitwinstonsalem.com

▶ Tour the Reynolda Mile, a historic stretch of homes, gardens, shops, galleries and restaurants that comprise what was once the country estate of tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds and his wife Katharine.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Visit Winston-Salem not only met our expectations but exceeded them. From the bid process, hotel and venue negotiations, pre-event planning to event execution, they were with us from beginning to end, assisting us with whatever we needed. A truly great experience.”

Shigemoto, Director of Membership and Events, USA Judo

— Corinne

RISE Indoor Sports

Wake Forest University Tennis Complex

Truist Stadium

Greensboro, NC

WITH ITS FAMOUS GREENSBORO COLISEUM COMPLEX AND OTHER FACILITIES, GREENSBORO IS WILLING AND ABLE TO HOST ANY SPORTS TOURNAMENT THAT COMES ITS WAY

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

The city of Greensboro started out as the most important Quaker settlement in North Carolina and has continued to be steeped in history ever since. The city is also home to a variety of excellent sports facilities including the multifaceted Greensboro Coliseum Complex, the Greensboro Aquatic Center and Truist Stadium at NC A&T State University.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Greensboro Coliseum Complex Basketball, gymnastics, figure skating,

wrestling volleyball, roller derby, football

The Greensboro Coliseum Complex is a multibuilding facility with eight different venues that offer the unique opportunity to host nearly any sporting event one could imagine. The main staple, the Greensboro Coliseum, can seat anywhere from 4,500 –22,000 people depending on the need and has hosted NCAA and ACC Men’s and Women’s

basketball tournaments. Other venues within the complex include the Fieldhouse — a state-of-the-art structure that features a 30,000-square-foot, column-free area and currently houses the Greensboro Swarm NBA G League team—and the Special Events Center, a 167,000-square-foot space that include three exhibit halls.

The complex has hosted several ACC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments. Additionally, it was the host of the AAU Junior Olympic Games and the USA Gymnastics American Cup.

Greensboro Aquatic Center

Greensboro Aquatic Center

Swimming,

synchronized swimming,

diving and water polo

The Greensboro Aquatic Center (GAC) is a 105,323-square-foot facility with a long history of hosting national swimming meets. Located in the Greensboro Coliseum Complex and only one minute from the Greensboro Visitor Center, it offers plenty of lodging and eating options in the surrounding area. The Aquatic Center has five, seven and 10-meter diving boards and a 25-yard pool that can be transformed into 10 different configurations based on event needs. A new pool was constructed and opened in August 2019 that provides 19 additional lanes making the GAC the largest indoor aquatic facility in the country. In the past, the GAC has hosted the U.S. Synchronized Swimming 2012 Olympic Team trials, the 2012 U.S. Masters Swimming Spring National Championships and the 2019 USA FINA Synchronized American Open.

Truist Stadium at NC A&T State University Track and field, javelin, shot put, hammer/discus throwing areas

An IAAF-certified track, Truist Stadium at NC

A&T State University previously played host to the track and field component to the AAU Junior Olympic Games. Home of the NC A&T Aggies and capable of seating 23,000 spectators, it is a Mondo Super X Performance track with eight lanes as well as javelin and discus throwing areas. A newly constructed stadium press box offers state-of-the-art amenities.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Experience a zoo, aquarium and museum all in one day at Greensboro Science Center

▶ SKYWILD offers 60 different challenges aimed at giving you an inside look into animal movement and behavior among the trees. Waddle, leap, brachiate and crawl through a variety of zip lines, bridges and climbs.

GREENSBORO AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Brian Ambuehl, Sports Sales Manager 1-800-344-2282 bambuehl@visitgreensboronc.com www.VisitGreensboroNC.com

Kayla Adams, Sports Sales Manager 1-800-344-2282 kadams@visitgreensboronc.com www.VisitGreensboroNC.com

▶ Check out the 84-feet wide tsunami waves at Wet n’ Wild Emerald Pointe, one of North Carolina’s largest water parks.

▶ Get a glimpse of the world’s largest china shop at Replacements Ltd.

▶ Step back in time to the forefront of the civil rights movement with a visit to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“A heartfelt thank you to Henri Fourrier and our primary contact Brian Ambuehl at the Greensboro CVB office for seeing the incredible value in youth sports. From the very beginning, their insight and service have been a guiding force in NC AAU consistently growing our event base in the Gate City.”

Greensboro Coliseum Complex

Truist Stadium at NC A&T State University

— Sean Kilmartin, Governor, NC Amateur Athletic Union

Greenville, NC

SOUTHERN CHARM, A PASSION FOR SPORTS, AND A GROWING METROPOLITAN REGION MAKE THE EAST COAST’S EMERALD CITY

A SPORTS PLANNER’S DELIGHT

Greenville is mainly accessible from the east and west via Interstate 587 and easily accessible via I-95 from the north and south. About an hour and a half to the west of downtown Greenville is Raleigh-Durham International Airport, which offers domestic and international flights. For connections to and from Charlotte, local PittGreenville Airport offers flights via American Eagle.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

ECU’s North Recreational Complex Cross-country, disc golf, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, Ultimate Frisbee

Just 10 minutes from the East Carolina University campus, you’ll find a selection of versatile playing fields, all surrounding a quaint lake that makes for the perfect backdrop to any event. The North Recreational Complex features eight multipurpose fields including one championship field, along with walking and jogging trails. This is the perfect setting for cross-country, where runners can

follow any of the six trails or the 5k running route. The 18-hole disc golf course offers a unique layout, and the fields are a popular spot for Ultimate Frisbee, with invitational tournaments taking place throughout the year.

ECU

Sports Baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field,

volleyball

East Carolina University’s facilities are stateof-the-art and home to some exceptional collegiate talent. These same venues are also

Tar River View of Uptown Greenville

Aaron Hines/City of Greenville, NC

Scan to discover more of what Greenville-Pitt County Sports Commission offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

available for tournaments, meets, competitions, and other events that sports planners are putting together throughout the year. Be sure to check out the 50,000-seat, fully lit Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, home to the Pirates’ football program; the 8,000-seat ECU Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum for both basketball and volleyball games; Clark LeClair Baseball Stadium with a capacity of 5,000; and the 1,000-seat Stewart Johnson Soccer Stadium.

Greenville Convention Center Martial arts, gymnastics, dance, cheer, cornhole

Situated on 32 sprawling acres, the Greenville Convention Center Campus features over 91,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space, including a 57,000-square-foot convention center with 28-foot-high ceilings. Three on-site premiere hotels offer over 400 rooms, two restaurants and bars, indoor and outdoor pools, ample parking, shuttle service, on-site catering, and much more with an additional 1,700 rooms within five minutes of the campus. The Convention District is also convenient to lots of restaurants and retail shopping, and a just short drive to the Uptown and Dickinson Avenue Districts, as well as the Greenville Town Common on the beautiful Tar River.

Stallings Stadium Baseball, softball

Greenville has a strong connection to baseball, and in particular, Little League. Stallings Stadium at Elm Street Park is a premier choice when planning an event in the region, and is the current home of the Little League Softball® World Series. The stadium is also the permanent home to the Greenville Little League’s City Championship Series, and could be the site of your next big event! While players have been stepping up to the plate here since the 1950s, the stadium itself was completely renovated in 2012, making for a state-of-the-art experience. There are 234 stadium seats, 400 right field bleacher seats, and additional space for lawn seating – in all the stadium can seat around 1,000 spectators.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ The new NC Museum of Natural Sciences-Greenville campus on Dickinson Avenue offers STEM exhibits and activities for children and adults to explore nature, learn history and do science. The onsite The Art Lab incubator also offers visitors a chance to visit and shop with local artists while they work.

▶ Knee Deep Adventures and Riverside Recreation are watercraft outfitters who rent out kayaks and standup paddleboards so you can navigate the Tar River and explore the forests at a leisurely pace.

GREENVILLE-PITT COUNTY SPORTS COMMISSION

Ce’Nedra Dillard, Sports Sales Assistant 252-329-4200 cdillard@greenvillenc.gov www.visitgreenvillenc.com/sports

▶ For another peaceful getaway, check out River Park North, a 324 acre park with outdoor fun for everyone.

▶ Treat your sweet tooth at Simply Natural Creamery & Jersey Farm in Ayden where there are ice cream sundaes and cones galore.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Hosting the 2022 Little League Softball World Series at its new home in Greenville for the second year was truly an amazing experience both on and off the field, not only for all the participants and volunteers, but also for all the communities that made the trip to support their teams. We look forward to returning in 2023 as we continue to find new ways to provide life-long memories to girls.”

— Demiko Ervin, Director of Urban Initiative, Little League Baseball & Softball®

ECU’s North Recreational Complex

Tae Kwon Do at Greenville Convention Center

ECU Sports

Mooresville, NC

LOCATED 25 MILES NORTH OF CHARLOTTE ON BEAUTIFUL LAKE NORMAN WITH EXCEPTIONAL SPORTS VENUES AND ATTRACTIONS OFF THE FIELD TO MAKE ANY EVENT ONE THEY WILL LOOK FORWARD TO EVERY YEAR

Scan to discover more of what Visit Mooresville offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“It has genuinely been such a pleasure to work with Leah Mitcham and the rest of the Mooresville CVB. From the beginning stages of planning the tournament to the final stages of the execution, they have been so helpful, organized, and knowledgeable which made our job as the event provider easy and enjoyable.”

— Lorraine Childs, Vice President of Event Operations, NXTsports Inc.

If you are looking for the ideal tournament host, Mooresville should be at the top of your list. With exceptional sports venues, picture perfect climate and skilled, seasoned staff your event will be in the elite category among coaches, players, and parents.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Rent jet skis, paddle boards or kayaks or test your balance wake surfing to enjoy the state’s largest manmade lake. Hike or bike the 30 miles of trails at Lake Norman State Park

▶ Find your need for speed at the GoPro Motorplex, a kart racetrack modeled after a famous track in Italy or visit the Lazy 5 Ranch, a drive-thru safari where you can feed the animals from your car.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Talbert Recreation Center

Basketball, wrestling, volleyball, gymnastics, martial arts

This 26,000-square-foot facility offers two regulation basketball courts and has hosted basketball, gymnastics, martial arts and wrestling events.

Edgemoor Park Tennis

This state-of-the-art tennis facility offers seven lighted courts, including a championship court with bleachers and a hitting wall. Edgemoor also has free Wi-Fi, a state-of-the-art playground and two shelter areas. Edgemoor Park has hosted numerous USTA events.

Mazeppa Park

Baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse

This sports complex features a regulationsized baseball field, three softball fields

with portable pitching mounds and 300 foot fences and lights. Six full size soccer fields, four are artificial turf and two are grass and all six have lights. Mazeppa Park also features a 5-mile mountain bike trail.

Cornelius Road Park

Softball, baseball, tennis, lacrosse, soccer

Cornelius Road Park features four baseball and softball fields with dirt infields, portable pitching mounds and 250 foot fences. The park also contains three multipurpose fields for lacrosse and soccer. Six lighted tennis courts, a disc golf course and a walking trail round out this facility.

VISIT MOORESVILLE

Leah Mitcham Executive Director

704-799-2400

leah@visitmooresville.com visitmooresville.com

Talbert Recreation Center

Mazeppa Park

Cabarrus County, NC

ONE OF THE TOP MOTORSPORT DESTINATIONS IN THE COUNTRY, CABARRUS COUNTY ALSO FEATURES PLENTY OF GREAT RESTAURANTS, VENUES AND ATTRACTIONS

Scan to discover more of what Visit Cabarrus offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“The Team at Cabarrus County CVB have been amazing to work with. With each of our events in Cabarrus County, they have been more than helpful and accommodating from start to finish. Cabarrus County CVB is among the best support team we deal with in the country.”

— Kevin Williams, President

Cabarrus County is famous for its high-energy racing scene, but you don’t have to be a motorsports enthusiast to take advantage of all that this scenic region has to offer. Why not choose a destination for your next sports event or tournament in a place where you can make memories on and off the field?

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶

Cabarrus is home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway and several NASCAR racing teams.

▶ Concord Mills Mall is where visitors can get plenty of shopping done with a number of popular brands and stores to choose from including Adidas, Aeropostale, Coach and Forever 21.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

West Cabarrus Turf Complex

Brand new and game-day ready

West Cabarrus High School Turf Complex is home to three new turf fields including one stadium and two practice fields. Ready for competition, all fields feature T°Cool® evaporative cooling technology and are equipped with lights. These versatile fields are lined for soccer, football, and tic-marked for lacrosse. With three additional stadium fields, Cabarrus County offers a total of six turf fields. All include the same features and are located near each other as well as top attractions and hotels.

Carolina Courts

Basketball, volleyball, pickleball

Carolina Courts is Charlotte’s premier basketball, volleyball and pickleball facility. This massive indoor facility features 48,000 square feet of available space for various sporting tournaments and event needs. The facility can host large basketball and

pickleball tournaments as it features seven full-size basketball courts and 17 possible pickleball courts.

Cabarrus Arena & Events Center

Consumer shows, sporting

events

Cabarrus Arena & Events Center in Concord is one of the best places to host events in the county. This huge arena can host wrestling events, badminton tournaments, taekwondo matches and even indoor volleyball tournaments. The facility has more than 140,000 square feet and hosts more than 150 events on nearly 300 event days each year.

VISIT CABARRUS

John Poole

704-456-7968

johnpoole@explorecabarrus.com www.explorecabarrus.com

Cabarrus Arena

West Cabarrus Turf Complex

Alamance County, NC

ALAMANCE COUNTY WELCOMES SPORTS LOVERS WITH OUTSTANDING FACILITIES IN A DISTRICT THAT BOASTS A HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Scan to discover more of what Alamance County

Visitors Bureau offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Burlington/Alamance County

offers sports enthusiasts many opportunities for indoor and outdoor fun and excitement. This charming part of North Carolina, with its beautiful parks and natural areas nestled between Greensboro and Durham, features outstanding sports and recreation facilities perfect for hosting baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, BMX events and more.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Springwood Park

Baseball, softball, soccer, walking, golf, disc golf

The 78-acre gem sits nestled in the suburbs of Burlington in Guilford County. The park features regulation fields for baseball, softball and soccer, two concession/restroom buildings, two picnic shelters available to rent, a playground, a walking track and disc golf. The Springwood Players’ Course is an 18-hole, championship level disc golf course. It includes a six hole Rookie Run for beginners and for family fun.

Mebane Soccer Complex Soccer

This lovely complex is a fabulous place to host a soccer tournament. Mebane consists of two full-size 11 v 11 soccer fields and two smaller fields used for small-sided games. All fields have Musco field lighting for night use. Concessions and restrooms are also available.

Mebane Baseball Complex

Baseball, softball, football, track

A perfect place to host a baseball or softball tournament, the Mebane Baseball Complex

City Park

Mebane Baseball Complex

Springwood Park

includes four baseball/softball fields, one football field, a grass walking track, playground, two shelters, concessions and restrooms.

City Park Baseball, softball

The flagship of the Burlington Parks system, City Park is home to five athletic fields, an amusement area featuring an extensive playground and courtyard and the Historical Dentzel Carousel, a walking track, 12 lighted tennis courts, a year-round aquatics facility, Thataways Youth Center, a state-of-the-art youth center, three enclosed shelters with grills, two open air shelters with grills, picnic tables throughout the park, a peaceful stream which winds its way through the park, and a greenway. Throughout the spring and summer, the park comes alive with baseball and softball tournaments, and many special events. The park is located one mile from Downtown Burlington.

Cedarock Park Disc golf

This picturesque locale is a 500-acre park in the foothills of the Cane Creek Mountain Range. It is one of the largest county operated parks in the state and is a great place for disc golf tournaments. Improvements over the last few years included new signage at both courses as well as new scorecards for each course. In addition, concrete tee pads have been installed on the Cedarock Course and the Wellspring Course.

ALAMANCE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU

Grace VandeVisser

Executive Director

Burlington/Alamance County CVB

800-637-3804 / 336-570-1444

grace@visitalamance.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

Cedarock Park is a 500-acre nature preser ve that has six miles of equestrian trails and a historical farm restored to the late 1800s. The beautiful scenery that is the park makes for a great place to spend time outdoors enjoying the two fishing ponds, a waterfall, gazebos, and picnic shelters.

Tanger Outlets in Mebane is an excellent place to do some shopping, featuring a variety of brand-name and designer outlet stores.

Alamance Arts is all about portraying the cultural identity of Alamance County through art. They offer exhibits, community classes, special events, programs, and trips to surrounding museums and more.

burlington Mebane

Nash-Rocky Mount, NC

NASH–ROCKY MOUNT IS YOUR PREMIER DESTINATION FOR FIRST-CLASS SPORTS EVENTS AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURE IN THE TAR HEEL STATE.

Scan to discover more of what Rocky Mount Sports Complex, Rocky Mount Event Center, and Nash County Recreation & Senior Services offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Nash-Rocky Mount is easily accessible by both land and air. If you’re flying in, Raleigh-Durham International Airport is located 60 miles to the west and primarily serves the Raleigh, Durham and the Research Triangle region of North Carolina. If you’re driving, Interstate-95 runs through the heart of the county to the west of Rocky Mount, while U.S. Route 64 runs east and west on the way to or from Raleigh.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Rocky Mount Sports Complex

Soccer, baseball, softball, disc golf, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, football

Nash-Rocky Mount’s leading sports facility, Rocky Mount Sports Complex is dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service by offering first-class facilities, outstanding staff and a professional level of maintenance. This 143-acre facility is home to an assortment of recreational programming. The complex includes six

youth baseball fields, four interchangeable baseball and softball fields, one championship baseball field, eight soccer/lacrosse fields, a football field, a professional disc golf course, two outdoor basketball courts, outdoor volleyball courts and a walking trail.

Rocky Mount Event Center

Cheerleading, dance, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, pickleball

Located on Main Street in Downtown Rocky Mount, this 165,000 square feet state-ofthe-art facility is host to headlining sporting

Rocky Mount Event Center

Rocky Mount Sports Complex

Rocky Mount Athletic Stadium

events all year long. It features 8 basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, 4 locker rooms, an option of a 50’ x 94’ master event space, and spectator seating for 4,000+. The Event Center also houses the Gameday Adventure & Arcade, which includes climbing walls, an aerial ropes course, configurable banquet rooms, and in-house catering. In total, the Rocky Mount Event Center welcomes over 100,000 visitors and athletes per year.

Rocky Mount Athletic Stadium Football

Part of Rocky Mount Sports Complex, Rocky Mount Athletic Stadium seats more than 5,000 spectators and features a natural grass playing field, team field house, large press box and elevated coaching areas. It also has a private locker room.

Nash County Miracle Park at Coopers Baseball, softball

Opened in 2021! It has two 225’ baseball fields and two 300’ softball fields spread across 46.5 acres. This park also has a state

of the art All Inclusive playground, two soccer fields, two basketball courts and a walking trail.

ROCKY MOUNT SPORTS COMPLEX

Lynn Driver

Sports Complex Supervisor 252-467-6483 lynn.driver@rockymountnc.gov rockymountsportscomplex.com

ROCKY MOUNT EVENT CENTER

Keorra Taylor

Event Coordinator 252-366-8521 rmeceventsales@sportsfacilities.com www.rockymountevents.com www.sportadvisory.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ The Imperial Center for Arts and Sciences gives you a close-up look at alligator and crocodile skulls, while its galleries feature more than 400 works or art from around North Carolina.

▶ Explore the region’s only beer incubator and tour seven oncampus breweries at Rocky Mount Mills

▶ Catch a live show at The Rocky Mount Event Center or hike the walking trails at City Lake on your quest to find an exotic waterfowl.

▶ All of your boating and fishing needs can be met with a trip to Tar River Reservoir

NASH

COUNTY

RECREATION & SENIOR SERVICES

Thomas Gillespie, Parks & Recreation Director, CPRP, CYSA 252-462-2685 Thomas.Gillespie@nashcountync.gov

Only one sports destination offers the quintessential Carolina Coastal Experience. Riverside marathon runs. Surf and SUP competitions. Diverse venues and events held in our historic riverfront town and island beaches, plus good weather year-round. Authentic, refreshing, energizing and rewarding – everything you need to host a memorable sports event all in one place.

Discover fresh possibilities on the best of the Carolina Coast SportsWilmington.com | 800.650.9064

Begin your Championship experience in South Carolina!

South Carolina IS the perfect fit for your professional, amateur, or collegiate sporting event!

South Carolina is Just Right for Champions. We’re just right for soccer games, baseball tournaments, golf championships and tennis playoffs. And let’s not forget about football, basketball and the awesome mud run challenges, cycling events and fishing tournaments.

Courts, fields, fisheries, and courses…we have it all!

The Palmetto State has played host to regional, national, and worldwide organizations including the PGA Tour, NCAA, Women’s Tennis Association, Bassmaster, American Softball Association, USA Cycling and so many more. Whether your event is small or large, professional, or amateur, the members of the South Carolina Sports Alliance (SCSA) are committed to helping you create an atmosphere where your sporting event can achieve the highest levels of success.

From the deep forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the beautiful beaches of the Grand Strand, South Carolina’s diverse landscapes promise a memorable escape to the great outdoors. Our charming small towns, coastal cities and inland areas offer a unique setting for indoor and outdoor sports. With award-winning restaurants, affordable accommodations and plenty of exciting attractions to keep athletes, families and spectators entertained, we can deliver an unforgettable experience. Did we mention the unrivaled southern hospitality our visitors are certain to receive? You just might want to come back for your vacation!

Start planning your event in South Carolina today. Our team is ready to assist you in planning a winning event that your participants won’t forget.

Sincerely, Neil Paul, President discoversouthcarolina.com/sports-alliance

2020 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Bon Secours Wellness Center

Photo courtesy of Visit Greenville

ON THE COVER: Coastal Carolina University wins 2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship.

Photo courtesy of Dalton Tumblin

Annual Myrtle Beach Invitational Division I basketball tournament

Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Area Sports Alliance

Explore South Carolina’s Abundant Outdoor Activities

Rendezvous to the lakes, beaches and green spaces for a dose of fresh air and Mother Nature

By Heather Dale

Whisk your family or the whole team away from the hotel for unforgettable memories during your downtime in the alluring South Carolina wilderness. The state consists of three distinct regions – the Atlantic Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Blue Ridge provinces. Possibilities are endless with every type of outdoor endeavor imaginable spanning more than 32,000 square miles of subtropical land and seascapes from the mountains to the ocean.

MYRTLE BEACH

With 60 miles of vibrant coastline teeming with natural amenities, Myrtle Beach provides endless outdoor recreations

to explore in between sporting events. Anglers can cast their lines on or offshore on charter boats navigated by professional sea captains. Kayak or canoe through the Intracoastal waterway, scuba dive, wakeboard, water ski, go on a speed boat adventure, take a river or sailboat tour or go surfing. Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park offer an array of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to camping on the beach and fishing from the scenic pier.

BEAUFORT

Comb the pristine beaches of Beaufort, Port Royal and The Sea Islands for ocean treasures while soaking up the warm sun. Visit Hunting Island State Park and explore

seashells and driftwood or hike the network of maritime nature trails. From the easygoing quartermile Lighthouse Nature Trail to the moderately strenuous 2.3-mile Diamondback Rattlesnake Trail, there’s one for every skill level. Rent a kayak and discover the salt marshes and postcardlike coastline, learn about local wildlife and paddle with dolphins in the warm, shimmering waters.

FLORENCE

Florence provides a network of trails for biking and hiking and offers adventures for every ability. Explore the Revolutionary Rivers trail by kayak, go for a three-hour guided moonlit paddle or an overnight paddle and camp along the shores. Head to the High Hill Creek Bike & Run Park and discover four miles of well-maintained trails. Lynches River

County Park spans an impressive 676 acres and provides endless outdoor recreation, including geocaching (a modernday techy treasure hunt), a treetop canopy complete with a swinging bridge, picnic areas, a softball field, a basketball court and plenty of green spaces.

COLUMBIA

The South Carolina capital of Columbia hosts beautiful Lake Murray and Congaree National Park and is an ideal place to enjoy the great outdoors. Venture through South Carolina’s only national park consisting of massive old-growth hardwoods (the only remaining in the U.S.) on a picturesque boardwalk that meanders through the unique ecosystem. Canoe or kayak down the Broad, the Congaree or the Saluda River with the pros from Adventure Carolina or Carolina Outdoor Adventures. Try paddleboarding or rend a paddleboat on Lake Murray.

SPARTANBURG

Spartanburg is a hub for outdoor amusement and casual activities. Breathe the fresh air at numerous parks and green spaces, including Cleveland Park, Croft State Park, Duncan Park, the Glendale Shoals Preserve and the Hatcher Garden Public Botanical Garden & Woodland Preserve, to name a few. The town is also home to many family-friendly scenic amenities like Village Greens Golf Club, Woodfin Ridge Golf Club, Greer Country Club and Heddles Hideaway Country

Visit the horses at Motlow Creek Equestrian Center or Cannon Equine Instruction.

GREENVILLE

Take in the breathtaking panorama after you hike the 3,124-foot Table Rock summit and view 13,000 miles of sprawling Table Rock State Park. The nearby geologic wonder, Caesars Head State Park, touts South Carolina’s tallest waterfall. Glimpse the striking ancient rock outcroppings and a 2,000-foot sheer drop that is part of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, both instrumental in creating the magnificent falls. Rent electric bicycles from Pedego Electric Bikes Greenville and take a fantastic scenic journey along the 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail.

ANDERSON

Located on scenic Lake Hartwell, Anderson is an angler’s and a boater’s paradise. Sadlers Creek State Park is a 395-acre peninsula that protrudes into Lake Hartwell where you can take a sightseeing hike and view native wildlife and folks enjoying water sports. The Saluda River Ramblers will take your group on a kayak adventure down the pristine Saluda River teeming with abundant wildlife like turtles, Great Blue Heron, Kingfishers, otters and more. With three lakes to choose from, fishing opportunities are endless.

South Carolina’s temperate climate and abundant natural resources make it the ideal place for outdoor exploration. Consisting of freshwater lakes, gorgeous beaches, jawdropping cliffs and waterfalls, and numerous state parks and preserves brimming with wildlife, the Palmetto State invites your group to explore its splendor.

Photo courtesy of Sam Dean/OneSpartanburg

Paddle and overnight on the Revolutionary Rivers Trail.

Photo courtesy of Florence Convention & Visitors Bureau

For big games, nothing beats Myrtle Beach. Our world-class facilities can accommodate any tournament or event. With countless attractions and more than 2,000 restaurants to fuel the fun, The Beach is ideal for athletes of all ages – and their families, too.

Scan to plan your sporting event.

MyrtleBeachSports.com

Championship Sports Thrive in South Carolina

Top-level collegiate events are no stranger to South Carolina Sports Alliance members

By Dave Bodle

On any given day during the school year, collegiate athletics are being played on South Carolina college and university campus fields and venues. The list of conference and national championship banners and trophies displayed at the Palmetto State colleges and universities is impressive.

However, when it comes time for conference and NCAA championships, that’s when the members of the South Carolina Sports Alliance do their thing. Check out what’s going on from the upstate to the coast.

SPARTANBURG

Through 2025, there are already 16 championship events scheduled.

Carolina Cup (Golf): “This is a distinctly unique college tournament where not only will golfers play in the NCAA Division I scheduled event, but they will also have the opportunity to network with business executives and influencers,” Robin English, tournament director, said.

Conference Carolinas Cross Country: “We are excited to be able to bring our Cross-Country Championships

University of South Carolina Upstate and OneSpartanburg partner to host the NCAA Cross Country Championship.

Photo courtesy of OneSpartanburg

to one of the elite facilities in the region,” Conference Carolinas Commissioner Chris Colvin said. “We always appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with OneSpartanburg, Inc.,” he continued.

NCAA Cross Country: “We are thrilled to partner with OneSpartanburg, Inc. to bring this prestigious event to Spartanburg,” said USC Upstate Director of Athletics Daniel Feig.

GREENVILLE

Bon Secours Wellness Arena and Visit Greenville CVB know NCAA Division 1 Basketball.

NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship: The 2023 Championship regional rounds will move to a two-host format with eight teams competing in Greenville, March 24-27, 2023.

2022 March Madness: Greenville hosted the first two rounds of the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball tournament.

ANDERSON

NCAA Division II does it a little different, but it works.

“Anderson University is a Division II university competing in the South Atlantic Conference. NCAA Division II operates their NCAA Regional Championship events differently than their Division I Championships in that a ‘host’ university, through a bid process, can host a particular NCAA Division II Regional based on their participation and ranking in the event,” said Neil Paul, executive director, Visit Anderson.

FLORENCE

Hosting a college tennis championship April 21-23, 2023 at the Dr. Eddie Floyd Florence Tennis Center, a premier South Carolina facility is a natural.

Conference Carolinas Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championship: “Conference Carolinas has worked with the Florence Area Sports Council for numerous Championships and they have gone above and beyond in every way possible,” Chris Colvin, Conference Carolina commissioner stated.

MYRTLE BEACH

With great facilities and a dedicated sports team to serve organizers it’s easy to see why Myrtle Beach is a favorite.

Myrtle Beach Invitational: An annual Division I early season basketball tournament held the week before Thanksgiving each year at Coastal Carolina University’s HTC Arena.

Myrtle Beach Bowl Game: Held each December at Coastal Carolina University’s Brooks Stadium, the Myrtle Beach Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events and features teams from the Sun Belt, Conference USA and MAC Conferences.

Conference Carolinas Spring Championships: Held in April in 2023 and 2024, the Conference Carolinas Spring Championships will take place at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium and Ashley Booth Field in the City of Myrtle Beach and feature the Men’s & Women’s Track & Field Championships and Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse Championships.

GEORGETOWN

120 college and university teams compete on Winyah Bay. 2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. Coastal CarolinaUniversity bests 120 teams to win the championship.

December’s Myrtle Beach Bowl on the campus of Coastal Carolina University.

Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Regional Sports

NCAA Division II Regional Volleyball on the campus of Anderson University

Photo courtesy of Visit Anderson

Columbia, SC

A STORIED COLLEGE SPORTS TOWN, COLUMBIA IS HOME TO ENJOYABLE ATTRACTIONS AND STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES

Scan to discover more of what Experience Columbia SC Sports offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

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.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Williams-Brice Stadium Football

Opened in 1934 and renovated most recently in 2020, Williams-Brice Stadium is the home of the University of South Carolina football team. The storied stadium, nicknamed “The Cock Pit,” holds more than 77,500 people and has hosted some of the most thrilling (and loudest) games in college football history. Williams-Brice may be a football fan’s dream venue, of course, but it is also popular with concert-goers. Past performers have included Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, U2,

Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones and, most recently, Beyonce and Jay-Z. Want even more variety? The stadium hosted Pope John Paul II during a 1987 Papal visit to Columbia.

Colonial Life Arena Basketball

One of South Carolina’s most impressive multi-use arenas, Colonial Life is an 18,000seat 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

Williams-Brice Stadium

have been highly successful in recent NCAA tournaments. It hosted first- and second-round NCAA men’s basketball tournament games in March of 2019. Beyond basketball, Colonial Life Arena has held concerts by the likes of Billy Joel, Elton John, and Bruce Springsteen. Overall, this is a top-notch, multi-surface facility that regularly hosts some of the most exciting events the state has to offer.

Segra Park Baseball

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 in April of that year. 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. Inside the stadium, the Club Lounge has space for 500 guests, while the Broad River Balcony looks out onto the field and can hold as many as 120 people. There are also batting cages that accommodate 20 guests per hour and a large conference room located just off the concourse.

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 championsized stadium court with a viewing capacity for 500 spectators. The 11,000 sq. ft. clubhouse on site offers the perfect spot to kick back and celebrate after a long day of play.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Learn about more than 4,200 species of native and exotic plants and check out the 2,000-plus animals at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

▶ The South Carolina State Museum features a digital dome planetarium, 4D interactive theater and four floors of fascinating exhibits.

▶ Explore the internationally renowned gallery at the Columbia Museum of Art.

▶ Originally built in 1855, the South Carolina State House is a great place to learn about the state’s past.

EXPERIENCE COLUMBIA SC SPORTS

Scott Powers, Executive Director 803-545-0009 spowers@experiencecolumbiasc.com www.ColumbiaSCsports.com

▶ Hop on a boat to traverse the 650 miles of shoreline over at Lake Murray

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Experience Columbia SC and Experience Columbia SC Sports were phenomenal partners with us throughout the conception, bid process and ultimately the execution of the Battle at BullStreet. We look forward to continuing our partnership for the Battle at BullStreet 2.0 scheduled for March, 2022.”

— John Katz, President, Columbia Fireflies

Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center

Segra Park

Colonial Life Arena

Spartanburg, SC

SOFTBALL AND TRACK AND FIELD FACILITIES HIGHLIGHT A SOUTH CAROLINA CITY THAT HOSTS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Scan to discover more of what Visit Spartanburg offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Spartanburg, at the intersection of Interstates 85 and 26, is within an easy driving distance from major Southern cities like Atlanta, Birmingham, Jacksonville, Charlotte, Richmond, and more. And (GSP) Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport’s major airlines bring flights from across the U.S. to our back yard.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Jerry Richardson Indoor Arena Basketball, volleyball

Opened in 2017, the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium is a 123,000-square-foot facility that includes a 3,400-seat basketball arena and a 500-seat volleyball competition venue. This facility replaced Benjamin Johnson Arena and serves as the home for women’s basketball, men’s basketball and volleyball at Wofford College. The facility has a seating capacity for non-athletics functions, such as commencement and concerts, of 4,500.

Upward Sports Star Center Soccer, basketball, volleyball

Upward Sports recently opened the Upward Star Center, a 120,000-square-foot indoor facility equipped with two regulation-size artificial soccer fields and up to four grass multipurpose fields as well as six basketball courts, 12 full-sized volleyball courts, four lighted sand volleyball courts. This union facility features seven meeting rooms and can host an event of roughly 3,000 people indoors and 8,000 people outdoors. This massive facility is conveniently located 10 minutes from over 3,000 hotel rooms.

Jerry Richardson Indoor Arena

Tyger River Park

Softball, baseball

Tyger River Park, one of the South’s premier baseball and softball tournament complexes, features 12 youth baseball/ softball fields arranged in convenient fourfield clusters, a championship stadium seating 600 people and with unmatched site amenities, clubhouse, concession areas, umpire changing rooms, lounge, VIP Suite, wireless internet, covered seating, two playgrounds and flat-screen TVs at each pod. Located 15 miles from downtown, Tyger River Park has hosted the 2015 USSSA Global Sports Baseball World Series, 2015 ASA/USA Girl’s 18 U Class A National World Series and 2015 NSA Girls Fast-Pitch Class B World Series, among other events. All fields are dirt and irrigated. Eight fields have permanent fences at 275 feet, two fields have permanent fences at 220 feet and two fields have permanent fences at 260 feet. The stadium field has a permanent 300-foot fence. Ample parking and restroom facilities are available.

Spartanburg Viking Track Track and field

The Viking Track features world-class MondoTrack FTX surface, the same track surface that was used in the Beijing Olympic Games and the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Valencia. This premium, custom-made track has increased the optimal traction and contact area due to the irregular size and shape of the tessellation pattern and has been designed to provide the best traction between track and spikes and for a greater contact area than other track systems. This improves the athletes’ grip and performance. The track facility contains eight world-class lanes, Lynx MVP fully automatic timing system, two jump pits, pole vault and high jump areas.

VISIT SPARTANBURG

Kristyn Hawkins

Director of Sports Tourism Development 864-594-5000 khawkins@onespartanburginc.com www.visitspartanburg.com/sports

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ From delicious dining and unique boutiques in Downtown Spartanburg, to incredible outdoor experiences like Croft State Park and the adrenalinepumping BMW Performance Center, there’s plenty to see and do once you get off the field or court.

▶ Explore the Spartanburg Science Center where you’ll learn about everything from robotics to ecology and unleash your inner architect at the LEGO™ Building Zone.

▶ Pick your own in-season fruits, navigate through a corn maze, go on a wagon ride and enjoy other fun seasonal activities at Strawberry Hill USA.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Spartanburg has built an exceptional facility that provides fans and teams with everything that they could dream of and more. This is truly one of the premier complexes in the United States.”

— Chris Sebren, Director of Championships, USASoftball

Upward Sports Star Center

Spartanburg Viking Track

Tyger River Park

Myrtle Beach, SC

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

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, 86 golf courses, multi-sport indoor and outdoor facilities and more.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

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 $12.4 million facility includes eight basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, a café and retail area and a large multiscreen video wall. The center has 2,000 bleacher seats that can be reconfigured for various sports.

Myrtle Beach Convention Center

Basketball, volleyball, pickleball, archery, cheer, gymnastics, wrestling

Covering 250,000-square-feet, 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. If you’re not looking to host a tournament, then utilize the venue for trade shows and national meetings. The venue is within walking distance of Broadway at

CROWNED AS ONE OF SOUTH CAROLINA’S TOP DESTINATIONS, MYRTLE BEACH WILL BRING YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED AND MORE WHEN IT COMES TO ORGANIZING AN INDOOR OR OUTDOOR TOURNAMENT

John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center

the Beach, one of the area’s premier shopping and entertainment destinations.

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. The NMB Sports Complex is set to expand and will add additional rectangle fields, 6 more diamonds and a new family entertainment center.

Ned Donkle Complex Baseball, softball

Featuring seven fields with natural grass playing surfaces, the Ned Donkle Complex is widely considered one of the best youth baseball and softball complexes in the country. The facility has two adult and five youth fields, as well as batting cages, restrooms, concessions and press boxes. The Complex is located very close to Pepper Geddings Recreation Center and Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium.

TicketReturn.com Field Baseball, concerts, events

TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark is home to the area’s minor league baseball team, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Holding up to 6,599 fans in its stands, or up to 10,000 with playing field seating, the stadium offers a unique, memorable space that is perfect for any crowd. Numerous facility options, a full-service catering team, easy on-site parking and more make TicketReturn.com Field a great venue for a wide variety of events.

Grand Park Athletic Complex Baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball

Located at the beautiful Market Common, this facility 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.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Ride the waves at Myrtle Waves Waterpark, offering more than 30 water slides.

▶ In the heart of Myrtle Beach, the Funplex has seven thrilling amusement park rides that are suitable for all ages as well as a bar and restaurant.

▶ Pet stingrays, see a mermaid show and learn about marine life at Ripley’s Aquarium

▶ Find a souvenir at Tanger Outlet malls and specialty shopping at Broadway at the Beach

▶ Discover the more than 600 fine art events each year.

MYRTLE BEACH SPORTS COMMISSION

Jonathan Paris, Executive Director 843-916-7264

jonathan.paris@visitmyrtlebeach.com www.myrtlebeachsports.com

▶ Reach new heights at the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel located on the 1.2mile Boardwalk.

▶ Enjoy the natural beauty of Brookgreen Gardens, or explore the Conway Riverwalk.

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. Parents use our events as a vacation while getting a chance to watch their child play in a national championship.”

— John Whitley National Travel Basketball Association

Grand Park Athletic Complex

TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark Myrtle Beach Convention Center

Beaufort-Port Royal, SC

Scan to discover more of what Greater Beaufort Area Sports Council offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

With scenic views at every turn, Beaufort is any golf enthusiast’s dream location with multiple courses. Fripp Island Resort, Dataw Island Club and the Legends at Parris Island are just three of the big names offering up unique, challenging holes. Beaufort’s Waterfront Park provides even more excitement for the whole family with fishing ops, dragon boat races and more. Also, Burton Wells Park provides 300 acres of space for team sports like baseball, basketball and soccer.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶

Take a guided tour through historic downtown and the Point by foot, horse-drawn carriage or van with one of the local tour services.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Burton Wells Park and Recreation Center

Baseball, basketball, fishing, softball, tennis, soccer, lacrosse

The Burton Wells Park encompasses a 300acre recreational complex that features three baseball and softball complexes, a community recreation center with basketball, racquetball and tennis courts. Passive use facilities, picnic areas, walking and nature trails, lakes and an interpretive botanical garden. The park routinely hosts baseball and softball tournaments as well as soccer and lacrosse.

Fripp Island Resort Golf

Fripp Island is home to a pair of glorious golf destinations in the Ocean Point and Ocean Creek courses, both at Fripp Island Resort. Set against the lively backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean on 10 of its 18 holes, Ocean Point offers sweeping vistas designed by George Cobb.

Located on the south end of the island, the Ocean Creek course provides panoramic views of the Great Salt Marsh and freshwater lakes, while rolling dunes make for challenging play.

Dataw Island Club

Golf, tennis, croquet

Dataw Island epitomizes Lowcountry golf, where two 18-hole courses take full advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings. Traverse grounds covered in live oaks that date back hundreds of years as well as Civil War-era ruins. The Cotton Dike course was renovated in 2011 and features emerald fields and fairways with a winding creek.

BEAUFORT AREA SPORTS COUNCIL

Daquan Mickens Sales Manager 843-525-8529 sports@beaufortsc.org www.beaufortsc.org/sports

HISTORIC LANDMARKS & HOMES, NATURAL FOLIAGE, MAGNIFICENT GOLF COURSES AND OUR COASTAL CHARM WELCOMES YOU TO SCENIC BEAUFORT ON PORT ROYAL ISLAND

Burton Wells Park

Dataw Island Club

Anderson, SC

WITH BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR SPACES AND EXCELLENT FACILITIES, ANDERSON IS A PERFECT SPORTS DESTINATION

Scan to discover more of what Visit Anderson offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Working with the staff at Visit Anderson and Anderson County on the recent Dixie Youth Baseball World Series was a tremendous experience for our staff and participants. Our staff was blown away by the organization and hospitality provided by the staff Visit Anderson. They left no stone unturned. The level of hospitality we saw extended beyond our staff and participants to the families and spectators.”

— Jay Bennett, Deputy Director Dixie Youth Baseball

Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center

Nestled between the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the welcoming shores of Lake Hartwell, Anderson has a rich history and a welcoming personality. Within this county of about 200,000, you’ll find working farms, museums, gorgeous golf courses, marinas and plenty of cultural sites. Anderson is also home to many dining options. No matter what your taste, you can find a restaurant to satisfy your hunger.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶

The Bart Garrison Agricultural Museum of South Carolina is home to exhibits that focus not only on the history of agriculture, but how that legacy affects modern and future agricultural practices and healthy living.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Green Pond Landing & Event Center

Fishing

The legendary Green Pond Landing & Event Center is a state-of-the-art recreational facility that is one of America’s finest fishing tournament venues. Green Pond hosted the Bassmaster Classic in 2015, 2018 and 2022. In just its first seven years, it has already hosted $100 million in fishing tournaments, including three Bassmaster Classics.

Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center

Rodeo, Walking, Hiking

The 300-acre Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center plays host to concerts, sporting events, tournaments, festivals, trade shows, community meetings and more. The ASEC complex is also home to hundreds of acres of public park, plus playgrounds and miles of walking trails.

Civic Center of Anderson Trade shows

This 37,000+ square-foot state-of-theart multi-use facility provides a Conference Center, exhibition hall, entertainment arena and much more. The front Ballroom portion of the building provides a conference center atmosphere suitable for business meetings, conferences, conventions, receptions, and banquets for groups varying in size from 100 to 1,000. The Ballroom area, all 7,700 square feet, is the largest such facility in Anderson County. Meanwhile, the 28,000 square foot Arena is home to Anderson County’s largest trade shows and entertainment events – seating up to 3,200.

VISIT ANDERSON

Neil Paul 864-716-3660 neil@visitanderson.com www.visitanderson.com

Civic Center of Anderson

Greater-area Greenville, SC

KNOWN FOR ITS NATURAL BEAUTY AND LUSH FOLIAGE, GREENVILLE PROVIDES A MULTITUDE OF GREAT SPORTS FACILITIES

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

Greenville, in the upstate region of South Carolina, is home to the breathtaking, majestic Reedy River with beautiful gardens, a bridge overlooking the region, and an incredible waterfall. Visitors will be sure to revel in the natural beauty and winding trails along the river as well as several state parks and museums offering insight into the city’s culture and history.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

Cruise around Greenville on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail. Bike, walk or jog this 22+ mile multi-use trail system that runs along the Reedy River connecting downtown to much of the county.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Bon Secours Wellness Arena Basketball, volleyball, hockey, wrestling, indoor sports

This state-of-the-art multipurpose complex is ideal for sporting events, live entertainment, family shows, concerts and so much more. The complex holds, on average, 120 major events per year, and provides several guest services to ensure maximum comfort. This facility has 15,951 seats. You can enjoy a basketball game, watch a nail-biting wrestling match or keep your eye on the puck in a hockey game. With 30 luxury suites, restrooms, parking, and hotel services nearby, the Bon Secours Wellness Arena is the perfect place for your next athletic function.

Conestee Park Baseball, softball

Home of the Greenville Little League, Greenville Dirt Series, and many community events, this “Central Park” of the Upstate features five baseball/softball fields, a playground,

walking trail, large shelter, green space, dog park and direct access to Lake Conestee Nature Preserve.

Greenville Convention Center

Indoor sports

As one of the Southeast’s largest venues, boasting 280,000 square feet 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.

VISITGREENVILLESC

Tyler Teran 864-436-0753

tteran@visitgreenvillesc.com www.visitgreenvillesc.com

Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Greenville Triumph Soccer

Conestee Park

Florence, SC

FANS OF FOOD, FUN AND SPORTS WILL LOVE THIS BUSTLING SOUTHERN CITY

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. Get a taste of a modern take on traditional dishes that feature pecans.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

While in Florence, hop on the SC Pecan Trail. Grab a passport that highlights local restaurants and retail shops putting pecans in the spotlight to collect stamps and earn prizes.

Paddle through history on the SC Revolutionary Rivers Trail. The 66-mile National Water Trail follows the Lynches Scenic River.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Florence Soccer Complex Soccer, lacrosse, flag football

The expansive 80-acre complex opened in February 2018. Perfect for soccer, lacrosse, flag football and more, the complex consists of 10 championship fields, bathroom stations throughout, a 6,000-square-foot Pavilion with meeting space, and a two-mile walking trail. Past tournaments include Conference Carolinas Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships and Flag Football World Championship Tour.

Florence Center Multi-use

The award-winning Florence Center is the largest convention, meeting, and events center in northeast South Carolina. The venue offers 75,000 sq. ft. of flexible space to accommodate a wide variety of sporting events from esports to gymnastics and everything in between. The Florence Center’s adaptable design was key in hosting the Peach Belt Esports Championship

Scan to discover more of what Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

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

and the 2018 National Horseshoe Pitchers Association World Tournament.

Florence Sports Complex Multi-use

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. Once complete, the complex will feature six recreation-sized fields, one championship stadium with seating for 1,600, two concessions, restroom buildings, batting cages and locker rooms. A full-sized track and field facility with spectator seating is also under construction.

FLORENCE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Jade Perkins

jade.perkins@visitflo.com 843-664-0330 visitflo.com/sports

Florence Sports Complex

Florence Center

Pigeon Forge, TN

WITH ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S BEST BACKDROPS, THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS, VISITORS COME FOR THE SPORTS AND STAY FOR THE SCENIC BEAUTY AND WEALTH OF ONE-OF-A-KIND ACTIVITIES

Scan to discover more of what Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

Hosting our annual Make It Count gymnastics invitational at the LeConte Center is the best move we ever made! The LeConte venue is unsurpassed in its beauty and spaciousness and the staff at the LeConte Center set you up for success every time! The staff have that unique ability to balance professionalism with friendliness!”

Located southeast of Knoxville, Pigeon Forge is accessed via U.S. Routes 441 and 321 to the north and south, respectively. If you’re flying in, the closest airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, 35 miles to the northwest.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge Basketball, wrestling, volleyball, gymnastics, cheer

Named for the scenic views of Mount LeConte in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this facility sits right in the heart of Pigeon Forge and exudes a mountain lodge ambiance.

Located along the banks of the Little Pigeon River in the heart of Pigeon Forge, the center spans 232,000 square feet with 100,500 square feet of clear span (no

columns) exhibit and event space. Groups from 1,500 to 12,00 attend events in this spectacular venue.

LeConte Center prides itself in its flexibility to host competitive events of all types. Plus, as a certified Tennessee Green Hospitality venue, the LeConte Center is committed to environmentally sustainable practices that continue to protect and enhance the natural beauty and health of the Pigeon Forge community.

The LeConte Center has thrived as a popular spot for sports tournaments since its opening.

Ripken Experience

— Tracy Counts, Gymnastics Counts

LeConte Center

LeConte Center

Hosting indoor sporting events of all types, the facility features seating for up to 12,000 spectators, free Wi-Fi, eight bay registration areas, a private office for event management and a convenient central location, that borders the Little Pigeon River and Riverwalk. The riverwalk and approximately 100 restaurants are within a five-mile radius. Those who utilize the center can also choose from multiple approved caterers and there is a large lodging inventory and competitive rates or optional free use of the Housing Bureau.

This stunning facility has been awarded a Reader’s Choice Award, Rising Destination for Meetings Award and Top New Meeting Site Award by Convention South magazine.

The Ripken Experience Pigeon Forge Baseball

The Ripken Experience might be the best experience possible for an eager youth baseball player or an experienced coach. Hosting a baseball tourney in Pigeon Forge is worthwhile, as the Ripken Experience offers an incredible backdrop of the Smoky Mountains and features replicas of six professional ballparks, with four more to open in 2023.

Reserved for the 7U-12U age groups, there is no better place for kids to chase their major league ambitions while learning a little about the history of American baseball stadiums.

The complex enjoyed its inaugural season in 2016, when it welcomed over 600 teams to the area. It consists of six youth turf fields with lights, batting cages and bullpens at each field as well as a 14,000-square-foot clubhouse.

The six stadiums are replicas of beautiful Major League fields including Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles, Isotopes Stadium, home of the Albuquerque Isotopes, Engel Stadium, home of the Chattanooga Lookouts, Fluor Field, home of the Greenville Drive, Winston-Salem Ballpark, home of the Winston-Salem Dash and Calfee Park, home of the Pulaski Yankees.

PIGEON FORGE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

Jennifer Smith, Sales Manager 865-429-7432

jsmith@mypigeonforge. www.mypigeonforge.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Dollywood, hosting more than three million guests in a typical season, offers more than 40 rides, fabulous festivals, awardwinning music productions and shows, handmade crafts and more. Another place to cool off during the hot months is at Dollywood’s Splash Country, a 35-acre waterpark.

▶ For outdoor lovers, Pigeon Forge is just a stone’s throw away from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are more than 800 miles of hiking trails, with options for quiet strolls or hearty hikes.

▶ Visit one of Pigeon Forge’s educational experiences while visiting, from the Titanic Museum Attraction, the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, enjoy “edutainment” at WonderWorks.

A

Contact Jennifer Smith: 865-429-7432

jsmith@mypigeonforge.com

The Northeast portion of the United States is the most populated of our country’s regions. It is also the locale of numerous sports-friendly communities that cater to all types of events. Not only do these destinations feature impressive sports facilities, they have an abundance of amenities and attractions off the field that will keep the entire family entertained. With experienced staff members offering the dedication and expertise to make your tournament prosper, these destinations are ready to host you.

NORTHEAST

NCAA women’s basketball in Pittsburgh.

Photo courtesy of SportsPITTSBURGH

RHODE ISLAND

IMPRESSIVE FACILITIES AND NUMEROUS BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTIONS CAN BE FOUND THROUGHOUT THIS NEW ENGLAND SPORTS HUB

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

The smallest U.S. state by area, Rhode Island has a huge slate of impressive facilities that makes it a perfect destination to host your next event. With beautiful facilities like the Dunkin’ Donuts Center and the Rhode Island Convention Center, which can host a multitude of events from basketball to cheerleading to roller derby, Rhode Island has you covered.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Dunkin’ Donuts Center

Basketball, cheerleading, hockey, multipurpose, volleyball

While Providence has no shortage of impressive sporting venues, the Dunkin’ Donuts Center stands out as “the” destination for sports in Rhode Island. The center features a 31,000-square-foot arena floor and a 25,000-square-foot concourse and can house a whopping 13,000 spectators. Though it was built in 1972, the center underwent an $80 million renovation in recent years. It has played

host to major tournaments such as the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, and is open to sports planners looking to think big. As an added bonus, the center is perfect for event planning, as it connects directly to the Rhode Island Convention Center and the adjacent Omni Providence hotel.

Rhode Island Convention Center

Cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, roller derby, multipurpose

If you’re looking for space, and lots of it, look no further than the Rhode Island Convention

Dunkin’ Donuts Center

Center. Inside you’ll find a 100,000-squarefoot exhibition hall, a 20,000-square-foot grand ballroom and 23 multipurpose meeting rooms. For added convenience, visitors can connect directly from the RICC to the Omni Providence hotel and Providence Place mall. Over the years, the RICC has hosted major events in cheerleading, dance, roller derby and much more, so the sky’s the limit when planning your next event.

Brown University

Basketball, crew, football, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, water polo and much more Providence is home to Brown University, one of the nation’s eight prestigious Ivy League schools. While it is renowned for its academics, the university also boasts a variety of outstanding venues that host regional and national events and allow sports planners plenty of options to meet their needs. Whether it’s the four newly renovated multipurpose outdoor fields (three turf and one natural grass), a pool rental in the new state-of-theart aquatics center, use of the 20,000-seat stadium or access to the boathouse situated along the Seekonk River, Brown University’s

athletic facilities are top notch and a favorite among sports planners.

Providence Career and Technical Academy

Basketball, cheerleading, soccer, track and

field, wrestling

This school is home to some of Providence’s most state-of-the-art athletic facilities, and offers seating for around 1,800 people in a 65,000-square-foot fieldhouse. Inside the gorgeous steel and glass building you will find space and amenities for sporting events such as track and field meets, basketball games/tournaments, cheerleading competitions and much more – all just steps from the center of downtown.

RHODE ISLAND SPORTS COMMISSION

John Gibbons Executive Director 401-456-0240 jgibbons@gosportsri.com www.gosportsri.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Pay a visit to Roger Williams Park Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals, including giraffes, elephants, red pandas and more. The zoo is known for its naturalistic settings, fun seasonal events and acclaimed conservation efforts.

▶ Check out the Providence Children’s Museum, where children are inspired to learn through play and exploration. The museum features hands-on exhibits focused on arts, culture, history, science — and fun!

▶ The Rhode Island School of Design’s RISD Museum is one of the world’s leading institutions for art and design and offers visitors a chance to explore its unique museum collections from around the world.

▶ Hop aboard an 18-passenger vessel at the Providence River Boat Company and learn about the sites from a knowledgeable tour guide.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“John Gibbons and his team at the Providence Warwick CVB have been great to work with and have been a tremendous partner of ours. We have grown from six teams in 2008 to 225 teams in 2021 due to their help. We’ve even expanded our operations into softball here in Rhode Island and now have one of the biggest tournaments on the East Coast at 225 teams!”

— Mark Cooke, Firecracker Sports

Rhode Island Convention Center

Brown University Field

Providence Career and Technical Academy

In central proximity to Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C., the Brandywine Valley is an ideal location for Mid-Atlantic sporting events, easily accessible from the Philadelphia International Airport and I-95. Discover sprawling field complexes, premier facilities, and vibrant towns with team-friendly dining and downtime attractions. Pair the right facilities and accommodations of nearly 4,000 rooms with surrounding entertainment to create the perfect play for your event – save the Hail Mary for the game. Indoors, outdoors, or on ice, Chester County can accommodate even the most unconventional sporting events, from mud runs and lantern festivals to curling championships and equestrian competitions.

Enjoy complete event services that make your planning as breezy as our beautiful countryside.

Greetings!

On behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we’d like to welcome you to the Keystone State for your next sporting event. Tourism, and sports tourism in particular, plays an important role in our vibrant Pennsylvania economy.

Life in the Keystone State is invigorating, fulfilling, and downright happy, and is home to many modern, cutting-edge facilities equipped with the latest technology that are perfect for your next event. From sandy shores and rugged peaks to tranquil forests and roaring rivers, Pennsylvania provides endless opportunities to pursue your happiness throughout all four seasons. Our diverse market – which includes youth and adult amateur, college, and professional sporting events – attracts out-of-town and out-of-state visitors to an array of destinations and attractions across the state.

PA Sports is an organization comprising 13 member destinations throughout Pennsylvania that are home to some of the top attractions for sports tourism in the country. These highly trained professionals understand that success in hosting events is a team effort. From Erie and Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley – and everywhere in between – Pennsylvania has just what you and your colleagues are looking for. To learn more about our sports facilities across the state or to book your next sporting event, visit SportsinPA.com. To start planning your next trip to one of Pennsylvania’s cultural, historic, and greater-than-great outdoor destinations, head over to visitPA.com. We hope to see you soon!

NXL Paintball in Valley Forge

Photo courtesy of Valley Forge Sports

Yours in Happiness, Carrie Fischer Lepore Deputy Secretary, Marketing, Tourism & Film PA Department of Community & Economic Development

Cover photo courtesy of Megan A. Harrison, M. Harrison Photography

Photo courtesy of PA Sports

PA

PA Sports Brings Millions of Tourism Dollars to PENNSYLVANIA

Venerable organization helps the Keystone State thrive

By Jason Paha

The impact sports tourism has on state economies is monumental.

For proof, one needn’t look any further than this past May when Sports ETA released its State of the Industry report for the sports tourism industry. The report shows in 2021, national sports tourism created a total economic impact of $91.8 billion,

generated $12.9 billion in taxes and supported 635,000 fulltime and part-time jobs.

Sports tourism has been thriving in Pennsylvania for years, thanks in large part to the efforts of PA Sports, a team of the leading sports tourism organizations from throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The mission of PA Sports is to attract and host international, national, regional and

Photo courtesy of PA Sports

Sports is made up of 13 member destinations across the state.

local sporting events as well as showcase Pennsylvania as a viable sports event destination for professional, collegiate, interscholastic, amateur and youth sporting ventures.

PA Sports is made up of 13 member destinations across the state: Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Chester County CVB, Discover Lehigh Valley, Erie Sports Commission, Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority, PHL Sports, Sport York, SportsPITTSBURGH, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Valley Forge Sports, Visit Johnstown, Visit Luzerne County and VM Sports. The group collectively works to market the state to sporting event organizers through trade shows, sales missions and marketing campaigns.

“PA Sports members have a long history of working together, despite the fact that most are competing to attract the exact same events to their communities,” said Mark Jeanneret, executive director of the Erie Sports Commission and chair of PA Sports. “We all share a common vision, which is to make certain that Pennsylvania is always viewed as an attractive location to host a sporting event by event organizers.”

For Pennsylvania, the economic impact from sports tourism has value that extends beyond the actual competition. The state has the good fortune of being a 12-month vacation destination and has long been a popular travel destination. From major cities and charming small towns to rugged woodlands and a lush countryside, there are endless options to explore.

To illustrate the impact of sports tourism in Pennsylvania, PA Sports performed an economic impact survey for sports tourism in the state. Acquiring data from 10 of its members, PA Sports shared that in 2021 its members hosted 385 events. Total attendance of those events was nearly 570,000 and the estimated economic impact of these events was $236 million. Some of the bigger events PA Sports members hosted and/or supported in 2021 included: USA Cycling Masters, Junior, Elite & Para Track National Championships, Lehigh Valley; US Junior Nationals Hershey Showcase, Hershey Harrisburg; NCAA Women’s Frozen Four, Erie; and the NCAA Men’s Frozen Four, Pittsburgh.

“To see that our members helped generate more than $236 million in economic impact in 2021 is impressive but it’s really not painting a complete picture of the tremendous positive impact that sports tourism has in Pennsylvania,” said Jeanneret. “There are countless other sporting events and competitions taking place in the Commonwealth every year that aren’t connected to our members. It’s not hard to estimate that the impact of sports tourism in the entire state is $500-$600 million, or more, annually.”

To further encourage the growth of sports tourism in the state, PA Sports supports a grant program for its members. In the two years that the program has been in operation, $47,500 in total grants have been awarded and 21 events were supported. This resulted in total attendance of more than 76,000 and generated more than 23,500 room nights, resulting in an economic impact of $18.7 million.

“PA Sports offers its members numerous ways to increase the impact that they have in their communities, especially

as we continue to recover from the initial restrictions brought on by the pandemic,” Jeanneret said. “Sports tourism has been a major contributor in the recovery and Pennsylvania needs to be aggressive in its approach to attract events. PA Sports is positioned to lead the way.”

Let your games begin at sportsinpa.com.

TOP: Northeastern and Wisconsin face off in the championship game of the 2021 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four held at Erie Insurance Arena in Erie.

BOTTOM: The Terrain Race attracted a variety of athletes to Monroeville Park.

Rec Hall at Penn State University Park is a legendary venue that has hosted wrestling, volleyball and gymnastics events since 1928.

Planners Prefer PENNSYLVANIA for Sporting Events

By Jason Paha

With major cosmopolitan cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh surrounded by smaller, yet no less cultured cities and towns across the state, Pennsylvania is an event planner’s dream destination.

This is evidenced by the multitude of events that PA Sports members have hosted or are planning to host in the near future.

Philadelphia has a long history of hosting major events. PHL Sports, a division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, welcomed the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Regional Championships in 2022 and has five more NCAA Championships on its schedule in the next four years. And in 2026, the Commonwealth’s largest city will be front-and-center as hosts of FIFA World Cup 2026, the MLB All-Star Game, the 108th PGA Championship and the U.S.

Amateur (golf) Championship.

Sports tourism has a major impact on the other side of the state as well, as SportsPITTSBURGH recently won the rights to host more NCAA Championship events than any other destination in the U.S. The lengthy list included the 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Frozen Four and NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball First and Second Round games in 2022. Pittsburgh is also looking forward to hosting the National Senior Games in 2023 as well as the U.S. Open Championship in 2025.

“The two largest members of PA Sports have done a fantastic job attracting world-class events for years,” said Amy Capcara, vice chair of PA Sports and sales and marketing manager for VM Sports.

PA Sports members in smaller cities across the state also shine. On the west side of the state, the Butler County

From East to West, with many destinations in between, Pennsylvania can host any competition

Photo courtesy of The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau

Tourism and Convention Bureau will host the Can-Am Police-Fire Games in 2024; the Erie Sports Commission recently hosted the 2021 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four; and VM Sports in Monroeville supported the American Junior Golf Association Preview at Westmoreland in 2022.

Centrally, Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority annually hosts the U.S. Junior Nationals Hershey Showcase, one of the longest-running organizations in girls’ basketball nationwide; The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau crowned the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four champion in 2022 and will host the 2024 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team Trials; Sport York annually hosts the Northeast Power Series MLK Volleyball Tournament; and Visit Johnstown hosts the All-American Amateur Baseball Association Tournament annually.

To the east, Chester County CVB supported the 2022 USA Archery Target Nationals & U.S. Open; the USA Cycling Masters, Junior, Elite, & Para Track Championships were hosted by Discover Lehigh Valley in 2021; Valley Forge Sports was home to the National Xball (paintball) League MidAtlantic Major in 2021 and will welcome the U.S. Youth Soccer Eastern Presidents Cup in 2023; and Visit Luzerne County recently signed a five-year contract to continue as host of the Keystone State Games.

“The majority of our membership is making a positive impact through youth events, whether they be regional, statewide or national,” Danielle Vincenti, PA Sports secretary and director of business development for the Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority, said.

Pennsylvania has proven to be a desirable sports destination thanks in part to its ideal location and weather that offers opportunities in all four seasons. Pennsylvania also has unmatched leisure time activities ranging from outdoor recreation, historic attractions, amusement parks and a host of professional and collegiate sports options. Here are just a few attractions that draw thousands each year:

• Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hersheypark in Hershey, where guests can explore the many wonders of chocolate

• Penn State Berkey Creamery, a historic creamery in Happy Valley that has been making ice cream since 1889

• The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh is the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist

• Moraine State Park in Butler County resides on 16,725 acres and is one of the largest parks in Western Pennsylvania

“We are extremely fortunate to have top quality sports venues and plenty of activities outside of competition across the state that will appeal to participants and their families year-round,” said Gregg Cook, past chair of PA Sports and executive director of the Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority. “Add to that the sports tourism and event expertise provided by destination members of PA Sports and you can’t go wrong hosting your future event in Pennsylvania.”

TOP: 2021 ACL Open #9 and the ACL Pro Shootout #1 was held at Erie’s Bayfront Convention Center.

BOTTOM: The U.S. Junior National Hershey National Showcase attracts more than 140 girls’ basketball teams to the PA Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg annually.

Butler County

THIS DYNAMIC SPORTS REGION IS HOME TO A WIDE VARIETY OF SPORTS FACILITIES, MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR NUMEROUS PLANNERS TO HOST THEIR TOURNAMENTS AT ONCE

Scan to discover more of what Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Our partnership with the Butler County Sports Commission/Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau was instrumental to our successful hosting of the PDGA Pro Disc Golf World Championships. BCTCB helped us win the bid, line up the host hotel and other player accommodations, as well as connecting us with local sponsors and venues.”

— J. Gary Dropcho and Chas Ford, PDGA Pro Disc Golf

Located in Western Pennsylvania, Butler County offers a glimpse of small-town life, yet is close to major cities. Located only 25 miles from Pittsburgh, 325 miles from Philadelphia and 380 miles from New York City, Butler County is in the middle of everything.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶

Explore the nearly 16,800-acre, Moraine State Park where there are a multitude of trails for every outdoor activity, including biking, snowmobiling, hiking, fishing and swimming.

▶ The Butler County Beer Circuit is a listing of the unique breweries within the area. You will find brewpubs that create handcrafted beverages.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex Hockey

The UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex is the primary practice and training facility for the Pittsburgh Penguins, as well as a comprehensive outpatient facility for UPMC Sports Medicine. A premier tournament destination, this firstof-its-kind facility in the Pittsburgh region is a true partnership between two world-class organizations and features 185,000 square feet of total space dedicated to treating and training.

Slippery Rock University

Baseball, Softball, Football, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Lacrosse,

Track

This NCAA Division II school’s facilities rival some Division I venues. The school supports 17 different varsity sports, with facilities available for baseball, softball, football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, field hockey, lacrosse, volleyball and indoor and outdoor track. The crown jewel is the 10,000-seat

Thompson Stadium, which is home to DiSpirito Field. The field is surrounded by a 400-meter track and has an AstroPlay artificial surface, lighting.

UPMC Passavant Sportsplex at Graham Park

Pickleball, Football,

Baseball, LaCrosse, Fitness, Dek Hockey

UPMC Passavant Sportsplex at Graham Park is a large community park complete with athletic fields for soccer, lacrosse, baseball and football. It features Miracle League Field, Out-of-the-Park playground, Dek Hockey Rink and SportCourts (bocce, horseshoes, pickleball, tennis and basketball).

BUTLER COUNTY TOURISM AND CONVENTION BUREAU

Perry Latimer 724-234-4619

perry@visitbutlercounty.com visitbutlercounty.com

UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex

Slippery Rock University

Chester County

AN ARRAY OF SPORTS FACILITIES IN HISTORIC CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MAKES IT A WINNING DESTINATION

Scan to discover more of what Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“I will always remember the 2020-21 hockey season as the most difficult in the history of the EHL. I connected with Travis, Ice Line, and the staff at the Sheraton Great Valley. I can say with certainty that if it wasn’t for the extra assistance they provided, we would not have been able to successfully crown our champions.”

— Neil Ravin, Director of Communications at Eastern Hockey League

West of Philadelphia, beautiful Chester County features plenty of attractions and activities which will appeal to any group. Visitors can escape to the rolling hills and charming villages of Chester County’s Brandywine Valley, stroll through the beautiful chateaus and the extraordinary landscapes of Longwood Gardens, and browse timeless art at museums and attractions throughout the region.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶

Longwood Gardens is a botanical garden that consists of over 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, United States in the Brandywine Creek Valley.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

United Sports

Basketball, field hockey, flag football, gymnastics, lacrosse, pickleball, soccer, softball, volleyball

The state-of-the-art indoor facility is the region’s largest sports complex with both indoor and outdoor surfaces. It features 127,000 square feet of playing surfaces, activity centers and more to provide the ultimate sports and recreation experience in Downingtown. United Sports also offers 60 acres of outdoor fields and 11 premier fields adjacent to the indoor complex with synthetic field turf.

Ice Line Quad Rinks

Ice hockey, figure skating, ice skating

The rush to goal starts on one of four NHLregulation ice surfaces at Ice Line Quad Rinks in West Chester, each with seating capacity of 500. Take pride presenting your event at this state-of-the-art facility, from ice skating, figure skating or hockey.

West Chester University

Football, track and field, basketball, volleyball, baseball, soccer, rugby, field hockey, lacrosse, swimming

West Chester University utilizes nine topnotch facilities for its 24 intercollegiate athletic programs. From state-of-the-art upgrades to the school’s football field, John A. Farrell Stadium which doubles as home to the men›s and women›s outdoor track & field squads, to the traditional surroundings of Hollinger Field House nestled in the hub of North Campus, West Chester has played host to NCAA championship events, regional finals and conference titles.

CHESTER COUNTY CONFERENCE & VISITORS BUREAU

Travis Geiser 484-840-7216

travis@brandywinevalley.com www.brandywinevalley.com/ sports-commissions/

Ice Line Quad Rinks

United Sports

THE PICTURESQUE LAKEFRONT CITY OF ERIE IS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR SPORTS PLANNERS WHO SEEK QUALITY FACILITIES AND A COMMUNITY DEDICATED TO SPORTS

Scan to discover more of what the Erie Sports Commission offers sports planners at SportsPlanning Guide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“It was an absolute pleasure working with the Erie Sports Commission for our Men’s and Women’s National Club Basketball Association Championships in 2022. The teams and staff loved the venues and Erie’s hospitality.”

— Christian Smith, Vice President of Basketball Operations, National Club Basketball Association

Sports play a vital role in the community of Erie, Pennsylvania, and the region has developed a strong reputation as a premier destination for athletes and sports groups. With a supportive local staff ready to assist in planning events for a wide range of sports, Erie is a sporting destination not to be missed.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ What trip to Erie is complete without a visit to the city’s namesake? Head to the shores of Lake Erie and take in the natural beauty at Presque Isle State Park

▶ Get your adrenaline pumping at Waldameer Park & Water World. Ravine Flyer II is one of the best wooden roller coasters in the world.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Erie Sports Center

Soccer, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball

Erie’s home for sports and family fun, the Erie Sports Center is equipped to host sports events of all shapes and sizes. Encompassing 10 outdoor grass fields, four indoor hardwood basketball courts, a brand-new FIFA-accredited turf inside a four-season dome, a new sand arena and a rejuvenated family fun center, the facility has the surfaces and space to host your tournament. A wide variety of events have been successful at the venue, including events hosted by Lax Bash Tournaments, USA Ultimate, USA Dodgeball, and regional rugby and soccer tournaments. More than 1,500 hotel rooms are located within three miles of the facility.

ERIEBANK Sports Park

Ice hockey, broomball, figure skating

ERIEBANK Sports Park boasts the region’s only twin-pad ice arena. The indoor facility is located in the heart of Erie’s shopping and entertainment district, conveniently located along Interstate 90.

A $9.1 million renovation in 2018 introduced two NHL-size ice rinks, 10 locker rooms and a premier sports fitness and training center. TCS Hockey and Lake Effect Hockey have hosted successful events at the facility, as well as the Mid-Atlantic Broomball Tournament held each fall.

Bayfront Convention Center

Various

The Bayfront Convention Center, with 28,000 square-feet of column-free space and a 23-foothigh ceiling, is the perfect fit for events ranging from gymnastics to cheerleading, and even 8-ball tournaments.

ERIE SPORTS COMMISSION

Ben Huggler 814-572-5364 ben@eriesports.com www.eriesportscommission.com

Erie Sports Center

ERIEBANK Sports Park

Happy Valley

HOME TO A MAJOR UNIVERSITY WITH AN EXCELLENT SPORTS HISTORY, THE HAPPY VALLEY AREA ENABLES SPORTS PLANNERS TO DREAM BIG

Regardless of whether you are a Penn State fan, Happy Valley and Central Pennsylvania are perfect for group travel. From top-flight baseball at Medlar Field to a host of historic towns, art trails and exhibits, Happy Valley has something for everyone. Groups can indulge in a variety of local breweries, distilleries, wineries and cideries along with unique shops, fine dining and cafes and much more.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

Penn State University is home to a variety of great facilities including Beaver Stadium, home to the football team. This legendary stadium has a capacity of 106,572 and is the secondlargest stadium in the nation.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Nittany Valley Sports Centre Basketball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, field hockey

This locally owned and operated indoor sports facility offers recreational and competitive sports activities including skills training, leagues and speed and agility classes. It can also host teambuilding events, meetings and charity/awards dinners. The facility offers six basketball courts, and also can host volleyball, soccer and lacrosse.

C3 Sports facility Wrestling, field hockey, futsol, basketball, volleyball, pickleball

Minutes away from Penn State, this indoor complex can host tournaments, camps, sports clinics and games and attracts state-wide events. C3 offers up to 38,000 square feet of available space across the gymnasium and the Dome. The space can be transformed into the perfect place to host wrestling meets, field hockey or futsol. The hard court options can

Scan to discover more of what Happy Valley Adventure Bureau offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

be transformed into six basketball courts, nine volleyball courts or 12 pickleball courts.

Oak Hall Softball Fields Softball, flag football

Oak Hall Regional Park is a beautiful, 68-acre park located in the shadow of Mount Nittany near Boalsburg. Oak Hall Regional Park is home to four multi-purpose softball diamonds, a concession stand, walking path, and restroom facilities. Today, the Complex continues to be home to various recreational activities, including the popular Adult and Youth Flag Football Program, local softball leagues, as well as local and regional softball tournaments for both youth and adults.

HAPPY VALLEY ADVENTURE BUREAU

Dave Gerdes 1-814-231-9684 daveg@happyvalley.com www.happyvalley.com

Oak Hall Softball Fields

C3 Sports facility

Hershey Harrisburg

WITH DOZENS OF SPORTS TOURNAMENTS SUCCESSFULLY PLANNED AND EXECUTED EACH YEAR, HERSHEY HARRISBURG IS QUICKLY SOARING TO THE TOP OF THE SPORTS WORLD

Scan to discover more of what Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Hershey Harrisburg is the perfect place for sweet family fun. Harrisburg is the capital city with a small-town feel. And with excellent venues like GIANT Center SM and Hersheypark® Stadium, Hershey Harrisburg is the perfect place to host your next sporting event.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶

Hersheypark® is home to more than 70 rides and attractions including 15 roller coasters, and a waterpark.

▶

One of the region’s most visited attraction is Hershey’s Chocolate World, where you can create your own candy bar and take a simulated tour of the chocolate factory.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center

Archery, basketball, fencing, martial arts, volleyball, equestrian, wrestling, cheer

Each year, the multi-purpose Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center hosts a variety of exciting sports events, highlighted by the USJN Hershey Showcase and four Keystone Regional Volleyball Association events. The USJN Hershey Showcase is a four-day girls basketball event drawing more than 200 teams to compete on 20 courts, while the KRVA events each use up to 29 courts for both boys and girls tournaments.

GIANT Center SM

Basketball, cheer, ice sports, wrestling

GIANT Center SM is the regular venue for the Hershey Bears® AHL hockey team. This stateof-the-art, 10,500-seat arena hosts ice shows, concerts, state high school championships (wrestling, competitive cheer and basketball), graduations, and more. The U.S. Figure Skating

Eastern Sectional Synchronized Skating Championships have been held here on several occasions. Fans have enjoyed musical acts ranging from Carrie Underwood to Van Halen.

Hersheypark® Stadium Athletics

Hersheypark® Stadium is the most prominent outdoor stadium between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, hosting events such as the Big 33 Football Classic, state high school championships, band competitions and more. Opened in 1939, the stadium has a stateof-the-art synthetic turf system with spectator seating for 16,000.

HERSHEY HARRISBURG SPORTS & EVENTS AUTHORITY

Danielle Vincenti, STS 717-658-8390

danielle@hhsportsandevents.com www.hhsportsandevents.com

Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center

GIANT Center SM

Greater Johnstown

LOCATED IN THE ALLEGHENY MOUNTAINS OF PENNSYLVANIA, VISITORS COME FOR THE SPORTS AND STAY FOR THE SCENIC BEAUTY AND WEALTH OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

The sports scene in Johnstown is flourishing and continuing to grow on a daily basis. It has brought visitors from near and far who enjoy its quality venues and friendly event staff. The ideal sports destination encompasses a host of activities: cultural, historic, recreational and scenic. In Greater Johnstown and Cambria County, you will find all of this, and more.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶

The Johnstown Inclined Plane is an almost 900-foot funicular which is the world’s steepest vehicular inclined plane.

▶

The Johnstown Flood Museum/ Flood National Museum commemorates the 2,209 victims of the Johnstown Flood of May 31, 1889.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial

Hockey, Basketball, Cheerleading, Skating, Wrestling, Volleyball

As one of the premier sports facilities in Cambria County, the 1st Summit Arena has become a go-to for sports planners looking for top quality amenities and event planning assistance. This 4,000-seat arena has hosted tournaments, games, concerts and more. Home to both a local junior and university hockey team, 1st Summit Arena caters to both players and fans, offering plenty of parking options, concessions, restrooms and player facilities. Helpful staff are available to assist with event planning.

Sargent’s Stadium at the Point Baseball, Football, Soccer

For a fabulous baseball facility located in downtown Johnstown, pay a visit to Sargent’s Stadium at the Point. Named for its position at the confluence of the three rivers, the park

Scan to discover more of what Visit Johnstown offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“PA Junior Wrestling has held our Jr. High State Championship Tournament in Johnstown for the past several years and we’ve been treated very well. Visit Johnstown, the city, hotels and restaurants have gone out of their way to make the wrestlers and their families feel welcome.”

is scenic, practical and fully turfed. It is home to the annual All American Amateur Baseball Association national tournament and is also used for local high school football games.

Rock Run Recreation Area

ATV, Dirt Biking

The Allegheny Mountains are a picturesque backdrop within Cambria County, so why not get out and enjoy the views from above on the back of a bike? There are more than 140 miles of trails within the Rock Run Recreation Area just waiting to be explored, and the area has become a popular weekend getaway for ATV, dirt bike, OHV and side-by-side enthusiasts!

VISIT JOHNSTOWN

Nicole Waligora 814-536-7993

nicolew@visitjohnstownpa.com www.visitjohnstownpa.com

1st Summit Arena

Sargent’s Stadium at the Point

— PA Junior Wrestling

Lehigh Valley

WORLD-CLASS SPORTS AMENITIES AND ELITE ATTRACTIONS COMBINED WITH A CONVENIENT LOCATION MAKE LEHIGH VALLEY THE PRIME SPOT FOR SPORTS EVENTS

Scan to discover more of what Discover Lehigh Valley offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“East Coast Volleyball has been fortunate and thankful to be working with an organization dedicated to supporting, growing and promoting our Annual East Coast Volleyball Events in the Lehigh Valley. Discover Lehigh Valley Sports is dedicated to the Sports Travel Tourism Industry.”

— Chris Ho, President East Coast Volleyball

Lehigh Valley brings together the power of three cities: Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. With the amenities of three destinations rolled into one, sports organizers have everything they need right at their fingertips. Coaches, athletes and their fans will enjoy the competition at elite sports venues, as well as all the wonderful attractions off the field.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶

The Crayola Experience, located in Easton, immerses guests in a colorful world where they can draw, paint and create with the latest products. There are four floors to explore, with hands-on and interactive attractions that will keep families and their kids entertained all day long.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Lehigh County Sports Fields Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee

The Lehigh County Sports Fields are a firstclass sports complex. It hosts several local and national tournaments, drawing teams from the Mid-Atlantic and Eastern states. The venue features 12+ playing areas, three of which are equipped with lights.

PPL Center

Hockey, figure skating, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, indoor racing, indoor football

Located in downtown Allentown, PPL Center is a state-of-the-art arena. It’s home to the Phantoms, an AHL affiliate of the NHL Philadelphia Flyers. The venue also plays host to regional events from hockey leagues and figure skating competitions to numerous NCAA championship events. The arena features on-site food, parking and seating for 8,500 for hockey games.

Stabler Arena

Wrestling, basketball, volleyball

Situated on the Lehigh University campus, Stabler Arena is home to the men’s and women’s basketball programs, as well as the university wrestling team.

Goodman Stadium & Track/Field Complex

Soccer, lacrosse, track & field, Ultimate Frisbee, cross

country

This venue has a scenic view of South Mountain, and has been deemed as having the “Best Game Day Atmosphere in the Patriot League.” It has seating for 16,000 people.

DISCOVER LEHIGH VALLEY

Maizee Freeman, Manager, Tourism Development 218-536-0418

maizee@discoverlehighvalley.com www.discoverlehighvalley.com/sports

PPL Center

Lehigh County Sports Fields

Luzerne County

Scan to discover more of what Visit Luzerne County offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

The 40th Keystone State Games Festival of Sports and Pennsylvania Senior Games took place throughout Luzerne County in July of 2022. The games are PA’s largest annually held multi-sport competitions providing Pennsylvania’s amateur athletes an opportunity to compete against athletes from throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Montage Mountain Waterpark and Ski Resort in Scranton provides top-notch skiing in the winter and water-filled fun in the summer, with a wave pool, lazy river and countless exhilarating slides.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Mohegan Sun Arena

Basketball, boxing, bowling, rodeo, table tennis, lacrosse

With a convenient location right off of Highway Interstate I-81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Mohegan Sun Arena is an 8,050-seat multi-purpose venue that is consistently ranked amongst the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine. Previously home to NCAA Division I and professional basketball tournaments and games, the arena also has 30,000 available square feet of indoor meeting space and over 245,000 square feet of outdoor meeting space.

Toyota SportsPlex

Hockey, curling, figure skating

Serving as the official practice facility for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins hockey team, Toyota SportsPlex is Luzerne County’s go-to complex for winter sports. The facility offers programming for adult and youth teams

of all ages and skill levels. The figure skating program features coaches who were all once competitive skaters, and the facility’s camps and clinics offer instruction from current and former professional players.

Drifton Softball Complex Baseball, softball

Drifton Softball Complex in Freeland is a onestop shop for all things baseball and softball. Located off of Highway Interstate I-81, Drifton offers elite baseball and softball training, lessons, cage rentals and more. Consisting of four lighted outdoor fields, the facility has a capacity of 1,000 seats.

VISIT LUZERNE COUNTY

Alan Stout, Executive Director 570-819-1877

Alan.Stout@luzernecounty.org www.visitluzernecounty.com

THIS QUAINT COUNTY IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA IS DEDICATED TO CREATING MEMORABLE SPORTS EVENTS FOR PLANNERS, ATHLETES AND SPECTATORS

Mohegan Sun Arena

Toyota SportsPlex

Monroeville

A COMBINATION OF CONVENIENCE, AFFORDABILITY, ENTERTAINMENT AND EXCELLENT ATHLETIC FACILITIES MAKES MONROEVILLE YOUR SPORTING DESTINATION

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

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Terrain Race is a national obstacle course race that is grounded by community ties and involvement. Amy Capcara and her team at VM Sports have been shining stars for their local community and an absolute joy to work with. We look forward to a long lasting relationship with VM Sports because of the excellent service.”

— Justin Muir, Business Development Manager CoolEvent Inc.

All American Fieldhouse

Looking for a place to hold your next tournament? Look no further than Monroeville, Pennsylvania. Monroeville provides quick and easy access to many facilities throughout the Pittsburgh area as well as great dining and shopping. Its region hosts youth sports tournaments and activities throughout the year, so its hotels are ready to accommodate your group.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Kennywood Amusement Park is America’s Finest Traditional Amusement Park, and a top destination for family-friendly fun.

▶

Full Throttle Adrenaline Park is a great place to get your adrenaline pumping as it features go karting, virtual reality and axe throwing.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Monroeville Convention and Events Center Events

Monroeville Convention and Events Center is a private suburban convention and event center in Western PA. The center features more than 100,000 square feet of event space, four breakout rooms and an office (totaling 12,000 square feet), 400 10 x 10 booths or 500 8 x 10 booths, a North Hall (45,000 square feet of exhibit space) and South Hall (35,000 square feet of carpeted space).

Monroeville Community Park West Soccer, basketball, pickleball, tennis, volleyball

Recent park-wide renovations have made the Monroeville Community Park West a delightful family-friendly retreat. It features one 198 x 240 open field, four lit youth-sized baseball fields with newly turfed infields, 14 soccer fields, 3.2 miles of trails, one 49 x 81’ basketball court with

10-foot hoops, six 20 x 44 ‘ pickleball courts, two 35 x 78 ‘ tennis courts, two 52 x 77’ volleyball courts, five pavilions to accommodate up to 850 guests, an amphitheater and 625 parking spaces and 52 handicapped spaces.

All American Fieldhouse Baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, football, volleyball, futsal, pickleball, field hockey

All American Field House houses more than 170,000 square feet featuring soccer fields, multipurpose fields, baseball infields, fullsized basketball courts, batting cages and a weight room.

VM SPORTS

Amy Capcara 412-418-1519

amycapcara@visitmonroeville.com visitmonroeville.com/vm-sports

Monroeville Community Park West

Philadelphia

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DESTINATIONS

Amazing getaways come easy in Greater Philadelphia, which has been described as a “historical heavyweight.” The sixth-largest city in the country with a population of more than 1.5 million, Philadelphia is also one of the oldest cities in the country. This city is a popular destination for history lovers and those seeking a wide variety of entertainment options.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Visit Independence Hall and tour this UNESCO World Heritage Site where America’s Founders signed the Declaration of Independence and the Liberty Bell.

▶ Strike a pose in front of the iconic Love sculpture, located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Lincoln Financial Field Football, Soccer, Lacrosse

Home to the Philadelphia Eagles and the Temple Owls, the Linc seats 69,594 and is widely regarded as one of the finest stadiums in the country. The stadium will host the 2023 & 2024 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships, WrestleMania in 2024 and the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

Wells Fargo Center Basketball, Hockey, Wrestling

This multipurpose indoor arena is home to the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers and the NBA’s 76ers. In the years ahead, the arena will also host WrestleMania in 2024, the NCAA Wrestling Championships in 2025 and the NCAA Men’s Basketball First & Second Rounds in 2026. The arena is part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which also includes Xfinity Live!, an indoor-outdoor dining and entertainment venue located next door.

Subaru Park Soccer, Rugby, Lacrosse, Football

This soccer-specific stadium located just outside Philadelphia is the home stadium of Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union. This 18,500-capacity stadium has played host to the MLS All-Star Game, a number of US Women’s National Soccer Team matches, international friendlies, elite rugby competitions, NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Quarterfinals and much more.

PHL SPORTS

Brea Webster Stanko 215-363-3319 brea@discoverphl.com PHLSports.com

UPCOMING HOST TO THE FIFA WORLD CUP, MLB ALL-STAR GAME, WRESTLEMANIA & SO MUCH MORE — PHILADELPHIA IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREAT SPORTS

Lincoln Financial Field Wells Fargo Center

Pittsburgh

FILLED WITH WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES AND FIRST-RATE SPORTS FRANCHISES, PITTSBURGH IS AN AUTHENTIC, ICONIC SPORTS TOWN

Stadium

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

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Pittsburgh has such a cool downtown with great sports venues - it is the perfect spot for hosting events. I have covered many great sports moments in Pittsburgh. The fans and city make every event there feel big and special.”

—

Clearly, Pittsburgh is home to one of the greatest franchises in the NFL: the Pittsburgh Steelers as well as other great professional sports teams in the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL and the Pittsburgh Pirates of the MLB. What you may not realize is Pittsburgh is also home to a variety of activities and attractions that stretch beyond professional sports.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

The Andy Warhol Museum, a sevenstory Only in Pittsburgh attraction that tells the story of the legendary pop artist.

Enjoy a ride on the Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines. No trip to Pittsburgh is complete without a photo at the top of Mt. Washington following a ride on the inclines.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

David L. Lawrence Convention Center

All

The LEED Platinum Certified David L. Lawrence Convention Center features four floors with 53 meeting rooms, the Spirit of Pittsburgh Ballroom, an additional meeting space and the brand new Rooftop Terrace, a breathtaking outdoor gathering spot.. The convention center has previously hosted the USA Karate National Championships and Team Trials, offering amenities such as 700 indoor parking spaces, catering and concessions, wheelchair accessibility and special equipment rental.

PPG Paints Arena

Basketball, hockey, figure skating, wrestling, volleyball

Home to the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, PPG Paints Arena boasts the most comfortable seating arrangement in the NHL, with seats up to 24 inches wide and an accompanying increase in leg room. As a leading entertainment venue, PPG Paints Arena is the regional epicenter for athletic events,

concerts and family shows. Hosting more than 150 events per year, the arena’s state-of-the-art design attracts national collegiate tournaments.

Highmark Stadium Soccer

This 5,000-seat soccer-specific stadium in Pittsburgh’s Station Square is home to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC of the USL Championship. The stadium’s FIFA-certified synthetic turf is available for hourly and full-day rentals for sporting, entertainment and private events. The venue’s suite and banquet facilities can also be customized to cater for corporate entertaining and fundraising events.

SPORTSPITTSBURGH

Holly Perella 412-325-0292 holly.perella@sportspittsburgh.com www.sportspittsburgh.com

Highmark

Holly Rowe, ESPN

PPG Paints Arena

Valley Forge

The Proving Grounds

VENUES

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

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Gaining access to premier facilities can be difficult, but the Valley Forge Sports team made the process easy.”

— Key Moore, PA Swag/East Coast Nationals 7v7

A world of adventures rich in history awaits you in Valley Forge. Located 18 miles from downtown Philadelphia this region is home to not only must-see historical sites but also tons of family attractions, a vibrant arts scene, shopping malls, golf, outdoor activities, and so much more.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Tour the grounds where George Washington and the Continental endured a harsh winter between 1777-78 at the Valley Forge National Historical Park.

▶ Shoppers will find all their gifts at the King of Prussia Mall. This 2.9 millionsquare-foot mall is America’s largest shopping center, housing over 450 stores, luxury boutiques and various dining options.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

The Proving Grounds Field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, rugby, baseball

The Proving Grounds houses Villanova University’s premier hockey stadium and boasts more than 80 acres of outdoor space to host your event. This multi-purpose facility accommodates a variety of sports tournaments including baseball and football tournaments and leagues. The 10,000-square-foot indoor turf facility is equipped with netting, a scoreboard and movable batting tunnels.

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks Basketball, billiards, futsal, martial arts, weightlifting, wrestling

The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center has seen many national sports tournaments, such as USA Weightlifting’s Junior National Championships. Known as one of the East’s largest indoor sports complexes, the center

boasts about 240,000 square-feet of singlefloor exhibition space.

Competitive Edge Sports Basketball, futsal, volleyball

Founded in 2010, Competitive Edge Sports is dedicated to providing top-class indoor programs and events. This venue hosts a multitude of basketball tournaments at the junior high and high school levels annually.

Competitive Edge’s 6,000 square feet of open space, five maple hardwood courts, energy efficient lighting and electronic scoreboards make it one of the most popular basketball facilities in the mid-Atlantic.

VALLEY FORGE SPORTS

Jon Scheuren, Director of Sports 610-834-7996

scheuren@valleyforge.org www.valleyforgesports.org

Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

Competitive Edge Sports

THIS HISTORIC REGION NEAR THE HEART OF PENNSYLVANIA IS HOME TO SEVERAL EXCELLENT SPORTS

York County

MAKE YOUR YORK SPORTS EVENT STAND OUT WITH TOP-NOTCH FACILITIES, CHEER-WORTHY ATTRACTIONS AND A CONVENIENT LOCATION EVERYONE WILL APPRECIATE

Scan to discover more of what Sport York offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Pennsylvania’s Premier Sports Destination

Considered a top sports area in Pennsylvania, York is brimming with first-class facilities, a range of attractions, comfortable lodging options and an athletic spirit that rivals many big cities.

When you host a sports event in York, PA, you can expect the very best from the event services team, the venues and the county.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶

Home of family-friendly, safe, fun and affordable entertainment, the York Revolution is a professional baseball team and member of the North Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

▶ At Keystone Kidspace, kids can have fun with exciting and everchanging experiences.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

York Expo Center Wrestling, volleyball, floor hockey, cheerleading, gymnastics, cross country

With indoor and outdoor facilities, the 120acre York Expo Center offers versatile space that allows it to serve a wide range of sports events. The venue consists of the 74,000-squarefoot Utz Arena with a capacity of 5,500; the 58,000-square-foot Memorial Hall with a capacity of 4,000; and the 10,000-capacity Grandstand. It has hosted events like the Tyrant Wrestling’s Columbus Day Duals and the USA Wrestling Cadet Duals.

Memorial Park Softball Complex Baseball, cross country, kickball, sand volleyball, softball

A multi-sport venue, Memorial Park Softball Complex has hosted several events for USA Softball, the Pennsylvania State Championships, and USA Softball Eastern Nationals. The 72-acre

park features an eight-field softball complex, which includes Hoffman Stadium. Four of the fields are lighted. The facility also has four sand volleyball courts, batting cages and a skate park.

Manchester Township Parks & Recreation Baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball

Manchester Township is home to a variety of great parks including the 106-acre Cousler Park, which features four baseball and softball fields, six soccer fields, playground structures, tennis and basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, three pavilions and a pond.

SPORT YORK

Rasheeda Martin 717-852-9674 x114 rasheeda@yorkpa.org www.yorkpa.org/sports

York Expo Center

Memorial Park Softball Complex

COLUMBUS FIELDHOUSE COLUMBUS, NE

Scan to discover more about the Columbus Fieldhouse.

Experience “Nebraska nice” in one of the state’s newest sports complexes. Located in the county seat of Platte County in eastern Nebraska, the Columbus Fieldhouse is home to a 101,500-square-foot field turf area, a nearly quarterof-a-mile suspended running track, batting cages, mini putting greens, tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts and more. Columbus is also home to attractions such as the Pawnee Plunge Water Park, U.S. 30 Speedway and Lake North Park.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Competitive sports

Host your next event or tournament on the 101,500-square-foot turf area. The fieldhouse features a full-sized soccer and football field with regulation artificial turf, stadium lighting and bleachers. Two full tennis courts are also located in the space, with plenty of room to host a crowd. The tennis courts in conjunction with the basketball courts can be transformed into the 20 pickleball courts.

If turf isn’t your target, the facility includes four full-sized basketball and volleyball courts, racquetball, a cycle studio, batting cages, mini putting greens, and spaces for personalized fitness, circuit training and cardio.

Running track

The brand-new Columbus Fieldhouse also houses one of the longest suspended tracks in the country — nearly a quarter of a mile long with an overhead view of the field below. The indoor track can provide increased mental toughness during training, no wind resistance, and the ability to train in optimal conditions, even in the winter.

Sports training

Dedicated to provide sports performance training for various activities, the facility offers athletic trainers and sports enhance-ment experts. Our director of fieldhouse operations and director of performance and training

THE COLUMBUS FIELDHOUSE, LOCATED IN THE HEART OF EASTERN NEBRASKA, IS A MORE THAN 11.9-ACRE SPORTS COMPLEX WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART FEATURES FOR ALL AGES

Columbus Fieldhouse

at the fieldhouse will lead the creation and implementation of performance enhancement, strength and conditioning programs.

The facility also includes sports simulators for baseball and golf. We know how hard it is to juggle work and life. Those who feel their busy schedule keeps them from spending time at their favorite sport can still train yearround, no matter the weather.

Youth Activity Center

The Columbus Fieldhouse has options for people of all ages, including a youth activity center with a trampoline zone and interactive playground. The smart space understands the behaviors and interactions of people within it. Ceiling-mounted 3D cameras project games and tools on the wall. Synchronized lighting and sound effects add a better immersion in real-time.

Outdoor features

Take your cool-down outdoors or relax after a workout. The facility will also feature an outdoor courtyard with a stage for public events.

If you are looking for a location that will elevate your event and offer versatile activities for people of all ages, the Columbus Fieldhouse is the place to go.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

Take the plunge at Pawnee Plunge Water Park. Admire a historic bridge or lifesize memorial that includes the famous Higgins boats from World War II. Study an artist’s interpretation. Travel the Lincoln Highway Scenic & Historic Byway (Hwy. 30). Follow a lakeside trail or wander along the Loup River in search of a meadowlark’s call. Enjoy live music, history, a night at the races or specialty shops and great Nebraska steak.

Take time to breathe in all Columbus and Platte County have to offer. From boutique shopping to sipping craft cocktails, breathtaking views in one of our many parks or taking an afternoon to “Plunge” in our region’s rich heritage, there is something for everyone.

Lincoln, NE

BRIMMING WITH ENERGY AND OPTIMISM, LINCOLN IS HOME TO FIRST-CLASS FACILITIES THROUGH ITS UNIVERSITY CONNECTION—AND A WHOLE LOT MORE

Lincoln is easily accessible via Interstates 80 from east to west and 180 from the north. If you’re flying in, the Lincoln Airport (LNK) is located just northwest of downtown and offers passenger flights to and from major destinations such as Chicago, Denver and Houston through United Airlines.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Pinnacle Bank Arena

Basketball, hockey, ice skating, multipurpose indoor, volleyball Nicknamed “The Vault”, this multipurpose indoor arena unlocks great potential for tournament planners, offering 15,500 seats for spectator viewing. Located in Lincoln’s West Haymarket District, the arena is home to the University of Nebraska’s men’s and women’s basketball teams and is a premier destination for concerts. The arena has hosted large tournaments and events like the FIVB

more of what

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Obviously Lincoln is a great community and I think it is a hotbed for what we do. The Bob Devaney Center is one of the top venues and that’s why we continue to come back. They have done a great job of integrating the big screen technology, the seating, and keeping it a tight environment.”

Speedway Sports Complex Basketball, football, futsal, soccer, volleyball

With nine outdoor sports fields, a 100,000-square-foot indoor turf facility and a 80,000-square-foot indoor basketball and volleyball-centric facility, the Speedway Sports Complex stakes its case for the most utilitarian of its kind within the entire region. The complex additionally features a performance training

Volleyball Nations League, which hosted a round robin tournament in June of 2019.

— Pete Isais, Director of National Events, USA Wrestling (USA Wrestling Final X)

Pinnacle Bank Arena

Bob Devaney Sports Center

Speedway Sports Complex

Scan to discover

Lincoln CVB offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

gym and an interactive trampoline park, giving family members something to do during long tournament hours.

Bob Devaney Sports Center Gymnastics, swimming & diving, track & field, volleyball, wrestling

Set on campus at the University of Nebraska, this multipurpose complex includes three main buildings which house the Cornhusker gymnastics, swimming and diving, track and field, volleyball and wrestling programs. A 7,907seat main arena is home to the NU volleyball team, while the Devaney Center Natatorium features 10 swimming lanes and offers seating for 1,000 spectators. The Devaney Sports Center Indoor Track features a 200-meter hydraulicbanked track and offers 5,000 seats.

Lancaster Event Center Equestrian, multipurpose, rodeo

Creating meaningful memories with topnotch events is the goal of the Lancaster Event Center, home to the National Quarter Horse shows and many other events throughout the year. The center features a pair of arenas, three pavilions and office space. The National High

School Finals Rodeo was held at the event center in 2021 and will be held there again in 2026 and 2027.

Kinetic Sports Complex Volleyball, basketball

One of Lincoln’s newest facilities, the complex boasts 93,500 square feet of indoor space with an eight-basketball court/12volleyball court setup in addition to a 5,000-square-foot athletic training center.

Lincoln Sports Foundation (LSF) Soccer, volleyball, basketball

Located on over 100 acres, LSF boasts professionally maintained soccer fields to host major tournaments in addition to 11 indoor volleyball courts, four basketball courts and one indoor turf field.

LINCOLN CVB

Derek Bombeck Sales Development Manager 402-436-2354 dbombeck@lincoln.org www.lincoln.org

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Up-close encounters and interactive exhibits are the norm at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, home to more than 400 animals. Now open year-round!

▶ Voted the #1 Attraction for Car Lovers by USA Today, Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed showcases an incredible collection of items in racing and automotive history, a must-see venue for car enthusiasts.

▶ On the National Register for Historic Places, historic Robber’s Cave offers year-round tours and intrigue.

Tulsa, OK

A SERIOUS SPORTS DESTINATION WITH TOP ATTRACTIONS, RESTAURANTS AND A DIVERSE CULTURAL SCENE

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

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“I can’t say enough about the support we get here from the local community, the ticket sales are outstanding, and we see continued growth year over year. The Tulsa Sports Commission does a fantastic job supporting this event behind the scenes. And our administrators, our coaches, and more importantly our student athletes, are very excited to be associated with Tulsa and to have this championship here.”

— Bob Burda, Big 12 Sr. Associate Commissioner, Communications from Big 12 Wrestling Championships

Tulsa boasts world-class attractions, top-rated sports facilities and a tremendous array of cultural options. This cosmopolitan city is also easily accessible as it can be reached via I-55 and I-44 as well as from I-57. Tulsa International Airport flies nonstop across the country to such cities as Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Utah and Orlando, among others.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Cox Business Convention Center

Wrestling, basketball, volleyball, cheer/dance, cornhole, conventions, breakdancing, boxing

Easily accessible and located in downtown Tulsa, this award-winning 310,625-square foot facility offers flexible spaces for both small and large events. The center is walking distance from more than 2,000 hotel rooms and surrounded by vibrant music, art and culinary scenes. This multifaceted space has hosted events from arena soccer games to Central Hockey League contests.

BOK Center

Hockey, wrestling, basketball, eSports, concerts, arena football

This 19,199-seat multi-purpose arena was designed to accommodate arena football, hockey, basketball and concerts. Opened in 2005 at a cost of $196 million, the BOK Center (which is short for Bank of Oklahoma Center) sports a long HD ribbon screen that wraps around the three-level seating arena. Its second floor is an exclusive carpeted level with a complete bar, press areas and 37 luxury suites, each with 15-22-inch seats and furnished gathering and kitchen areas.

Cox Business Convention Center

Expo Square

BOK Center

Expo Square

BMX, wrestling, cheer/dance, fencing, volleyball, bull riding, equestrian, car shows

Millions of visitors experience one of the best event complexes in the country each year, which features the SageNet Center, Exchange Center, Central Park Hall and the Pavilion. At 448,000 square feet, the SageNet Center is one of the largest clearspan buildings in the world. The versatile space includes an upper and lower level. The 58,000 square foot Exchange Center offers a successful event environment with three meeting rooms and drive-through doors. The 43,000 square foot Central Park Hall has two meeting rooms and two ticket offices making it perfect for trade shows, conventions and more. The historic Pavilion boasts Art Deco architecture and includes two meeting rooms and two ticket offices.

Mohawk Sports Complex Soccer, football, lacrosse, field hockey, archery, cross country, rugby, multisport

This impressive venue is one of the state’s premier sports complexes. Mohawk features 17 international size fields, 10 lighted fields, a natural turf surface with advanced irrigation and drainage systems, plenty of spectator seating and a modern concession building. It also features a team warm-up area between fields and designated tournament headquarters and meeting room space.

TULSA SPORTS COMMISSION

Joel Koester 918-560-0291 joelkoester@visittulsa.com visittulsa.com/sports

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ One of the most awarded parks in the world, the Gathering Place is a world-class riverfront park designed to welcome all to a vibrant and inclusive space.

▶ The state-of-the-art Bob Dylan Center opened in May 2022 and explores the creative life and legacy of one of America’s most influential artists. The facility houses and exhibits more than 100,000 exclusive cultural treasures created and owned by Bob Dylan.

▶ Opened in 1927, the Tulsa Zoo is home to more than 1,500 animals from nearly 450 species and covers 85 acres.

▶ Among the USA Today 10 Best New Attractions in 2021, Greenwood Rising is a state-of-the-art history center located at the heart of Tulsa’s Greenwood District. The history center honors the legacy of Black Wall Street before and after the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921.

If you’re an experienced event planner, you’ve read a thousand of these letters by now. Every destination thinks they’re special, and honestly, they are. They all have sparkling new venues, wonderful hotels and endless visitor attractions. Here in Oregon, we have all of that too. But that’s not what makes us special.

There’s an intense spirit of sport that flows through our entire state, from the bright lights of Portland to the windswept shores of Bandon Dunes; from the stunning Columbia River Gorge – home to the world’s best windsurfing and kiteboarding – to the high desert adventure oasis of Bend; from the world-famous Pendleton RoundUp in rugged Eastern Oregon to the nation’s undisputed epicenter of track and field in Eugene. On top of that, we have a broad coalition of experienced tourism partners across the state – ready and eager to serve events of all shapes and sizes.

So yes, we think we’re special too. After all, where else can you go surfing in the Pacific Ocean, skiing on Mt. Hood and tax-free shopping at the Nike, adidas and Columbia Sportswear stores – all in the same day? Where else can you run a half marathon through the lush vineyards of Oregon wine country in the morning and be inspired by jaw-dropping scenic wonders like Crater Lake and the Painted Hills in the afternoon?

But enough about all that. Let’s cut through the clutter. You have an endless list of options of where to hold your next event. We know your time is valuable and we know how important it is to have a fully committed local partner by your side at all times.

Together with our hospitality and business partners across the state, this is exactly what we do here at Sport Oregon. We’re fully engaged with you, from the bid stage through the planning process to event execution. This is why we break attendance records for events like the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, earn unprecedented praise for staging best of class events like the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships, and usher in brand-new tourism-inducing events like the inaugural IRONMAN Oregon 70.3. And this is why, in 2022, Oregon will host the IAAF World Track & Field Championships for the first time ever in North America.

But we’re not stopping there. We’re looking for every possible opportunity to bring the best in sport to our state. So, give us a shot. If you’d like to explore options for bringing your next event to Oregon, e-mail me at jim@sportoregon.org, and we’ll quickly figure out if we can make it happen. Consider this your formal invitation – please join us as we celebrate the magnificent spirit of sport in the state that we are so fortunate to call home.

Jim Etzel CEO Sport Oregon

Biking in Medford, Oregon. Photo courtesy of Reed Lane Photography.

We are the epicenter of track and field, the birthplace of Nike, the Running Capital of the World, the host of the first World Athletics Championships in the United States and a community of sports fans. RUN your event here and COMPETE and EXPLORE!

COMPETE EXPLORE

By Heather Dale

Outdoor enthusiasts of all backgrounds and skill levels will find one-of-a-kind adventures throughout Oregon including lower-impact excursions, beginner trails and kid-friendly hikes. There’s no shortage of majestic waterfalls, rugged Oregon coastline to explore, bicycle paths galore and natural hot springs.

Eugene Cascades and the Coast Region offer a treasure trove of outdoor activities. With a wide range of skill levels

and unique courses, disc golf is an optimal way for groups to enjoy the great outdoors. Visit Alton Baker Disc Golf Course or Westmoreland Park in Eugene where golf meets frisbee. At Cascades Outdoor Center at Westfir Lodge, experience an unforgettable three-hour river rafting expedition and see Oregon the way it was meant to be seen. Ride the whitewater rapids of the upper Willamette River with a professional tour guide and glimpse the picturesque banks of Willamette National Forest. Rejuvenate in Oregon’s natural hot springs with soothing mineral waters sure to relax your group after endless hours of outdoor play.

In the heart of Southern Oregon, Medford and the Rogue Valley have an array of outdoor opportunities to reconnect with nature. A must-see is Oregon’s only national park, a mere 60 miles north of Medford. Crater Lake National Park offers expansive views, hiking and biking trails, and incredible stargazing. Discover the Table Rocks boasting jaw-dropping vistas of beautiful Rogue Valley from high

Coos Bay is a perfect spot for adventurers to explore.

Photo courtesy of Sport Oregon

above. Just south of Medford is the mesmerizing Roxyann Peak in Prescott Park. Enjoy the park’s splendor with the most breathtaking scenery as far as Mount Shasta. The park also provides paved and unpaved biking and hiking trails throughout the 1,740 acres.

Hop on your bicycles and cruise through Historic Downtown Salem and visit unique sites along the beloved historic cycling route. Discover the Willamette Heritage Center, Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, the Bush House Museum and more on the three-mile bike route. At Minto-Brown Island Park, immerse in the 1,200-acre wildlife sanctuary flourishing with plants offering 19 miles of biking and hiking trails. For groups looking to get out on the water with their poles, Silverton Reservoir & Marine Park stock the Silverton Reservoir with some 20,000 trout every year.

Situated near Portland in Washington County, the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge invites groups to discover over 200 bird species, the vital wetlands full of waterfowl

Visitors can hike and bike in the beautiful Eugene Cascades and Coast area. Photo courtesy of Sport Oregon

and amphibians, and enjoy the interpretive exhibit inside the visitor’s center. Tour Smith Berry Barn, a 30-acre working farm producing a wide variety of berries including boysenberries and marionberries. The family-owned farm also hosts a 5-acre apple orchard growing modern and vintage apple varieties and a gourmet shop featuring raw honey, berry preserves, gift baskets and an espresso bar.

Calling all cyclists to the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, part of the vast network of riding paths and bike lanes in and around Corvallis. The bikeway follows along the Willamette River from Champoeg State Park to Armitage Park outside of Eugene giving way to bucolic scenery. Corvallis grants families with children many kid-friendly hikes at places like Bald Hill Natural Area with a 1.5-mile multi-use beginners trail, or Fitton Green Natural Area providing easy access to higher elevations via the parent-approved Allen Throop Loop Trail revealing impressive and unobstructed panoramic views of Willamette Valley.

Did you know that there are over 90 waterfalls just 30 miles east of Portland? The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers a variety of multi-level hikes to the stunning Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls, natural scenic vistas and one-of-a-kind adventures. This deep canyon was carved out by the ancient waters of the Columbia River where you can now discover hidden grottos and steep vertical cliffs gracefully shaping snowmelt and glacier-fed waters into falls.

Coos Bay is part of Oregon’s Adventure Coast region promoting three nature parks. Visitors can get up close to marine life in tide pools, beachcomb for shells and other sea treasures, and swim in the shallow waters of Sunset Bay State Park. Hike, camp, swim and be on the lookout for whales, seals and sea lions at Cape Arago State Park. View luscious gardens blooming with vivid colors and exotic plants at Shore Acres State Park where they also put on a resplendent holiday lights display. There’s no shortage of outdoor adventures in the Pacific Northwest and Oregon is at the heart of it all.

FOR BIG EVENTS, THE WORLD COMES TO

OREGON

By Jason Paha

This past July, the city of Eugene, Oregon did something no other American city has when it hosted the 2022 World Athletics Championships.

The championships, which have showcased the greatest athletes on the planet since 1983, took place at Eugene’s legendary Hayward Field, home to the University of Oregon’s track and field teams since 1921.

Spread across 10 days, the championships were an enormous success as more than 2,000 athletes representing more than 200 nations competed. Three world records and 13 championship records were broken, and the world noticed. The 2022 edition was the most-watched

Thanks to the efforts of Sport Oregon, the Beaver State has hosted numerous renowned competitions

In 2021, Oregon hosted the IRONMAN Oregon 70.3, which attracted athletes from across the globe.

championships in U.S. television history and more than 146,000 tickets were sold.

“Oregon is the global epicenter of track and field, and it showed in a big way for the Worlds,” said Matt Reed, director of Sports Tourism for Sport Oregon. “The Eugene community truly embraced the world – which is no surprise – and the world embraced Eugene and our unique Oregon spirit.”

The championships are merely the latest in a long line of major events that have been held in Oregon. In recent years, Oregon has attracted some sizable competitioons including the 2014 MLS All-Star Game (held at Providence Park in Portland), the 2016 IAAF World Indoor Track and Field Championships (held at the Oregon

Convention Center in Portland) and the Phil Knight Invitational basketball tournament in 2017 (also known as the PK-80 Invitational), which took place at the Moda Center and Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland. Most recently, Oregon welcomed the prestigious 2021 IRONMAN Oregon 70.3, which unfolded in Salem. The IRONMAN was a feather in Oregon’s cap as it attracted athletes from across the globe and brought in an estimated $11 million in tourism dollars. Substantial events like IRONMAN have become the norm in Oregon, which has numerous other events on tap including multiple NCAA men’s and

women’s basketball tournament games which Portland will host in 2022, 2024 and 2026.

IRONMAN and the World Athletics Championships are but a few prime examples as to how Sport Oregon continues to make a name for itself on the national stage and why organizations like Sport Oregon are so integral to a state’s economic growth.

Sport Oregon, a nonprofit group promoting athletics across the state, has served as Oregon’s sports economic development arm for almost three decades, injecting more than $350 million into Oregon’s economy through sports tourism. With upwards of 150 members, including premier partners like Nike, Adidas, Travel Portland, Travel Oregon, the City of Portland and PNC Bank, Sport Oregon, is thriving like never before.

“We’ve made unbelievable progress in the just the past few years in positioning Oregon as a willing and capable host for large-scale sporting events,” said Reed.

OREGON IS A SPORTS PLAYGROUND

It’s no surprise Oregon attracts tournaments of all sizes. With a multitude of lauded cities across the state coupled with its incredible natural beauty, Oregon is a sports planner’s dream destination.

Athletes from around the world can not only compete against the backdrop of picturesque mountain ranges, forests and lakes, they can also immerse themselves into the scenery with hikes, swims and whatever outdoor endeavor they crave. Oregon is also home to exceptional modern sports facilities, including the massive Rogue Credit Union Community Complex (also known as Rogue X), which is slated to open in early 2023. This 90,000-squarefoot center will host a slew of sports competitions including basketball, swimming, volleyball and dance.

Couple Oregon’s newer complexes like Rogue X with the state’s venerable arenas like Portland’s Providence Park, which opened in 1893 and still offers world-class views and atmosphere for Portland Timbers soccer games, and one can see why Oregon is such an enticing destination.

Few, if any states, can blend vintage and modern better than Oregon. Come see for yourself.

Courtesy of Sport Oregon

Photo courtesy of Sport Oregon

Medford, OR

SITTING NEAR OREGON’S SOUTHERN BORDER, MEDFORD IS WHERE FIRST-RATE FACILITIES MEET INCREDIBLE ATTRACTIONS

Located within the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon, Medford is accessible by air through Medford Airport, where flights are available from Alaska, Allegiant and Skywest through Delta and United Express. The airport is located just three miles northeast of downtown Medford and is accessible from I-5, which connects Medford along the road from Portland to San Francisco.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Lithia & Driveway Fields

Baseball, softball, soccer, football

Since opening in May of 2008, Lithia & Driveway Fields has hosted more than 47,000 youth and adult games and has generated more than $120 million in economic impact. It spans 132 acres, boasts 15 fields and accommodates several different sports. If it’s not already clear that this complex is a tourney planner’s fantasy facility, some other amenities to take notice of: FieldTurf synthetic grass, Musco lighting systems and Daktronics

Scan to discover more of what Travel Medford offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Our relationship with Travel Medford has been invaluable to the operation of our event. They have walked side by side with us from year one through year seven and have helped us roll out the red carpet for our participants. The Rogue Valley Timbers and the Rouge Memorial Challenge are thankful to have a strong working relationship with Travel Medford and the Medford Chamber of Commerce.”

— Kevin Primerano, Director of the Rogue Memorial Challenge

scoreboards. There are three full-sized baseball fields, seven fields for both softball and baseball, and five fields for soccer and football.

Gold Hill Whitewater Center

Rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding

An Olympic hopeful when the 2028 Games come to Los Angeles, Gold Hill excels in length, water flow and drop, rivaling any natural or artificial course in the country. It is perfect for rafting, kayaking and standup paddleboarding (SUP), and it is used to

Lithia & Driveway Fields

Rogue Credit Union Community Complex

Gold Hill Whitewater Center

host races and events — for example, the facility looks forward to holding the King of the Rogue competition every summer. Whether it gets an Olympic event in 2028 or not, this course is the real deal when it comes to rafting, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding.

Prescott Park

Running, biking, equestrian

Consisting of 1,740 acres, Prescott Park is one of Southern Oregon’s largest and most scenic nature parks. It is home to the annual Tough as Nails race, featuring a 10 mile race as well as a 5K competition. It is also a great place to walk, hike and bike as it contains trails that are both paved and unpaved. Roxyann Peak is the crown jewel of the park with its peak offering stunning views of the park and Rogue Valley.

Rogue Credit Union Community Complex

Basketball, swimming, volleyball, pickleball, wrestling, cheer, dance Slated to open in late fall 2023, a new

indoor 90,000-square-foot center for sports, aquatic and meetings will open for leisure and competitive activities. The Rogue Credit Union Community Complex – referred to as “Rogue X” – will boast competition and recreation pools, meeting space, and room for eight basketball courts and any variation for volleyball, pickleball, wrestling, cheer and dance competitions, and more. The site will also feature food trucks, concessions and an information center to accommodate visitors and locals, alike. Tournament space is filling quickly for this prime venue, so contact Angela Wood at Travel Medford for more information.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Explore the remnants of a destroyed volcano and swim in the deepest lake in the country when you trek along Crater Lake National Park

▶ Medford’s nature scene is off the charts and there are plenty of areas to go white water rafting, hiking, biking, ziplining and jet boat tours. Southern Oregon’s burgeoning wine scene boasts more than 88 vineyards and more than 50 wine tasting rooms.

TRAVEL MEDFORD

Angela Wood, Director of Sales & Sports Development 541-608-8517 Angelaw@travelmedford.org www.travlemedford.org

▶ Medford celebrates sports by rekindling the love of the game, however you define it, because we emphasize the joy in competition. The abundance of world-class natural and traditional venues in our backyard combined with being centrally located on the West Coast offers visitors access of all forms of play, all-year long.

Eugene, Cascades & Coast, OR

EUGENE, CASCADES & COAST SPORTS COMMISSION DEMONSTRATES LANE COUNTY’S POTENTIAL FOR CUTTING-EDGE SPORTING EVENTS

Eugene’s reputation as a powerhouse sports destination on the West Coast continues to grow. Known as TrackTown USA, the Running Capital of the World and the birthplace of Nike, Eugene has a strong athletic legacy. Eugene is not only the epicenter of track and field, but a city that thrives on sport and competition and is literally a community of sports fans.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Hayward Field Track and field

The newly re-imagined Hayward Field at the University of Oregon is a purpose-built theater for track and field. In the inaugural year after a transformational renovation, the venue has hosted the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track & Field, the NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Track & Field Championships, and the Diamond League Prefontaine Classic. The venue will host the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 in 2022 and the

Autzen Stadium Football

Featured in the 1978 film National Lampoon’s Animal House, Autzen Stadium in Eugene seats 54,000 spectators and is regularly

Hayward Field

Wanda Diamond League Final in 2023—both being hosted in the U.S. for the first time. The world-class facility offers permanent seating for 12,650 and is expandable to nearly 25,000. Fans enjoy an unobstructed view of the ninelane track and the first row of seating is at track level.

Jake Willard, TrackTown USA

Scan to discover more of what Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports Commission offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

ranked amongst the nation’s top-10 venues to watch a college football game. With consistent renovations since 1969, Autzen Stadium now features a FieldTurf surface with polyethylene and polypropylene fibers designed to resist extreme temperatures and weather conditions. With the 1981 addition of Barker Stadium Club, the facility offers supplementary meeting space and functional surroundings for pre-game activities.

Matthew Knight Arena Basketball, volleyball, gymnastics

Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene opened in 2011 and is one of the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified arenas in the NCAA. This 12,364-seat multi-purpose arena is home to the University of Oregon Ducks basketball team. The venue features a 65,000-pound center-hung scoreboard and four 20-by-12foot high definition LED monitors.

Bob Keefer Center for Sports Basketball, tennis, volleyball

Located in Springfield, Bob Keefer Center for Sports is a planner’s dream when it comes to utility. The center features a 97,000-square-foot venue with three regulation-sized basketball courts, four indoor tennis courts, three roller derby rinks, 11 volleyball courts, eight pickleball courts, a 33-foot high climbing wall and a fitness center. One of the largest sports and recreation facilities in the Northwest, the center can accommodate any type of event, from small games to large scale tournaments.

EUGENE, CASCADES & COAST SPORTS COMMISSION

J. B. Carney Senior Director 541-743-8757 JB@EugeneCascadesCoast.org www.eugenecascadescoastsports.org

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ The Oregon coast has the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America, making it the perfect place for some sandboarding

▶ McKenzie River features crystal clear waters and river rafting along one of the Pacific Northwest’s most heralded treasures.

▶ Explore an abundance of waterfalls in the area, including Proxy Falls, Sweet Creek Falls and Salt Creek Falls.

▶ Visit Cascades Raptor Center, one of the largest collections of native birds of prey species in the Pacific Northwest.

▶ Skip the sunscreen at Splash! at Lively Park, a year-round indoor water park with plenty of options for all ages.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“We could not ask for a better partner in delivering world-class events than the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports Commission. Whether we have hosted a regional, national, or international event, they have been integral to our strategic planning and the overall experience for numerous clients. When collaborating with the Sports Commission, our events enjoy tremendous success.”

Autzen Stadium

Matthew Knight Arena

Bob Keefer Center

— Michael Reilly, President of TrackTown USA

Peter Callero

Stafford Photography

Gregory Burns

SALEM, OR

LOCATED ALONG THE TWISTING TURNS OF THE WILLAMETTE RIVER, OREGON’S CAPITAL CITY HAS PLENTY OF TRICKS UP ITS SLEEVE, REVEALING A

TOURNAMENT-READY DESTINATION

The Salem region has a mild climate and is a beautiful blend of vineyards, waterfalls, brilliant gardens, historic museums, rich culture, and culinary delights. The scenic beauty, amenities and hospitality of the region is the “cherry on the top” when holding an event in the Most Oregon Part of Oregon! Known as the Sports Capital of Oregon, Salem has numerous state–of–the–art sports venues that live up to the name.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Oregon State Fair and Expo Center

Multipurpose indoor, multipurpose outdoor Spread across 185 acres, the Oregon State Fair & Expo Center presents a tremendous wealth of options for tournament planners. The Jackman–Long Building offers 48,000 square feet of indoor space, ideal for hosting indoor sporting events as well as boat or RV shows. The Pavilion is a 5,000–seat arena with 30,504 square feet of floor space, while the L.B. Day Amphitheater is the go–to spot in town for outdoor concerts, with seating for 8,900.

Wallace Marine Park Softball Complex

Softball, baseball, soccer, running, fishing, kayaking, boating

Dubbed ”Softball City, USA,” Salem’s crowning softball jewel is located within Wallace Marine Park. The softball complex features 5 natural surface, lit fields surrounded by shaded and grassy areas. Spectator seating for more than 7,000 includes an elevated grand stand and portable bleachers. A boat ramp and fishing docks give visitors access to the Willamette River. As one of the best

Wallace Marine Park Softball Complex

Scan to discover more of what Travel Salem offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

sports facilities in the entire Northwest, this complex is home to large regional and national tournaments annually, including the USA Softball National Girls Fastpitch tournament and the Senior Softball USA Jim Sherman Memorial NW Championships.

Pioneer Sports Park

Soccer, lacrosse, rugby, ultimate frisbee, multipurpose

outdoor

Home of the Capital Futbol Club, Pioneer Sports Park comprises 8 full–size fields ideal for hosting large tournaments bolstered by a suitable climate. This complex showcases 2 of only 11 FIFA Quality PRO-rated fields in North America with 3 turf fields and hosts the Capital Cup Soccer Tournament annually in June. PSP was the host site for the Unites States Australian Football League tournament in 2019.

Capital Fieldhouse

Basketball, volleyball, pickleball, futsal, multipurpose indoor

The Capital Fieldhouse is the ultimate health, fitness, and indoor sports experience in the Willamette Valley. With more than 57,000 square feet of indoor space, this complex features 6 basketball courts, and six volleyball courts, making it one of the largest in the region.

NPJ Sports Complex

Volleyball, basketball, multipurpose

indoor

This multi–sport indoor complex (25,000 sf) houses 6 volleyball courts, 2 basketball courts, as well as multiple training & meeting room space. NPJ Sports Complex holds multiple tournaments year–round and is a premier sports venue in the Pacific Northwest!

Volcanoes Stadium Baseball

Home to the Salem–Keizer Volcanoes minor league baseball team, Volcanoes Stadium is a fabulous baseball park in the Salem region. Nicknamed “Oregon’s Field of Dreams,” the Salem–Keizer Volcanoes Stadium opened in 1997 and has seating capacity for 4,254.

TRAVEL SALEM

Ryan Durnan

Sports & Events Sales Manager ryan@travelsalem.com 720-298-2430 www.travelsalem.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ The Gilbert House Children’s Museum is an interactive museum where kids have plenty of space to play and learn while engaging in STEAMfocused activities.

▶ Salem’s Riverfront Park is the city’s premier urban event park, located near numerous businesses, restaurants, entertainment and other trails and parks.

▶ The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Crops Community Center features a waterpark with a junior Olympic competition pool, water slide, lazy river, hot tub and a splash pad.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“We’re so lucky to work with a community like Salem. Everybody from the city staff to the team at Travel Salem, to the local community –they’ve all been welcoming and eager to make this event successful. We wouldn’t have had the success we’ve had without this high–level of cooperation and collaboration. Our athletes have noticed, and IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon has quickly become a favorite.”

—Joel Gaff, Jr. Race Director of IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon

Pioneer Sports Park

NPJ Sports Complex Capital Fieldhouse

Tualatin Valley, Or

FOR GREAT SPORTS OUTINGS, BOTH INDOORS AND OUTDOORS, VISIT TUALATIN VALLEY

Scan to discover more of what Tualatin Valley offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Tualatin Valley, Oregon, located minutes from downtown Portland, spans 727 square miles and is home to world-class golf courses, awardwinning wineries, scenic parks, wetlands and wildlife preserves and a variety of restaurants and shops. Family activities are abundant, from sports, educational opportunities and annual events and festivals.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Cook Park (Tigard,

OR)

Hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking

Cook Park is the oldest and most well-known park in the City of Tigard. The 79-acre expanse has more than 2.5 miles of hard and soft-surface trails, a butterfly garden, river access, wetland areas, picnic tables, park shelters, playgrounds and restrooms. Trails and the Ki-a-Kuts pedestrian/bicycle bridge link the east and west sides of the park and connect to Durham’s City Park and Tualatin’s Community Park.

Evergreen Curling Club (Beaverton, OR) Curling

Open to players of all skill levels, the Evergreen Curling Club (ECC), located in Beaverton, is a nonprofit sports organization and is the only dedicated curling facility in the state of Oregon. It was the host of the 2017 USA Curling Senior Women’s Nationals, recently joined the Pacific Northwest Curling Association in 2020, and proudly serves more than 200 members today with its three sheets of ice.

Evergreen Curling Club

Gordon Faber Recreation Complex (Hillsboro, OR)

Football, women’s

soccer, softball, baseball, lacrosse

The 90+ acre Gordon Faber Recreation Complex began development in 1999 and today includes a 7,000-seat Hillsboro Stadium home to Portland State University Football and Women’s Soccer; six premier natural softball baseball fields, two artificial turf softball/baseball fields and a 4,500seat baseball stadium.

Henry Hagg Lake (Gaston, OR)

Canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, bird watching, facilities for disabled visitors

Henry Hagg Lake in Gaston has a capacity of nearly 60,000 acre-feet of water and a surface area of 1,113 acres. The park features numerous picnic areas, two boat launching facilities, a fully stocked lake for fishing, 15+ miles of hiking trails, observation decks for wildlife and bird watching.

Howard M. Terpenning Complex (Beaverton, OR)

Swimming, tennis, baseball, softball, lacrosse, hockey, basketball, walking

trails

This 92-acre complex receives an estimated 650,000 visitors per year. Named for visionary

Howard M. Terpenning (the district’s GM from 1959-1992), this complex includes a 50-meter pool, 15 tennis courts, five multipurpose fields for soccer, football and lacrosse, five softball fields, two baseball fields, a roller hockey rink, two skate parks, four outdoor and six indoor basketball courts and a 10-acre natural area.

Mountain View Champions Park (Aloha, OR)

Soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball

This 21.5-acre community park was designed to be fully accessible to people experiencing disability. There are many special design features such as wider pathways, no steps, and the first synthetic sports field in Oregon created for athletes of all abilities. The park also features a 6,500 square-foot inclusive play area, a second synthetic turf pod with 2 full-sized multi-sport fields, a grass baseball/softball field, community gardens, tennis courts and a picnic shelter.

TUALATIN VALLEY/WASHINGTON

COUNTY

VISITORS ASSOCIATION

Luke Zak, Sports Destination Sales Executive luke@wcva.org 971-245-3126 tualatinvalley.org/sports

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ For families and groups looking to experience great outdoor adventures indoors, Langer’s Entertainment Center in Sherwood is the place to do so. They offer fun activities for all ages from arcade games, bowling lanes and laser tag to indoor rock climbing and a high ropes adventure course.

▶ For a modest $20 all-day pass fee, play until your heart’s content with more than 450 pinball and arcade games –all set to free play at Next Level Pinball Shop and Museum in Hillsboro.

▶ Also located in Hillsboro is the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architecture and native woodwork throughout, you’ll find world-class displays of minerals, stones and other earthly treasures. Peruse exquisite collections of meteorites, rare gemstones, fine rocks and minerals, lapidary art and more. Explore petrified wood collections, thundereggs and more than 4,000 other natural findings.

Gordon Faber Recreation Complex

Howard M. Terpenning Complex

Mountain View Champions Park

Portland, OR

EXPERIENCE THE CONFLUENCE OF SCENIC BEAUTY AND A VIBRANT CITY IN PORTLAND

Scan to discover more of what Travel Portland offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Portland, Oregon offers unmatched scenic beauty fused with a sports and recreation culture so rich it flows through the entire state. Headlined by Nike, adidas and Columbia Sportswear, the state is home to more than 800 athletic and outdoor companies.

The seamless fusion of natural scenic beauty with a large vibrant city is unique to Portland, Oregon, which makes it a must-see destination in the Pacific Northwest. Against the stunning backdrop of majestic mountains, rivers and trees, you will find world-class sporting events and state-of-the-art exhibition venues.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶

The Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) is located on the east bank of the Willamette River in the heart of Portland and features five enormous halls that bring science to life with hundreds of hands-on exhibits.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Moda Center Basketball, Hockey

With a capacity of nearly 20,000, the Moda Center is the home to the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers and junior ice hockey Portland Winterhawks, as well as concerts, conventions, and more. The state-of-the-art multipurpose arena can also be transformed into an intimate, 6,000-seat venue with its Theater of the Clouds and features six banquet rooms.

Providence Park Soccer

Located near downtown Portland with easy access to the MAX light rail line sits Providence Park, home of the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns professional soccer teams. Since first being used for spectator sports in 1893, the stadium has undergone several major renovations, most recently in 2019, and offers world-class views, private meeting spaces, and amazing local

food and drink while hosting numerous events all year long.

Veterans Memorial Coliseum Hockey, Events

Opened in 1960 as a memorial to veterans of all wars, Veterans Memorial Coliseum features a 12,000-seat arena, a 40,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall, and seven meeting rooms, and can be configured for a more intimate setting of 1,000. The original home of the Portland Trail Blazers now hosts more than 150 events each year including Portland Winterhawks hockey games.

TRAVEL PORTLAND

Cathy Kretz National Account Director 503-936-2171 cathy@travelportland.com TravelPortland.com/Meetings

Moda Center

Providence Park

CORVALLIS, OR

WITH A PENCHANT FOR REDEFINING ITSELF AND ITS FUTURE, CORVALLIS IS A HUB FOR INNOVATION, ON AND OFF THE FIELD

Scan to discover more of what Visit Corvallis offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a foodie, there’s always something happening in Corvallis. Home to Oregon State University, your squad can cheer on their favorite college team, explore boutique shops on take a tour of lovely displays of public art. Visit Corvallis, and experience why life is delightfully different here.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Make a splash and catch a gorgeous Oregon summer sunset at Otter Beach Waterpark, part of the Osborn Aquatic Center.

▶ Learn what early life was like in Oregon at the Corvallis Museum, where hands-on art projects, storytelling and artifacts immerse you in the 19th century way of life.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Oregon State University

All

As the largest university in the state, Oregon State University features some premier athletic facilities. From Reser Stadium, home of the school’s football team (seats 43,363) to Gill Coliseum (seats 9,604) which plays host to basketball, gymnastics, wrestling and volleyball competitions. The campus can host an array of indoor and outdoor sports like tennis, cornhole, and ultimate Frisbee, just to name a few.

Alsea Falls Recreation Site

Trail running, mountain biking, BMX

Located in Oregon’s Coast Range, the site of the Alsea Falls XC Race provides a gorgeous natural backdrop in the titular falls for hikers, runners and bikers. The Fall Creek trailhead provides more than 12 miles of trails specially made for mountain bikers, though hikers are welcome to explore as well.

Corvallis Parks & Recreation Soccer, disc golf, softball, swimming, water polo, pickleball, ultimate frisbee

Corvallis Parks & Rec has you covered for all your sporting needs. Notably, the Crystal Lake Sports Complex features an impressive display of outdoor fields, with 10 soccer fields that can be used for lacrosse, ultimate Frisbee or rugby and nine little league baseball fields. Parks & Rec also operates the Osborn Aquatic Center which features an Olympic-sized 50-meter pool with a moveable bulkhead that divides the pool between its eight lap lanes.

VISIT CORVALLIS

Morgan Baker, Sales Manager 541-231-0297

morgan@visitcorvallis.com www.visitcorvallis.com

Oregon State University Legacy Park

Osborn Aquatic Center

Oregon’s Adventure Coast

BREATHTAKING VIEWS AND OUTDOOR ESCAPADES ARE RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER IN OREGON’S ADVENTURE COAST: COOS BAY, NORTH BEND, CHARLESTON, WHERE RELAXATION AND SPORT COLLIDE

Scan to discover more of what Oregon’s Adventure Coast offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Oregon’s Adventure Coast is most easily accessible via U.S. Highway 101, which runs from north to south along the Pacific Ocean from Washington to California. If you’re flying into the area, Southwest Oregon Regional Airport in North Bend offers passenger flights through United Express.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Whiskey Run Mountain Biking Trail Biking

Professionally-built to accommodate riders of all skill levels, the Whiskey Run Trails are a blend between flow and cross-country style, giving riders open sight lines, easy climbs and chances to catch big air, if you’re into that sort of thing. Whiskey Run was built to withstand all weather types and feature more than 30 miles of single-track two way trails as riders whip through the forest while experiencing a gorgeous forest floor.

Southwestern Oregon Community College Multipurpose

With scenic views of Empire Lakes and the surrounding forests, Southwestern Oregon Community College’s sports facilities provide an excellent backdrop for your next tournament. The campus’ rec center can host basketball, volleyball, wrestling, racquet ball, track and field, dance and rock climbing competitions and features state-of-the-art scoreboards, six automatic basketball hoops, a rock climbing wall and full fitness room.

Whiskey Run Mountain Biking Trail

Southwestern Oregon Community College

Mingus Park Swimming Pool

City of Coos Bay Mingus Park Swimming Pool Swimming, diving

First opened in 1943, this historic pool promotes a healthy, active and fun lifestyle and is open to all ages seven days a week. It serves as headquarters for the Gold Coast Swim Team and a variety of swim meets annually.

Marshfield High School Multipurpose

With five grade levels and a campus consisting of four main buildings, Marshfield High School is one of the hosts of the OSAA 3A Basketball Tournament annually in February and March. The school can host some of the largest indoor events in the region, with a main gymnasium that has seating for 4,000.

Barview Area Charleston Area Park Association Baseball Complex Baseball, softball, multipurpose

BACAPA Park started as a dream years ago and in 2019 made strides toward the future,

where it hopes to upgrade its existing complex and build beyond one baseball field.

North Bend High School Multipurpose

Longstanding traditions and excellent amenities are the norm at Vic Adams Field, where North Bend hosts its version of Friday night lights during football season. Clyde Allen Baseball Park is another historic venue, with seating for 300 spectators and standing-room for 300 more. In existence since 1947, the field has 8-foot-tall fences that measure 310 feet in left field, 375 to dead center and 289 feet to right field.

OREGON’S ADVENTURE COAST

Janice Langlinais Executive Director 541-269-1181 x2303 Janice@OregonsAdventureCoast.com www.OregonsAdventureCoast.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Come meet the local seals and sea lions when you stop at the Cape Arago Beach Loop, or find the cascading waterfall in the Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area

▶ The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area are the largest expanse of sand dunes in North America and are perfect for dune buggies and ATVs.

▶ Delicious fresh catch is available throughout the region, which is a hotspot for fishing, crabbing and clamming.

▶ A treasure trove of eclectic items await in downtown Coos Bay and downtown North Bend, home to unique shopping experiences.

Welcome to ARIZONA!

Destinations across Arizona are famous for delivering lasting impressions to visitors. But what makes this place truly special is its ability to inspire an ongoing adventurous spirit in visitors and residents. Wide-open spaces, road-trip excursions, bucket-list experiences and a bit of the unexpected beckon from every corner of the Grand Canyon State. We encourage explorers of every level to heed the call!

Extending a trip in Arizona is easy when you have access to the right tools. Below are a few suggestions, with many more at visitarizona.com.

SEE THE WORLD’S GRANDEST CANYON

Inarguably breathtaking, the Grand Canyon is Arizona’s own Natural Wonder of the World and the state’s most-visited attraction. If you’ve never experienced it in person, consider this your standing invitation!

Stretching 277 miles from end to end, the canyon’s multi-hued rock walls descend more than a mile to the Colorado River below. There are myriad ways to explore the Grand Canyon, from scenic rim overlooks to hiking trails to air tours.

WANDER THROUGH WINE COUNTRY

Arizona’s 120+ wineries, tasting rooms and vineyards across three major wine regions offer truly unique experiences. Just north of Phoenix, the green-and-gold Verde Valley is home to numerous wineries and tasting rooms. The adventurous should try the Water-toWine excursion which combines kayaking on the cool Verde River and wine tasting!

Southern Arizona offers two main wine regions around the communities of Sonoita/Elgin and Willcox. The vast lands and abundant monsoon rains produce 3/4 of the state’s wine grapes, which are ultimately crafted into award-winning varietals. Whichever region you visit, we’re confident you’ll be delighted by the unexpected flavors of Arizona wine and unbeatable fun of enjoying vino the Arizona way!

SAVOR SMALL-TOWN SOUTHWESTERN CHARM

Road trips are most memorable when they include small towns with big personalities.

Several such towns are located along Route 66, which cruises across northern Arizona. Fans of the hit-making band the Eagles will appreciate “standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona.” Down the road, in Kingman, day-trippers will find classic cars, neon signs and the Historic Route 66 Museum.

Another cool escape north of Phoenix is the mile-high city of Prescott. It’s famous for Whiskey Row, a collection of saloons that sprung up during the gold rush to quench the thirst of miners, gamblers and outlaws. The town is filled with Victorian architecture and boasts 700 buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Southern Arizona is also home to the famously charming mile-high town of Bisbee. USA Today named Bisbee America’s best historic small town, and Frommer’s declared it one of the “Best Places to Go” in the world in 2018. This former mining camp is now populated by artists and free spirits whose wares fill shops and galleries on Main Street. Off the main drag, murals adorn alley walls and sculptures decorate the tiny yards of Victorian homes.

Arizona’s ability to surprise and delight awaits every visitor. I invite you to enjoy the diversity and splendor of the Grand Canyon State!

Johnson Director, Arizona Office of Tourism

Debbie

“Wide-open spaces, road-trip excursions, bucket-list experiences and a bit of the unexpected beckon from every corner of the Grand Canyon State.”

Phoenix Open

Photo courtesy of Visit Phoenix, White Tie Productions and Ashley Orellana

Get Outdoors and Get Adventurous in Arizona

By Vanessa Day

hen the travel bug bites, what’s your first choice for outdoor excitement? If you’re seeking endless adventure for travelers of all ages, then Arizona deserves a place at the top of the list. Strategically located airports and well-maintained roads and highways make finding your way a breeze. Amazing weather, a wide variety of activities and a welcoming vibe make for a perfect year-round destination.

A MOUNTAIN OF FUN IN NORTHERN ARIZONA

Situated in the high country mountains of northern Arizona, Flagstaff caters to all kinds of adventure seekers. As the world’s first designated International Dark Sky Community, Flagstaff is known for its prime stargazing spots. Visit Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered, and learn about cosmic phenomena. Take the crew on a hike along the Urban Trail system, made up of more than 50 miles of trails around the city.

A DESERT ESCAPE

After taking a convenient flight into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, which is served by all major airlines and has 1,200+ daily arrivals and departures, head south for about an hour to Casa Grande, considered the state’s relaxation station. Take the family on a stroll of historic downtown, comprising more than 40 historic structures, and settle in for a scrumptious meal at one of the many eateries serving up signature dishes.

In the morning, head to nearby Picacho Peak State Park, home to one of the most famous summits in the Sonoran Desert. The 4,000-acre park boasts miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, as well as spots for rock climbing and camping. Continue your drive down to Tucson, the second largest city in Arizona, located less than 30 minutes from the park. Keep the outdoor experiences going with a visit to Saguaro National Park, home to more than 2 million giant Saguaro cactuses, the universal symbol of the Southwest. It also features over 90,000 acres of explorable terrain.

Photo courtesy of AN PHAM

SUNSHINE AND SPLASH PADS

Arizona’s western edge delivers prime outdoor excitement and is easily accessible from several parts of the country either by car or plane. Located just off I-40, Lake Havasu City is considered Arizona’s playground thanks to its 60 miles of waterways and ideal weather all year round. After you arrive, spend a day on the water with the family. Rent a personal watercraft and speed along the waves, relax as you float on a pontoon or soak in the scenery on the Havasu Landing Ferry.

After a day or two in Lake Havasu, make your way south along the Colorado River to Yuma, known as the sunniest city on earth. If you’re ready to get your heart pumping, head west to the Imperial Sand Dunes, where you and the crew can take an ATV ride over dunes reaching 300 feet into the air.

A TRIP AROUND PHOENIX AND THE VALLEY OF THE SUN

As the state capital and the largest city in Arizona, Phoenix has more than enough attractions to keep the family fun going for several days. Start your trip off in Phoenix, and take a morning hike at South Mountain Park Preserve, featuring over 50 miles of trails.

Just east of Phoenix is Scottsdale, known for its glitz and glam. There’s plenty of family fun to be had at this upscale vacation destination. Bring the family on a low-key walk on the Bajada Nature Trail or explore one of more than 400 trails surrounding the area. After a hike, head to the Lower Salt River for an afternoon on the water kayaking, tubing or stand-up paddleboarding.

The college community of Tempe, just south of Scottsdale and east of Phoenix, is home to Arizona State University athletics and is packed with a variety of things to see and do. Check out Tempe Town Lake, a man-made reservoir that’s perfect for fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding.

To the east of Phoenix, Mesa also buzzes with activity. Its Fresh Foodie Trail is a must-do for those who relish unique culinary offerings. Families can experience worldclass eateries and munch on dishes created with locally sourced ingredients.

On the west side of Phoenix, you’ll find Glendale. Take the crew on a walk through the historic downtown area, lined with boutiques and antique shops and pick up a few unique keepsakes. As one of the last working cattle ranches in the area, Manistee Ranch offers a glimpse into the past like you’ve never experienced.

Over in Chandler, east of Phoenix, you’ll discover Veterans Oasis Park, which features a lake and trail system families love to explore. And the Chandler Solar System Walk is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and learn a little something.

The town of Gilbert, also just east of Phoenix, is home to several great outdoor escapes, including Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. The 110-acre park features nearly five miles of trails, and is home to hundreds of bird species, insects, reptiles, fish and mammals.

These are just a small fraction of the adventures awaiting visitors to Arizona. No matter the length of your trip or your appetite for exploration, the Grand Canyon State is ready to fill your itinerary with fun. Start planning here: VisitArizona. com/sports.

Photo courtesy of the Arizona Office of Tourism

Photo courtesy of AN PHAM

Picacho Peak State Park

New and Upgraded Facilities Make Arizona the Ultimate Sports Destination

By Jason Paha

Arizona is unrivaled as a destination for top-tier sports and other major events. The state’s teams, leagues and facilities host exciting experiences year-round for sports families and fans. Combine that with the Arizona hospitality industry’s expertise and enthusiasm and the stage is set for an amazing experience on every visit.

Few states can rival Arizona’s strong track record of hosting successful events. Preparations are underway to host Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and for an exciting week of public events leading up to it. This marks the fourth time the state has been selected by the NFL for this honor.

Big-time events don’t end with the Super Bowl. Arizona will also host the 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four, 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four and NASCAR’s Championship Weekend for a third consecutive time in 2022. Couple these with annual events including Cactus League Spring Training, the Waste Management Phoenix Open PGA Tour golf tournament and the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and it shows why organizers continue to choose Arizona. They’re confident the state will provide a toptier visitor experience to every fan before and after the game. With state-of-the-art facilities and stadiums and 325 days of sunshine per year, Arizona is the perfect locale to host any event. Read on about Arizona’s newer and recently renovated facilities, which help show why it’s such a popular destination.

BELL BANK PARK - MESA

This massive 320-acre facility in Mesa opened in 2022 and hosts Legacy Sports USA‘s youth, adult and amateur sports teams. It serves as a venue for events, concerts, youth sports tournaments and fitness opportunities. It offers facilities for just about every sport, including eight baseball and softball fields (convertible to 16 Little League fields), 19 basketball courts (high school and college/NBA-regulation courts), 35 soccer, football and lacrosse fields, 57 indoor volleyball courts, 12 beach volleyball courts, 41 pickleball courts and a 2,000-seat stadium and 22 futsal courts.

AMERICAN FAMILY FIELDS OF PHOENIX

American Family Fields unveiled a $60 million state-ofthe-art renovation in 2019. The 7,000-seat main stadium got wider concourses and a practice field mimicking the dimensions of the stadium of its home team, the Milwaukee Brewers. A pathway from the parking lots was also added to afford fans a glimpse at players practicing on an agility field during game days.

SALT RIVER FIELDS AT TALKING STICK

Home to both the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, Salt River Fields near Scottsdale was built in conjunction with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community as the first professional sports facility on tribal lands. With roughly 85 percent of the seating area shaded as games progress, it has become one of Spring Training’s most

sought-after tickets. This sprawling facility offers 7,000 fixed seats and 4,000 outfield lawn seats, four major league fields, and eight minor league fields.

SCOTTSDALE STADIUM

Scottsdale Stadium was designed by the architects of Baltimore’s famed Camden Yards, and features turn-of-thecentury lamps, framed antique baseball gloves and home plate-shaped sidewalk bricks. The San Francisco Giants, which call the stadium home, and the city of Scottsdale unveiled a $50 million upgrade to the facility in 2020, adding a 40,000-square-foot clubhouse and a training complex.

SLOAN PARK - MESA

The Cubs have a long association with Mesa as their Spring Training home and recently moved into the state-of-theart Sloan Park. The ballpark seats 15,000 and is designed to evoke a similar feeling to the Cubs’ regular season home of Wrigley Field. The Nike Performance Center is a short walk from the stadium and includes a 70,000-square-foot home for Major and Minor League operations.

FOOTPRINT CENTER - DOWNTOWN PHOENIX

Home of the Phoenix Suns of the NBA and the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA, the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix completed an expansive $230 million renovation in 2021. The multifaceted project adds a variety of premium offerings including clubs, suites, premium seating options, themed bars and other social spaces. Existing suites have been reimagined as theater boxes and all-inclusive party boxes with access to exclusive lounge spaces.

Visitors to Arizona are sure to be wowed by its incredible weather and its state-of-the-art stadiums and sports facilities. Plan your trip today at visitarizona.com/sports.

Photo courtesy of the Arizona Office of Tourism

The Waste Management Phoenix Open is a huge annual event. Photo courtesy of the Arizona Office of Tourism

Scottsdale Stadium

Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission

THIS COMMISSION DOES SPORTS IN ARIZONA RIGHT

Scan to discover more of what Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Nikki and her team have bent over backward to ensure our team has everything they need at the lowest possible cost to our department. ASEC’s partner relationships make coming to Arizona a no-brainer for anyone!”

— Mario Moccia, New Mexico State Athletic Director

The Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission (ASEC) is among the oldest sports commissions in the United States. The mission of the Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission is to represent the citizens of Arizona to bring sporting events to the state, assist in the promotion of existing events, and support youth and amateur sports programs.

WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES

State Farm Stadium isn’t Arizona’s only spectacular sports venue. From Flagstaff to Yuma and everywhere in between, our facilities are state-ofthe-art and event ready. The Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission has the infrastructure of partners to accommodate any organization that wants to put on an event in Arizona.

The Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission operates as an independent 501 (c) (3) organization and is led by a volunteer board of directors. ASEC’s goal is to make Arizona the country’s No. 1 sports destination. What sets us apart, our experience, our relationships, and our amazing volunteers.

EXPERIENCE: ASEC’s staff has vast experience in managing an extensive variety of sporting events ranging from the amateur to the professional level. Our expertise is wide-ranging and covers every aspect of an event. Specific events experience includes, but is not limited to the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl, Grand Canyon State Games, Lori Piestewa National Native American Games, the Fiesta and Cactus Bowls, 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship, and the 2017 NCAA Final Four.

RELATIONSHIPS: ASEC has relationships with many local businesses that will significantly contribute to the success of this event while providing significant cost savings. These relationships include local signage producers,

photographers, facilities, food vendors, production, A/V, equipment rentals, hotels, restaurants, and merchandisers. ASEC also has strong ties to government entities on the state and local levels. These ties include convention and visitors bureaus around the state, the Arizona Office of Tourism, the Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority, chambers of commerce, and mayoral offices.

VOLUNTEERS: ASEC has a volunteer database of over 1,500 members that strive to serve the community by assisting in the execution and growth of sporting events in Arizona. This diverse set of volunteers is available to all event operators and provides valuable assistance to organizations that run events in our State.

ARIZONA SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION

Nikki Balich, Executive Director 480-517-9700

nikki@azsportsent.com www.azsportsent.com

Arizona Sports Hall of Fame

2022 MW Tennis Championship

Casa Grande, AZ

A CHARMING COMMUNITY WITH FABULOUS FACILITIES AWAITS YOU

Located between Phoenix and Tucson, friendly Casa Grande offers history, agriculture, family fun and outdoor adventures for the whole family.

Visitors can stroll through historic downtown Casa Grande, one of Arizona’s Main Street communities, which features more than 40 buildings in national and local historic registers. After dark, pay a visit to Casa Grande Neon Sign Park, an outdoor museum with more than a dozen glowing signs.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

Stroll through Casa Grande Main Street, which is the historical downtown district and the heart of Casa Grande’s hometown charm. Enjoy dining at the locally owned unique restaurants.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Ed Hooper Rodeo Park Rodeo, activities

Ed Hooper Rodeo Park houses the Paul Mason Sports Complex, children’s playground equipment, picnic tables, BBQ grills, restrooms, two ramadas, rodeo facilities, outdoor amphitheater, archery range, and the “Leash on Life” Dog Park.

Dave White Regional Park Golf, pickleball, basketball, racquetball, volleyball, fishing

This beautiful park is home to a multitude of amenities including the Dave White Municipal Golf Course. Other main features include 12 pickleball courts, a basketball court, racquetball courts, multi-purpose turf field, and volleyball courts all with modern LED lighting. A unique feature is the city’s only public fishing lake that is part of the State of Arizona’s Community Fishing Program. Four ramadas, two restrooms, two

Scan to discover more of what Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Casa Grande Mountain Park

playgrounds, numerous parking areas, and connected sidewalks complete the park.

Casa Grande Mountain Park Hiking, walking

Casa Grande Mountain Park is a great place to hike as the 1,025-acre park has more than 12 miles of non-motorized trails. The system is made up of stacked loops with varying levels of difficulty anchored by the 4.86-mile Ridge Trail that traces the mountain’s eastern flank.

GREATER CASA GRANDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Renee Louzon-Benn 520-836-2125

president@casagrandechamber.org casagrandechamber.org

Dave White Regional Park

Chandler, AZ

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PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“We were introduced to the Chandler community five years ago and we now host over 10 running events in Chandler annually and consider Visit Chandler one of the most welcoming and supportive organizations we work with and an integral part in each of our event success stories.”

Located in southeast greater Phoenix, with easy access to both PHX Sky Harbor International Airport and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Chandler embodies an active lifestyle with more than 65 city parks, many of which are home to award-winning sports venues and open spaces for picnics, a pleasant stroll or playtime with the family.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

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Disconnecting at the end of the day is easy with family-friendly attractions and one of the best communities in the metro Phoenix region to indulge and imbibe throughout Chandler. Each neighborhood area serves something new, from dinner destinations housed in historic buildings to havens for fans of international eats.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Chandler Tennis Center

Tennis

Located in east Chandler, the Chandler Tennis Center is a proud recipient of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Featured Facility Award. The facility features 15 renovated, lighted tennis courts, casual seating for spectators, 3,000 sq. ft. lobby area with Wi-Fi, concessions, bathrooms, and locker rooms. The facility is home to several USTA tournaments and located within the master-planned, Tumbleweed Park filled with dedicated play areas and ramadas.

Snedigar Sportsplex

Baseball, softball, soccer, skating, cricket

Named after fallen Chandler Officer James Snedigar, the facility is a massive 90-acre sports complex located in South Chandler. Featuring two professional-sized baseball fields, four softball fields, four Little League baseball fields, 12 soccer fields, a skate park, a full-sized cricket field and bathrooms.

— Sheri

Nichols, Managing Director 131 Event Productions

Tumbleweed Park Soccer, rugby, football, lacrosse, track, running, frisbee, festivals, events

Located in South Chandler, Tumbleweed Park is a 250-acre master planned park that is an excellent venue for sporting events and festivals. In addition to the Chandler Tennis Center, the park features 11 multi-purpose fields (nine are lighted), running paths, 14 covered ramadas, a 2.5 acre play structure and dedicated parking with easy ingress and egress from the 202 SanTan freeway.

VISIT CHANDLER

Kimberly Janes 480-782-3037

kimberly.janes@chandleraz.gov www.VisitChandler.com

Snedigar Sportsplex

Tumbleweed Park

Flagstaff, AZ

THIS FOUR-SEASON SPORTS DESTINATION HAS SOMETHING FOR LOVERS OF CULTURE AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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Located in the high country mountains of northern Arizona, Flagstaff’s four seasons are enviable by many. Summer temperatures average in the low 80s with sapphire blue skies and crisp mountain air, while the bounty continues into Fall with a panoramic canvas of aspen and foliage. Winter adventures await with an average 108″ of snowfall in downtown, while Spring offers breathtaking beauty of blooms.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Flagstaff is a popular outdoor destination and is home to a variety of trail systems. The city has easy access to majestic mountains and canyons including the Grand Canyon, whose South Rim is less than a mile from Flagstaff.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Wall Aquatic Center Swimming

The new Wall Aquatic Center, located in the Aquatic and Tennis Complex on the campus of Northern Arizona University, offers NAU and the Flagstaff community one of the finest high-altitude swimming facilities in the world. The facility features a 50-meter by 25-yard competitive pool with a movable bulkhead to convert it to Olympic size. It also houses a separate 25-meter by 25-yard by 17-foot-deep dive tank with a three-line 10-meter dive tower and one and three-meter springboards.

J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome

Football, basketball, indoor track and field

Home to the Northern Arizona football, men’s and women’s basketball and indoor track and field teams, it is one of the most unique venues in all of college athletics. Open for 44 years, the dome underwent a major renovation in 2010-11, at a cost of $26 million. Fans enter the 10,000-

seat building to a panoramic view of the field on the east and west concourses and their comfort is ensured with 21-inch-wide chair back seating. Once the largest wood-span structure of its kind in the world, the Skydome covers an area of 6.2 acres, with the roof spanning more than 500 feet and rising 142 feet above the playing surface. The Skydome showcases a REALGRASS surface installed in the spring of 2008. The 96,000-square-foot surface is covered with Mondo and the track contains a six-lane, 300-meter non-banked loop with the infield containing enough area for six NCAA-standard basketball and volleyball courts as well as two regulation tennis courts.

DISCOVER FLAGSTAFF

Jessica Young 928-213-2920

jyoung@flagstaffaz.gov www.meetinflagstaff.org

Wall Aquatic Center

J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome

Gilbert, AZ

A BURGEONING HOT SPOT IN ARIZONA, GILBERT IS A GREAT PLACE TO PLAY BOTH INDOORS AND OUTSIDE

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PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Cactus Yards is the best overall ballpark in the state of Arizona for our baseball tournaments and leagues. It’s also now nationally recognized by out-of-state teams as the place they want to play, bringing in economic impact to the community.”

— Rick Perreault,

Residing east of Chandler and south of Mesa, Gilbert has surged from an agricultural community into an Arizona hot spot. Gilbert’s popularity grows by the day as excellent restaurants continue to open in its revitalized downtown while its art scene grows more renowned.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Downtown Gilbert, known by the locals as the Heritage District, is a collection of more than 30 restaurants in a vibrant space.

▶ Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch covers 110 acres and houses approximately 298 species of birds.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Cactus Yards Baseball, softball

Cactus Yards offers an experience like few others. Guests can play like a professional at one of its eight ballfields modeled after legendary major league fields: Ebbets Field, Sportsman’s Park, Dbacks Field, Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium, Angel Stadium, Fenway Park and the Polo Grounds. The facility is also home to a fieldhouse and batting cages, where sluggers can grab some batting practice.

Desert Sky Park Football, soccer

This lovely new park features four multiuse fields, a fitness course, a kids’ playground and a lake with plenty more to come. When construction is complete, Desert Sky Park has the potential to incorporate 16 multi-use fields including a Championship Field with integrated shade and seating, a sensory playground, plaza areas and a trailhead.

Gilbert Regional Park

Gilbert Regional Park Basketball, pickleball, volleyball, tennis

This multifaceted park offers post-tension concrete basketball courts with sports surfacing and striping as well as reinforced rims and backboard. Another amenity includes 16 competition-ready pickleball courts; made up of 15 standard dimension courts and one allaccessible showcase court. Lighting is designed to Class II standards for tournament play and have push button controls allowing for two courts to be lit at one time. The park also houses six competition-ready lit sand volleyball courts.

TOWN OF GILBERT, ARIZONA

Glenn Schlottman

Work: 480-503-6913 Cell: 480-417-8334 glenn.schlottman@gilbertaz.gov discovergilbert.com

USSSA Baseball-AZ State Director

Cactus Yards

Glendale, AZ

THIS SPORTS MECCA, KNOWN AS THE SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT, IS HOME TO THE UPCOMING 2023 SUPER BOWL, 2024 MEN’S FINAL FOUR AND ANNUAL FIESTA BOWL, WHERE CHAMPIONS ARE CROWNED

Scan to discover more of what Visit Glendale offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“The Visit Glendale team has been instrumental in assisting the Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission in pursuing our mission to bring sporting events to the state, assist in promoting existing events, and support youth and amateur sports programs. Most notably, the guidance and support we received on the hotel block selection and implementation plan for the Section 7 Basketball Team Camp were second-tonone; we could not have done our job without them.”

— Nikki Balich, Executive Director, The Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission

With 16 hotels and growing Glendale offers nearly 1,900 room nights including on-trend, boutique-style properties. Glendale is located 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and offers nonstop service to more than 117 domestic cities and 23 international destinations.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Westgate Entertainment District

The “District of Fun” is a premier entertainment destination for live events, business, concerts, sporting events, celebrations, and a $6 million Bellagio-inspired dancing water feature.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

State Farm Stadium

Football, sporting events, and festivals

Delivering a world-class experience for fans, event organizers and participants. The stadium offers an innovative approach to sports facility design by incorporating the first retractable natural grass playing field in North America. It is also the first completely retractable roof to operate at an incline. The stadium’s exterior skin of shimmering metal panels reflects the shifting desert light.

Camelback Ranch - Glendale

Spring training, sporting events

Home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox, this spring training facility offers 10,000 stadium-seats and 3,000 lawn seats. The 141-acre campus has 118,000 square feet of clubhouse space with four major league and eight minor league practice fields.

Desert Diamond Arena Sporting and entertainment events

This state-of-the-art multipurpose facility hosts national and international charttopping recording artists and a variety of sporting events. The arena features two separate concourses on two seating levels, providing guests with non-restricted views of the action. The arena features an intimate seating bowl with modern amenities and anchors Westgate Entertainment District.

VISIT GLENDALE

Sarah Cunningham National Sales Manager 623-930-2957

scunningham@VisitGlendale.com www.VisitGlendale.com

State Farm Stadium

Desert Diamond Arena

Lake Havasu City, Az

Scan to discover more of what Go Lake Havasu offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Lake Havasu City is perfectly centered within easy driving from Southern California, Las Vegas and Phoenix to make it the ideal host for regional tournaments.

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year and a unique mix of tranquil waters, rugged mountains and a slew of fun, it’s difficult to stay inside when you are in Lake Havasu City. This is the perfect place for hikers, bikers, boating enthusiasts, anglers, golfers, shoppers and lovers of fine food. Book your vacation escape to Lake Havasu City and Play Like You Mean It®.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

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Lake Havasu City is located on the beautiful Colorado River. From fun and adventure on the channel near the London Bridge to the quiet inlets like Teal Cove, the lake is spacious enough for everyone who wants to spend time on the water.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Lake Havasu City BMX

Biking

Set amid the scenic Lake Havasu City desert backdrop, this USA BMX-sanctioned nonprofit race track is a perfect place for bikers to strut their stuff. Feel the excitement of BMX racing as riders whip around the track and fly through the air to conquer jumps along the way. This non-motorized sport connects with all ages and has an open enrollment encouraging riders, young and old, to join in on the fun or watch from the stands.

Tinnell Memorial Sports Complex Skateboarding, BMX, scooter

One of the top five largest skateparks in the U.S. and the largest multi-use skatepark in the Southwest at 40,000 square feet, Tinnell is dedicated to local fallen soldier and BMX rider Patrick Tinnell, along with Colin Sasseen, who lost his life skating in his front yard. This multiuse skatepark is a Street League Skateboarding-

certified facility and is also open to BMX and scooters. Its street course design is inspired by Street League Skateboarding’s skate plaza-style course skated by professional skateboarders at the 2013 X Games in Brazil.

Cypress Park Baseball, soccer

Cypress has beautiful lake views and plenty of space to enjoy soccer, baseball, playtime or just lying on the sprawling grass and taking in the sun and sights. This soccer tournamentfriendly park hosts the only regulation 73-yardwide soccer field in the city and other varioussized soccer fields as well.

GO LAKE HAVASU

Jackie Leatherman, Director of Experiences

o. 928-453-3444 x 132 c. 928-486-2665 jackie@golakehavasu.com www.golakehavasu.com

Lake Havasu City BMX

Tinnell Memorial Sports Complex

MESA, AZ

DELICIOUS FOOD, FUN ACTIVITIES AND A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN MAKE MESA A DESTINATION VISITORS CAN’T WAIT TO REVISIT

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PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Arizona Disabled Sports values its long-standing relationship with Visit Mesa and its support of initiatives that enhance the quality of life for individuals with intellectual, physical, or visual impairments. We look forward to opportunities to bring national adaptive sports competitions to Mesa.”

— Rhonda Carlson, Executive Director, Arizona Disabled Sports

Mesa, Arizona is sports central in the Southwest. Home to Chicago Cubs and Oakland A’s spring training baseball, the city has some of the state’s most in-demand sports facilities with even more under construction. The newest venue to call Mesa home is Bell Bank Park, powered by Legacy Sports USA – the largest complex of its kind in the country. Not to be missed is Mesa’s aquatic centers, boasting fast pools where legends come to compete.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Enjoy Route 88’s scenic desert wilderness, history and folklore from the Superstition Mountains and its Lost Dutchman Mine, Goldfield Ghost Town and more.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Bell Bank Park powered by Legacy Sports Soccer, E-gaming

Bell Bank Park powered by Legacy Sports is a $300M, 320-acre multi-use family sport and entertainment complex of outdoor and indoor team athletic facilities. The park features 25 turfed flat fields, a 5,000-person stadium field, 41 pickle ball courts, 20 basketball courts, 22 futsal courts, 57 indoor volleyball courts, 12 sand volleyball courts, 8 softball/baseball diamonds, 5 golf simulators, state-of-the-art training and wellness centers, nutrition professionals and a wide selection of dining options. Legacy Sports Park will also feature a 40,000 sq foot multi-purpose arena, an indoor gaming/arcade center and an outdoor amphitheater.

Red Mountain Soccer and Baseball Complex Soccer, baseball

Located in northeast Mesa, Red Mountain

features six professionally-groomed soccer fields. A $30 million expansion of the complex, to be completed in 2024, will add 10 new regulationsize fields, four of which will be for youth baseball/softball, expanded parking and more.

Gene Autry Baseball Complex Baseball

Gene Autry Sports Complex features a total of three professionally-groomed baseball fields (full-size 90-foot bases), batting tunnels and an eight-pack covered pitching station. There is a 47-acre park area nearby that includes playground equipment, four lighted sand volleyball courts, a tennis center and ramadas.

VISIT MESA

Lance Fite, Director, Sports Sales 480-682-3650

Lance@VisitMesa.com www.visitmesa.com/sports-planner/

Bell Bank Park

Red Mountain Soccer and Baseball Complex

Phoenix, AZ

WITH PROFESSIONAL TEAMS GALORE, A BUSTLING DOWNTOWN AND BEAUTIFUL SONORAN DESERT SCENERY, PHOENIX IS A MUST-VISIT DESTINATION

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Visit Phoenix offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

events annually in Downtown Phoenix since 2009 has given us a chance to really appreciate the diversity of experiences and wide array of resources available to help make our events enjoyable and keep our guests coming back year after year.”

— Bryan Kelley, President, Festival Sports

Whether you’re up for hiking to stunning mountain views, strolling among the Desert Botanical Garden’s collection of 50,000 desert plants or hunting down murals in the arts district, there are endless sights to take in between games in Phoenix. As the urban heart of the Southwest, this city is also home to innovative restaurant concepts and lively nightlife.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

The Heard Museum celebrates cultures and art of American Indians of the Southwest.

Immerse yourself at the Desert Botanical Garden, a 50-acre desert garden in Papago Park showcasing an incredible variety of flora, from towering saguaros to delicate blooms.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Reach 11 Sports Complex Baseball, soccer

Reach 11 is an ideal complex for all athletes to play, regardless of skill level. This massive venue features 18 lighted soccer fields (17 grass and one artificial turf playing surface). The facility also boasts two traditional grass baseball fields and two accessible rubberized baseball fields, which are perfect for athletes comfortable playing in any environment.

Rose Mofford Sports Complex Soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball

This lighted complex, perfect for late night competition of any kind, features four soccer fields, six softball fields, four basketball courts, four volleyball courts (two asphalt and two sand). It is also home to eight tennis courts, three pickleball courts, and eight racquetball courts.

Bell Bank Park

Baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, football, lacrosse, volleyball, pickleball, futsal, eSports

This Mesa complex is the newest sports venue to open in Greater Phoenix, offering 320 acres for youth, adult, and amateur sports teams, as well as concerts and festivals. Whatever the sport, Bell Bank Park has almost 300 courts, fields and play surfaces ready, including baseball, basketball, soccer, football and even pickleball, futsal and eSports.

VISIT PHOENIX

Chris Robertson 602-452-6221 crobertson@visitphoenix.com visitphoenix.com

Bell Bank Park

Phoenix

“Running

Scottsdale, AZ

EXPERIENCE EXCITING URBAN ATTRACTIONS IN THE CENTER OF ARIZONA’S PICTURESQUE SONORAN DESERT

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PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Experience Scottsdale is innovative and progressive. They recognize the value events bring to their community and their support for event producers is second to none. Their lodging options and facilities are some of the best in the country and everything is first class.”

— Baseball Event Organizer & Experience

Scottsdale Sports FAM Attendee Fort Collins, CO Scottsdale Stadium

Located in Maricopa County, Scottsdale, Arizona, has been called “The West’s Most Western Town.” Scottsdale is set in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, and its McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the largest urban preserve of its kind in the United States. Scottsdale also is home to the McDowell Mountains and in close proximity to the Tonto National Forest and the Salt River.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

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Topgolf is a top-notch experience in Scottsdale, offering visitors the chance to play golf games in a relaxing, air-conditioned environment. Reserve a bay to play, eat, drink and have some fun.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Bell94 & Scottsdale Sports Complexes

Soccer, rugby, football, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse

These sports complexes contain bermuda grass fields which are all professionally groomed and regularly maintained. The Scottsdale Sports Complex features six international-sized fields (225’ x 360’, four lighted) and four regulation-sized fields (186’ x 300’, unlighted). The Bell Road Sports Complex, which opens in Spring of 2022, features six additional international-sized fields (225’ x 360’, five lighted).

WestWorld of Scottsdale Equestrian, car shows, festivals, concerts

With a large variety of entertainment and dining options, WestWorld is a great venue for hosting events of many kinds. The grounds cover 386 acres in close proximity to the McDowell Mountains and offer 300,000 square

feet of exhibit space. WestWorld is well known for its equestrian center, which has hosted hundreds of events over the years.

Scottsdale Stadium

Baseball, events, festivals, trade shows

Built in 1955 and located in Old Town, Scottsdale Stadium is home to the San Francisco Giants during Cactus League Spring Training and hosts a wide variety of events year-round. The main Stadium capacity is 12,000 people, and the facility also is equipped to host weddings, conferences and family gatherings.

EXPERIENCE SCOTTSDALE

Erika Pumphrey 480-949-6297

epumphrey@experiencescottsdale.com www.meetinscottsdale.com

Scottsdale Sports Complex

Game On!

When it comes to top-notch facilities for sporting events of all kinds, Scottsdale’s definitely got game.

I n Scottsdale, we back up our out-standing sports facilities with year-round sunny skies, hotels and resorts in all price points, exciting off-the-field recreation options, great dining and nightlife, and a lush Sonoran Desert setting. Here are just a few of Scottsdale’s facilities that offer flexibility, comfort and top-notch amenities for tournaments, games, league play and practices.

WESTWORLD OF SCOTTSDALE

• Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center (TNEC): 300,000 sq. ft. consisting of a central equidome flanked by two multi-purpose halls (117,000-sq.-ft. North Hall and 37,000-sq.-ft. South Hall). Seating capacity 3,400. Fully climate controlled. The TNEC’s flexible design and barrier-free, continuous space allows multiple events to take place simultaneously.

• The Fields: A 20-acre grass field split into two areas ideal for polo and other flat-field sports.

• Equestrian Arenas: 10 total with access to horse stalls.

• Monterra: 17,000-sq.-ft. indoor/outdoor event facility.

SCOTTSDALE STADIUM

• Full-size Stadium Field (lighted) with grandstand, bleacher and berm seating for 11,000

• Full-size Practice Field (unlighted)

• The Lodge multi-level outdoor event space for groups of all sizes

• The Fieldhouse , a 10,000-square-foot, s tate-of-the-art space with pre-function a rea and patio

• The Banyan Room, a 3,000-square-foot room with patio

• The Press Level, a versatile space for 20 to 120 people

SALT RIVER FIELDS AT

TALKING STICK

• Full-size Stadium Field (lighted) with stadium and berm seating for 12,000

• 12 Practice Fields

• Numerous indoor/outdoor Multi-Use Spaces

SCOTTSDALE SPORTS COMPLEX

(pictured)

• 6 International-size Fields (225’ x 360’; 6 lighted)

• 4 Regulation-size Fields (186’ x 300’; unlighted)

BELL94 SPORTS COMPLEX

• 6 International-size Fields (225’ x 360’; 6 lighted)

For more information, please contact Erika Pumphrey, Senior National Sales Manager for Experience Scottsdale, at 480-949-6297 or epumphrey@experiencescottsdale.com

experiencescottsdale.com

Surprise, AZ

WITH QUALITY SPORTS FACILITIES, NATURE, THE ARTS AND MORE, IT’S NO SURPRISE THAT THIS ARIZONA CITY IS A TOP DESTINATION

Scan to discover more of what Explore Surprise, Arizona offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Located at the northwestern corner of the Valley of the Sun in Maricopa County, Surprise is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, and for good reason with its outstanding sports scene, restaurants, hotels and local activities. Route US 60 passes directly through the city, making travel by car a breeze. There’s also an international airport located in Phoenix, which is only about 40 minutes away.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

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White Tank Mountain Regional Park has hiking trails, camping, picnic areas and a nature center to enjoy the great outdoors. This well-maintained park has a playground along Mesquite Canyon Trail, which also provides a fair challenge for trail runners.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Surprise Stadium Baseball, events

Surprise Stadium is a 10,500-seat baseball facility with grass surface and professional dimensions across 124 acres. Not only is this a top-notch stadium to host a major event, it’s the home to MLB Spring Training for the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. Additionally, Surprise Stadium is home to Arizona Fall League’s Surprise Saguaros team, and was voted best Spring Training Facility in the Cactus League by USA Today. Located at the Surprise Recreation Campus, there are also 12 baseball fields, half of which are lighted, making it a great location to host major tournaments at any level.

Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex Tennis, racquetball, table tennis

Opened in 2007, Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex is a USTA Outstanding Facility awardwinning facility. With 25 tennis courts, 17 of which are lighted, and a 2,500-seat stadium, the complex

excels with the quality and quantity to host major tournaments such as the pro CTCA Champions Series and the Fed Cup. In addition to the tennis courts, there are two full-sized indoor racquetball courts, as well as a room dedicated to table tennis.

Surprise Pickleball Complex Pickleball

Adjacent to the tennis and racquet complex is Surprise Pickleball Complex. Unlike many other pickleball facilities, membership and daily fees are not required to play here, making it an excellent spot to learn the game. This state-of-the-art facility hosts 16 outdoor pickleball courts, all of which are lighted and available from 6 AM to 10 PM.

EXPLORE SURPRISE

Joe Bertoletti

joe.bertoletti@surpriseaz.gov ExploreSurprise.com / SurpriseStadium.com

Surprise Stadium

Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex

Fun FIND YOUR

Find your fun at Spring Training in Surprise and keep it going as you hike the beautiful Sonoran desert mountains, play one of our pristine golf courses, and enjoy the local dining flavors.

With blogs, itineraries, events and more, we’ll help you “Find Your Surprise” at ExploreSurprise.com

Tempe, AZ

A VARIETY OF ATTRACTIONS AND INCREDIBLE NATURAL BEAUTY MAKE TEMPE ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN ARIZONA

With breathtaking landscapes and a vibrant college town, Tempe is on the rise as one of the hottest destinations in the country. From outdoor attractions and sightseeing ventures to excellent retail and dining opportunities, this metropolitan area is ideal for a week-long getaway.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

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Countless culinary choices cover a wide array of cuisines, from quick eats to fine dining.

▶ Tempe also has great shopping including the fabulous Tempe Marketplace, which features a sprawling 1.3 million square feet of retail space, 100 shops and restaurants and more than 300 events happening year-round.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Tempe Sports Complex

Multi-use, softball, soccer, pickleball, flag football, skating

Built in 2005, Tempe Sports Complex is a 60-acre multi-purpose facility for sports tournaments and recreational activities. The complex includes seven multi-use fields, four lighted softball fields, 8 lighted pickleball courts – including two of the first ADA-accessible courts in the state. The skate park features two bowls and multiple street style ramps, open to skaters of all experience levels.

Sun Devil Fitness

Complex

Multi-use, basketball, volleyball, racquetball, conference meeting space

The Sun Devil Fitness Complex is a 234,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose space that can host both indoor and outdoor events. The complex has five large gymnasiums, 11 racquetball courts, an Olympic size swimming pool, and 6.5 acres of outdoor field space. The facility is designed

Scan to discover more of what Tempe Tourism Office offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Tempe is a vibrant urban destination for tournaments just minutes from PHX Sky Harbor airport. By hosting high-level competitions like IRONMAN® triathlons and Cactus League Spring Training our convenient location and sunny skies create a winning game plan.”

to be a center of recreational and intramural sports, and overall physical wellness.

Tempe Town Lake/ Tempe Beach Park

Boating, kayaking, triathlon, running, beach volleyball, festivals and special

events

Located in the heart of the Phoenix Metropolitan area, Tempe Town Lake provides a 2-mile recreational lake for both recreational and competition style activities such as kayaking, sailing, dragon boat racing, and triathlons.

Tempe Beach Park has 25 acres of park space to accommodate beach volleyball, running events, music festivals and special events.

TEMPE TOURISM OFFICE

Luchie Javelosa 480-894-8158

luchie@tempetourism.com www.tempetourism.com

Tempe Sports Complex

Tempe Town Lake

— Judy Stowers, Race Director IRONMAN Arizona

Photo courtesy of Luth Photography

PLAY HARD. THEN PLAY ALL YOU WANT.

Go beyond the game.

No matter the score, everybody wins in Tempe. Centrally located, just minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Tempe is the perfect place to field your next sporting event.

Contact us to help make your event a success.

Our facilities, hotels, and post-game scene are unbeatable. You’ll experience all-star attractions, shopping, dining, and nightlife in an inclusive community that champions diversity.

Photo: Tim Trumble

Photo: Slaven Gujic

Tucson, AZ

THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR ADVENTURE SEEKERS

From breathtaking Sonoran Desert views to the bustling and vibrant downtown area, Tucson gives travelers the best of both worlds. Resort hotels, spas and trendy restaurants are perfect for the urban explorer while the Sonoran Desert, Saguaro National Park and Catalina State Park allow for endless hikes.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

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The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is dedicated to educating the public and conserving the Sonoran Desert Region. The 98-acre museum is made up of a zoo, aquarium, art gallery, botanical garden and more.

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Scan to discover more of what

Visit Tucson Sports offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“We are currently working on bringing two events to Tucson and Visit Tucson Sports has been a pleasure to work with. Their sports director, Luchie Javelosa, has done a wonderful job in educating us on the city, sports venues and hotels. We are looking forward to a long-term partnership with Visit Tucson Sports.”

Compete

The Pima Air and Space Museum holds around 400 historic aircraft and thousands of artifacts.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Kino Sports Complex Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Rugby, Football, Soccer

This multi-purpose sports venue provides facilities for both professional and amateur level sports, as well as cultural events. As the largest entertainment venue in Southern Arizona, the complex is equipped to host tournaments, concerts, fundraisers, training sessions and more. Being split into three main subsections allows the facilities to cater to far more than just baseball, which was its primary purpose when opening in 1997. The North Complex is composed of playgrounds, an event center, softball fields, and a basketball court while the South Complex includes accommodations for rugby, football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey.

Tucson Convention Center Events

Located in the heart of downtown Tucson, the Tucson Convention Center is comprised of

205,000 square feet of event space. Ballrooms, pre-function spaces, and exhibit halls are just some of the aspects available to make any event a success.

Sporting Chance Center

Basketball, Volleyball

The Sporting Chance Center is home to tournaments, leagues, camps, clinics, open play and other programs devoted to youth health and fitness. The 40,000 square foot air-conditioned center features a state-of-the-art floating wood floor that can be configured with up to eight volleyball courts or five full basketball courts.

VISIT TUCSON

Nick Pazzi 520-770-2157

npazzi@visittucson.org www.visittucson.org/sports

— Eric Carlyle, SDLT,

Sports Diversity, CEO

Kino Sports Complex

Tucson Convention Center

Yuma, AZ

Scan to discover more of what Visit Yuma offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

EVENT

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Yuma is a community that is excited about sport, tournaments, and recreation. We are proud of our beautiful new Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex that hosted the NJCAA DI Women’s Softball Championships in 2021 and 2022. It seems like every weekend Yuma parks are full of activity and tournaments.”

— Marcus Carney, Executive Director

The true Southwest awaits you in Yuma. Come immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture and heritage, which is rooted in centuries of history. Soak in Yuma’s blue skies and sun that shines 310 days a year — perfect for outdoor excursions. And with a variety of top-notch athletic facilities and a vibrant arts and culture scene, Yuma is an ideal spot to host your next event.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Explore the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, or hit up unique shopping and dining options in Yuma’s Historic Downtown.

▶

Don’t miss Yuma’s historical sites that are living legends, and take time to learn about how the native peoples came together at The Crossing

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex Baseball, Softball

The Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex is a state-of-the-art facility that is uniquely positioned to help your tournament get in front of a tremendously viable demographic. This sprawling 50-acre, multi-sport facility is perfect for Youth or Adult Softball & Baseball Leagues & Tournaments. The PAAC offers 6 lighted softball fields which includes a Championship Field.

Desert Hills Golf Course Golf

The Desert Hills Golf Course is the premier golfing facility in southwestern Arizona and southeastern California. The course is a par 72 championship course that features 6,800 yards of challenging topography and scenic views with an interesting mix of vegetation. The course is maintained at a top-notch level and has been the site of several professional

events including the Ben Hogan and Nike Tour Events. Rolling hills, palm trees, gorgeous valley views and big greens make it a favorite in the local area.

Ray Kroc Baseball Complex Baseball

The City of Yuma Ray Kroc Sports Complex is a 26-acre, modern, multi-use sports and recreation center comprised of three components: Ray Kroc Sports Complex, Desert Sun Stadium, and the Clubhouse Building.

VISIT YUMA

Leslie McClendon 928-318-6539

Leslie@VisitYuma.com www.visityuma.com

Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex

Desert Hills Golf Course

THIS SUN-FILLED CITY IS AN IDEAL SPOT FOR ANY OUTDOOR

Photos courtesy of Paige Lineberry

FRESNO COUNTY, CA

FRESNO COUNTY IS THE BEST IN ITS FIELD FOR WORLD-CLASS SPORTS EVENTS. OUTDOOR PARKS, RENOWNED ARENAS AND MATCHLESS AQUATIC CENTERS INVITE SPORTS PLANNERS TO THIS BELOVED REGION

Fresno County is centrally located in the San Joaquin Valley, anchored by Fresno, California’s fifth largest city and the largest city in the Central Valley. Fresno County hosts a variety of worldclass sporting events annually at premier sports facilities—from baseball at Chukchansi Park to swimming at the Clovis Unified Aquatic Centers and everything in between.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Buchanan Sports Complex Baseball/softball, track, football

This family-friendly, state-of-the-art softball complex is a local favorite and always kept in tip-top shape. Buchanan Sports Complex in Clovis comprises eight softball fields fully-equipped with bleachers, lighting for night games, on-site restrooms and ample parking space.

Clovis West & Clovis North Aquatic Centers Swimming, diving

At Clovis West, featured facilities include three pools, a baby pool, showers, handicapped accessibility, locker rooms, a one-meter diving board, three-meter diving board, an eightlane competition pool at 50 meters, a diving well and an outdoor diving pool. The home of the Clovis North High School competitive aquatics program, Clovis North Aquatic Center offers two parallel 50-meter pools, a diving well and several

Clovis North Aquatic Center

Scan to discover more of what Visit Fresno County offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

sustainable features including HVAC water heaters, high-efficiency pool pumps and chlorination and acid systems that consume the minimum amount of chemicals necessary for health and safety.

Chukchansi Park Baseball, soccer

Since opening its gates to the public for the first time in 2002, Chukchansi Park, home to the Fresno Grizzlies, has earned a reputation as one of the most beautiful and modern facilities in the nation. This 10,650-capacity stadium (not including hospitality areas and standing room) in the heart of downtown Fresno features incredible sight lines from every seat and provides dramatic views of the downtown skyline and nearby Sierra Mountains.

Selland Arena Basketball, wrestling, taekwondo, ice hockey

Widely known for having the best sightlines in the Valley, where every seat is close to the action, the arena also boasts the largest general admission floor in the region, expanding its capacity to 9,200.

California State University, Fresno Football, basketball, softball, tennis volleyball, wrestling, swimming California State University, Fresno is home to multiple high-level athletic teams and facilities including 40,727-seat Valley Children’s Stadium, where the football team plays, the 15,596-seat Save Mart Center, which hosts basketball, volleyball and wrestling competitions, Pete Beiden Field at Bob Bennett Stadium, a premier baseball park that has hosted eight regionals since 1979, and Margie Wright Diamond, a 3,288-seat venue that hosts the Fresno State softball team.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ One of the most legendary national parks in the country, Yosemite National Park is famed for its giant, ancient sequoia trees and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.

▶ Fresno Chaffee Zoo is home to more than 125 animal species. The zoo features a variety of exhibits and attractions including African Adventure, Sea Lion Cove, Valley Farm and Stingray Bay.

▶ The Shinzen Friendship Garden is a serene garden built by the Japanese-American community, featuring a tea house and koi pond.

VISIT FRESNO COUNTY

Andrew Smith Director of Sales 559-981-5503 andrew.smith@fresnocvb.org www.visitfresnocounty.org

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

▶ Forestiere Underground Gardens is a series of subterranean structures and are a spectacular hidden gem featuring 65 rooms underground along with a multitude of pathways.

“Fresno State Athletics has used the services of the FCCVB for years. Their staff has always worked hard to assist in providing a quality experience for our visiting teams and guests. With the help of their hospitality, we were able to secure the Mountain West Conference Track and Field Championships for the next 3 years.”

Valley Children’s Stadium

— Matt Studwell, Associate Athletics Director for Facilities & Operations, Fresno State Athletics

Buchanan Sports Complex

Chukchansi

Park

Bakersfield, CA

BAKERSFIELD HAS GIVEN RISE TO COUNTRY MUSIC AND THE BAKERSFIELD SOUND AS WELL AS A NEW GENERATION OF TOP-NOTCH SPORTS FACILITIES

Scan to discover more of what Visit Bakersfield offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Why Bakersfield? That’s easy. It’s a perfectly-sized modern city with stateof-the-art facilities, a large inventory of clean, family-oriented hotel rooms, dozens of welcoming restaurants, and a city leadership that values our championships and supports us in every way possible. Bakersfield is a tremendous host.”

Bakersfield is located at the juncture of California State routes 99 and 58, and is accessible via Interstate 5. If you’re flying in, Meadows Field (BFL) is Bakersfield’s main airport, located about 10 miles north of downtown. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 120 miles away.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Mechanics Bank Arena Basketball, football, hockey, multipurpose indoor, wrestling

As the present home of the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League, the Mechanics Bank Arena has hosted NCAA Division I basketball contests in the past and can be used to accommodate many indoor tournaments, events and concerts, including the 2019 boys and girls high school state wrestling championships. The venue seats up to 10,225 with 17,000 square feet of floor

space. Mechanics Bank Arena also houses the Bob Elias Kern County Sports Hall of Fame. Attached to the arena is the Mechanics Bank Theater and Convention Center, which features a 17,480-square-foot exhibit hall as well as a 3,000-seat theater.

Mesa Marin Sports Complex Basketball, multipurpose outdoor, pickleball, skating, soccer, softball Spanning across 15 acres, this multipurpose complex features four lighted softball fields, a 1,040-square-foot restroom and concession

— John T., California Interscholastic Federation

Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater & Convention Center

Mesa Marin Sports Complex

Kern County Soccer Park

building, spectator bleacher seating and ample parking.

Kaiser Permanente Sports Village Multisport

With construction and renovations done throughout most of this decade, Kaiser Permanente has become one of the premier facilities throughout the region. The complex boasts 12 soccer fields, four youth football fields, a playground, concession stand, restrooms, walking trail, two ponds and ample parking.

Kern County Soccer Park Soccer

Spread across 86 acres with parking for more than 5,000 vehicles available, Kern County Soccer Park is a main fixture on any sports planner’s soccer list. The park is home to 24 regulation-sized soccer fields, with four snack bars, eight built-in restrooms and RV parking. The fields are lighted and a central

headquarters building is available for use during the many tournaments this park hosts.

California State University, Bakersfield Multisport

Home to Roadrunners athletics, CSUB features top-of-the-line athletic facilities including the Icardo Center, Hardt Field, Roadrunner Softball Complex, John S. Hillman Memorial Aquatic Center, Barnes Beach Volleyball Complex and the John Antonino Sports Complex. Home to the men’s and women’s basketball as well as volleyball programs, the Icardo Center is a 44,000-square-foot facility that can seat 3,495.

VISIT BAKERSFIELD

Matt Billingsley

Sales Manager 661 852-7236

mbillingsley@visitbakersfield.com www.visitbakersfield.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ If you’re into country western music, a trip to Buck Owens Crystal Palace is a must.

▶ Jump around at the BLVD, Temblor, and Flight Adventure Park, where 17,000 square feet of wall-to-wall trampolines make for great group parties.

▶ Experience the lore and tastes of Spain’s Basque country oceans away in California, where boardinghouse cuisine reigns supreme.

▶ Bakersfield’s only high ropes challenge course and outdoor rock-climbing facility can be found in the Condor Challenge at CALM.

Irvine, CA

Scan to discover more of what Destination Irvine offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Destination Irvine’s very reliable, resourceful and hardworking staff was very beneficial for my organization and my five youth soccer tournaments and its attendees, which are held in the City of Irvine.”

— Bart Hess, President & Chairman, Community Sports Institute, Orange County Kickoff Classic

With an abundance of preserved trails for hiking and biking and expansive sports facilities, Irvine is a must-visit for tournament planners and outdoor enthusiasts. From its flexible indoor facilities like Momentous Sports Center and UCI’s eSports Arena, to the impeccable outdoor fields at the Great Park, Irvine has a venue for any sport.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Orange County Great Park Sports Complex

Soccer, tennis, sand volleyball, baseball, softball

Orange County Great Park has everything a sports planner wants, beginning with a championship soccer stadium with full amenities and seating for 2,500. The Sports Complex includes space for up to 24 soccer fields. It has six lighted grass fields, each 120 yards by 75 yards, lighted grass soccer fields, several multipurpose fields, 24 lighted

tennis courts with a championship court that houses 132 spectators, four sand volleyball courts with a lighted championship court and seating for 178, four basketball courts and 10 baseball/softball fields with two championship stadiums. The complex was the host site for the 2019 NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship in November after the event was a success in 2018.

Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena Hockey, curling, figure skating Few facilities throughout the United States

Orange County Great Park Sports Complex

William J Woollett Jr. Aquatic Center

Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena

offer the unique opportunity presented by Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena seating 2,500, which combines the largest community ice complex in the region with the training facility for the Anaheim Ducks. The $110 million, 280,000-square-foot facility has three sheets of ice designed for NHL regulations, as well as one Olympic standard sheet. Great Park Ice was home of USA Hockey Nationals in 2022.

William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center Swimming, water polo

The Woollett Center is home to Concordia University’s swimming, diving, and water polo teams. It boasts two 50-meter pools and a 25-yard pool that’s just right for learning. Recently renovated, this facility has been used to showcase several major competitions, including the USA Swimming National Championships and the USA Artistic Swimming Championships in 2022.

Momentous Sports Center Basketball, volleyball

Momentous Sports Center boasts 22 indoor volleyball courts, 21 indoor basketball courts and 21 futsal courts, all featuring special lowimpact wooden flooring.

University of California-Irvine Bren Events Center

Basketball, volleyball, Esports

As a world-class university, the University of California-Irvine has some tremendous facilities, including the Bren Event Center. The 65,000-square-foot arena is the home site for UCI’s basketball and volleyball programs and has a seating capacity of 5,000. State-of-theart lighting, sound and acoustic engineering were thoughtfully designed across two levels.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ For fun activities to enjoy in the area, try touring the Mediterranean architecture and an open-air shopping center highlight the Irvine Spectrum Center, where fine dining, comedy shows, a carousel and the Giant Wheel ensure a good time for the whole family.

▶ Get off the beaten trail and onto Irvine’s bike trails, where 60+ miles of off-roading await your tires.

▶ Soar into the night’s sky and check out the surrounding landscape when you take a ride on the Orange County Great Park Balloon.

▶ Dine around the world with the comforts of Southern California weather when you visit Diamond Jamboree

Lake Tahoe, NV

WITH INCREDIBLE NATURAL BEAUTY AND A STRONG SPORTS SCENE, LAKE TAHOE IS A PERFECT TOURNAMENT DESTINATION

Lake Tahoe has incredible views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, plentiful nature to explore and amazing sports and events to enjoy year-round. The success of hosting the NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe in 2021 has further proven that Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority hosts top-notch events. Edgewood Tahoe Resort hosted that event, which is also well- known for having one of the best golf courses in the United States.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Tahoe Events Center

Ice hockey, figure skating, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, indoor football, wrestling, pickleball, tennis, indoor soccer

On track to open in July 2023, Tahoe Events Center will be the premier venue for hosting major events and indoor sports tournaments. Located along Lake Tahoe’s south shore, the $100-million project is over a decade in the making, and will feature 27,000 square feet of floor space with seating for 5,000 for stage

Scan to discover more of what Visit Lake Tahoe offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“NBC Sports and the Lake Tahoe community have been trusted partners for 34 years and counting thru the American Century Championship. The community’s unrelenting support and partnership has helped create one of the most entertaining events in all of sports. The state of the art, Tahoe Events Center portends to be another crown jewel for the community as it cements its reputation as a world class sports, gaming and entertainment destination.”

events and 4,200 for sports. An additional 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space will also be available. The events center will be the heart of the action, surrounded by plentiful restaurants, shops and recreation areas on top of hotels and ample parking.

City of South Lake Tahoe Recreation and Aquatic Center

Basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, futsal, swimming Breaking ground in August 2022, the City of South Lake Tahoe Recreation and Aquatic

Tahoe Events Center

Lake Tahoe Community College

— NBC Sports Group

Center is scheduled to open in 2024 to great fanfare, with amazing views of the lake and close proximity to Lakeview Commons Beach. This state-of-the-art center will feature a 24,775-square-foot gymnasium and outdoor/ indoor fitness space, perfect for multiple sports and events and different types of training. The second level will also have an aerobics and dance studio. The additional 14,909-square-foot aquatics space will contain a six-lane lap pool and an activity pool for swimming lessons, water therapy and more.

Lake Tahoe Community College Soccer, gymnastics, cheerleading, basketball, volleyball

Located in South Lake Tahoe, LTCC (Lake Tahoe Community College) features several athletic facilities primed for hosting sporting events. The lighted main soccer field features synthetic turf with Corkonut© Cork Infill, significantly reducing turf abrasion and nearly matching natural grass turf.

Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness Rehabilitation

South Lake Tahoe’s Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness is a premier rehab facility with multiple orthopedic services available led by expert specialists, including seasonal ski clinics for urgent care treatment and more. The facility also provides sports medicine event coverage, which is critically important to have on-site for athletes. Barton also provides health coaching, fitness performance evaluation, classes and more.

VISIT LAKE TAHOE

Stuart Maas 775-589-2059 stuart@visitlaketahoe.com www.tahoeeventscenter.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Lake Tahoe Adventures offers year-round experiences. In the summer months soak up the sun and explore Lake Tahoe’s back country on ATV and RZR tours. In the winter get your heart pumping on a snowmobile tour and take in the beautiful white scenery that surrounds you.

▶ Van Sickle Bi-State Park is a 725acre park that provides day-use opportunities for hiking, crosscountry skiing, and snowshoeing.

▶ Take the Heavenly Gondola to experience summer and winter activities such as hiking trails, Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster, Red Tail Zip Line, Gem Panning, skiing, snowboarding and Granit Peak Climbing Wall.

WELCOME TO WASHINGTON!

WHEN IT COMES TO NATURAL BEAUTY, few states can match Washington’s array of mountains, forests, and crystal-clear lakes. When it comes to sports fervor, Washington is also virtually unmatched as its fanbase for both professional and amateur sports are among the loudest and most passionate in the nation.

Pair those two things together and you have the perfect state to host your next sporting event.

From professionals to amateurs, Washington is an inclusive state that proudly offers sports for everyone. Washington hospitality goes beyond the sporting venues: Our luxury hotels, awardwinning restaurants and range of leisure activities make for an ideal experience for both locals and visitors attending your event.

Washington’s impressive sports history spans from the legendary Olympics rowing team of 1936 to its modern teams that compete and thrive in football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and soccer. This past decade alone, the state of Washington has seen a Super Bowl champion in the National Football League (Seattle Seahawks) and two titles in the Women’s National Basketball Association (Seattle Storm). Excitement with sports is in the air with the MLB All-Star coming in 2023 and the FIFA World Cup coming in 2026.

Lovers of outdoor activities will also cherish a visit to Washington, as we are home to three national parks, 140 state parks and a multitude of hiking and biking trails amid a picturesque backdrop that will dazzle any lover of the great outdoors.

The people of Washington will be your loyal fans, sponsors, promoters, and hosts. Dedication – It’s how we do things in the State of Washington.

Sincerely, Tammy Dunn Executive Director Snohomish County Sports Commission

Some of the best paddling can be found in Washington.

Washington’s natural beauty rivals any in the country.

Photo courtesy of Stepframe Interactive Media

OUTDOOR OR INDOOR, WASHINGTON IS THE PLACE TO PLAY

No matter which sport you bring to the table, Washington has the right venue for your event

By Christopher D. Silbernagel

No matter your preferred place to play, Washington has you covered. Indoor facilities across the state have history in hosting some of the best tournaments and events, and with good reason, for the quality they present and the amazing hospitality planners and guests will receive. Outdoors, recreational spots galore with hiking options abundant assist in making outdoor events like kayaking and boating all the more enjoyable.

SEATTLE SOUTHSIDE

The newly renovated BMX track at North SeaTac Park is an exceptional spot for major USA BMX and local racing, as well as other events. The national-level track has produced multiple national and world champions, including Jill Kintner, who won the bronze in Women’s BMX at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

“The beauty of BMX is that you are in control of your own speed, whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned

professional,” said Cydney Marks-Nicholes, sports business development manager at Explore Seattle Southside. “SeaTac BMX is open to all skill levels and aims to grow community engagement, youth participation, and inspire the next generation of BMX riders.”

Originally built in 1981, the track was moved within the park in 2002 to its current location, with free access during non-racing events to experience a safe and carefully crafted environment.

“There are free day passes, loaner bikes and helmets, and if you get ‘bit by the bug,’ you can buy a yearly membership with USA BMX and have unlimited access,” Marks-Nicholes added.

YAKIMA VALLEY

Sozo Sports Complex offers excellent outdoor and indoor sports action, with the new Sozo Arena, a 90,000-square-foot indoor facility built for up to eight basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts and four futsal courts, being a particular standout. The complex also has 13 multipurpose

outdoor fields for soccer, football, lacrosse and more. Pickleball courts are also available at Sozo for daily rental or memberships and the on-site shop makes for easy pick-up games or spare necessities.

Yakima Valley SunDome at the State Fair Park and Event Center is another excellent option for indoor sports, with its history of hosting premier events like WIAA State Championships. The SunDome can hold up to 8,000 spectators for tournaments, depending on the sport.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

Darrington Mountain Biking offers a plethora of options for cycling athletes and enthusiasts. Located about an hour north of Everett, trails on North Mountain provide breathtaking views of Whitehorse Mountain and the Stillaguamish Valley. Some of the network of trails are still under construction but, once completed, it will be the largest legal mountain biking network in the country.

Darrington’s gravel forest roads provide year-round family friendly fun for all levels. Take a steep, grinding road or a relaxing ride through tall trees to scenic vistas, along rivers and more. The historic Whitehorse Trail provides a 27-mile route with beautiful views along the river, crossing several bridges, with nice vistas and historical sites.

“Washington State has the most beautiful outdoor sports for recreation and competition. Choose from lakes and rivers to trails and golf courses to host your outdoor competition,” states Tammy Dunn, executive director at Snohomish County

Sports Commission. “If you love the outdoors, Washington State is the place to be.”

Snohomish County also offers Kayak Point Disc Golf Resort—one of the best places to play disc golf in the country. Along with two courses, lessons, retreats and group events and a Pro Shop, the resort has two additional courses on the way. Both current courses offer 18 holes.

TRI-CITIES

The Tri-Cities has incredible watersports and recreation spots available, particularly around the confluence of the Columbia River, Snake River and Yakima River. This part of the Tri-Cities offers spectacular views to go along with watersports like boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and more. The Columbia River is also host to the HAPO Columbia Cup, which in 2022 celebrated 56 times Unlimited Hydroplanes have raced on the river’s 2.5-mile course.

Archery is also a big part of the Tri-Cities, with Colyak Bowhunters, affiliated with the Washington State Archery Association, maintaining an archery range located at the W.E. Johnson Park in Richland. Moses Lake provides a quality BMX track at Larsen Recreation Center. The high-quality track is used for bicycle motocross events of all levels and is operated by the non-profit organization Moses Lake BMX. Horn Rapids Athletic Complex in Richland and Fort Walla Walla Park also have excellent tracks with history of hosting top events.

When in Washington, be sure to visit a Tri-Cities Dust Devils game.

Photo courtesy of Visit Tri-Cities

Snohomish County, WA

EXPLORE SNOHOMISH COUNTY’S DIVERSE LANDSCAPE AND HISTORY TO FIND THE PERFECT FACILITY FOR YOUR UPCOMING TOURNAMENT

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

Located just north of Seattle, Snohomish County is directly connected to Interstate 5. Paine Field Everett Airport, just 10 miles from downtown Everett and 7 miles from Lynnwood, has commercial air service with Alaska Airlines. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is just 45 miles south of Snohomish County.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Angel Of The Winds Arena

Basketball, cheerleading, dance, endurocross, figure skating, gymnastics, hockey, martial arts, volleyball

This 10,000-seat multipurpose arena features two NHL-ice sheets that can be converted into a 57,000-square-foot space for hosting trade shows and special events. The Edward D. Hansen Conference Center is equipped with three 900-square-foot meeting rooms and an 11,000-square-foot ballroom that can be arranged into a number of different

configurations. The Angel Of The Winds Arena is home to the Everett Silvertips, a Western Hockey League team. Past events include 2018 Skate America, 2020 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Qualifier, and 2022 SLS Seattle.

Meadowdale Athletic Complex Baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, Ultimate Frisbee

Meadowdale Athletic Complex plays home to many Adult Softball, Youth Baseball and Fastpitch tournaments throughout the year. The athletic complex is one of the locations

Angel Of The Winds Arena

for multiple Perfect Game Northwest baseball tournaments in 2022. The complex features three lighted adult/youth softball/baseball fields and two lighted multipurpose turf fields which are lined for soccer, lacrosse and fastpitch/baseball, the facility is equipped with concession stands, a .67-mile walking trail, basketball court, play structure, picnic facilities, pond, restrooms and parking.

Walt Price Fitness Center at Everett Community College Basketball, gymnastics, martial arts, volleyball

This 49,000-square-foot fitness center offers a gym with a basketball court and retractable bleacher seating for up to 2,250 spectators, four team locker rooms, two coaches meeting rooms, concession area and a multipurpose room. The college has over 1,600 parking spaces available. The venue has hosted the NWAC Men & Women Basketball Championships and have hosted multiple USA Gymnastics Washington State Championships and Regional Championships.

Kayak Disc Golf Resort Disc golf, meetings

Kayak Disc Golf Resort is a former golf course and now is designed for disc golf. The resort offers three courses, a pitch & putt course, and a practice area. The disc golf courses vary in difficulty level. Play on old golf fairways, through the woods or around the clubhouse with natural obstacles. A disc golf pro shop and restaurant. The disc golf resort hosts PDGAsanctioned tournaments.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Visit Funko Headquarters in downtown Everett, one of the leading innovators of licensed pop culture products with vinyl figures, action figures, plush toys, apparel and more.

▶ Enjoy an afternoon shopping at Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip, where an upscale collection of more than 130 designer names awaits.

▶ Spend a day at High Trek Adventures. Hook up to the rope course and finish by zipping down the zipline, try the miniature golf course, or play laser tag with your teammates.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY SPORTS COMMISSION

Tammy Dunn Executive Director 425-309-2744 tammy@snocosports.org www.snocosports.org

▶ Stroll along the streets of Historic Downtown Snohomish. Walk along the Snohomish River, enjoy a cup of coffee and muffin or have lunch at one of the unique restaurants, or explore the various boutique and antique shops.

Walt Price Fitness Center

Meadowdale Athletic Complex

Lake Tye Park

Yakima Valley, WA

WASHINGTON’S WINE COUNTRY HAS YIELDED AN INCREDIBLE CROP OF TOURNAMENT-READY SPORTS FACILITIES AND EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YAKIMA VALLEY

Scan to discover more of what the Yakima Valley Sports Commission offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

The Yakima Valley is mainly accessible from north and south via Interstate 82. If you’re flying in, Alaska Airlines offers connecting flights from Seattle/ Tacoma to the Yakima Air Terminal. The Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco, 86 miles away, is the next closest to offer domestic flights.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Yakima Valley SunDome Multipurpose

Located on the grounds of State Fair Park and Event Center, the SunDome annually hosts WIAA State Championships in volleyball, basketball, and dance & drill. This multipurpose indoor facility is an ideal venue for tournament planners, where 8,000 spectators can attend tournaments, events, and conferences. Recently renovated, the SunDome now is outfitted with state-of-theart video scoreboards, LED lighting, and new permanent seats.

Sozo Sports Complex

Soccer, futsal, multipurpose indoor and outdoor, basketball, lacrosse, running, football

The Sozo Sports Complex saw its sixth year of development in 2022, when it continued to make progress on the Sozo Arena, a 90,000-square-foot indoor facility that will hold up to four futsal courts, eight basketball courts or 16 volleyball courts. The complex is home to 13 multipurpose outdoor fields as well, making it a powerhouse for any competition throughout the Pacific

Yakima Valley SunDome

Northwest. Sozo hosted tourneys and events in several sports this year including soccer, football, lacrosse, pickleball, basketball and running, as well as major festivals.

Gateway Sports Complex Baseball, softball

With a professional staff dedicated to taking care of your tournament needs, the Gateway Sports Complex has you covered. This state-of-the-art complex features eight softball fields, each with first-class Musco lighting, professional infield mix, electronic scoreboards and more. A PA system reverberates through the park, which also has a basketball court, volleyball court, two picnic shelters, a skate park, three playgrounds, a multipurpose field, and coach/umpire rooms.

The complex is the host site for several WIAA State Softball Championships each year.

Carlon Park Girls Fastpitch Complex Baseball, softball

This newly remodeled complex features four girls’ tournament-quality fastpitch fields with permanent 200-foot fences and stateof-the-art lighting systems on each field. The complex hosted the 2022 WIAA 2A State Softball Championships and numerous USA Softball of Washington tourneys.

Yakima Tennis Club Tennis

This well-maintained and visually striking tennis club is a hotspot for tournament action, seeing competition from the collegiate, high school and adult levels on an annual basis. The facility maintains 13 outdoor courts, eight indoor courts (at a separate facility), a renovated swimming pool with a children’s play area, a clubhouse with locker rooms, a catered snack bar and a pro shop. The club hosted several USTA tennis tournaments in 2022, as well as the WIAA State Tennis Championships.

Apple Tree Golf Course Golf

Carved from the natural rolling terrain of 100-year-old apple orchards, Apple Tree is one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier golf destinations. Over 6,900 yards of championship course features a variety of scenic challenges, including its signature 17th apple green.

YAKIMA VALLEY SPORTS COMMISSION

Rich Austin, Director of Sports Development 509-594-2742 rich@yakimasports.org YakimaSports.org

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ More than 40 organic commercial crops are grown throughout the Yakima Valley, so a trip to leaf through some of the valley’s farms and produce is sure to be a hit.

▶ The Yakima Valley’s celebrated arts scene is on display with tasting rooms, museums, local galleries and more found throughout the valley.

▶ Bring the whole family to cool off at the Rotary YMCA Aquatic Center

Sozo Sports Complex

Yakima Tennis Club

Apple Tree Golf Course

Seattle Southside

FABULOUS SPORTS COMPLEXES, FAMILY-FRIENDLY PARKS AND COLLEGE-LEVEL GYMNASIUMS INVITE PLANNERS AND TEAMS TO ENJOY UNFORGETTABLE SPORTING EVENTS

Scan to discover more of what Explore Seattle Southside offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Seattle Southside helped us tremendously so that we didn’t have to go around and find 150 rooms for all of our families. It was really helpful just to have a one stop shop.”

— Jaime Montoya, NWSC Academy Registrar

From world-class sports facilities to thrill-filled activities, Seattle Southside provides traveling sports teams the chance to explore the best of the Pacific Northwest. Not only is Seattle Southside a beautiful locale that will appeal to anyone, it has plenty to do for family members of all ages.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶

At The Museum of Flight, visitors can hop in the pilot’s seat and see what it’s like to soar through the sky through surreal and exciting flight simulator rides.

▶

iFLY Indoor Skydiving makes the dream of flight a reality with indoor skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel. iFLY is safe for kids, challenging for adults, exciting for teens, and realistic for skydivers.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Starfire Sports Soccer, rugby

One of the largest synthetic-turf soccer complexes in the nation, Starfire Sports is the home of numerous soccer and rugby teams, including the practice field of the Seattle Sounders FC and home to Major League Ruby team, Seattle Seawolves.

Featuring five grass fields, two indoor FieldTurf fields and seven outdoor FieldTurf fields, the complex’s main stadium also has a capacity of 4,500 spectators.

City of Des Moines

Basketball, volleyball, tennis, cross country, fishing, water sports

With a plethora of walking and running trails, beach access and a marina offering wet and dry moorage for 840 recreational vessels, Des Moines Beach Park has outdoor and indoor space ideal for smaller youth sports teams and events. Listed on the Register

of Historic Places, Des Moines Field House is an ideal location for basketball tournaments, featuring a gym with 4,000 square feet and a capacity of 225 guests.

North SeaTac Park

Softball, baseball, basketball, BMX racing, disc golf

With 160 acres and three different baseball and softball fields available for rent from March to October, North SeaTac Park also features an outdoor basketball court, walking and running trails, a BMX track and a disc golf course.

EXPLORE SEATTLE SOUTHSIDE

Cydney Marks-Nicholes Cydney@SeattleSouthside.com 206-686-7261 seattlesouthside.com

Starfire Sports

North SeaTac Park

Visit Tri-Cities, WA

FUN IN THE SUN IS THE WAY OF LIFE IN THIS GROWING METROPOLITAN AREA IN SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON

Scan to discover more of what Visit Tri-Cities offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“The Tri-Cities is a very hospitable and welcoming community. The facility and lodging staffs are easy to work with and everyone rallies around the tournament to make it a successful event.”

— Steve Jensen, National Softball Association of WA

Centrally located within the Pacific Northwest, the TriCities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland are connected through Interstate 182 from east to west. By air, the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco offers direct flights from Seattle, as well as destinations like Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Phoenix/Mesa.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ The Columbia River snakes through the region, enabling visitors to take it in via boat, kayak or paddleboard.

▶ Hand-carved in 1910, the Gesa Carousel of Dreams is a treasured work of quality art in Kennewick.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Columbia Playfield Softball

Located in the heart of Richland, Columbia Playfield stretches across nearly 29 acres with 5 softball fields. A recent upgrade has provided new fixtures to the park, giving it updated LED lights and aluminum bleachers with fabric covers. The complex is home to annual youth and collegiate-level tournaments.

Pasco Sporting Complex Baseball, softball

This complex, located in Pasco, hosts baseball and softball tournaments and contains six softball fields, two sand volleyball courts, a playground area, a water play area and a concession building with restrooms. Adjoining to the complex is Gesa Stadium, home field of the Tri-City Dust Devils professional baseball team, and one of the finest youth soccer facilities in the Northwest, the Tri-Cities Youth Soccer Association Soccer

Complex, which includes 15 full-sized soccer fields on 45 acres.

Southridge Sports and Events Complex

Baseball, softball, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, futsal,

pole vaulting

This 52-acre multisports development in Kennewick offers a variety of sporting, recreation and event amenities to enjoy. It offers baseball and softball fields, an indoor sports pavilion, multiuse fields and the Gesa Carousel of Dreams, a world-class piece of art the whole family can touch and ride. The complex houses the Numerica Pavilion, the only indoor sports pavilion in the region.

VISIT

TRI-CITIES

800-254-5824 Sales@VisitTRI-CITIES.com www.VisitTRI-CITIES.com

Pasco Sporting Complex

Columbia Playfield

Colorado Springs, CO

No other U.S. destination is as deserving of the name Olympic City USA as Colorado Springs, which is home to approximately 60 national and international sports organizations including more than 25 Olympic NGBs, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Weidner Field Soccer, events

A new downtown stadium in Colorado Springs, Weidner Field is the highest elevated professional sports stadium in the U.S. with a 98,000-square-foot playing field. The new stadium, which is home to the Switchbacks professional soccer team, offers indoor and outdoor spaces for special events ranging from 20 to 15,000 attendees. With 117,000 square feet of event space, the stadium offers sprawling views of Pikes Peak and the

Rocky Mountains, the stadium field Colorado Springs, CO and downtown Colorado Springs.

The stadium, which is near the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum as well as downtown shops and restaurants, is ideal for events, tournaments, competitions, concerts and special events.

The Broadmoor World Arena and World Arena Ice Hall Hockey, figure skating, concerts

The Broadmoor World Arena is the premier entertainment and sports venue in the Pikes

OLYMPIC CITY USA IS HOME TO 60 NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS AND IS THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT

Scan to discover more of what Visit Colorado Springs offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Weidner Field

Peak Region. This multi-purpose facility can seat 7,500 for hockey, other ice competitions and competitive sporting events and approximately 8,500 for concerts and various entertainment shows. The Broadmoor World Arena is home to the Broadmoor Skating Club and high-profile events including Cirque Du Soleil, Disney on Ice and the Professional Bull Riders.

The World Arena Ice Hall is an official Olympic Training Site and is home to dozens of world-class figure skaters and coaches, The Broadmoor Curling Club and numerous youth, high school and adult hockey leagues and tournaments. With two sheets of ice – one NHL and one Olympic, four jump harnesses, video analysis and a ballet studio, the World Arena Ice Hall is one of the finest training facilities in the world. The Ice Hall can be rented separately or in conjunction with the Arena.

Edward J. Robson Arena Ice hockey, wrestling, volleyball

Home rink to Colorado College Tiger Hockey, is a multi-purpose, state-of-the-art, sustainable sporting event venue that offers the flexibility to accommodate a variety of indoor sports

including Olympic-related events, youth sports groups, camps and more.

El Pomar Youth Sports Complex

Baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, inline hockey

This venue hosts some of the most competitive soccer, lacrosse, baseball and softball tournaments in the United States, including those presented by Triple Crown Sports, US Lacrosse, Colorado Rush Soccer and Adrenaline Lacrosse. El Pomar offers a unique sense of flexibility, with nine baseball/ softball fields, eight natural grass soccer/ lacrosse fields, a championship-sized artificial lighted turf field, an in-line hockey rink, onsite staff and a full concessions area.

VISIT COLORADO SPRINGS

Cheryl McCullough, STS Senior Director of Sports & Events 719-685-7642 Cheryl@VisitCOS.com www.VisitCOS.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Colorado Springs is home to Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, the second-most visited mountain in the world. Boasting stunning views from 14,115 feet, the summit is accessible by train on The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, by car or shuttle bus and by foot on Barr Trail.

▶ The new Summit Visitor Center at the top of Pikes Peak is a sight to behold, offering views of the sweeping plains below, interactive exhibits and an elevated walkway.

▶ Garden of the Gods Park is a can’t-miss geological wonder where visitors can marvel at the towering red rock formations in this free city park rated #1 by TripAdvisor users.

▶ Take a walk on the wild side at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s only mountain zoo.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Colorado Springs is a great place to host events and Visit Colorado Springs’s professional and personal staff are awesome to work with such as assisting us in promoting and planning our sporting events and quickly and efficiently generating competitive hotel proposals to help us locate appropriate sports venues.”

— Mark Lucas, former Executive Director U.S. Association of Blind Athletes

Edward J. Robson Arena

El Pomar Youth Sports Complex

The Broadmoor World Arena

COLORADO SPRINGS IS OLYMPIC CITY USA

Weidner Field is home to the Switchbacks Football Club. With 8,000 permanent seats and capacity for 15,000, this multi-use venue has the space and flexibility to host a wide variety of events in downtown Colorado Springs.

on the Colorado College Campus, is a multipurpose, state-of-the-art, sustainable event venue on the Colorado College campus. e arena seats 3,400 and can host ice and non-ice events.

Robson Arena,

Broadmoor World Arena: 7,800 seats, three sheets of ice (two Olympic, one NHL).

El Pomar Youth Park: Nine baseball and so ball diamonds, nine multipurpose fields.

Memorial Park: e city’s largest community park, variety of sports venues including 15 multi-purpose fields and an ice rink.

Garden of the Gods Park: Stunning natural venue for road & o -road running and cycling events.

Ed

located

: Ron Pollard

Plano, TX

WITH HIP RESTAURANTS AND EXCELLENT SHOPPING, PLANO IS THE PLACE TO BE

Scan to discover more of what Visit Plano offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“We have hosted the Blackland Triathlon and Youth Tri in Plano, Texas for 13 years. Visit Plano has been an invaluable resource for our event. Not just a resource, they truly care and take the time to make our event feel welcome and valued!”

— Debra Cortese, Tri-Now events Blackland Triathlon

Plano, Texas is a cosmopolitan city filled with activities, attractions and excellent food. From word-famous attractions, unique dining, live music or local gems, there is plenty to explore. Downtown Plano was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places and the area also boasts an impressive urban dining scene.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Legacy West, Plano’s newest $3.2 billion 255-acre open-air development, hosts a variety of unique restaurants and shops.

▶ Granite Park Boardwalk has multiple restaurants with beautiful patio dining spots and a live entertainment stage.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Russell Creek Park

Soccer, lacrosse, football, cricket, rugby, baseball

Russell Creek Park is the only park in North America that has seven cricket fields in a single location. The park is home to at least one bigpurse international cricket tournament each year. The park features 20 full-size fields for soccer, lacrosse, rugby or football ranging from 70’ by 120’ or 75’ by 120’ fields along with two 50’ by 80’ fields. Ten of these fields are lighted and have shaded bleacherettes. It also sports four lighted baseball fields with bleacherettes.

Heritage Yards Athletic Fields Softball

Heritage Yards provides the venue for adult softball leagues and softball tournaments. It is designated for scheduled use by local athletic organizations and the general public to conduct games. It features nine softball fields, a multi-use court, a playground and ample parking.

Carpenter Park

Baseball, skateboarding, soccer, lacrosse, football, Ultimate frisbee Carpenter Park is a picturesque, newly renovated park that can be used for a variety of sports. The park features 11 lighted fullsized fields including four gated synthetic turf fields, two baseball diamonds (60/90’), two softball fields and a skate park. Visitors to the field can also enjoy playing soccer (on two 50’ x 80’ fields), lacrosse, football, Ultimate frisbee, baseball and more. There are also trails surrounding the park which are great for hikers and walkers. The park also has restrooms.

VISIT PLANO

Alysha Carse acarse@plano.gov 972-941-5849 www.visitplano.com

Russell Creek Park

Heritage Yards Athletic Fields

Round Rock, TX

KNOWN AS THE “SPORTS CAPITAL OF TEXAS,” ROUND ROCK HAS CLEARLY MADE A NAME FOR ITSELF AS ONE OF THE TOP DESTINATIONS FOR SPORTS

EVENTS IN THE COUNTRY

Scan to discover more of what Round Rock CVB offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Centrally located within Texas, Round Rock sits just 15 miles north of Austin with easy access via I-35. The city prides itself on the number of quality facilities on its resume, covering just about every sport out there. Just scratching the surface, the Multipurpose Complex, Sports Center and Old Settlers Park are all top players in this regard, hosting tournaments year-round.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Round Rock Multipurpose Complex

Soccer, football, lacrosse, Ultimate, rugby, quadball

Located within Old Settlers Park, the Round Rock Multipurpose Complex is an elite sports facility that has hosted several major events, including the Big 12 Soccer Championship, the WCLA and MCLA National Championships, the US Quidditch Cup, and the USA Ultimate College D-1 Championships. It features four natural grass multipurpose fields and one natural grass championship field, four

synthetic turf multipurpose fields and one synthetic turf championship field.

Round Rock Sports Center Basketball, volleyball, wrestling, table tennis

The Round Rock Sports Center has welcomed numerous sports events. Some of those events have included the USA Deaf Basketball National Tournament, the iSET College Table Tennis National Championships and the USA Judo Senior National Championships. The facility boasts 82,800

Round Rock Multipurpose Complex

square feet of indoor space, with more than 47,000 square feet of flexible, playable space that can be configured in several different layouts. It has a total capacity of 3,053, with seats for more than 1,400 spectators.

Old Settlers Park Golf, soccer, tennis, sand volleyball, cross-country, baseball, softball

A Round Rock classic, Old Settlers Park is a well-known sports destination for local and national athletic events. The 645-acre park includes a 20-field baseball complex, a fivefield softball complex, seven soccer facilities, two football fields, 12 tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts, one aquatic center and a professionally designed disc golf course.

Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex Football, soccer

Located in north Austin, the Kelly Reeves ISD Athletic Complex is a convenient walk from nearby restaurants, accommodations and attractions. The facility hosts high school soccer and football games, as well as regional and international athletic events. There is seating for 11,000 spectators, with 5,500 seats on each side.

Dell Diamond Baseball

Home of the Round Rock Express—the Triple-A affiliate to the Houston Astros-—Dell Diamond is a fan favorite among athletes and spectators. The stadium is designed to give guests an amazing, up-close view of the action. Not only is it the site for minor league baseball games, but it also plays host to amateur sporting events.

Dragon Stadium Football, track & field

Dr. R.L. Peters Jr. Field at Dragon Stadium is a great spot for a football or track & field tournament. The venue features a regulation football field and a track. The stadium has several state-of-the-art amenities, as well as concessions stands and plenty of parking.

ROUND ROCK CVB

Nancy Yawn, Director 512-218-7094 nyawn@roundrocktexas.gov GoRoundRock.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Want to know how Round Rock got its name? Discover a piece of history by visiting The Round Rock at Brushy Creek

▶ Spend a day wandering the streets of Round Rock’s Downtown Historic District and get a glimpse of life during the city’s modest beginnings.

▶ Experience Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, an authentically African-themed resort home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark. Test out 30 thrilling waterslides, a wave simulator, wave pool, and much for a day of wet and wild fun. After splashing and sliding, get your game on at Kalahari’s Tom Foolerys Adventure Park. This indoor park boasts 250+ arcade games, thrill rides, and even escape rooms. Make sure to also explore the award-winning restaurants, first-class spa, and shopping opportunities that await at this unique resort.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Round Rock Sports Center is a beautiful facility, but I think the most important thing to realize is the relationships. We have a great relationship with Nancy. We have a great relationship with Chad and the people here in Round Rock. Everyone here is so friendly in Texas, in Austin, in Round Rock, it’s wonderful. They are the Sport Capital for us.”

— Willy Leparulo, President of NCTTA

Round Rock Sports Center

Dragon Stadium

Champion Fields Complex

ARLINGTON, TX

ARLINGTON’S POPULAR VENUES, FEATURING STATE-OF-THEART EQUIPMENT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, ARE NOTHING SHORT OF EXCITING COME GAME DAY

Stadium

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

Arlington is most accessible from major cities and airports via I-20, I-30 or TX-360 N. Sports planners looking to stay close to their tournament venues will want to fly into Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, which is just 10 miles away from AT&T Stadium. Dallas/Fort Worth is serviced by 24 airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit and United Airlines.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

AT&T Stadium

Football, boxing, basketball, soccer, wrestling, multipurpose

AT&T Stadium can seat up to 100,000 spectators and this 140-acre, three-millionsquare-foot special events center, which cost a hefty $1.3 billion, remains one of the most expensive facilities in sports history. This climate-controlled stadium features dozens of high-tech amenities, including a retractable roof panel, 300-foot steel arches, a built-in turf with 26 interchangeable surface

panels for other sports, concerts and truck rallies and a massive high-definition Mitsubishi video display board.

Choctaw Stadium & Globe Life Field Multipurpose

Play ball at Choctaw Stadium, the former home of Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers. Located down the street from AT&T Stadium, the 270-acre facility cost $190 million in 1992 and can seat up to 48,000 people. The stadium’s unique exterior is constructed from Texas Sunset Red granite and brick

AT&T

and tells the story of Texas’ baseball history. In 2023, Choctaw Stadium will once again be the home for an XFL team, when actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson relaunches the league. The new stadium, Globe Life Field, features a retractable roof, air conditioning and hundreds of concessions including some exclusive to Arlington.

Esports Stadium Arlington & EXPO Center

Esports, multipurpose

With the arrival of the esports Stadium Arlington in fall 2018, Arlington’s entertainment district is the home to the largest venue in the country dedicated to esports. The stadium brings live entertainment and playing facilities for up to 3,000 fans and athletes alike. In addition to the stadium itself, the venue includes a production studio, a 6,000-squarefoot permanent stage with modern lighting and LED video walls, a hair and makeup studio, player lounges and training rooms. Conveniently located less than a mile from AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field and Texas Live!

Harold Patterson Sports Center Baseball, football, softball, soccer, multipurpose

The 135-acre, multipurpose Harold Patterson Sports Center is perfect for hosting tournaments and events year-round. The site features six baseball fields, six football fields, and an additional 15 multipurpose fields suitable for soccer, flag football, lacrosse, kickball and everything in between. The complex is located only 20 minutes from DFW International Airport. Off the field, teams can enjoy picnics at the pavilion, various concessions or the plethora of dining and entertainment options located across the street at Arlington Highlands outdoor mall.

ARLINGTON SPORTS COMMISSION

Andrew Lawrence, Sports Account Director 817-704-7596 andrew@arlington.org www.arlington.org/sports/ sports-sales-team

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Six Flags Over Texas offers teams the chance to fly like superheroes on its Marvel or DCthemed roller coasters.

▶ Cool off with a splash at Hurricane Harbor, Six Flags’ adjoined water park equipped with over 40 types of exhilarating rides.

▶ A golf lover’s dream. The Texas Rangers Golf Club is the only golf course in the world officially branded with Major League Baseball and the Tierra Verde Golf Club is the first golf course in Texas, and the first municipal course in the world, to be certified as an Audubon Signature Sanctuary.

▶ Budding bowlers have the chance to learn about the country’s leading participatory sport at the International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Working with the CVB here in Arlington was a great experience for me and UTA. Not only was I on the CVB board but also was a member of the Arlington Sports Commission, and what they are doing on both the board and the commission is amazing. Arlington is growing and is becoming the place for sports and entertainment, and the CVB has a big hand in the growth of both these areas.”

Globe Life Field

— Jim Baker, Former Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington

Harold Patterson Sports Center

To learn

National Championships. Buzzer beaters and goal-line stands that live forever. Miracles. History. It’s all made here. At the Arlington Sports Commission, we take inspiration from the athletes who come here to compete. For them, success is a product of preparation and perspiration. Which is why we’re known for always giving 100 percent.

visit arlington.org/sports

USA Wrestling at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Milwaukee, WI

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

A hub destination to regional and national events ranging from Midwest volleyball tournaments to USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships, dance competitions to March Madness, Milwaukee is where champions are made. With world-class sports facilities, amenities, and attractions all set in a charming Midwestern location, the Cream City is a true win-win for all your sporting events.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Wisconsin Center Multipurpose

Located in downtown Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Center is a premier convention center and multipurpose facility that houses sporting events, conventions, meetings, banquets, concerts and more. One of the world’s most architecturally beautiful and technologically advanced convention facilities, the center has enough space to hold 1,000 vendors and 10,000 consumers. Opened in 1998, the center has 188,695 square feet of contiguous, state-of-the-art exhibit space

and a 37,506 square-foot ballroom with capacity for 3,150 diners and ample utilities for corporate theater. An additional 39,364 square feet of meeting space can be partitioned into as many as 28 meeting and breakout rooms equipped for satellite links, video teleconferencing, data transmission and other telecommunications and audio-visual technology.

UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena

Basketball, hockey, soccer, roller derby, multipurpose

Built in 1950, The UW-Milwaukee Panther

SET ON THE COAST OF LAKE MICHIGAN, MILWAUKEE HAS EVERYTHING YOUR TOURNAMENT, AND LIFE, NEEDS

UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena

Arena is a major (8,910 permanent seats and 12,700 capacity) sports and entertainment venue that features 41,700 square feet of floor space. With no obstructed-view seats, the arena’s configuration puts every patron close to the action. It has hosted college and professional basketball, hockey, circuses, concerts, motorsports, banquets, ceremonies, and assemblies of all kinds. Part of a larger downtown campus that includes the Milwaukee Theatre and Wisconsin Center, the arena has undergone some upgrades including a new locker room, major concession upgrades and 21st century lighting, scoreboard and video technology. The arena is home to the UW-Milwaukee Panthers men’s basketball team and the Milwaukee Admirals professional hockey team.

Fiserv Forum Basketball, multipurpose

Fiserv Forum is more than just the new home for the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks and the Marquette Golden Eagles men’s basketball team. Designed to reflect the heritage, history and personality of Milwaukee, the state-ofthe art, 714,000-square-foot arena is the hub of entertainment in Wisconsin. Opened in 2018 in downtown Milwaukee, Fiserv Forum

is a $524 million arena sporting a seating capacity of 17,341 for basketball and 18,000 for concerts. It features 34 suites, three clubs, enhanced acoustics for both concerts and sporting events, state-of-the-art performer dressing rooms, more than 9,000 LED fixtures and 34 large public restrooms (19 women, 15 men). In ensuing years, the 30-acre district surrounding Fiserv Forum will become the largest development project ever undertaken in downtown Milwaukee.

American Family Field Baseball, multipurpose

Home to Major League Baseball’s Milwaukee Brewers, American Family Field is considered one of the best ballparks in the MLB. This retractable roof ballpark opened in 2001 and sits on 265 acres. Featuring North America’s only fan-shaped convertible roof which can open and close in less than 10 minutes.

SPORTS MILWAUKEE

Marissa Werner, STS

Director of Sports Milwaukee mwerner@milwaukee.org 414-287-6232 SportsMilwaukee.org

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Enjoy family fun exploring Milwaukee’s many urban outdoor activities like taking in the cityscape in a kayak on any of the city’s three rivers, cruising along the Oak Leaf Trail’s 135 miles of multipurpose trails on a bike or splashing in Lake Michigan’s pristine waters at any of the 1,400 acres of beaches found throughout the area.

▶ Broaden your horizons while you’re in town at any of the 15 downtown museums like the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum, the thought-provoking America’s Black Holocaust Museum, and the hands-on fun at Discovery World.

▶ Milwaukee’s ever-evolving dining scene offers an experience for everyone. From the authentic classics of cheese curds and custard to unique culinary creations, the city offers more than 170 restaurants in the downtown area alone.

“We had an excellent experience with Milwaukee in almost every aspect. The most positive aspect of Milwaukee was the total city support across the board for our event. On the attendee side of things, our members by far most enjoyed the overall appearance and walkability of the city. We will definitely be returning to Milwaukee, and I would recommend hosting an event in Milwaukee to colleagues.”

Wisconsin Center

American Family Field

Fiserv Forum

— Brian D’Amico Director of Events for USA Triathlon

Manitowoc, WI

SET ON THE SHORES OF LAKE MICHIGAN, WISCONSIN’S MARITIME CAPITAL OFFERS QUALITY SPORTING FACILITIES WITH WATERFRONT VIEWS

Scan to discover more of what Manitowoc Area Visitor & Convention Bureau offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Manitowoc boasts gorgeous Lake Michigan views with unique attractions that are sure to make your visit a worthwhile experience. Manitowoc is accessible via Interstate 43 coming from the north or south. The nearest major airport is the Austin Straubel International Airport located in Brown County.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Regarded as the Midwest’s largest maritime museum, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum features more than 60,000 square feet of interactive and standing exhibits.

▶ Learn about Wisconsin farming as well as the origins of your food at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Neshotah Park and Beach Beach volleyball, Fat tire bike races, Beach soccer, Kite flying

This park and beach features 50 acres of groomed sand beach on Lake Michigan with areas for swimming, volleyball and launching jet skis and kayaks. Neshotah also has a softball field, volleyball and basketball courts, playgrounds, the Rawley Point bike trail, horseshoe pits, four shelters, and picnic areas with tables and grills..

Manitowoc County Ice Center Ice hockey, figure skating

Opened in 1995, the Manitowoc County Ice Center can host speed skating, hockey events/tournaments, dog shows and figure skating events. This facility features an 85’ x 200’ sheet of ice used for hockey leagues and tournaments such as the Badger State Hockey Games, ice skating events and shows. Once the dry surface is laid down, the ice center is also used for a number of shows and events as it offers 23,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Mariner’s Trail Running, Biking, Inline Skating

This lovely, hard-surfaced recreational sevenmile trail that runs along the coast of Lake Michigan connects the cities of Manitowoc and Two Rivers. The trail is designed for bicyclists, joggers, walkers, and roller bladers and includes gardens, telescopes, picnic areas and restroom facilities.

Manitowoc Two Rivers YMCA Multipurpose

The Manitowoc Two Rivers YMCA offers two indoor 6-lane swimming pools, indoor tennis, racket ball, pickleball, gymnastics and more.

MANITOWOC AREA VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU

Jason Ring 920-686-3070 www.manitowoc.info

Neshotah Beach

Manitowoc Two Rivers YMCA

Mike Roemer

Cape Girardeau, MO

RICH HISTORY AND MODERN DESIGNS MAKE CAPE GIRARDEAU AN IDEAL TOURNAMENT DESTINATION

Everybody wins when you play in Cape! Conveniently located in the heart of the country, Cape Girardeau is just a short drive from most major Midwest and Southern cities. We have all of the amenities of a larger metropolitan area without the headaches that often accompany them. Our facilities know sports and know how to put on great tournaments.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Shawnee Park Sports Complex

Baseball, Football, Softball, Soccer

The Shawnee Park Sports Complex serves as one of the largest youth and adult outdoor sports venues in the region. Fourteen regulation sized soccer fields, eight fields for baseball and softball and two regulation football fields make this a key destination for tournaments. Two regulation sized baseball fields with 375-foot center field fences and six regulation-sized softball fields with 300 foot fences made this an easy choice to host tournaments.

Cape SportsPlex

Baseball,

Basketball, Football, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, Pickleball

With 121,000 square feet to play with, the state of the art Cape Girardeau SportsPlex is a tournament planner’s dream with its uniquely utilitarian concept. Two FIFA-approved indoor turf courses with 32,000 square feet of availability can be used for soccer, football, baseball, volleyball and softball tournaments, complete with spectator seating, drop down curtains and several scoreboards. Six high

Scan to discover more of what Visit Cape offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Shawnee Park Sports Complex

school regulation sized Hard Tru wooden basketball courts over 57,600 square feet can transform into 12 volleyball courts as needed.

Show Me Center

Basketball, Wrestling, Volleyball, Martial Arts

The home of Southeast Missouri State University, the Show Me Center is located in the heart of campus. After undergoing a major renovation in 2015, the 7,300 seat arena introduced a new center-hung video display on the scoreboard, a high-tech audio system and LED panel lit scoreboards and shot clocks and expanded seating in the lower bowl.

Dalhousie Golf Club Golf

The history of the award-winning Dalhousie Golf Club dates back to 18th century Scotland and tells a tale of the early frontier America. The 1,000-acre complex constructed by renowned designer Gary Nicklaus honors its Scottish legacy with a clubhouse manor fashioned after Dalhousie Castle, as well as four cottages available for overnight stays.

AC Brase Arena Baseball, Softball, Sand Volleyball, Trail

This versatile, multipurpose community center offers more than 13,000 square feet

of main floor space. It is home to nine youth baseball fields, six youth softball fields, two outdoor sand volleyball courts, seven concession stands and joins with the Cape LaCroix Recreation Trail. It also has a grandstand that seats 4,000 and is half covered and a dirt area that is perfect for rodeos.

Osage Centre

Basketball,

Fitness,

Multipurpose,

Volleyball, Walking, Pickleball

This multipurpose community center hosts conventions, meetings, special events and sports events. With a 16,677-square-foot main floor, it can be used as two full-size basketball courts or four volleyball courts (fully lined). The Osage Centre has a fitness room with an indoor walking/running track, updated cardio equipment and a classroom area. The Osage Centre also has a concession area and a caterer’s food prep area.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶

Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center is the go-to spot to beat the summer heat and sate your appetite for thrills on a 265 foot slide.

▶ If you’re looking to knock back a few pins and pints, Dogwood Social House has something for everyone on the menu.

▶ The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center offers the rich cultural history and wildlife of southeast Missouri.

▶ Ideally suited for children under 12, Discovery Playhouse features 8,000plus square feet of exhibit space where kids can play and learn.

▶ Discover what Downtown Cape Girardeau has to offer before and after the game. Downtown Cape has multiple dining, shopping and antquing options.

VISIT CAPE

Alyssa Phares, Senior Director of Sales & Strategy 573-335-1631 aphares@visitcape.com visitcape.com

▶ Those interested in art and history will love the Crisp Museum at Southeast Missouri State’s River Campus. The collections represent regional archeology, fine art and history.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Cape Girardeau is a great destination to host sporting events. The management and staff at the Cape Girardeau SportsPlex are also a pleasure to work with and work extremely hard to ensure the facility is immaculate and ready for our events. They go above and beyond to offer exceptional customer service to event organizers, players, and their families.”

— Tristan Grant, Vice President of Level 12 Sports

Cape SportsPlex

Osage Centre

Show Me Center

Branson, MO

IS YOUR GO-TO YOUTH SPORTS CITY

Food lovers, live entertainment goers, outdoor adventurers and thrill-seekers alike should look no further than Branson for an experience that will exceed all their sporting needs. Located in Missouri, this Ozark town is known as a family vacation destination for its thrilling adventure parks and roller coasters, beautiful aquarium, interactive entertainment, delicious dining, and athletic facilities.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Branson RecPlex

Basketball, softball, soccer, swimming, track, volleyball

This impressive 35-acre recreation facility is a multipurpose sports complex that combines recreation fitness and sports in one convenient location. The 44,000-square-foot recreation center includes two gymnasiums for basketball and volleyball that are full-sized and features a wood floor and bleacher seating, electronic scoreboards and a divider curtain; a 7,500-square foot fitness center with top-

notch exercise equipment; a three-lane indoor track and concessions as well as locker rooms, a 2,000-square-foot community room with a dividing wall, projector screen, service bar and kitchen; and a 450-square-foot party room with a TV and Xbox. Outside, visitors will find a 12,249-square-foot aquatic center with a leisure pool, water slides, lap lanes and a diving well.

The baseball/softball complex features two 300’ ballfields, two 200’ ballfields, batting cages, entry/ticket facilities, concessions, restrooms and 200-person bleacher seating per field. There are also several multi-use soccer fields

THIS POPULAR FAMILY DESTINATION

Ballparks of America

Scan to discover more of what Branson Chamber and CVB offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

capable of supporting two adult fields or four youth fields.

Ballparks of America Baseball

Take your next tournament or sporting event to the Ballparks of America, a sprawling 1.2-million-square-foot campus composed of five replica Major League ballparks to give young athletes an experience similar to the pros. Each field is a 2/3 replica of a famous MLB ballpark, featuring synthetic turf, professional scoreboards, sports lighting, sunken dugouts and reclaimed seats to mimic the big league stadiums of St. Louis, Chicago, Kansas City, Boston and Brooklyn. The team clubhouses are just like those of Major League Baseball, with air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, private showers and personal, pro-style lockers. Additional amenities include generous amounts of free parking, concession stands located in prime areas of the campus, a restaurant and ice cream shop, restrooms, on-site photography services, plenty of outdoor picnic tables, and a pro shop with bats and merchandise. Ballparks of America hosts numerous tournaments including the 2023 Memorial Day Classic (10U, 11U, 12u), the 2023 Summer Kickoff (13U), the 2023 Fathers Day Classic (13U) and Babe Ruth League’s Cal Ripken Major/70 World Series.

Power Boat Nationals Grand Prix Series Boat Racing

Hosted on Lake Taneycomo at Branson Landing, Powerboat National’s Grand Prix Series is two days of high-speed racing by some of the world’s fastest and well-known powerboat racers. This Championship Event is filled with the world’s newest, fastest and sleekest inshore powerboats. Additional events include the Formula Light tunnel boats that reach speeds of up to 80 miles per hour. The race course is designed to stay close to the shoreline, ensuring optimal spectator viewing. Powerboat National’s staff and teams that participated in both the Pro Tunnel and Formula Light series races voted, and Branson was selected as the 2022 best race site! Hosted on Lake Taneycomo at Branson Landing, the Grand Prix of Missouri Powerboat Nationals Race is two days of high-speed racing by some of the world’s fastest powerboat racers.

BRANSON CHAMBER AND CVB

Stewart Grimm, Sports Sales Manager sgrimm@bransoncvb.com 417-243-2118

ExploreBranson.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ The Aquarium at the Boardwalk is unlike any other aquarium you’ve visited. Guests will get a thrill from up-close views of amazing sea creatures ranging from colorful fish, seahorses and jellyfish to octopi, eels and sharks.

▶ With state-of-the-art technology, you’ll have the true feeling of flight at FlyRide inside at Beyond the Lens. You’ll soar over mountaintops and skim over lakes in a suspended, free-floating multi-person ride that glides and tilts, giving you the most inspiring ride of your life over 22 national landmarks.

▶ Fritz’s Adventure has added new components, including over 300 feet of tunnels, 32 obstacles, 11 ziplines, six bridges and two drops complementing existing facilities.

Enjoy the City Wall, Sky Trail, Sky Tykes, laser maze, underground tunnels, treehouses, slides, warped walls, half pipe and a real airplane for exploring.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“The support and extra efforts provided by the City of Branson and the mayor, as well as the Convention & Visitors Bureau and Director of Sports Marketing and Development, Terra Alphonso, has continually exceeded our expectations. This successful partnership has resulted in a first-class and extraordinary experience for our players, as well as their parents, coaches, supporters and fans.”

Branson RecPlex

Power Boat Nationals Grand Prix Series

Ballparks of America

— Robert Faherty, Vice President Babe Ruth League

Greetings from Illinois!

On behalf of all of us here at the Illinois Office of Tourism, we look forward to welcoming you to the Land of Lincoln for your next sporting event. We are no strangers to all of the amazing things there are to see and do in the state. Whether you are a returning visitor coming back to the state for a tournament or are a first-time visitor, there is always something to discover when you visit.

We love the opportunity to invite people from all over the world to experience what we have to offer. For many, the first thing that comes to mind when they think of Illinois is Chicago, a world-class city with incredible restaurants, hotels, architecture, museums, and shopping. Illinois is also home to rich presidential history in Springfield and other communities, classic Americana along historic Route 66, great outdoor adventures and scenic beauty in the Shawnee National Forest and our many state parks, more than a hundred wineries and so much more. Illinois offers an amazing experience from the moment you arrive and long after your team finishes up for the day.

With more than 1,200 sporting venues and state-of-the-art facilities, Illinois hosts everything from PGA tournaments and Olympic trials to college and high school sporting tournaments. Sporting events are an important part of the tourism industry in our state, and we continue to strive to be top of mind for sports associations and organizations planning their next event. We appreciate your consideration of Illinois for your future events.

To find a sporting facility and to learn more about holding your next event in Illinois, please visit Sportsillinois.com. You can also plan an amazing trip to Illinois by visiting EnjoyIllinois.com

Best regards, Illinois Office of Tourism

Photo courtesy

Photo

Illinois’ New Sports Facilities Bring Big Excitement

The latest and upcoming sports facilities across Illinois will bring more than just excitement to the state and its communities

By Christopher D. Silbernagel

Illinois is well-known for its spectacular sports stadiums and complexes. All across the Land of Lincoln, sports tourism has made its indelible mark on the economic growth and development of local communities. In addition to the stalwarts—the big players, if you prefer—the latest state-of-theart facilities are now here and new ones are on the horizon that not only bring more excitement, they will even change the way we play.

FMC NATATORIUM AT TY WARNER PARK

Located at the southeastern corner of Ty Warner Park in Westmont, DuPage County, FMC Natatorium is a premier aquatic sports venue, serving as a major host for regional as well as national meets and other events. Opened in 2020, the 71,000-square-foot natatorium features a 50-meter

Olympic-size Myrtha competition pool along with a training pool. While the seating capacity is set at 1,200, the second level of the facility offers additional standing views.

Four locker rooms in total, two for men and two for women, along with meeting rooms are all accessible from the pool deck on the first floor. The second level houses a strength and conditioning room, swim shop, concession stands and more. There’s also plenty of fun to be had at Ty Warner Park with a landscaped play spot for children, featuring a delightful spray fountain.

RANTOUL FAMILY SPORTS COMPLEX

Just north of the University of Illinois at ChampaignUrbana is Rantoul Family Sports Complex, a state-of-theart complex with all turf fields for multiple sports. The

Photo courtesy of Visit Champaign County

Multiple sports are often simultaneously being played on Rantoul’s multipurpose fields.

village-owned facility’s impressive resume includes ten fields for baseball and softball, two of which are specifically for Challenger baseball and T-ball, as well as eight multipurpose fields for sports like soccer, rugby, lacrosse and more.

Opened in March, 2021, Rantoul kept the enormity of sports tourism well in mind by building 800-plus parking spaces. The facility is the first of its kind as a major sports complex in Champaign County, which aims to bring in major events throughout each year. Considering its location between Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis, it’s a prime meeting spot for regional youth programs to converge.

SCHEELS SPORTS PARK AT LEGACY POINTE

With construction beginning in 2023, and set to open in summer 2024, Scheels Sports Park at Legacy Pointe will bring even more sports tournament excitement to the Springfield area. The megaplex will feature eight synthetic turf fields that can be configured into multi-use diamonds or full-sized multipurpose fields. A 170,000-square-foot indoor sports dome will not only feature one of the multipurpose fields, but also courts for year-round play.

The facility will open near the Scheels sporting goods store, the official name sponsor of the park. Scheels Sports Park at Legacy Pointe is the first major post-pandemic project for Springfield and Sangamon County. Its key central location will help draw in sports events from across the state as well as nearby Indiana, Iowa and Missouri.

SURGE ESPORTS STADIUM

Through their joint venture Smash Interactive, Scott Greenberg and Chris Lai laid out plans for a $30 million, 108,000-square-foot video gaming stadium to be built in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. The 1,040-capacity indoor stadium called SURGE was approved by the City Council in early 2021. In addition to hosting major esports events, it will also be a virtual reality hangout for the community and also act as the headquarters of Smash Interactive.

Leading up to SURGE’s proposal, the Illinois High School Association recognized video gaming as an emerging sport, coinciding with $16 million in esports scholarships across the country in 2018–19. Taken into account, the provided location across I-55 from McCormick Place will bring an influx of visitors to the area and more interest in esports.

WINTRUST SPORTS COMPLEX

Just a short walk from Midway Airport, Wintrust Sports Complex has been a bright spot for competitions, events, athletes and families in Chicago Southland since opening in 2021. The Bedford Park complex features

116,000 square feet of space with a championship hardwood court, which can be configured into eight courts for high school basketball or 16 for NCAA volleyball.

Esports also has a place to shine with a dedicated gaming lounge for events and get-togethers. Concessions can be found on both levels of the complex, with a full-service kitchen restaurant and bar, along with an athletic training area, laser tag room and arcade. With this much variety in one location, Wintrust serves as a major entertainment hub for everyone.

TOP: Esports competitions thrive at Wintrust Sports Complex. BOTTOM: FMC’s Olympic-sized competition pool is of the highest quality.

Photobycharliemayer.com

Photo courtesy ofDuPageSportsCommission

Casey

Unique Illinois Made Creations are Handcrafted Statewide

More than 200 Illinois Made Makers offer one-of-a-kind products and experiences in every corner of the state

By Heather Dale

Supporting local artisans allows communities around Illinois to sustain small businesses, grow jobs and create a community identity unique to those who comprise them. More than 200 Illinois Made Makers in every nook and cranny of the state offer award-winning cuisine, exceptional breweries and wineries, unrivaled shopping and extraordinary agritourism experiences. Discover Illinois Made Makers and create the ultimate Illinois Made road trip itinerary for your next adventure.

IN AND AROUND CHICAGOLAND

Illinois is home to one of the most influential cities in America – Chicago. On the shores of magnificent Lake Michigan, Chicago is a mecca for world-renowned eateries, unparalleled shopping and handcrafted treasures. Hats have been a mainstay of American style for centuries and at Optimo Hats in the heart of downtown Chicago, the time-honored tradition is thriving. Try on fashions that have adorned the heads of celebrities, megastars and fellow milliners around the globe. For a delicious dining option in Hyde Park, visit Virtue Restaurant, a Southern

Photo courtesy of Enjoy Illinois

is home to a multitude of big things.

American restaurant that leads with a culture of hospitality, kindness and tremendous dishes.

Located on the North Shore, Hewn Bakery in Evanston owner and bread maker Ellen King followed her passion to create rustic, mouthwatering bread and pastries from scratch with locally sourced ingredients and the 20-hour process is prevalent in every lovingly hand-produced loaf.

SCENIC GREAT RIVERS COUNTRY

The Mississippi and Illinois Rivers flow through Western Illinois attracting folks with idyllic scenery and agritourism opportunities. At David Stine Furniture in Dow, become enamored with brilliantly hand-carved furniture and other masterpieces from award-winning furniture maker David Stine who is known for ditching glue and nails for old-school joinery techniques and using environmentally responsible finishes. For more woodworking treasures, stop in at Wild Cherry Spoon Co. in Moline and peruse original hand-chiseled spoons, each made from urban lumber and finished with organic beeswax and olive oil, a true Illinois Made addition to any kitchen. Also in Moline, Lagomarcino’s is a quaint family-owned and-operated old-fashioned ice cream parlor complete with banana splits and root beer floats. Since 1908, the Lagomarcino family has been dedicated to serving delectable confectionaries to the community and beyond.

LINCOLN’S LAND

In the birth and final resting place of our 16th president, the capital region is abundant with Illinois Made artisans and sweet treats. Sangamon Reclaimed in Springfield is a collaborative effort among firefighters and veterans who rescue and repurpose old barn wood into magnificent Americana furniture and art. Each reclaimed ancient board preserves Illinois history by breathing new life into old upcycled materials. Also in Springfield, Incredibly Delicious, where the name says it all, not only serves up homemade lunch six days a week but whips up delectable desserts that are to die for. Head to Casey for Big Things in a Small Town and witness jaw-dropping massive creations of ordinary, everyday items. Photo ops await near record-breaking exhibits like the world’s largest wind chime hanging a whopping 56-feet-long or venture inside the world’s largest mailbox and take the stairs to the top and enjoy picturesque views of the town.

IDYLLIC SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Coffee connoisseurs can perk up at Crown Brew Coffee Co. in Marion and appreciate exclusive hand-brewed, direct trade coffee and espresso where the brewing process is just as unique as the flavors. Visit artisanal boutique Shawnee Hills Lavender in Anna and shop locally grown, lusciously fragrant lavender products or harvest your own from May through June during U-Pick season. Another agritourism

TOP: Crown Brew Coffee in Marion features excellent Illinois Made brews. BOTTOM: Weighing in at over 46,000 pounds, this rocking chair in Casey took two years to build.

gem, Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch in Makanda, invites visitors to meet the gentle giants and peruse locally made yarns, goats milk soaps, cozy socks and other handmade gifts.

The incredible diversity of these Illinois Made artisans, brewers, wineries, farms and boutique shops is an asset for the state’s tourism industry. Visiting these small businesses around the state allows travelers to get the full grasp of what Illinois is made of – literally, so check out Illinoismade.com to learn more. Create your own adventure or find inspiration in one of the many thoughtfully curated Illinois Made Makers itineraries at enjoyillinois.com and start planning today.

AURORA AREA, IL

THE LARGEST CITY IN CHICAGO’S SUBURBS, AURORA, ILLINOIS OFFERS LOCAL SUBURBAN FUN WITH BIG CITY SPORTS FACILITIES JUST OUTSIDE THE WINDY CITY

Scan to discover more of what Aurora Area CVB offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Seminole Sports is thrilled to have established a great relationship with the Fox Valley Park District and Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. The FVPD staff does a great job of communicating with our tournament directors and ensuring proper maintenance of their pristine fields.”

— John Suvada, General Manager, Seminole Sports

Situated just 40 miles west of Chicago makes getting to Aurora a breeze, with a variety of options for traveling teams. Teams can reach the Aurora area via Interstate 88 and taking the IL-31 exit 117 toward Aurora/Batavia. If driving isn’t a feasible option, Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport serve as a gateway for reaching Aurora.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Stuart Sports Complex

Ultimate, football, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, rugby

One of the largest soccer venues in the country, Stuart Sports Complex in Montgomery is suitable for every sport imaginable, namely soccer, lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee, football, softball and baseball. Stuart Sports Complex offers their facilities at affordable prices, including tournament rentals for exclusive use of fields for an entire weekend. Jam-packed with

amenities throughout the facility, the complex features concessions, restrooms, a dog park, a playground with a splash pad, garden plots, Jericho Lake and a 1,300 spot parking area.

Great Lakes Volleyball Center Volleyball

For all things volleyball, look no further than Great Lakes Volleyball Center in Aurora, one of the largest volleyball facilities in the Midwest and home to the Sports Performance Volleyball Club. Offering sports performance and development and competition workshops

Stuart Sports Complex

Great Lakes Volleyball Center

Supreme Courts

for both coaches and players, Great Lakes Volleyball Center is the country’s largest camp and clinic program, with thousands of athletes competing each year. Hosting numerous tournaments throughout the year to both boys and girls volleyball teams of all ages, the center’s facilities include 12 courts, a full-time retail store, an expansive, full-service weight training facility, a spacious concession area, an 11,000-square-foot mezzanine viewing area and more than 500 available parking spaces.

Supreme Courts

Basketball

Conveniently located five miles from Interstate 88 near Aurora’s Fox Valley Mall, Supreme Courts features four high school basketball courts with premium wood flooring used in 90 percent of NBA courts and top universities. The facility also includes full climate-controlled courts and

24 collegiate grade ceiling mounted baskets, whose low-profile interwoven subfloor design provides enhanced acoustic and dynamic uniform ball bounce. Teams can participate in Supreme Courts tournaments year-round with several benefits, such as low tournament costs, discounted pricing for minimum required participation, multiple locations to choose from each weekend, appropriate competition for all levels, high quality venues and certified referees.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Raging Waves Waterpark in Yorkville is a fan favorite for all ages and is Illinois’ largest waterpark.

▶ For a day of shopping, Chicago Premium Outlets is an outdoor mall with all the designer names at discounted prices.

▶ Funway is over five acres of indoor and outdoor activities. Families can enjoy go-karts, bumper boats, bowling, mini-golf, roller skating and more. Open 365 days a year.

AURORA AREA CVB

Pete Garlock, Director of Sales 630-256-3194 pete@enjoyaurora.com www.auroraareasportsalliance.com

▶ BALAXI Play is a unique glow-inthe-dark entertainment center that offers fun, physical activities that will keep everyone engaged. Enjoy zip lines, indoor go-karting, rock climbing and a ropes course.

Contact: Pete Garlock, Director of Sales 630.256.3194 pete@enjoyaurora.com auroraareasportsalliance.com

Champaign County, IL

A FACILITY FOR EVERY SPORT AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL AGES SETS CHAMPAIGN COUNTY APART

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Willard Airport, six miles south of Champaign, features American Airlines flights daily to and from Chicago and Dallas/Fort Worth.

If traveling by car, I-74 connects Peoria and Bloomington from the west to Indianapolis in the east, while I-57 connects Champaign County to Chicago.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Rantoul Family Sports Complex Baseball, softball, soccer, football, lacrosse, rugby

The new Rantoul Family Sports Complex, just north of the University of Illinois, is a state-of-the-art facility in the Midwest. The complex offers all turf fields with eight baseball/softball, two T-ball/Challenger baseball, eight soccer/football/rugby/lacrosse multi-purpose fields, over 800 parking spaces, a splashpad, and concessions.

Activities & Recreation Center (ARC) at the University of Illinois Basketball, volleyball, swimming, diving, squash, wrestling, martial arts

The ARC is a 340,000-square-foot oncampus rec center with the capacity to host nearly any indoor sport with its versatile spaces. The space has four gymnasiums that can be converted into 12 basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, three squash courts or 12 racquetball courts. Teams can take advantage of the extensive workout equipment and spaces along with its 35-foot climbing wall

Rantoul Family Sports Complex

and one-fifth mile indoor track. It houses both an indoor and outdoor pool, with diving wells perfect for competitions and a sauna and café great to enjoy afterward.

Dodds Park Softball, soccer, disc-golf

Located at Parkland College, Dodds Park has seven premier tournament quality softball fields, in a 3-plex and 4-plex structure. The site also has 11 top quality soccer fields that have hosted the Illinois Futbol Club Spring and Fall Invites, as well as an 18-hole disc golf course.

Atkins Tennis Center & Khan Outdoor Complex Tennis

Recognized in 1992 by the USTA as the country’s “Most Outstanding Tennis Facility,” Atkins Tennis Center & Khan Outdoor Complex has only gotten better since then. After an expansion in 2009, the complex boasts 20 outdoor and six indoor courts, with six courts containing individual scoreboards and spectator seating. The complex can hold up to 3,800 spectators and has indoor restrooms, a pro shop and a sound system.

State Farm Center

Basketball, wrestling, WWE, gymnastics

No stranger to large events, the State Farm Center has 15,500 permanent seats, with a max capacity of 16,500 spectators. Its flexible floor space means it’s just as ready to have a Broadway show or rock concert as it is a Fighting Illini basketball game. The arena has hosted the 2019 National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball tournaments, the Illinois High School Individual Wrestling State Championships, and much more. The center recently renovated its backstage area so that any event can take full advantage of its expansive full-service kitchen, catering/dining services and locker rooms.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Pick your own apples at Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch and stick around for the corn maze and wagon rides.

▶ Just minutes from the Rantoul Family Sports Complex, hang out with 16 friendly animals at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch

▶ Catch a film or have a bite in one of the locally owned restaurants throughout Downtown Champaign’s Entertainment District.

▶ The University of Illinois campus has something for everyone, depending on the season, but the cherry blossoms in bloom are a special treat.

VISIT CHAMPAIGN COUNTY

Mike Koon 217-351-4133 mikek@visitchampaigncounty.org www.visitchampaigncounty.org

▶ Champaign-Urbana Adventures in Time and Space escape rooms build teamwork through challenging, film-inspired experiences.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“I have always had great support from the staff at State Farm Center. Their attention to detail in preparation for and management of my events continues to be outstanding. The updates have enhanced the great atmosphere our event has enjoyed for years. We look forward to our annual return to State Farm Center as we know we will be supported at all levels including Visit Champaign County and the great staff at State Farm Center.”

— Craig Anderson, Executive Director, Illinois High School Association, referring to IHSA Individual State Wrestling Championships

University of Illinois

Dodds Park State Farm Center

ChiCago Southland, IL

A DEDICATED TEAM, STATE-OF-THE-ART VENUES AND EYE-OPENING ATTRACTIONS MAKE CHICAGO SOUTHLAND THE PLACE TO BE FOR YOUR NEXT SPORTS TOURNAMENT

Scan to discover more of what Chicago Southland CVB offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“The partnerships so far with the Chicago Southland CVB have been wonderful. They’ve allowed us to do so many things that we did not have the opportunity to do before this year, especially reaching out to new players and groups.”

— Brad Schubert, President, Midwestern Amputee Golf Association

In the Chicago Southland, all sports business is of equal value, no matter the size. Whether hosting a small regional tournament or a large national competition, Chicago Southland provides the MVP treatment to all sports groups. Made up of 62 south and southwest suburbs, the region is an ideal sporting event location, with an abundance of activities and facilities for all ages.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Southland Center

Baseball, basketball, cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, football, lacrosse, martial arts, rugby, soccer, softball, volleyball

The Southland Center, a Ho-Chunk Nation Enterprise, houses a 41,000+ square foot portable wood court for events of all kinds. This newly installed floor is the largest continuous portable wood court floor in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest in the world. The portable wood flooring has space

that will accommodate 10 basketball and 14 volleyball courts under one roof, from April through October. Courts of this size allow the Chicago Southland to attract larger regional and national events that prefer to host their entire roster in one location. Due to the functionality of the space, the Southland Center facility is now more attractive to event organizers for gymnastics, cheer and other activities, such as hobby and niche style gatherings. From November through March, the Southland Center offers 100,000 square feet of space and includes state-of-the- art

Southland Center

Ozinga Field

Lincolnway Special Recreation Association

Desso Turf, four hardwood basketball courts and a full-service restaurant and bar, as well as a concession stand. The Southland Center also boasts the ability to host eSports events, as they recently hosted a Smash Brothers event in 2019.

SeatGeek Stadium Soccer, extreme sports, football, lacrosse, rugby

Formerly known as Toyota Park, SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview is home to the National Women’s Soccer League Chicago Red Stars. This stadium features a natural grass, full-size field of 74 x 120 yards. Additionally, teams will have access to two practice fields with their choice of a natural or artificial surface. There is also a 90,000 square foot dome, which has a full-size regulation indoor soccer field.

Ozinga Field Baseball

Home to the Windy City ThunderBolts is Ozinga Field in Crestwood. Ozinga Field is a large baseball venue with the capacity to hold over 3,500 spectators. Batting cages, bullpens, covered/protected dugouts, a press box and more can be found at Ozinga Field. There are

also on-site concession stands for spectators.

In 2019, Ozinga Field hosted the CollClubSport Division I Baseball Regional Tournament.

Lincolnway Special Recreation Association

Basketball, bocce, fitness, gymnastics, martial arts, outdoor recreation, running/walking, softball, volleyball

The Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA), located in New Lenox, provides adaptive and special recreation services for individuals with disabilities.

The facility features four multi-purpose rooms, a learning kitchen, gymnasium with a wheelchair-friendly floor, a therapeutic garden and a wheelchair softball field. Their newest features include a sensory room and a universal design playground.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Zip around the tracks on electric go-karts or challenge your axethrowing skills at Accelerate Indoor Speedway & Events in Mokena.

▶ Try your hand at games of bowling or billiards, or get moving on the dance floor at Dave & Buster’s in Orland Park.

▶ Witness lively outdoor music between the months of May to October at Fox Pointe in Lansing.

▶ In the Game at Hollywood Park in Crestwood provides awesome indoor and outdoor opportunities for family fun.

CHICAGO SOUTHLAND CVB

Kristy Campbell 888-895-3211

Kristy@visitchicagosouthland.com www.playchicagosouthland.com

Decatur, Il

DECATUR’S SPORTS SCENE IS VIVACIOUS, INCLUSIVE, AND EXCEPTIONALLY DIVERSE

From its award-winning parks and recreational opportunities, restaurants and shopping in the newly redeveloped Downtown Decatur and beyond, you’ll find all that you need and more in this incredible city.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Rotary Park Sports Complex Baseball, Softball, Volleyball

The Rotary Park Sports Complex is the top choice for sports planners looking to host a baseball, softball, and even sand volleyball tournament in Macon County. With five fenced baseball/softball diamonds, four sand volleyball courts, a pavilion, and a full-service concession stand, Rotary Park has all the elements for extraordinary live sports entertainment. You can experience this park in play at any one of the two major ASA state softball tournaments, the NSA

Scan to discover more of what Decatur CVB offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“As a Recreation Supervisor, I serve as a director for several tournaments throughout the year in multiple sports. Almost all of these tournaments are state and national levels which require extensive preparation. The success of these tournaments would not be possible without the help of the Decatur CVB.”

— Tony Albertina, Recreation Supervisor

USA Softball Tournaments, USA Umpire Clinic, USA Softball Hall of Fame

slowpitch tournament, or the Special Olympics it hosts. You can get more information by visiting the Rotary Park Facebook page, the park’s website, or visiting Decatur.

Fairview Tennis Complex Tennis

The Fairview Tennis Complex holds nine competition-grade tennis courts and won the 2008 USTA Outstanding Facility Award. The complex caters to beginners as well as pros at tennis. For sports planners who know their tennis stars, you may know this facility as the

Fairview Tennis Complex

Rotary Park Sports Complex

Forsyth Park

home of the Ursula Beck Tennis Clubhouse. Each year these grounds host the USTA/Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classics, one of the premier tournaments on the United States Tennis Association Professional Circuit.

Forsyth Park Disc Golf

Forsyth Park offers visitors a multitude of activities. Within its 75 acres are trails, playgrounds, pavilions (reservations required) with picnic tables, and electricity. There are also a wealth of spaces for sports event planners to make their pick. In particular, planners looking to bring a disc golf tournament might find this park to be the perfect venue. Forsyth holds one of the premier disc golf courses in Central Illinois. The course is made up of 18 holes, which cater to beginners and experienced players, and includes 5 alternative holes for advanced players.

Decatur Civic Center Ice Skating, Hockey

The Decatur Civic Center is located in the historic downtown of this city. The venue serves Decatur as the go-to place for entertainment for over 35 years. It also holds a regulation-size

hockey rink suited for hockey games as well as public ice skating. With a low cost for admission, the Decatur Civic Center caters to sporting for play and sporting professionally.

Decatur Indoor Sports Center Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Golf

Every inch of the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (also known as the DISC) is designed to accommodate all sports fans. As one of the state’s most diverse sports spaces, kids and adults flock to the DISC to make goals, points, and hole-in-ones. This complex features an indoor soccer field, 4-lane 200-meter track, basketball & volleyball courts, rock climbing wall, indoor golf center, locker room/showers, conference room, dance/group fitness studios, batting cages, and playroom.

DECATUR CVB

Jessica Milligan jessica@decaturcvb.com (217) 423-7000 www.decaturcvb.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater houses all your favorite performers like American country singer and songwriter Tracy Lawrence. The Devon also serves an assortment of mouthwatering food and beverages.

▶ The Overlook Adventure Park is more than just adventure. It’s good American fun! Featuring activities such as mini golf, batting cages, and a ropes course, good times don’t end here until you’re fully satisfied.

▶ The Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum holds Detroit’s finest American muscle car — Chevrolet. On display is a massive collection of Chevrolet’s hottest cars and memorabilia from the 1920s thru today.

▶ Take in the smell of the fresh herbs and spices at Mari-Mann Herbs. This family business has given your favorite dishes flavor since 1970. Meet the owners on a tour, led by them, of the herb farm.

DuPage County, IL

PREMIER VENUES AND ATTRACTIONS BUILD UPON A RICH HISTORY JUST OUTSIDE OF CHICAGO

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The DuPage Sports Commission is building on the rich tradition of competition in DuPage County, combining state-ofthe-art facilities with top-notch attractions to position itself as the premier destination to host regional and national competitions year-round. Located just outside of Chicago near O’Hare and Midway International Airports, its 38 communities include more than 100 hotels.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

FMC Natatorium at Ty Warner Park Swimming, Water Polo, Artistic Swimming, Diving

Located in Westmont, the FMC Natatorium at Ty Warner Park is a state-of-the-art, 71,000 square foot aquatic facility built to host regional and national events. The natatorium features a 50-meter Olympic-size competition pool and a training pool. Other amenities include spring boards, locker rooms, weight and strength and conditioning rooms, concession stand, swim shop, and a party room.

Oak Brook Fields Soccer, Lacrosse, Football, Ultimate Frisbee

Located in the upscale Village of Oak Brook, these outdoor Park District fields offer a premiere location for sporting activities such as soccer, lacrosse, football, ultimate frisbee and more. With amenities that include lighting, these fields can accommodate large tournaments with multiple age groups. There is also a community center for swimming, basketball, and fitness and an outdoor trail.

FMC Natatorium at Ty Warner Park

Stardust Bowl Bowling

Featuring 84 consecutive lanes, Stardust Bowl is one of the largest bowling centers in the U.S. and has hosted numerous national events. A staple in Addison for more than 50 years, the center also features four lounges, a video gaming lounge, a banquet facility, a ProShop, and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system with bumper bowling perfect for young bowlers.

Glass Court Swim & Fitness Club Racquetball, Fitness, Swimming

Glass Court Swim & Fitness has eight full-size racquetball courts and has hosted multiple major events including the Annual International Racquetball Tour Shamrock Shootout, which features 300+ male players competing in a top tier event. On the women’s side, Glass Court has hosted the Pro Am Turkey Shoot, an annual tournament which is part of the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour.

Medinah Country Club Golf

Home to Presidents Cup in 2026

Medinah Country Club has a history of

hosting major tournaments, a tradition of incomparable golf and a legacy of families coming together through generations making it a Platinum Club. Medinah offers three world-renowned golf courses and the highest quality facilities and family-oriented amenities to both its members and honored guests. With 18-hole golf courses available for daily member play, each course offers its distinct challenges.

Ice Arenas Hockey, Ice Skating

DuPage has over a dozen sheets of ice for tournaments and competitions among several different facilities including Edge Ice Arena, Seven Bridges Ice Arena, Center Ice of DuPage, Darien Sportsplex, and Addison Ice Arena. These skating surfaces can accommodate practices, games, competitions, shows, and public skates.

DUPAGE SPORTS COMMISSION

Igor Bakovic 630-575-8070

igor@discoverdupage.com

DuPageSportsCommission.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ With 222,000 live plants and 16 miles of hiking trails on its 1,700 acres, The Morton Arboretum is an impeccable setting for a leisurely stroll or an active adventure.

▶ Located at the former 500-acre estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, Cantigny Park is home to a top-ranked, 27-hole golf course, vast formal gardens, and the First Division Museum. Enjoy beautiful landscapes and learn about the history of World War I.

▶ With 60 forest preserves and 26,000 acres of land, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County offers ample opportunity for recreation, conservation, and education.

▶ The Forge: Lemont Quarries is a state-of-the-art adventure park designed to deliver year-round activities for adventurers of all ages. It features a versatile and wideranging mix of activities in a natural landscape.

Edge Ice Arena

Medinah Country Club

Stardust Bowl

Photo courtesy of United States Bowling Congress

Glass Court Swim & Fitness

Great Rivers and Routes, IL

ACROSS FROM THE GATEWAY ARCH IS A UNIQUE REGION POISED TO PUT YOUR NEXT EVENT IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYTHING

Scan to discover more of what Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Two of America’s most iconic roads meet at the confluence of three of the country’s amazing rivers, providing an amazing backdrop to the Great Rivers and Routes region of southwest Illinois. Located just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis you can find numerous outdoor attractions for adventure-seekers of all ages who can experience the region’s scenic beauty an outdoor recreation opportunities.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Plummer Family Park (Edwardsville)

Baseball, softball, soccer, football

Plummer Family Park is an 83-acre complex featuring four lighted, full synthetic 12U baseball/softball fields and two batting cages. There are also six full-size multi-sport fields. Three have a fully synthetic playing surface with lights ideal for soccer, football, rugby, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee and more. The complex includes 12 lighted pickleball courts with sun shades perfect for your next outdoor tournament.

Mississippi Riverfront (Alton & Grafton)

Fishing tournaments, boat races

Great Rivers is in our name for a reason. At the confluence of the Illinois, Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, you will find one of the most unique waterways in the world. 100+ pound catfish are routinely pulled from the waters of this region where bass thrive alongside crappie, walleye, and sauger. Various marinas and boat ramps allow access to our rivers and lakes for fishing

Plummer Family Park

Alton Riverfront

tournaments, boat shows, racing, triathlons, and more.

Gateway Convention Center (Collinsville)

Wrestling, boxing, dance, gymnastics, cornhole

Host your tournament in this versatile space complete with meeting and hospitality rooms all under one roof. From elaborate room layouts to vendor exhibits, the space is adaptable to the needs of any event planner. Gateway Convention Center has up to 50,000 square feet of event space and has extensive experience hosting cheer and dance events, boxing tournaments, fishing shows and much more.

Southern Illinois University (Edwardsville)

Basketball, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, football, ultimate, cross country, baseball, softball

The SIUE campus is home to an array of venues including synthetic turf and

grass diamonds and multi-purpose fields, a championship cross country course, and the 4,000 seat Vadalabene Center.

Golf Courses

Spencer T. Olin and Gateway National Golf Links Golf

Spencer T. Olin and Gateway National Golf Links are just two of 20 public and private courses in the region. As the only Arnold Palmer designed facility in the area, Spencer T. Olin features scenic views that are the centerpiece of an 18 hole championship course with an additional 9-hole Learning Center.

GREAT RIVERS & ROUTES

TOURISM BUREAU

Jason Troop 618-465-6676 jtroop@riversandroutes.com riversandroutes.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ In Grafton, take a cruise on the Mississippi or a ride high above it. Skytours, alpine coasters, ziplines, water slides, and plenty of shopping and wineries will keep you busy while you enjoy your down time.

▶ Some of the best outdoor adventure in the country is right here near the confluence of three mighty rivers. Hiking, biking, fishing, and plenty of outdoor activities will keep you looking for more.

▶ There are plenty of ways to get your kicks on Route 66 in the Great Rivers & Routes region. The final leg of the road in Illinois, 60-miles of it in fact, meander through the region from Virden, just outside Springfield, IL, to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge crossing the Mississippi River in to Missouri. In between those points are some fun, kitschy and Instagrammable stops on the famous Mother Road. Get ready to rock and roll.

Gateway Convention Center

SIUE Vadalabene Center

Gateway National Golf Links

Grafton Skytour

Elgin Area, IL

ELGIN, LESS THAN AN HOUR AWAY FROM CHICAGO, OFFERS THE PERFECT MIX OF VISITOR ATTRACTIONS AND SPORTS FACILITIES

In Elgin, you can experience big-city fun at reasonable prices in a smaller urban area. Elgin offers the perfect mix of visitor attractions and sports facilities. Fun awaits athletes of all ages and levels. They will be able to train and compete in premier venues that host a variety of sports, from soccer to BMX biking.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Elgin Sports Complex

Softball, T-ball, volleyball, soccer, BMX

biking

Elgin Sports Complex features tons of championship-level competition spaces all in one location. This 107-acre venue comprises 10 full-size soccer fields (four of which are lit), 10 fully-lit softball fields, two sand volleyball courts, hard-surface paths, a playground and The Hill, which is known as Chicago’s best BMX track. The sports complex is a pet-friendly facility and is wheelchair accessible.

Lifezone 360

Basketball, soccer, lacrosse, futsal, gymnastics, cheerleading Lifezone 360 (LZ360) is a highly versatile 130,000-square-foot sports complex and tournament/meet destination. The facility can be transformed from a turf-only tournament space (soccer, lacrosse) to a 7-court (basketball, futsal) tournament space. Rental flooring/ equipment can be brought in to operate gymnastics, cheer, wrestling and other meets. The facility is also designed to be transformed into a memorable destination for large-scale

Elgin Sports Complex

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

(300 to 1,000 person) events and concerts. A pair of high-definition LED screens are available for viewing parties and conferences, as well as a full A/V system, drop-down volleyball netting for up to 10 courts, bubbleball and a ninja course. Lifezone also encompasses a full restaurant and bar, has private party suites available and a wide range of in-house catering options. A 1,000 spot dedicated parking lot with highway frontage allows for outdoor concerts, carnivals, fundraisers and similar activities.

Canlan ICE Sports Figure skating, hockey

Train and compete on any one of three state-of-the-art NHL-size rinks, complete with access to Jerry’s Pro Shops for the newest gear. Canlan’s recently renovated its space to include large-screen televisions, a patio, tables and fireplaces.

Edward Schock Centre of Elgin Basketball, racquetball, swimming, pickleball, team handball

The Centre of Elgin is the Elgin area’s foremost recreational facility providing nearly 185,000 square feet of recreational space. Located in downtown Elgin, the Centre

offers a three-basketball court fieldhouse, two racquetball courts and a lap pool. With a strong history of hosting Team USA, the Centre of Elgin is perfect for larger or international tournaments.

Elgin Community College - Spartan Event Center Basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, tennis

The Spartan Event Center is a multipurpose athletic space that features one of the best basketball facilities in the region. As part of the Elgin Community College campus, the Spartan Event Center includes three NCAA basketball courts, three NCAA volleyball courts and converts into two tennis courts. With stadium seating available for up to 1,550 guests, the Spartan Event Center is designed to take your varsity athlete’s game to the next level.

ELGIN AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Ryan Cortez 847-695-7540 ryan@exploreelginarea.com www.exploreelginarea.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Bike the Fox River Bike Trail or stroll through Hawthorne Hill and Bartlett Nature Centers.

▶ Visit the Elgin History Museum, Elgin Public Museum, or Gail Borden Library which is home to world-class exhibits.

▶ Experience fun activities like escape rooms, hatchet throwing, or an indoor trampoline park

▶ The Grand Victoria Casino offers the best riverboat gambling, dining and entertainment experience in Illinois.

▶ Experience the North Pole-themed rides, petting zoo and water park at Santa’s Village Azoosment Park

▶ Spend an afternoon golfing at the award-winning Highlands of Elgin or Bowes Creek Country Club.

▶ Don’t forget to check out our arts programs, events, and the free Public Art Tour that happens every weekend for a unique experience!

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“The overall experience with the Elgin Area CVB, leading up to and throughout the tournament, was, in its simplest terms, extremely helpful. As a small NGB with very little institutional knowledge on staging events, we had to rely heavily on the CVB to point us in the right direction and help bring things together in numerous areas like transportation, food, and health & safety. The event would not have happened without the help of the Elgin Area CVB.”

Edward Schock Centre of Elgin

— Ryan Johnson, CEO USA Team Handball

Canlan ICE Sports

Bloomington-Normal, IL

WITH TOP-NOTCH FACILITIES AND INCREDIBLE ATTRACTIONS, THIS ILLINOIS HOTSPOT MAKES TOURNAMENT-PLANNING EASY

Scan to discover more of what BloomingtonNormal Area CVB offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Hosting major events is no easy task. Due to the efforts of the BloomingtonNormal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the BN Sports Commission, our association has been fortunate to put on first-class events in Bloomington-Normal for nearly half a century. Their ‘can do’ spirit will make your event a winner, too.”

— Kurt Gibson, Associate Executive Director of the Illinois High School Association

Travelers heading to Bloomington-Normal by car will find Interstate 55 to be very convenient, which runs right through the area on the drive between Chicago and St. Louis. I-39 and I-74 are nearby as well. By air, Central Illinois Regional Airport is your go-to option, offering free parking, a shuttle service and access to five rental car agencies.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Champion Fields Baseball, softball

Considered one of the finest softball complexes in the Midwest, this facility boasts eight lighted diamonds in the main area and two lighted diamonds at Maxwell Park. The host site for 10 ASA/USA National Tournaments in the past two decades. Fields have covered dugouts, bleacher seating, scoreboards and a P.A. system. Each set of four fields also has a concession stand, making this one of the Prairie State’s go-to softball locations.

Hancock Stadium, Redbird Arena Multisport

Hancock Stadium is a 13,391-seat, multipurpose facility in the heart of Normal. Home to the Illinois State University football team, in 1969 Hancock became the first college stadium in Illinois to feature artificial turf, which was replaced in 2010. That same year, a new scoreboard was installed. Other amenities include a state-of-the-art press level, a 5,500-square-foot indoor club, the Redbird Team Store and a spacious concourse. The crown jewel of Illinois State Athletics, Redbird

Champion Fields

Shirk Center

Bloomington Arena

Arena is used by the men and women’s basketball teams as well as the women’s volleyball team. The multipurpose facility can hold up to 10,200 enthusiastic fans and is a raucous environment on game day.

Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan University Multisport

The Shirk Center is a multipurpose athletic, recreation and wellness complex that contains facilities for basketball, volleyball, track and tennis. The facility seats 2,400 with room for an additional 400 spectators. Other incredible features include a 200-meter, six-lane indoor track, two batting cages and four courts for basketball, tennis, volleyball and badminton.

Bloomington Arena Multisport

The premier arena in Bloomington for sports and concerts, this venue can hold

up to 8,000 for a concert and 7,242 for basketball and features 24 private suites and two party suites that can host up to 50 people.

Corn Crib

Baseball, soccer, softball

A great stadium in Normal and built for fun, the Corn Crib is home to the Normal CornBelters, a collegiate summer baseball team. The ballpark has a capacity of 7,000 and opened in 2010.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Red pandas, river otters, a ZooLab and more await at Miller Park Zoo, which offers families exciting chances to see a wide variety of exotic animals.

▶ Touching the exhibits is encouraged at Children’s Discovery Museum.

▶ Explore the rich connections the area has to Route 66 and Abraham Lincoln at the Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center.

BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL AREA CVB

Matt Hawkins, Director of Sports and Market Development 309-665-0033 matt@visitbn.org www.visitbn.org

▶ Normal Theater features a classic cinema experience in a theater that opened in 1937.

▶ Iron Coyote Challenge Park is a fun fitness center featuring a ninja gym and rope course.

Rockford, IL

LOCATED ON THE BANKS OF THE MESMERIZING ROCK RIVER IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS, THE CITY OF ROCKFORD GUARANTEES A MULTITUDE OF ATHLETIC VENUES AND THINGS TO DO FOR YOUR NEXT SPORTS TRIP

Scan to discover more of what Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau ofers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau in conjunction with the Rockford Park District provided a first-class venue and excellent support for our Division III College Championships. The service provided along with the hospitality shown has made Rockford one of our go-to places for future events.”

— Byron Hicks, Events Manager, USA Ultimate

The stunning city of Rockford comprises a dream venue for sports planners, as it allows visitors to revel in numerous engaging attractions, comfortable accommodations and phenomenal athletic facilities. A top-tier host of sports nationally, Rockford is no stranger to herds of teams visiting and provides ample space for tournaments and leisure activities.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

UW Health Sports Factory Basketball, cheerleading, dance, dodgeball, pickleball, volleyball, wrestling

This multi-purpose indoor sports facility spotlights 108,000 square-feet (96,000 square feet of hard court surface) of space for your upcoming tournament. One of the largest facilities in the Midwest, the venue is comprised of eight basketball courts that convert to 16 volleyball courts, 16 wrestling mats and accommodations for other indoor sports. With

a maximum capacity of 3,700 spectators, UW Health Sports Factory spotlights north and south courts, and a champions court with seating for up to 400 people. Spacious outdoor areas overlook the Rock River with a south patio area. A full-service sports restaurant with a dazzling 180-degree view of the river and north and south courts seats 160 guests, ideal for downtime in between games. Comfortable meeting spaces provide ample room for visitors, with the lower meeting room seating up to 50 people, while the upper meeting room seats up to 14 people.

MercyHealth Sportscore One

UW Health Sports Factory

MercyHealth Sportscore Two

MercyHealth Sportscore Two Baseball, football, pickleball, rugby, soccer, softball, volleyball, golf, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, adapted wheelchair sports

This state-of-the-art sports facility will be sure to impress with 180 acres of courts, fields, concessions and other favorable amenities. The expansive complex features 26 outdoor soccer fields including seven turf/ lighted fields, three sand volleyball courts, a playground, a 4,500-square-foot outdoor concession/restroom building, a tournament staging area for pictures and onsite parking with more than 2,000 spaces. The Indoor Sports Center is a multi-sport complex consisting of 200,000 square-feet of multipurpose courts and fields, anchored a full-size (120-by-80-yards, equal to four indoor soccer fields) turf field with 70-foot ceilings, locker rooms, a sports equipment store and Skybox dining overlooking the fields. The existing indoor sports center has plans to convert to turf on both sides. The vast Wedgbury Stadium seats up to 2,500 spectators, and has been refurbished to include a new synthetic turf field, NCAA professional lighting,

restroom buildings, improved pathways and upgrades to bleachers and a press box.

MercyHealth Sportscore One Soccer, softball, baseball, volleyball (sand), kickball, wiffleball, golf (indoor), ultimate frisbee

Nationally recognized as a premier host of soccer, softball, baseball, Ultimate frisbee and other sports tournaments, this first-rate sports establishment is an excellent option for athletes to duel it out in a nail-biting competition. Spanning 147 acres, the venue includes 18 soccer fields, eight lighted baseball/ softball diamonds, an indoor soccer building, two playgrounds, a fishing pond, a boat ramp, a recreation path and concessions.

ROCKFORD AREA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Lindsay Arellano

Vice President of Sales and Servicing 815-489-1653 larellano@gorockford.com Gorockford.com/sports

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Visit Laurent House Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and famously known as the only home in Illinois designed by the architect for a person with a disability.

▶ Enjoy the natural beauty of the city by touring the calming Anderson Japanese Gardens, composed of flowing waterfalls, tranquil streams and beautiful gardens.

▶ Continue your nature walk in the captivating Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, simulating the gorgeous tropics with special water features and sculptures right along the breathtaking Rock River.

▶ Children will appreciate the chance to explore the Discovery Center Museum, featuring more than 250 interactive art and science exhibits.

Springfield, IL

LOCATED ON ICONIC ROUTE 66, ILLINOIS’ HISTORIC STATE CAPITAL IS THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR YOUR NEXT SPORTING EVENT

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PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Thanks to everyone who helped make the 8th Annual SCHEELS

Capital City Pickleball Classic tournament successful. Most people don’t realize the number of people it takes to host a major tournament. Thanks to the Springfield Park District staff who made it easier for us to undertake this project.”

— Jack Handy, Capital City Pickleball

Springfield boasts a multitude of impressive athletic facilities with amenities for an allencompassing experience for athletes of all ages. In addition to its premier checklist, which already includes the likes of the BOS Center and Land of Lincoln Junior Olympic Softball Complex, state-of-the-art Scheels Sports Park is in the works to bring even more sports excitement to the area.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Bank of Springfield Center

Cheerleading, wrestling, gymnastics

The Bank of Springfield Center is a worldclass, multi-use facility with 44,000 square feet of column-free space, 21,000 square feet of meeting space and seating to accommodate 7,700 spectators. The Main Floor of the facility houses major events, including concerts, trade shows, graduations, wrestling and basketball tournaments. Additional facility amenities include a parking garage with space for 700, concessions, restrooms, water fountains, air

Springfield

Land of Lincoln Junior Olympic Softball Complex

conditioning, closed-circuit TVs and security for ensured spectator safety.

Springfield Area Soccer Association

Complex

Soccer, rugby, football, field hockey, lacrosse

Located on the west side of the University of Illinois-Springfield, this state-of-the-art, soccer-specific complex boasts 27 outdoor grass soccer fields. The complex can also be used for a wide variety of sports and activities, including football, archery, field hockey, lacrosse, ultimate

Bank of Springfield Center

Area Soccer Association Complex

frisbee and cheerleading. Additional complex amenities include bleachers, field lighting, a concession stand, chairs, parking and restrooms as well as both field goal and rugby posts, lacrosse nets, soccer goals and tumbling mats.

Nelson Center Hockey, figure skating

The Nelson Center is home to two indoor ice rinks open year-round, eight locker rooms and two concession areas as well as the Nelson Center Pool, a seasonal outdoor aquatic facility. Because the Nelson Center contains the only two indoor ice rinks within a 60-mile radius, the complex hosts a wide range of ice-related programs, events and activities. The Nelson Center Pool is supervised by professionally trained lifeguard staff. The facility includes pool lanes for lap swimming, a locker room, picnic tables, a slide, kiddy pool as well as a full concession stand.

Land of Lincoln Junior Olympic Softball Complex Softball

One of the largest softball facilities in the Midwest, the Land of Lincoln Junior Olympic

Softball complex is home to six main softball fields and four additional fields. Each field offers bleacher seating for optimal viewing and crushed limestone infields that speed up the process of rain delays. Field number four is a centerpiece of the facility, with a 200foot outfield fence as well as a batting cage, renovated dugouts and a new infield.

Spartan Park Baseball, softball

Located in nearby Chatham, Spartan Park is a spacious facility perfect for any baseball, softball or volleyball event. The facility includes four 315-foot down the line fields, one 180foot field, one 225-foot field and three sand volleyball courts.

VISIT SPRINGFIELD

Terry Truman

217-789-2360 x5525

terry.truman@springfield.il.us visitspringfieldillinois.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Known as the home of Abraham Lincoln, Springfield has a multitude of must-see Lincoln sites for history lovers. Visitors can take a trip to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum (with 40,000 square feet of impressive galleries, theaters and historic displays), Lincoln’s New Salem (a reconstructed depiction of the village where Lincoln grew up) the Lincoln Home (completely restored to its 1860 appearance) or Lincoln’s Tomb (a breathtaking monument with the remains of Lincoln, his wife Mary and three of their sons).

▶ Perfect for all-age fun, Knights Action Park is Central Illinois’ largest water and amusement park. The park is home to eight water slides, batting cages, a 50-tee driving range, a big wheel and a giant wave pool.

Kankakee County, IL

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Kankakee County features a rich historic heritage and the beautiful Kankakee River State Park. With miles of winding river, rural and urban destinations and impressive natural beauty, there is plenty to enjoy in Kankakee County. Sports fans of all kinds will relish Kankakee County, which not only features a variety of first-rate facilities but a host of excellent attractions and activities.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Kankakee River

Kayaking, canoeing, fishing, camping Kankakee River State Park offers a proud heritage in an unspoiled setting. Anglers, canoeists, hunters, campers, hikers, bicyclers and other outdoor enthusiasts find the park’s recreational opportunities unsurpassed. The naturally channeled Kankakee River, listed on the Federal Clean Streams Register, is the focus of the park’s popularity. Enveloping both sides of the Kankakee River for 11 miles, in an area 6 miles northwest of Kankakee, the park consists of

approximately 4,000 acres. Fishing the Kankakee River is great for landing smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye and Northern pike. The park has boat ramps making it a great place to ride the river’s currents and seasonal hunting programs include archery deer, waterfowl and upland game hunting. For camping enthusiasts, Kankakee River State Park’s popular campgrounds offer more than 200 campsites.

Adventure Commons Basketball, volleyball

Everyone is welcome at Adventure Commons

LOVERS OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS WILL CHERISH ALL THAT KANKAKEE COUNTY HAS TO OFFER

Kankakee River

Diamond Point Baseball Fields

Kankakee River State Park

in Bourbonnais, a faith-based community center that’s open to the public. It features youth sports, batting cages, Adventure Mini-Golf Adventure Cafė, the Adventure Preschool and Adventure Christian Church.

Cobb Park Neighborhood Cycling, walking

Located less than one mile from downtown Kankakee, along the picturesque Kankakee River, is the Riverview Historic District. It is filled with custom-built homes, many over 100 years old. They sit neatly on large lots divided by wide streets and boulevards. Old growth oak, maple and elm trees line streets providing year-round pleasure. Architecturally appropriate street lights warmly bathe the neighborhood with light. Cobb Park, the crown jewel of the Riverview Historic District, is located on the banks of the Kankakee River. Cobb Park is also home to the famous Cobb Park Criterium, an annual event where cyclists compete for the state championship title along with food, music and plenty of fun.

Diamond Point Baseball Fields Baseball

Diamond Point Baseball fields are home to six total playable fields, four of which have lights, one practice infield, splash pad, playground, shelters, picnic areas, sand volleyball pit, and a pond that provides outdoor recreation. Enjoy the offerings of Diamond Point Park from March through October and make a splash at the Splash Pad beginning Memorial Day through Labor Day (weatherpermitting). The Splash Pad at Diamond Point Park is free to use during operating hours.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Kankakee River State Park offers visitors its proud heritage in an unspoiled setting. Anglers, canoeists, hunters, campers, hikers, bicyclers and other outdoor enthusiasts find the park’s recreational opportunities unsurpassed.

▶ Adventure Commons Mini-Golf features two 18-hole courses and a special 18-hole ADA route.

▶ Hero City Adventure Park features more than 22,000 square feet of space and invites guests to try its indoor playground, VR, Laser Tag and more.

VISIT KANKAKEE COUNTY

Meegan Massey meegan@kccvb.com 815-935-7390

▶ Splash Valley Aquatic Park offers two closed body/tube slides, oneand-a-half open body/tube slide, water troughs, two sand volleyball

Chicago Northwest, IL

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PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“MCNW is AMAZING! Melinda and her team are a fantastic help in all aspects of the event contracting process. They are available and eager to help from the earliest stages, and are a great resource for sending out our RFP, consolidating hotel responses, following up when needed and helping to pull all of the final details together.”

— April LaFramboise, Team Travel Source

In the diverse and lively northwest suburbs of Chicago, you will find renowned attractions, modern dining and endless shopping. Chicago Northwest is a destination dream for sports planners, as it features facilities perfect to host soccer, football, baseball, badminton, martial arts, wrestling, gymnastics and more.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Woodfield Mall is Illinois’ largest shopping destination with nearly 300 shops, restaurants, 800-seat Dining Pavilion and family-friendly amenities.

▶ Enjoy a night that takes you to the Middle Ages at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament where you can sip cocktails and enjoy a four-course meal while watching knights joust.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel

Martial arts, volleyball, mat sports, cheer/dance, meetings,

events

This 100,000-square-foot column-free convention center has the capability to configure into multiple floor plans to accommodate a wide range of sporting events. Located 12 miles from O’Hare International Airport, the convention center offers free on-site parking and is seamlessly connected to 500 guest rooms and suites at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.

Olympic Park

Softball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse

This 72-acre sports venue features five softball/ baseball fields, eight lighted synthetic turf sports fields, two natural grass sports fields. Additional soccer fields available for tournament play. Having hosted thousands of sports tournaments

including annual events such as Schaumburg Athletic Association’s Soccerfest, Sockers FC Fall & Spring events and Common Goals Memorial Day Soccer Challenge.

Harper College

Fitness, swimming, basketball, volleyball, badminton,

running

Located in Palatine, Harper College offers a fitness center, field house, aquatics center, and more. The 10,000-square-foot Fitness Center underwent a complete transformation. The Field House has four courts for basketball, pickleball, volleyball, or badminton and a suspended one-eighth of a mile jogging track.

MEET CHICAGO NORTHWEST

Melinda Garritano 847-278-3445

mgarritano@chicagonorthwest.com chicagonorthwest.com

Olympic Park

Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel

DeKalb County, IL

WITH EXCELLENT FACILITIES AND A RENOWNED UNIVERSITY, DEKALB COUNTY IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO HOST YOUR SPORTS EVENT

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PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“The team at the DCCVB provides exemplary guidance and assistance in planning and promoting our events in DeKalb County. Whether it’s identifying the appropriate athletic and conference facilities, helping secure hotel accommodations, recommending restaurants, or marketing our events, the DCCVB hands-on, professional approach is an integral component to the success of our events year after year.”

— Shawn Lowe, Co-Chair Person and Soundstage Director at DeKalb Corn Fest Prosound Productions

For a perfect getaway experience rich in history and cultural diversity, explore DeKalb County. Guests can soak in its natural beauty, hike, bike, camp, golf, fish, canoe or sled. Enjoy a relaxing wine tour or tasting and visit museums or shop for hidden treasures and antiques in its historic downtown shopping districts. Located only 60 minutes west of Chicago, DeKalb County offers affordable family fun all year long.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶

Jonamac Orchard in Malta is a three generational family farm owned and operated by the McArtor Family since 1984. The apple orchard is part of the 105-acre farm in Northern Illinois, with over 20,000 apple trees.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Northern Illinois University Convocation Center

Basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, wrestling

The Convocation Center in DeKalb, a 10,000seat facility, hosts more than 200 events each year, including concerts, family shows, theatrical productions, commencement ceremonies, job fairs, trade shows and NIU Division I athletic events (basketball, volleyball, track, gymnastics and wrestling). The Convocation Center consists of 215,000 square feet, including more than 45,000 square feet of floor space. It boasts a seating capacity of 10,000. The $36 million arena brought a new focus on the west campus as a center for living and learning.

Outdoor Recreation Sports Complex

Softball, baseball, rugby, flag football, lacrosse, soccer, Ultimate frisbee

This multifaceted complex on the campus of Northern Illinois University features two softball

fields (one for baseball), three rugby fields, eight flag football fields, five lacrosse fields, five soccer fields, eight Ultimate frisbee fields and multiple quidditch fields. The fields consist of multipurpose fields, natural turf, artificial turf, lighted fields and bleachers for spectators.

Sycamore Park District Sports Complex

Soccer, softball, baseball, disc golf

Featuring multiple fields for soccer, softball, baseball, and a disc golf course, Sycamore Park District’s sports facilities can host a variety of tournaments and events. The complex also features a paved walking path, picnic pavilion and storage building.

DEKALB COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Cortney Strohacker 815-756-1336

cstrohacker@dekalbcountycvb.com experiencedekalbcounty.com

Sycamore Park District

Northern Illinois University Convocation Center

Lake County, Il

THE CHARMING, SCENIC TOWNS OF LAKE COUNTY OFFER STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES WITH PRISTINE COURTS AND IMMACULATE FIELDS

From flower-filled meadows to outdoor festivals, live events and a range of shopping options, Lake County is a fantastic destination.

Lake County is home to two amusement parks, eight museums, more than 31,000 acres of outdoor fun and is just an hour from Chicago. It is also a great place to host a tournament with its beautiful complexes including the Waukegan Fieldhouse and Sportspark and Canlan Sports in Libertyville.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Waukegan Fieldhouse & SportsPark

Indoor, outdoor, multi-purpose

The impressive and modern Field House Sports and Fitness Center in Waukegan’s Hinkston Park is a great place to visit when planners are looking for a venue to host any type of event. With six hardwood courts and a two-story fitness center, this 80,000-square foot site has all the space and equipment necessary to make sure your sports tournament goes off without a hitch.

Waukegan’s SportsPark is an award-winning, state-of-the-art sports complex. Enjoy Illinois

named them “the top sports complex in Northern Illinois” and “a perfect place to host tournaments and events.” The SportsPark features 14 soccer fields (one championship synthetic field), 4 softball fields, and a 685 space parking lot.

Canlan Sports in Libertyville Soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, football, basketball, volleyball

When it comes to premier sporting event facilities in Lake County, the Libertyville Sports Complex is no exception. The complex spans

Waukegan Outdoor SportsPark

Waukegan Fieldhouse

Canlan Sports in Libertyville

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

160,000 square feet and includes a lighted softball field, an award-winning driving range and a fitness center in addition to its Indoor Event Center. This center houses eight multi-purpose courts, two turf fields, a 29-foot climbing mountain and conference rooms capable of holding up to 120 people.

Greater Libertyville Soccer Association Soccer

Soccer players and their devoted friends and family who travel to support them will be pleased with their time spent cheering their superstars on at Libertyville Township Soccer Complex. The outdoor complex’s 20 fields over 110 acres mean the location is equipped to host sizable events without waiting for available field space. The complex also has a parking capacity of over 1,200, bleacher seating for 100 and on-site concessions.

Glacier Ice Arena in Vernon Hills Hockey, figure skating, broomball

Stay cool while working up a sweat at Vernon Hill’s Glacier Ice Arena’s two NHL-sized ice

rinks. Each rink features 350 heated seats so your supporters can cheer on their favorite team or skater in comfort. And for the players themselves, the facility is equipped with 12 locker rooms, study rooms, meeting rooms, a video game room and a snack bar for all to enjoy.

Vernon Hills Athletic Complex Tennis, baseball, softball, football, soccer, lacrosse

Vernon Hills Athletic Complex is an exceptional venue that can host a variety of sporting events. Able to accommodate a range of competitive outdoor sports, the complex’s 41 acres covers 27 different fields, including 11 diamonds, three tennis courts and a full stadium. No fan will go hungry here either, as this location has a full concession stand.

VISIT LAKE COUNTY

Teresa Lewis, Sports Event Specialist 847-662-2700

teresa@lakecounty.org www.visitlakecounty.org

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Find plenty of chills and thrills at Six Flags Great America and its waterpark, Hurricane Harbor, in Gurnee.

▶ Gurnee Mills shopping mall has all the great factory and outlet stores you’re looking for at reasonable prices.

▶ Grab a bite to eat at any of the hundreds of family-friendly restaurants throughout Lake County.

▶ Explore more than 31,000 acres of outdoor fun and go swimming, boating, hiking, fishing or pack a picnic at the Lake County Forest Preserves.

▶ Pacify your aquatic thrills with a tremendous indoor waterpark when you book at stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee.

Williamson County, IL

ENJOY THE GAMES, ACTIVITIES AND SCENERY IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“As Vice President of the North Zone for PONY Baseball and Softball, I have been extremely pleased with the work and the cooperation of the staff of visitSI. They are thorough, dedicated, and knowledgeable in what makes events work here in southern Illinois. I could not ask for a better fit for our organization than the relationship that we have built with them. We highly recommend their services.”

— Steve Miller, Vice President, North Zone, PONY Baseball and Softball

With expansive scenic trails, vibrant downtown shopping and numerous family friendly activities, Williamson County, Illinois offers something for everyone. Their venues stand out as premier destinations for sports and more. Buoyed by true southern Illinois charm and hospitality, and conveniently located off of Interstate 57, Williamson County has numerous hotels, outstanding dining establishments and ample shopping.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Rent One Park Baseball

Featuring 3,400 chair seats and lawn capacity of 2,000, this state-of-the-art facility also boasts an HD video board, two picnic gardens, concessions, 14 suites, and a 300-capacity banquet facility. The park has hosted the Colt World Series, the Ohio Valley Conference, college and high school sporting events, rodeos and concerts.

Kokopelli Golf Club Golf

Kokopelli Golf Club is ranked among the best in the nation for high quality, affordable courses. In addition to the challenging, but friendly, par 72, 6,716-yard course, members enjoy a full-service pro shop, professional instructors, and eight acre practice facility, golf simulator and a newly remodeled event center. The club house restaurant, The Turn at Kokopelli features signature drinks and mouth-watering culinary delights.

HUB Recreation Center Rent One Park

Kokopelli Golf Club

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Crab Orchard Golf Club Golf

Since opening in 1959, Crab Orchard Golf Club has proven to be an enjoyable place to play for golfers of all ages and abilities with its focus on being a family friendly environment. The 18-hole, par 70 layout features excellent greens and lush fairways on its 6,240 yards of play. The club also offers a driving range, club rentals and repairs, a recently renovated Pro Shop, locker rooms, and banquet facilities that can accommodate 140 people.

HUB Recreation Center Fitness

There is something for everyone at the HUB Recreation Center, the place where health and happiness meet. Bring the whole family to have fun while staying active, by taking advantage of aquatic features including full-size and kiddie pools, a threestory water slide, lazy river, and hot tub. Get a workout out on the track, courts, utilize the state-of-art fitness equipment, join a sports program, or take a fitness class. Daily passes and memberships are both available.

Black Diamond Pickleball Complex Pickleball

Opening in September of 2019, the Black Diamond Pickleball Complex is the first of its kind in Southern Illinois, featuring six outdoor, color-themed, lighted courts.

Pharaoh’s Way Disc Golf Disc Golf

Located in Pyramid Park, this 18-hole disc golf course winds throughout the park, around baseball fields, and through the woods for an enjoyable, scenic challenge for people of all ages. Professionally designed by Gateway Disc Sports and built in 2016, the course features concrete tee pads and permanent chain-link targets.

VISITSI

Tiffany Yepsen Tyepsen@visitSI.com 618-997-3690 visitSI.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Golfing is a particular delight in Williamson County, offering many stellar clubs and courses such as those at Kokopelli and Crab Orchard.

▶ Centered around Crab Orchard Lake, this 43,890-acre National Wildlife Refuge is a premier destination for outdoor adventure, recreation, and conservation. Home to a wide array of flora, fauna, and wildlife, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge also features pristine lakes and waterfalls. There are also ample opportunities for camping, boating, hunting, fishing, camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, biking, and more.

▶ The premier dining and entertainment venue in Illinois, Walker’s Bluff is a luxurious resort offering breathtaking scenery, gourmet cuisines, and numerous venues offering remarkable events both indoors and outdoors.

Jacksonville, IL

COLLEGE-GRADE VENUES, AN EXPANSIVE LAKE AND FACILITIES FOR NEARLY EVERY SPORT BECKON TOURNAMENT PLANNERS TO CENTRAL ILLINOIS

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Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“The Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is a wonderful asset for the Jacksonville community. We began operating Future Champions Sports Complex in March 2020 – the same month COVID-19 caused businesses throughout the United States to close. We are thankful for this partnership as we continue to navigate the challenges of owning a small business.”

— Kristin Jamison, Future Champions Sports Complex

Home to well-stocked lakes, NCAA-grade facilities and tournament-friendly gymnasiums, Jacksonville Illinois offers plenty of facilities in the heart of the Midwest. The city’s small-town friendliness, vibrant business districts and enthusiastic sports community will make the decision to your next tournament destination simple.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Future Champions Sports Complex Baseball, softball

Future Champions Sports Complex caters to all levels of baseball and softball competition, ranging from youth recreational leagues to collegiate contests and including all levels in between. Not your ordinary ballpark, all six infields are turfed, making it virtually rain-out proof and allowing for play from February to November. The stadium-lighted facilities boast electronic scoreboards, concrete dugouts, a professional sound system, and a concession

stand that offers everything from hot sandwiches to and adult refreshments.

Illinois College

Swimming, track & field, basketball, volleyball, football, soccer, baseball, softball, tennis

The Bruner Center on the Illinois College campus includes the Coultas Natatorium (an eight-lane, 25-yard pool for competitive and recreational swimming), King Fieldhouse (which houses a six-lane indoor track, four rubberized courts and two batting cages) and

Jacksonville Speedway

Illinois College

Future Champion Sports Complex

the Sherman Gymnasium (a hardwood court that can host basketball and volleyball). Other facilities include England Stadium (an artificial turf field surrounded by a track that can host soccer and football), the Bellatti Tennis Complex (which consists of six hard-surfaced courts, lighting fixtures and a windscreen) and Joe Brooks Baseball Field.

Lake Jacksonville Boating, fishing

This 500-acre, man-made lake is filled with bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish and channel catfish. It is the perfect location for boating, water skiing, fishing, and other water activities. Camping and boat dock are available, and a new walking path and trails were added in 2019. The lake is known for their fishing tournaments and was once named the #1 Fishing Spot in the State of Illinois by Field and Stream.

Jacksonville Speedway Biking, racing

Jacksonville Speedway is a high-banked, quarter-mile dirt oval track located at the Morgan County Fairground, corner of East Westgate Avenue. Classes include Sprints, Micro-Sprints, Street Stock, Midgets, Modifides and late models.

JHS Bowl

Basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, dance and wrestling

This historic semi-subterranean gymnasium was constructed in 1952 and continues to host Jacksonville High School Crimson basketball, volleyball and cheerleading competitions. The venue offers changing rooms, a scoreboard, concession stands and parking.

Midwest Athletic Center Basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, dance and soccer

Located in the Jenkins Education Complex on the former MacMurray College campus, this indoor facility includes two basketball courts that can also accommodate volleyball, floor hockey along with other variety of athletic sports.

JACKSONVILLE AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Brittany Henry 1-217-243-5678 visitors@jacksonvilleil.org www.jacksonvilleil.og

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Browse some of Illinois’ premier antique galleries, enjoy tasty coffee creations and cuisines, and admire beautiful greenspaces of Central Park in historic Downtown Jacksonville

▶ The 86-acre Nichols Park offers well-equipped playgrounds and an Olympic-sized swimming pool for recreation opportunities. There are gazebos, a newly added RC Car Track Speedway and picnic facilities big enough for any group outing. Also located in the park is The Links Golf Course where you can catch a round of golf overlooking the beauty of the park.

▶ Peaceful Lake Jacksonville is surrounded by hiking trails for guests to admire, the deer that reside in the region, and docks for fishing and beautiful sunset views. Lake Mauvesterre is another favorite, most commonly known as a spot for kayaking with its new kayak launch!

EFFINGHAM, IL

EVERY DAY, EFFINGHAM BECOMES AN EVEN BETTER DESTINATION FOR SPORT EVENTS, FROM SWIMMING TO SOFTBALL AND BEYOND

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

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“I would say that the advantage for choosing Effingham, besides being so centrally located, is the community really gets behind and supports the events. We have such a variety of restaurants and hotels for people to choose from, and our shopping choices continue to expand. I feel fortunate to be able to host the event for its businesses and community.”

— Jeff Schafer, Effingham High School Girls Basketball, (Southern Illinois Basketball Circuit Director (SIBC)

Discover what makes this vibrant, Midwestern community so irresistible. With 16 hotels to unwind at and more than 65 restaurants to indulge in, you’ll be hardpressed to find a reason to leave. Grab a menu at Effingham’s famous farm-totable restaurant, Firefly Grill.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶

The Kluthe Memorial Pool is a great place for your family to cool off during the hot summer months.

▶ Evergreen Mini Golf & Concessions offers 18 holes of fun at its outdoor miniature golf course. Come see the jungle-themed course and enjoy some delicious food from the concession stand.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex

All indoor sports

The Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex was completed in early 2016. The complex offers a 25-meter, eight-lane swimming pool and indoor 15,500-square-foot, multi-sport courts. This recreational center offers other amenities too, ranging from rentable party rooms to physical therapy services. The complex will not only offer visiting teams great places to play, but a stellar spot for helping their bodies relax and recuperate from intense activity.

Hendelmeyer Park Baseball, softball, tennis

If you’re looking for outdoor sports, look no further than Hendelmeyer Park. This spot is a charming local park with expansive outdoor fields. At a respectable 20 acres, the park holds two lighted, slow-pitch diamonds and one

lighted, fast-pitch diamond—all with natural grass—plus four lighted tennis courts. The park is rounded out with playground areas, a gazebo, concession stand and skate park.

Evergreen Hollow Park

Softball, baseball, tennis, soccer, swimming

Evergreen Hollow Park spans 42 acres and comprises of two lighted softball diamonds, one lighted baseball diamond, four lighted tennis courts and soccer fields. On the west side of the park sits Kluthe Memorial Pool, an outdoor swimming pool with a lap pool, water slide and children’s pool area.

CITY OF EFFINGHAM CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Jodi Thoele, Director of Tourism 217-342-5310

jthoele@effinghamil.com www.visiteffinghamil.com

Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex

Hendelmeyer Park

Quad Cities, IL

WITH VERSATILE VENUES, AN ACCESSIBLE LOCATION LOCATED ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND AFFORDABLE AMENITIES, THE QUAD CITIES REGIONAL DESTINATION IS THE IDEAL LOCATION FOR A SPORTS EVENT

Scan to discover more of what Visit Quad Cities offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

Made up of multiple destinations to provide a combined power of sports tourism, the Quad Cities feature versatile facilities for all sports and events. Modern, state-of-the-art facilities like TBK Bank Sports Complex continue to dominate and expand to meet demand, while classic stadiums like Modern Woodmen Park bring a different vibe for amazing experiences along the Mississippi River.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Vibrant Arena

Basketball, ice hockey, figure skating, gymnastics, rodeos, boxing, volleyball, cheer & dance, wrestling, weightlifting

This 31,000-plus square-foot arena in downtown Moline features seating for 12,000+ offers ample parking, four locker rooms, six production room offices and a conference center. It also has 20,000 square feet of meeting room space and an 11,000-squarefoot lobby. Vibrant Arena contains a

regulation size court, full size hockey and figure skating rink, luxury suites, automatic video scoreboards with replay capabilities and PA system. The facility is home to the Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Championship, the revived Quad City Steamwheelers of the Indoor Football League and the Quad City Storm, an SPHL team. The arena has earned numerous architectural industry awards and has hosted NCAA Division I college basketball games (including the Mid-Continent Conference men’s basketball tournament from 1996 to 1999) and several

TPC Deere Run

NHL and NBA exhibition contests. The arena seats up to 12,000 for end-stage concerts along with center-stage concerts.

TPC Deere Run Golf

A nationally ranked golf destination located in Silvis, Illinois, TPC Deere Run golf course is home to the John Deere Classic on the PGA TOUR, NAIA Golf Championships, CCIW Men’s Golf Championship and the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour. The 18-hole course is a beautiful 7,258-yard, Par-71 course, and features a full practice green, 14,000-square-foot clubhouse, dining services, pro shop, locker rooms and 160 parking spaces. TPC Deere Run’s golf course was built on the site of a former Arabian horse farm and its design masterfully preserved the natural, rolling landscape along the Rock River, creating a championship golf course beautifully framed by oak trees and accented by small ponds and deep ravines.

Green Valley Sports Complex Baseball, softball, soccer, cricket

The Green Valley Sports Complex plays host to several sporting events throughout the year. The complex features eight lighted softball fields and is host to International

Softball Congress world tournaments and ASA

National softball tournaments. It also features nine soccer fields, one cricket field, concession stands and two covered picnic shelters.

Bend XPO

Cornhole, martial arts, cheer, dance, gymnastics, wrestling, weightlifting Gone are the days of adjusting your event to fit the space you’re given. Bend XPO’s 100,000 square feet footprint features multiple indoor spaces, outdoor space, large restrooms, and concession stands. With the flexibility of Bend XPO, you can shape the space to fit anything you may want or need. Since opening in mid-2021, they have hosted cornhole & taekwondo tournaments; cheer, gymnastics, and dance competitions. The entire Bend Campus includes 132 acres of real estate right on the Mississippi River.

VISIT QUAD CITIES

Joan Kranovich, Vice President of Business Growth & Director, Sports QC 800-747-7800 ext. 831 jkranovich@visitquadcities.com www.visitquadcities.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Explore Quad City museums, family entertainment, river cruises, outdoor adventures, and live music venues.

▶ QC Ale Trail is popular among craft beer enthusiasts. Quad Cities brewing history goes back as far as 1847 when the first brewery opened in Rock Island, Illinois. Today, new crafters have hit the market to create a scene that is vibrant and continues to grow to all corners of our bi-state region. Blaze a trail through the QC Ale Trail.

▶ Niabi Zoo in Rock Island County is a public zoological park that offers 40-plus acres of forest preserve bustling with more than 600 animals representing 200 species from around the world.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Working with the Sports QC team was a very enjoyable experience for me. In hosting our NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship, the QC team was on top of everything. They are a great team to work with and really care about the events they are a partner in, which shows through their work.”

— Anthony Goetz, Championship Events Manager, NAIA

Bend XPO

Vibrant Arena

Green Valley Sports Complex

IOWA IS IDEAL FOR HOSTING SPORTING EVENTS

From wrestling tournaments to the Field of Dreams game, Iowa is a sports heaven

TEAM IOWA

would love to invite your organization, teams and participants to play your next event in the Hawkeye State.

With sports facilities large and small across the state, Iowa has played host to a wide variety of events. Some of these events include the AAU Junior Olympic Games, LPGA Solheim Cup, NCAA DI Men’s Basketball, NAIA Championships, USA Wrestling Olympic Trials, USA Wrestling Folkstyle Nationals, USATF Outdoor Championships, USA Volleyball, USA Gymnastics, and so much more.

Most recently, Iowa gained national attention due to hosting two Major League baseball games at the Field of Dreams ballpark in Dyersville in 2021 and 2022 and the Dew Tour at Lauridsen Skatepark in Des Moines.

Team Iowa, a division of Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP), is the

only statewide organization in Iowa dedicated to the sports travel market. The organization exists to attract youth, amateur and professional sporting events to Iowa. The tradition and culture of sports runs strong throughout the entire state of Iowa, making it the perfect destination for your next event.

iTIP members include a consortium of Iowa sports commissions and convention and visitors bureaus across the state. With 85 partners across the state, planners have no shortage of host communities to choose from.

Whether you are looking for a soccer field or a 17,000-seat arena, lean on iTIP to help you find the perfect Iowa sports facilities as well as assist you with hotels, volunteer recruitment, signage and attendance building.

Visit IowaTravelIndustry.org/team-iowa to learn more about the Team Iowa partner communities. They look forward to providing an incredible experience for your athletes and fans.

Come for the sports, stay for the hospitality.

Seminole Cross Country Course in Cedar Rapids

Photo courtesy of Team Iowa

Quad Cities, IA

WITH VERSATILE VENUES, AN ACCESSIBLE LOCATION LOCATED ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND AFFORDABLE AMENITIES, THE QUAD CITIES REGIONAL DESTINATION IS THE IDEAL LOCATION FOR A SPORTS EVENT

Scan to discover more of what Visit Quad Cities offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Working with the Sports QC team was a very enjoyable experience for me. In hosting our NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship, the QC team was on top of everything. They are a great team to work with and really care about the events they are a partner in, which shows through their work.”

Made up of multiple destinations to provide a combined power of sports tourism, the Quad Cities feature versatile facilities for all sports and events. Modern, state-of-the-art facilities like TBK Bank Sports Complex continue to dominate and expand to meet demand, while classic stadiums like Modern Woodmen Park bring a different vibe for amazing experiences along the Mississippi River.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

TBK Bank Sports Complex

Soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, football, lacrosse, tumbling, gymnastics, cheer & dance, wrestling, bowling

Conveniently located off I-80 in Bettendorf, Iowa, the TBK Bank Sports Complex is a state-of-the-art, multi-use facility that serves a range of sports events. The 75-acre, 280,000-square-foot indoor complex and its accompanying outdoor sports venue can accommodate all kinds of events and

tournaments. The indoor facility features a turf 11 v 11 soccer/football/lacrosse field, eight regulation-sized basketball and volleyball courts, four sand volleyball courts along with a team training area, fitness center, batting cages, and food vendors. Outside, athletes will find two lighted turf soccer fields, 10 lighted turf baseball/softball fields, and five sand volleyball courts. There are also concessions and 1,571 parking spaces. The family entertainment center has a fullservice restaurant, 32 bowling lanes, 65 arcade games, two escape rooms, virtual reality,

— Anthony Goetz, Championship Events Manager, NAIA

TBK Bank Sports Complex

St. Ambrose University

Modern Woodmen Park

golf simulator, a sports bar and restaurant, banquet and meeting space and a two-story laser tag game. In addition, there is an inhouse physical therapy center. Level II Fitness, a full-service, high-end fitness center provides members a top-level fitness experience and has the finest in trainers and equipment. The complex is a great place to host events from big to small.

Modern Woodmen Park Baseball, softball

Located in Davenport, Iowa, Modern Woodmen Park sits right on the banks of the Mississippi River. The stadium is home to the Quad Cities River Bandits, a High-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The ballpark has also played host to many collegiate and high school tournaments and events. The facility features 4,000 permanent seats and 2,000 additional seats on the grass and in the picnic area. There is versatile meeting and event space with spectacular views. Families can also enjoy a variety of amusement rides at the park including a Ferris wheel, the Genesis Kidz Koaster, the River Rocker and a Carousel.

St. Ambrose University

Track and field, soccer, volleyball, football, baseball, softball, cheer, dance St. Ambrose University features an 80,000-square-foot Wellness Center with a 56,000-square-foot field house. Sports events have use of a 200-meter, six-lane track, pole vault areas, long and triple jump pits and four basketball/volley ball courts. The Lee Lohman Arena has a Collegiate regulation size basketball court with seating for 2,000. St. Vincent Athletic Campus features a fullsize field for football, soccer, and lacrosse. Two synthetic turf all-purpose fields with spectator seating, press box, and concessions are also part of the St. Vincent Athletic Campus. St. Ambrose University is located close to shopping, dining, hotels, and entertainment.

VISIT QUAD CITIES

Joan Kranovich, Vice President of Business Growth & Director, Sports QC - CTA 800-747-7800 ext. 831 jkranovich@visitquadcities.com www.visitquadcities.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶Explore QC Museums, family entertainment, river cruises, outdoor adventures, and live music venues.

▶ QC Ale Trail is popular among craft beer enthusiasts. Quad Cities brewing history goes back as far as 1847 when the first brewery opened in Rock Island, Illinois. Today, new crafters have hit the market to create a scene that is vibrant and continues to grow to all corners of our bi-state region. Blaze a trail through the QC Ale Trail.

▶ Head to a baseball game right along the Mississippi River at Modern Woodmen Park and watch the High-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals go to bat.

▶ Catch a hockey game with the Quad City Storm or Arena Football with the Quad City Steamwheelers.

Sioux City, IA

UNIQUELY LOCATED IN A BEAUTIFUL TRI-STATE AREA, SIOUX CITY IS AN ENCHANTING CITY WITH PLENTY OF ATTRACTIONS

Sioux City is nestled along the Missouri River and is home to unique attractions, local restaurants, 70 miles of recreational trails, art and music festivals, concerts, live theater, and major sporting events. This enchanting city holds a wealth of opportunities for sports lovers as it features huge facilities like United Sports Academy and the Tyson Events Center.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

United Sports Academy

Baseball, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, softball, football

This 56,000-square-foot multi-sport training and competition space features a 20,000 squarefoot turf area that is perfect for football. It also features three batting cages, two HitTrax hitting simulators, four college basketball courts, eight youth basketball courts, four college volleyball courts, eight youth volleyball courts, and four pickleball courts. It also plays host to THRIVE Fitness, a health club that offers fitness classes.

The Arena Sports Academy

Basketball, volleyball, baseball, dance, wrestling

This facility is home to a wide range of sports including basketball, volleyball, baseball, dance and wrestling. It features five full-size basketball/ volleyball courts, 18 basketball hoops with height control and individual training and club seasons available for both sports. It also features brand new top-tier equipment and a certified performance coach. The Arena Wrestling Academy also offers state-of-the-art equipment

Tyson Events Center

Scan to discover more of what Explore Sioux City offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

and hosts tournaments and matches of all ages. The Arena Dance Academy also sports a beautiful hardwood dance studio.

Tyson Events Center Hockey, indoor football

Located inside the Fleet Farm Arena, this 190,000-square-foot multipurpose arena is located in downtown Sioux City. Opened in 2003, the venue features a horseshoe-shaped seating bowl with an end court upper balcony. It houses 10,000 seats and 28 luxury suites. The area is home to the Sioux City Musketeers hockey team, a Tier 1 junior ice hockey team playing in the West Division of the United States Hockey League (USHL), and the Sioux City Bandits arena football team. So many other great events have taken place here like hosting the NAIA Women’s Division II Basketball National Championship and NAIA Volleyball Championship. The center hosts more than 140 different events each year.

Seaboard Triumph Foods Expo Center

Soccer, softball/baseball, basketball, volleyball Boasting 80,000 square feet of arena space with MidAmerican Arena and 55,000 square feet of indoor turf with Great Southern Bank Field, the Seaboard Triumph Foods Expo Center is massive. It features space for 400 vendor booths,

has 1,125 square feet of conference space, 3,822 square feet of banquet and meeting space and has access to more than 12 miles of walking and biking trails. The turf is ideal for soccer, softball or baseball tournaments. This center also offers a versatile arena that holds 14 volleyball courts and 12 basketball courts.

Sioux City Convention Center Wrestling, boxing, billiards, dance

Hosting more than 200 events each year, the Sioux City Convention Center offers a flexible event setup with easy traffic flow, making the location ideal for everything from small to large events. This 40,000-square-foot convention center is both modern and versatile and can host such sports as wrestling, boxing, billiards tournaments, dart tournaments and dance competitions. Its newly renovated galleries feature a complete audio system upgrade along with updated lighting.

EXPLORE SIOUX CITY

Kristi Franz kristi@exploresiouxcity.org 712-224-1000 exploresiouxcity.org

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ The LaunchPAD Children’s Museum is an educational museum with hands-on exhibits for children to have fun while learning. Current exhibitions are Agriculture, Performing Arts, and Rocket. Exciting and new exhibitions are on the way at the LaunchPAD.

▶ The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center is a museum with interactive and animated exhibitions on Lewis & Clark’s well-recounted expedition. Take a trip into early September 1804 and journey the Sioux City area with them.

▶ Sioux City Public Museum concentrates on educating visitors and locals on Sioux City’s culture and history. Find historic artifacts, photographs, and vintage memorabilia.

▶ Want candy? Then visit Palmer’s Old Tyme Candy Shoppe for some of your favorite sweets. The Palmer family has been making candy together since 1878.

Sioux City Convention Center

The Arena Sports Academy

United Sports Academy

Big Wins at Every Bend

YOUR SPORTING EVENT DESERVES A LOCATION WITH HEART

The blossoming community of Siouxland has become the epicenter of a thriving, and diverse food and art scene, and our location on the beautiful Missouri River’s bend has created an amazing destination for all sporting events. Situated at the intersection of Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota, Siouxland is ready to welcome you and your team with a warm smile, unexpected adventures, and hidden gems around every bend in the river.

SPORTS SCENE

With six sporting facilities, boasting some of the best amenities in the country, Siouxland is never the underdog. Your next sports event needs more than just a field or court, it deserves a destination that delivers an experience you’ll never forget.

Miami County, OH

A HUB FOR YOUTH SPORTING EVENTS, MIAMI COUNTY FEATURES SEVERAL PARKS AND ARENAS IDEAL FOR STATE-OF-THE-ART GROUP SPORTS OUTINGS IN THE BUCKEYE STATE

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

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“It is a pleasure working with the City of Troy and the Miami County Visitors Bureau on the Tour de Donut bicycle challenge. They are great to work with and are always open to new ideas. They built a music festival around the Tour de Donut to enhance the event and create a fun, energetic experience for our riders. ”

– Roger Bowersock, Past Event Organizer, Tour de Donut Bicycle Challenge

With charming Midwestern hospitality and countless acres of parkland found throughout the Buckeye State, Ohio is a supreme destination for sports teams and family members tagging along on tournaments and other sporting events. Miami County in particular is dedicated in assisting coaches and teams plan the perfect sporting event, providing information on venues, hotels, restaurants and activities in surrounding areas.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶

Find sweet treats and savory delights at Winans Chocolates + Coffees.

▶

The WACO Air Museum and Aviation Learning Center provides educational opportunities and interactive experiences for all ages.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Hobart Arena

Basketball, ice skating, floor events, youth hockey

Hobart Arena is one of the leading arenas in Miami County, hosting innumerable sporting events, trade shows, conferences and concerts. The arena’s facilities include 3,782 seats, 50 of which are handicapped, a Robbins All-Star Plus Portable basketball court, four locker rooms, two referee rooms and 800 parking spaces.

Duke Park Baseball,

basketball, football, soccer, tennis,

volleyball

Home to the local Trojans Soccer Club, Duke Park in Troy features seven soccer fields, all equipped with top-notch amenities. Facilities at Duke Park include five baseball and softball fields, a basketball court, football field, four tennis courts, a picnic shelter, playground, parking lot and restrooms. Duke Park features two and a half miles of recreational walking

trails perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride during the warmer months of the year.

Kyle Park Baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball

Home to several youth sporting groups, Kyle Park in Tipp City is one of the newest parks in the area and is comprised of approximately 280 acres. Teams can take advantage of Kyle Park’s three covered shelters, 10 soccer fields, two softball diamonds, 10 baseball diamonds, two sand volleyball courts, skate park, basketball court and a batting cage.

MIAMI COUNTY VISITORS & CONVENTION BUREAU

Delaney Fields 937-339-1044

dfields@homegrowngreat.com www.homegrowngreat.com/ sports/facilities

Kyle Park

Duke Park

GREATER AKRON, OH

EASILY ACCESSIBLE FOR MORE THAN HALF THE COUNTRY’S POPULATION, GREATER AKRON’S HERITAGE AND HISTORY SHINES ON AND OFF THE FIELD

Scan to discover more of what Akron/Summit CVB offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“All positive feedback from teams and players. Mainly, I would hire more ‘Mary Tricaso-es,’ who is an event planner’s dream.”

— Ho Hoffman, 18th Annual Buckeye Classic Softball Tournament

Akron is a destination where visitors can hike through beautiful landscapes or enjoy an action-packed night out at a theater, concert or restaurant. It offers creative international cuisine and excellent cheap eats. It is also home to numerous top-flight facilities including the impressive Copley Road Soccer Complex and the premier Firestone Stadium.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Copley Road Soccer Complex Soccer

With nine gorgeous grass fields, Copley Road Soccer Complex offers plenty of opportunities for youth teams to compete. Located in West Akron, each field comes netted and lined; spectators may set up chairs behind the lines to cheer on their teams. The Akron Inner City Soccer Club of the Greater Akron Amateur Soccer Association (GAASA) league has hosted youth camps at the complex since 1999 and offers free training for Akron residents. The

facility’s most notable event is its Annual Akron Unity Soccer Tournament.

Firestone Stadium Baseball, kickball, softball

Firestone Stadium works hard to cement itself as a premier venue on the sports scene. The venue was owned by the Firestone Tire Company until 1988 but was later gifted to the City of Akron. The 4,576-seat stadium began a $1.5 million renovation in June 2015 that will improve softball facilities and add a new concession area, two-story team clubhouse, picnic area and training facilities.

Goodyear Hall

Firestone Stadium

Copley Road Soccer Complex

Goodyear Hall Basketball, futsal/soccer, volleyball

Hold your next indoor tournament at Goodyear Hall, situated on Goodyear Tire’s sprawling campus dates back to the early 1900s. As part of a 5,500,000-square-foot project, this hall houses a gymnasium, auditorium, offices, classrooms and numerous other first-class amenities. Designed by Walker and Walker, Goodyear Hall embodies a Gothic Revival style, while the Ohio Savings and Trust inside mimics Neo-Classical Revival architecture. Goodyear has a maximum capacity of 3,500 people and accommodates guests with special needs. The building is conveniently located near the newly renovated Goodyear Theater, which seats 1,458 people.

Louis and Freda Stile Athletics Field House at The University of Akron Field sports, track & field, wrestling

The University of Akron boasts the $13.8 million Louis and Freda Stile Athletics Field

House. This beautiful complex features a 100-yard varsity football training field with turf surfaces and six lanes for indoor track and field events.

James A. Rhodes Arena at The University of Akron Basketball, volleyball

With two courts and a capacity of 5,500 spectators, the arena is home to the basketball and volleyball teams of the University of Akron. A sports medicine and training facility, fan team shop and meeting rooms are also available.

AKRON/SUMMIT CVB

Mary E. Tricaso, CSE CSEE Director of Sales 800-245-4254 mtricaso@visitakron-summit.org www.playakron.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ If you’re looking for one of America’s best burgers, Swenson’s Drive-in offers a unique taste on a classic experience.

▶ Immerse yourself in the total experience offered by Chill Ice Cream, where the product is made on site right on downtown Akron’s Main Street.

▶ Take the family out to the ballgame to catch the Akron RubberDucks at Canal Park.

▶ Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio’s only national park, offers hiking, biking and running set against a peaceful landscape.

▶ View the eclectic collection available at the Akron Art Museum or catch a performance by the Akron Symphony Orchestra.

SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO

Scan to discover more of what Shores & Islands Ohio offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

LOCATED ON THE NORTHERN SHORES OF OHIO, AMERICA’S SPORTS & FAMILY FUN CAPITAL OFFERS WORLD-CLASS SPORTS FACILITIES, EXCITING ATTRACTIONS AND THE BEST VENUE FOR WATER

Shores & Islands Ohio is America’s Sports & Family Fun Capital where everyone comes to play! Whether it’s kicking back with toes in the sand or kicking the winning goal, you will discover the region is an extraordinary year-round location to combine sports travel with a family vacation. There are numerous entertainment options to enhance your experience including Cedar Point and the Lake Erie islands.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Lake Erie

SPORTS

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“After 2020 events were cancelled due to Covid, we were able to get multiple events rescheduled on Lake Erie. Without the assistance of Shores & Islands Ohio and the City of Sandusky these events could not have happened and much revenue would have been lost!”

— Bill Taylor, Senior Director of Operations Fishing League Worldwide / Major League Fishing

Fishing, water sports, triathlons

One of the biggest attractions of the region, Lake Erie is an ideal spot to host a sporting event. The lake offers several natural venues for different water sports. The tributary rivers serve as courses for canoe and kayak competitions, while the open water provides a good setting for power boating and sailing events. Several bass and walleye fishing tournaments have been held at the lake every year. The shore is also the perfect location for

triathlons, where athletes can enjoy both the land and waters of Lake Erie.

Cedar Point Sports Center

Volleyball, basketball, wrestling, futsal

The Cedar Point Sports Center is an exciting indoor recreational facility located a few short miles from Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky. This 145,000 square foot sports complex features 10 full-size basketball courts which convert to 20 full-size volleyball courts. One of these courts is a championship arena with retractable seating. Other features include

Sports Force Parks

Lake Erie

Cedar Point Sports Center

a full-service café & concessions, second-story mezzanine with an indoor walking track, event & meeting spaces, and a family entertainment center that includes climbing walls, an arcade, and a “ninja warrior” course.

Sports Force Parks

Baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, football

Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center is a premier outdoor sporting facility located just minutes from Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky. This multipurpose venue features nine synthetic turf fields to host a wide variety of sporting events including baseball, softball, soccer, football and lacrosse tournaments. Every member of the family will enjoy the park’s bungee trampoline, high ropes course, mini-golf, and two playgrounds. An action-packed tournament experience, top-notch food and beverage options and thrilling amenities come together to bring SPORTS.FAMILY.FUN. to life.

Erie MetroParks

Baseball, soccer, softball, cycling, running

The Erie MetroParks consist of 12 parks that cater to different recreational events. Osborn

MetroPark is home to soccer fields, trails, tennis courts, pickleball courts and a ninehole disc golf course. Eagle Point is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing and offers several trails for running or walking events.

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions Wrestling, cheerleading, gymnastics

Located in Sandusky, Ohio, this versatile sports venue is the area’s largest convention center. The Kalahari Resort features 215,000 square feet of flexible space, with spaces ranging from executive boardrooms to an expansive ballroom. Each space has state-of-the-art A/V and communications technology, wireless internet, varied lighting, house sound and background music. The venue has the capacity to accommodate up to 5,000 people.

SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO

Cody Carson Sports Tourism Manager 419-625-2985 cody@shoresandislands.com sports.SHORESandISLANDS.com

America’s Sports & Family Fun Capital®

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Known as the roller coaster capital of the world, Cedar Point Amusement Park is the place to go for adrenaline-soaked thrills.

▶ Explore the outdoors on Kelleys Island, where you can hike the coastal trails, kayak near the cliffs or visit the Glacial Grooves State Memorial.

▶ Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island is an iconic place to explore. Check out The Boardwalk to enjoy some delicious food, or head to Massie Cliffside Preserve for beautiful sunset views.

▶ Don’t miss the African Safari Wildlife Park, the Midwest’s only drive-thru safari. You can feed exotic animals from your car, letting giraffes and zebras munch straight from the food cup in your hand.

Cody Carson, Sports Tourism Manager cody@shoresandislands.com 419.625.2985

Finding the latest news and updates

INDIANA 2023 GUIDE

From Small Towns to Big Cities, Indiana Has Something for Everyone

Sports culture runs deep in Indiana, a state that’s a natural for sports event planners

INDIANA

On behalf of Team Indiana and our statewide partners, I am excited to share with you why Indiana is the winning choice for your next event. Our state has been referred to as the birthplace of contemporary sport tourism, home to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing and the Amateur Sports Capital of the World. We have hosted hundreds of youth, collegiate, Olympic national and international championships across the state, creating memorable moments for each.

Indiana communities are committed to being the best sports destinations in the country. Our venues span the spectrum from historic to state-of-the-art, so we can find the perfect space to fit your needs. No matter where you go in Indiana, you’ll find consistent, top-notch service from our community members and partners. In addition to experienced professionals, we possess that one invaluable resource – dedicated volunteers who cater to the needs of every participant and fan.

Our state is centrally located, so traveling to Indiana is convenient and affordable. We are within a day’s drive for most of the country, and we have several regional and international airports for those who are farther or prefer to fly. Once you arrive in Indiana, you may be surprised to find the terrain varies greatly across the state, from the beaches along Lake Michigan in the north to the rolling hills in southern Indiana. You’ll discover vibrant cities and quaint towns, boasting plenty of attractions for you to enjoy once the event has concluded.

For more information on the wide variety of sports-friendly communities, please visit team-ind.org or contact me at 317-237-5000. We are eager to help you in the planning process and look forward to sharing our Hoosier Hospitality with you.

Sincerely, Rachel Frank, Manager, Statewide Initiatives and External Affairs

Cover photo courtesy of Team Indiana

The Pfau Course, Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana

Photo courtesy of Team Indiana

INDIANA

Deaconess Sports Complex in Evansville, IN

Photo courtesy of Deaconess Sports Complex

FROM SMALL TOWNS TO BIG CITIES, INDIANA HAS

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Sports culture runs deep in Indiana, a state that’s a natural for sports event planners

By Randy Mink

Sports culture runs deep in Indiana, a centrally located state that seems like a natural for sports event planners scouting out their next tournament.

A premier destination for regional, national and international rights holders, the Hoosier State cherishes its sporting traditions. Indiana is home to the largest high school basketball gyms in the country—

mammoth houses of hoops that reflect their communities’ absolute love for the sport. In college athletics, the programs at Indiana University, Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame are legendary. On the pro level, the state hosts the Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Colts and several minor league baseball teams. And everyone knows the world’s mostattended single-day sporting event is the Indianapolis 500.

Offering top-rate facilities ranging from the historic to state-of-theart, Indiana’s small towns and large cities provide a myriad of choices for tournament planners seeking just the right venue.

New on the horizon in Columbus, about an hour south of Indianapolis, is NexusPark, a redevelopment of the former Fair Oaks Mall. The fieldhouse, scheduled for completion in late 2023, is expected to attract tournaments in

basketball, football, pickleball and other sports.

In Hammond, just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago, the new $100 million Hammond Central High School opened in 2021 and features three gymnasiums, a weight room, swimming pool, an outdoor track and a turf football/soccer field. Ukraine’s Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling team held its training camp there from July 7-August 3, 2022.

Lafayette is bringing baseball and softball tournaments to sparkling new Loeb Stadium, which opened in 2021 on the site of the old stadium. Located in Columbian Park, the 1,910-seat venue hosts the Lafayette Aviators of the Prospect League and Lafayette Jefferson High School’s baseball team.

In Hamilton County, north of Indianapolis, Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield has made a name for itself since opening in 2015. The 400-acre, world-class complex offers 31 multipurpose fields, 26 baseball/softball diamonds and four indoor facilities, attracting more than a million visitors and participants annually.

At Indiana University in Bloomington, The Pfau Course, designed by Steve Smyers and Fuzzy Zoeller, opened in 2020 and has emerged as one of the premier public golf courses in the Midwest. It welcomes the LPGA Amateurs Championship Finals in July 2023.

The pride and joy of Terre Haute’s sports community is LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course, one of the few purpose-built cross country courses in the world and one of the most spectator-friendly distance running courses.

Fort Wayne, the state’s secondlargest city, has distinguished itself in the world of adaptive sports. Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities, one of 11 Paralympic Training Sites in the U.S., attracts regional and national tournaments. Turnstone Plassman Athletic Center,

featuring a 75,000-square-foot fieldhouse with a 230-meter track, four collegiate basketball courts and a warm pool, hosts sports like wheelchair basketball, tennis and power soccer.

Indiana aquatic facilities host some of the best swimmers, divers and water polo athletes. Elkhart Health & Aquatic Center, which opened in 2019, boasts a larger than Olympic-sized pool that has 10 lap lanes and ranks as the fifth-largest public-use pool in the nation. Evansville’s Deaconess Aquatic Center, a two-story facility with separate competitive and recreation areas, opened in fall 2021. Indiana University Natatorium, located on the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus, holds up to 4,700 spectators. Hinkle Fieldhouse, a fixture on the Butler University campus in Indianapolis since 1928, is Indiana’s “basketball cathedral” and appeared in the 1986 movie Hoosiers. Also dating from 1928 is the huge Muncie Fieldhouse; the home of the Muncie Central High School Bearcats underwent a $1.7 million renovation in 2017.

Besides being able to book top-notch facilities, planners appreciate Indiana for a secret ingredient it offers out-oftowners—heaping helpings of Hoosier Hospitality. Not only will they find professionals from sports commissions and visitor bureaus, but each location will have an army of engaged volunteers—passionate, sports-minded people who add a heightened level of service to every event.

Evansville’s Deaconess Sports Park is an eight-field complex that features state-ofthe-art amenities. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Sports Corp

The Pfau Course at Indiana University was designed by Steve Smyers and Fuzzy Zoeller. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Sports Corp

EXPLORE TERRE HAUTE

EXPLORE TERRE HAUTE

EXPLORE TERRE HAUTE

EXPLORE TERRE HAUTE

The Terre Haute Convention & Visitors Bureau would love to help you plan your next sporting event in the Midwest. Known as “The Crossroads of America,” Terre Haute provides a central location for any sport. With the Terre Haute Convention Center opening earlier this year, Terre Haute can easily provide a venue for your next competition. Our hotel selection continues to grow, offerering a variety of convenient rooms for teams. Popular stops include everything from wineries, breweries, unique restaurants, theaters, museums, spiritual walking tour at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods college campus, Griffin Bike Park and the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course. The veteran-themed Griffin Bike Park features trails that all have special riding styles for everyone of all ages. It has a new “Freedom Trail,” which is offered for those individuals with differing disabilities or those with adaptive riding equipment. The LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course has hosted a variety of races over many years including: NCAA Division I, Great Lakes Regionals, Division III Men & Women’s, NCAA Division I Championships, IHSAA Sectionals and State Championships and the Nike Cross Country Nationals. The course is constantly improving and now has a newly built medical buildings on-site.

The Terre Haute Convention & Visitors Bureau would love to help you plan your next sporting event in the Midwest. Known as “The Crossroads of America,” Terre Haute provides a central location for any sport. With the Terre Haute Convention Center opening earlier this year, Terre Haute can easily provide a venue for your next competition. Our hotel selection continues to grow, offerering a variety of convenient rooms for teams. Popular stops include everything from wineries, breweries, unique restaurants, theaters, museums, spiritual walking tour at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods college campus, Griffin Bike Park and the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course. The veteran-themed Griffin Bike Park features trails that all have special riding styles for everyone of all ages. It has a new “Freedom Trail,” which is offered for those individuals with differing disabilities or those with adaptive riding equipment. The LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course has hosted a variety of races over many years including: NCAA Division I, Great Lakes Regionals, Division III Men & Women’s, NCAA Division I Championships, IHSAA Sectionals and State Championships and the Nike Cross Country Nationals. The course is constantly improving and now has a newly built medical buildings on-site.

The Terre Haute Convention & Visitors Bureau would love to help you plan your next sporting event in the Midwest. Known as “The Crossroads of America,” Terre Haute provides a central location for any sport. With the Terre Haute Convention Center opening earlier this year, Terre Haute can easily provide a venue for your next competition. Our hotel selection continues to grow, offerering a variety of convenient rooms for teams. Popular stops include everything from wineries, breweries, unique restaurants, theaters, museums, spiritual walking tour at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods college campus, Griffin Bike Park and the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course. The veteran-themed Griffin Bike Park features trails that all have special riding styles for everyone of all ages. It has a new “Freedom Trail,” which is offered for those individuals with differing disabilities or those with adaptive riding equipment. The LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course has hosted a variety of races over many years including: NCAA Division I, Great Lakes Regionals, Division III Men & Women’s, NCAA Division I Championships, IHSAA Sectionals and State Championships and the Nike Cross Country Nationals. The course is constantly improving and now has a newly built medical buildings on-site.

The Terre Haute Convention & Visitors Bureau would love to help you plan your next sporting event in the Midwest. Known as “The Crossroads of America,” Terre Haute provides a central location for any sport. With the Terre Haute Convention Center opening earlier this year, Terre Haute can easily provide a venue for your next competition. Our hotel selection continues to grow, offerering a variety of convenient rooms for teams. Popular stops include everything from wineries, breweries, unique restaurants, theaters, museums, spiritual walking tour at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods college campus, Griffin Bike Park and the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course. The veteran-themed Griffin Bike Park features trails that all have special riding styles for everyone of all ages. It has a new “Freedom Trail,” which is offered for those individuals with differing disabilities or those with adaptive riding equipment. The LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course has hosted a variety of races over many years including: NCAA Division I, Great Lakes Regionals, Division III Men & Women’s, NCAA Division I Championships, IHSAA Sectionals and State Championships and the Nike Cross Country Nationals. The course is constantly improving and now has a newly built medical buildings on-site.

The Terre Haute Convention & Visitors Bureau would love to help you plan your next sporting event in the Midwest. Known as “The Crossroads of America,” Terre Haute provides a central location for any sport. With the Terre Haute Convention Center opening earlier this year, Terre Haute can easily provide a venue for your next competition. Our hotel selection continues to grow, offerering a variety of convenient rooms for teams. Popular stops include everything from wineries, breweries, unique restaurants, theaters, museums, spiritual walking tour at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods college campus, Griffin Bike Park and the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course. The veteran-themed Griffin Bike Park features trails that all have special riding styles for everyone of all ages. It has a new “Freedom Trail,” which is offered for those individuals with differing disabilities or those with adaptive riding equipment. The LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course has hosted a variety of races over many years including: NCAA Division I, Great Lakes Regionals, Division III Men & Women’s, NCAA Division I Championships, IHSAA Sectionals and State Championships and the Nike Cross Country Nationals. The course is constantly improving and now has a newly built medical buildings on-site. TERREHAUTE.COM

TERRE HAUTE, IN

WITHIN 200 MILES OF CINCINNATI, INDIANAPOLIS, ST. LOUIS AND LOUISVILLE, THIS SMALL TOWN OFFERS PARKS, MUSEUMS AND SOME TOP-NOTCH VENUES.

Scan to discover more of what Terre Haute CVB offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

An abundance of museums makes it a great town in which to learn and explore—venture over to the Indiana Track & Field & Cross Country Hall of Fame Museum, Terre Haute Children’s Museum or check out the military memorabilia on display at the Veterans Memorial Museum. Ready to head outdoors? This Hoosier State gem boasts a multitude of parks where children can play and adults can spend some time relaxing in the sun.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Hulman Mini-Speedway Racing

The Terre Haute Quarter Midget Association (THQMA) is based at the Hulman MiniSpeedway. Quarter Midget Racing is a familyoriented sport that involves racing that is designed specifically for kids aged five to 16. Racing is divided into many different classes based on age, skill level and motor type.

Springhill Soccer Complex Soccer

The Springhill Soccer Complex features 45 soccer fields for varying ages from four to 13

years of age. It is home to the Vigo County Youth Soccer Association and host of the Midwest Soccer Classic.

Vigo County Aquatic Center Swimming

The Vigo County Aquatic Center, opened in 2016, is a 50-meter-by- 25-yard competition and teaching pool. It is an Olympic-sized pool that has 10- and 50-meter training lanes. The 10-by15-foot video board can show live competition. The center can seat up to 500 people for major events and is the home to three Vigo County High School swim teams, as well as the Terre Haute Torpedos, a local swim club.

Vigo County Aquatic Center

LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course Cross Country

This world-class, 240-acre course, located just east of downtown Terre Haute at the Wabash Valley Family Sports Center, has the distinction of being one of the few purposebuilt cross country courses in the world, as well as one of the most spectator-friendly distance running courses. It has been home to the NCAA Division I Great Lakes Regional, Division III Regional and Men’s and Women’s NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships. It has also hosted the Indiana State High School Championship Meet, Nike Cross Nationals Midwest Regional Meet, and numerous invitational and championship meets.

Griffin Bike Park

Biking

This full spectrum destination riding experience is designed for riders of all ages, skills and abilities. The Veteran-themed bike park was founded on honoring and empowering those who have served our country. This unique bike park has several specialized riding areas designed to provide a wide range of features for special riding style and disciplines. Griffin Bike Park also has a new “Freedom Trail” designed especially for those

with differing disabilities and using adaptive equipment. With a 5-acre terrain park, a basic training skills park, loop trail and racing venues all designed for large scale, national level races makes this park worth visiting.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“It would not be possible to provide the many soccer programs and events without the support of the many volunteers, soccer families, local businesses, colleges, universities and especially the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau.”

— Jim Wilkey, VCYSA Tournament Director and Past President

TERRE HAUTE CVB

David Patterson Executive Director 812-234-5555 david@terrehaute.com TerreHaute.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ The Terre Haute Action Track is a ½ mile dirt track located at the Vigo County Fairgrounds. It hosts USAC midget and sprint cars. Notable drivers have included A J Foyt, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart.

▶ The Veteran’s Memorial Museum honors veterans from all branches of the military service. This 2,000-plus square feet commemorative space is filled with a variety of military memorabilia from WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan.

▶ 177-acre Deming Park is home to a miniature train for children to ride, fields for softball and an ADA-certified playground.

LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course

Griffin Bike Park

Springhill Soccer Complex

Hulman Mini-Speedway

Grand Park Sports Campus, IN

Picture your average sports complex or park and multiply it by … a lot. The massive Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield covers 400 acres and is home to 31 multipurpose fields, 26 diamonds, four indoor facilities and has hosted over 100 events in a year. Grand Park welcomes 2.5 million visitors a year and in 2020 was voted Best Soccer Facility.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Impressive outdoor fields

Soccer, lacrosse, football, ultimate frisbee, rugby, field hockey, baseball, softball, running

Grand Park’s 31 outdoor multipurpose fields and 26 diamonds accommodate soccer, lacrosse, football, ultimate frisbee, rugby and field hockey. The baseball and softball diamonds all have lighting, and eight of the 26 are synthetic turf. Be sure to also make use of the running/ walking trails that span for miles; the campus also features a mapped out 5K course that makes hosting a 5K run/walk a breeze.

Grand Park Events Center

Soccer, football, rugby, volleyball, lacrosse, cheerleading, national summits, conventions,

trade shows

This indoor sports facility is a sight to be seen. Opened in 2016, the Event Center covers 377,000 square feet and features three fullsize synthetic turf fields, a 45,000-square-foot warmup area, four locker rooms, fully equipped conference rooms and is truly incredible. The facility also has a full-service sports pub, which offers viewing suites. 30,000 square feet makes up the mezzanine for spectators. The events center can accommodate sporting events

LOCATED IN CENTRAL INDIANA IS WESTFIELD’S 400-ACRE GRAND PARK SPORTS CAMPUS, WHICH IS A DESTINATION LIKE NOWHERE ELSE

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Grand Park Sports Campus concessions

such as soccer, football, rugby, lacrosse, and cheerleading. The events center can also house events outside of sports such as consumer shows, large company outings, keynote presentations, consignment sales, and more! This building is home to the Indiana Soccer Association and Indiana Fire Juniors.

Pro X Athlete Development Athletic training

Dedicated to providing sports performance training, Pro X provides sport-specific programming for baseball, softball, golf and football using state-of-the-art technology to help each athlete reach their potential. Equally important to sports training is recovery, which Pro X offers sports rehab and physical therapy. Pro X understands all the factors that contribute to optimized athletic performance, which is why they further provide Sports Vision programs, Mental Training, and Nutrition consultations.

Pacers Athletic Center Basketball, volleyball, futsal

Located in Grand Park is this 88,000-squarefoot athletic facility for youth sports training, leagues, and tournaments in basketball,

volleyball, and futsal. Kids are welcome to take part in many different sporting events, camps, or club teams year-round. The Indy Youth Basketball League is the largest youth basketball league in the state and is proudly run by Pacers Athletic Center.

Excellent food

No sporting event can take place without food options, and Grand Park has you covered there also. Throughout the campus are seven concession stands conveniently located among the fields and diamonds where all the sports action will take place. If you are looking for a destination that will elevate your event, then Grand Park Sports Campus is the place to go.

▶ Grand Park is proud to be the home to the Indianapolis Colts Training Camp, which you can be a part of. Going to training camp means you get to watch the team practice and participate in the theme days, which feature food and drink deals, apparel deals, live music and entertainment, special activities, giveaways, and cheerleader performances. The camp is loaded with fun and excitement that you don’t want to miss.

GRAND PARK SPORTS CAMPUS

Matt Trnian, Director 317-804-3010

mtrnian@westfield.in.gov grandpark.org

▶ Grand Park’s 26 diamonds are managed/operated by Bullpen Tournaments. This year they welcome 47 tournaments/events over the course of 30 weeks. Those events brought over 500,000 visitors throughout the 11,000 games that were played. As college baseball continues to grow, The College Summer League (CSL) hosted 233 college baseball players who represented 20 states and 153 colleges/universities. CSL has 8 teams that play throughout the course of the summer giving these players the opportunity to play and gain experience in their off-season.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Indiana Soccer just completed hosting the third in a series of four US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional events. When we arrived to set up and decorate the facility for the event, the park looked amazing. The grass field conditions at Grand Park are the best in the Midwest, maybe the whole country. The Grand Park grounds crew, headed by Ryan Fisher, did a fantastic job of keeping the fields in top condition during the event, too. They were on top of every little detail so Indiana Soccer could deliver the best possible Regional Championship event experience to the participants.

In addition to the fields and the facility, the Grand Park operations staff, headed by Sean Owens and Rachel Nelson, worked with Indiana Soccer and the Midwest Regional Committee to prepare and deliver an excellent event the participants will remember for a lifetime. The staff was always cheerful and never more than couple minutes away from attending to any request. This is a group of people you want “on your team” for every event!”

— Angel Hall, Indiana Soccer Association

31 outdoor multipurpose fields and 26 diamonds Pacers Athletic Center

Fort Wayne, IN

IN THE HEART OF THE MIDWEST, FORT WAYNE OFFERS COUNTLESS STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES SURROUNDED BY ACTIVITIES FOR ALL

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PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“We host events all over the nation and Fort Wayne is our favorite by far! Fort Wayne’s welcoming community and outstanding facilities are second to none.”

Fort Wayne, the second largest city in Indiana, is one of the top Midwest destinations for sports tournaments and events. With a wide selection of premier sports venues, first-rate hotels, familyfriendly entertainment, and restaurants, Fort Wayne excels in hosting tournaments of all sizes and skill levels.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Allen County War Memorial Coliseum

Basketball, hockey, wrestling, volleyball

Indiana’s second largest public assembly facility with 1,000,000 sq. ft. With the capability to hold 13,000 spectators for basketball games and 10,480 for hockey, this massive arena has hosted many major sporting events since opening in 1952. Most recently, the arena has been the host destination for 2019 through 2026 NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Championships. It is the home of the Fort Wayne Komets, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, and Fort

SportONE Parkview Fieldhouse

Basketball, volleyball, futsal, pickleball

This 57,000-square-foot multipurpose facility is a premier destination for indoor competitions, with its eight hardwood volleyball courts which can transition into six high school regulation basketball courts. Equipped with bleacher seating, on-site storage, and a sports performance area, many

Wayne Derby Girls. The customizable space at the Memorial Coliseum is also an excellent fit for mat sports, CrossFit, and boxing.

— Todd Hensley, Gym Rats

Plassman Athletic Center at Turnstone

SportONE Parkview Icehouse

SportONE Parkview Fieldhouse

clubs around the area including Summit Volleyball, Fort Wayne Futsal, and Gym Rats Basketball call this facility home. Located steps from the TownePlace Suites makes a perfect location for tournaments.

SportONE Parkview Icehouse Hockey, sled hockey, ice skating, curling, roller hockey

With three NHL-sized ice surfaces, SportONE Parkview Icehouse is the only three-sheet facility in Indiana. The Icehouse has partnerships with Fort Wayne Amateur Hockey Association, Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club, and the Indiana Tech Hockey teams. The onsite, full-service restaurant and bar overlooks all three surfaces to ensure you won’t miss a moment. The Icehouse has hosted many large tournaments such as the 2022 US Figure Skating Championship presented by Toyota and the United States Roller Hockey 2019 and 2020 State Wars National Championships. Home of the Fort Wayne Spacemen.

Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities

Adaptive sports, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, futsal

An official Olympic and Paralympic training site, Turnstone is the only paralympic training site in the state and one of three dedicated adaptive facilities in the U.S. The Plassman Athletic Center at Turnstone features a 75,000-square-foot fieldhouse with a 230-meter track and 4 collegiate sized basketball courts. Home of USA Paralympic Men’s and Women’s Goalball, Turnstone has hosted prestigious events such as the International Blind Sports Federation’s Goalball and Judo Paralympic Qualifying Competitions.

VISIT FORT WAYNE

Jazmin Zavala, Sports Sales Manager

260-424-3700

jazmin@visitfortwayne.com VisitFortWayne.com/ TournamentFacilities

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

Experience rides, animals and unique hands-on experiences at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, one of the top zoos in the nation.

Watch the TinCaps battle it out on the diamond at Parkview Field, then run the bases after the game concludes.

Check out more than 200 exhibits at Science Central, a fun interactive science center.

Submerge into an oasis of natural wonders at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, where you can traverse luscious gardens before finding a cascading waterfall.

Noble County, IN

FILLED WITH HISTORY AND NATURAL BEAUTY, NOBLE COUNTY IS AN IDYLLIC DESTINATION

Founded in 1836, Noble County, Indiana has a rich history centered around the natural elements in the region. Visitors will enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities, unique public art displays and historical landmarks that will take you back in time.

Explore Noble County’s communities, each possessing its own character.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

Chain O’Lakes State Park is a small boater’s paradise and hiker’s haven. Nine connecting lakes will be the center of your adventures at Chain O’ Lakes. Paddle through the chain of serene kettle lakes, hike the 29 miles of trails, fish the electric-motors-only lakes, stay overnight in a forested hillside family cabin, or explore the Nature Center and historic OneRoom Stanley Schoolhouse.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Cobblestone Golf Course Golf

This award-winning 18-hole course in Kendallville is a premier public championship golf course and event center, offering golf situated on 240 beautiful acres of rolling terrain with challenging features throughout the course. Newly introduced in recent years, the course has a set of five tee boxes – sure to benefit golfers of all skill levels. A highly rated Northeast Indiana public golf course, Cobblestone will give you the quality experience you come to expect at top rated public golf courses.

Noble Hawk Golf Course Golf

An 18-hole links course, Noble Hawks Golf Course is Northeast Indiana’s most unique public golf facility and the perfect combination of links and traditional golf. “The Hawk” features a unique design and theme featuring the perfect combination of links and traditional golf while

Scan to discover more of what Noble County Convention & Visitor Bureau offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Noble County is home to awardwinning golf courses, miles of trails, and other recreational activities, making Noble County a great place to stay active.”

— Grace Caswell, Visit Noble County

Kenney Memorial Park

showcasing a variety of beautiful golf holes. Some are pure “up-north” with serene tree-lined fairways. Others appear to be transplanted from Florida with lots of sand and water.

Kendallville Outdoor Sports & Recreation Complex Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Shuffleboard

Home to 89 acres of ball diamonds, soccer fields, basketball courts, shuffleboard, and more, the Kendallville Outdoor Sports & Recreation Complex is an ideal venue for any sports event. It offers four diamonds, three soccer fields, basketball, shuffleboard courts and parking for over 700 cars.

NOBLE COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAU

Grace Caswell 260-636-3602

grace@visitnoblecounty.com www.visitnoblecounty.com

Cobblestone Golf Course

Kokomo, IN

ENJOY MUSIC, SPORTS AND TOP-NOTCH ART IN THIS BEAUTIFUL MIDWESTERN CITY

Scan to discover more of what Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Kokomo not only provided a first-class facility, but more impressively they showed everyone working and attending our event that we mattered to the community and that Kokomo wanted us to be there and have a great experience in their city.”

— Jay Jones, Commissioner (Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference) host of 2022 HCAC Baseball Championship

Filled with historic museums, art glass tours and roadside attractions, the Kokomo, Indiana area offers a large variety of sights to see. Downtown Kokomo features live music, festivals, local food, shopping, trails and public art at every turn. Set against a backdrop of historic buildings and public art spaces, the city center is home to unique experiences and tastes.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶

At Kokomo Opalescent Glass, experience art glass that is hand-ladled and rolled from a 2,500-degree furnace and watch blown glass demonstrations from skilled artists as they make amazing hand-blown glass creations in the KOG Hot Glass Studio. Tours must be scheduled in advance.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Kokomo Municipal Stadium Baseball, softball, soccer

This beautiful championship stadium features seating for up to 4,000 including stadium, lawn, and indoor suite level seating. The 360-degree concourse allows fans to walk around the entire playing field, so you can catch the game from every angle. The playing surface is all artificial turf, making it suitable for multiple sports and special events in nearly any weather. Kokomo Municipal Stadium is located in downtown Kokomo within walking distance to local restaurants, breweries, shops, walking trails, and public art.

Championship Park Baseball, softball

Opened in April 2021, Championship Park is an outdoor complex that includes eight baseball/softball diamonds, including four high school-sized and four softball/ youth league-sized. Its features include full

artificial turf fields arranged in two quads, concessions, outdoor batting cages, large parking, and other amenities.

Northwest Park Softball

Northwest Park offers five lighted regulation adult softball diamonds. The park also offers two outdoor-roofed picnic shelters, grills, basketball court, tennis courts, large playground, concessions, restrooms and parking. The park is host to many softball tournaments throughout the year.

GREATER KOKOMO VISITORS BUREAU

Sherry Matlock smatlock@visitkokomo.org 765-457-6802 VisitKokomo.org

Kokomo Municipal Stadium

Championship Park

Evansville, In

THIS IDYLLIC CITY IS FILLED WITH FASCINATING SPORTS HISTORY, STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES AND ENDLESS ENTERTAINMENT AND EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES

Scan to discover more of what Visit Evansville offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“The new turf and other renovations to Deaconess Sports Park really helps tournament directors market and sell their events. Rising costs in fuel and other supplies make teams want to be confident, when they sign up for tournaments, that they will be playing regardless of rain and other mild weather conditions. I am hopeful that in 2023, I will be able to bring a couple of new, major events to the Evansville area that could boost revenue for the entire city. ”

There’s always something to do in beautiful Evansville. This city has more than 300 locally owned and operated non-chain restaurants and food trucks, many of them serving you from local farms.

Sports fans will appreciate Evansville’s history, as it is home to historic Bosse Field, the first municipally owned sports stadium in the nation and the third-oldest ballpark still in regular use for professional baseball.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Deaconess Sports Park

Baseball, softball

Deaconess Sports Park is an eight-field complex ideal for girls, women’s and men’s fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball, adult and coed softball league play, and boys baseball for 13 and under tournaments. These state-of-the-art fields recently underwent a $3m renovation which included installation of turf infields and improved irrigation across all playing grounds, allowing for fewer rainouts and longer playing seasons. Additionally, the park features

batting cages, shaded spectator seating, brick-covered dugouts, bullpens, team warmup areas and a Wi-Fi tower for live streaming games. For family members and spectators, the park offers a nine-foot wide, mile-long walking path, two playgrounds, a spray park, amphitheater and a large common area.

Goebel Soccer Complex Field hockey, lacrosse, soccer

A multi-purpose sports facility designed to serve local and regional tournaments and the community at large, Goebel Soccer

— Tim Foster,State Director Indiana USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association)

Deaconess Sports Park

Deaconess Aquatic Center

Goebel Soccer Complex

Complex completed a $2.3 million renovation in 2019. The complex covers 70 acres with 10 different playing fields, including two fescue fields, seven Olympic-size irrigated Bermuda grass fields and one Olympic-size AstroPlay synthetic turf, six of which are lighted. Amenities at this top-notch sports facility are concessions, a training room, on-site restrooms, a visitor’s center, office and ATM machine. Events at Goebel Soccer Complex include the Veterans Invitational Tournament; the facility also hosts several other soccer and lacrosse events throughout the year.

Deaconess Aquatic Center Swimming

Evansville’s newest city pool and recreation center, Deaconess Aquatic Center features an outdoor splash pad, a recreation pool, a 50-meter competitive pool and a separated diving well. It has four separate locker rooms for both participants and officials and has relay touch pads and a timing system. It contains just under 1,000 seats for spectators. These seats are a level higher than pool level for optimal viewing.

Ford Center Arena Basketball, hockey, figure skating

As the region’s center for sports and entertainment, Ford Center Arena is a stunning and exciting multi-purpose facility with 290,000 square feet and the capacity to seat 11,000 spectators. With 20,000 square feet of usable space, the arena can be modified for basketball, hockey, concerts, conventions, rodeos, expos and any other event imaginable. Home of the NCAA Division I University of Evansville Aces men’s basketball team and the SPHL Evansville Thunderbolts hockey team, Ford Center Arena has all the necessary amenities a sports facility needs, including wheelchair accessible seating, men’s, women’s and family restrooms and concessions.

VISIT EVANSVILLE

L’Oreal Mitchell

lmitchell@visitevansville.com 812-598-8186 www.visitevansville.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Burdette Park provides a recreational and educational environment consisting of approximately 170 acres of wooded hills. It also features an outdoor aquatic center and BMX track.

▶ Wesselman Woods provides environmental education and outdoor recreation experiences designed to awaken the senses and enrich the lives of visitors.

▶ At Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden, players, families and spectators can explore this 45-acre zoo situated on rolling hills and featuring over 700 animals from around the globe. Visitors can gaze upon thousands of exotic and regional botanic species as well as animals.

▶ Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the USS Landing Ship Tank 325 is a fully operational amphibious vessel designed to landbattle ready tanks, troops and supplies directly onto enemy shores. The ship offers hour-long, guided tours for groups and sports teams.

Hamilton County, IN

VISIT HAMILTON COUNTY AND SEE WHY IT IS CONSIDERED ONE OF AMERICA’S GREAT PLACES TO PLAY

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Just north of Indianapolis, Hamilton County is home to world-class sports facilities and within a day’s drive for over half of U.S. residents. It is an easy-toreach, affordable destination with top-tier sports facilities, amenities and attractions. Come to Hamilton County for our sports; you’ll see why it’s regularly hailed as one of America’s great places to live, work and play. Learn more at HamiltonCountySports.com.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Grand Park Sports Campus

Youth baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, basketball and lacrosse

Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield is one of the largest complexes of its kind, operating more than 350 days a year and annual attendance topping 1 million. The facility boasts 26 diamonds, 31 multi-purpose fields, eight indoor basketball/volleyball courts and three full-size indoor soccer fields.

Grand Park’s diverse roster of playing spaces and amenities make it ideal not only

for sporting activities – from small youth events to national championships – but trade shows, corporate engagements and public events. Since opening in 2014, Grand Park’s staff and facilities have earned a national reputation for excellence and the trust of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, which utilize it for the preseason Colts Training Camp, and hosted Big Ten Men’s and Women’s Soccer championships.

Grand Park Sports Campus

Crooked Stick Golf Club World-Class golf

Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel has hosted numerous PGA, LPGA and USGA events including the PGA Championship, Solheim Cup and BMW Championship. But Hamilton County is home to four more championship courses that regularly host major collegiate and amateur tournaments: Prairie View, Purgatory, Sagamore and Chatham Hills.

Forest Park Aquatic Center Swimming, diving

The City of Noblesville’s Forest Park Aquatic Center holds one of America’s few remaining outdoor platform diving wells. Combining the championship-caliber diving facility with an Olympic–sized competition pool, Indiana Diving Academy’s RipFest Diving Camp has trained Olympic medalists.

Hamilton County Fieldhouses

Basketball, volleyball, soccer, track Indiana is basketball crazy, but Hamilton County fieldhouses regularly welcome all sports. Six venues – Pacers Athletic Center, Finch Creek, Best Choice Fieldhouse, Boys & Girls Club, Westfield MPIF and Carmel Dad’s Club Sports Complex – offer 34 courts for basketball and volleyball. The brand-new CDC complex also has

three batting cages and an indoor turf field for year-round football and soccer training, ringed by a running/walking track.

Ice and Water Sports Hockey, ice skating, fishing

The Carmel Ice Skadium, Indy Fuel Tank and Arctic Zone combine for five sheets of ice. If you’re looking for warmer water, two large reservoirs – Geist and Morse – and the White River are perfect for fishing tournaments and open water competitions.

Carmel Marathon Running

Indianapolis hosts the world’s largest singleday sporting event, the Indianapolis 500, but the Hamilton County Sports Authority and partners think big as well. The City of Carmel hosts the Carmel Marathon each spring. It’s among the country’s Top 100 marathons by participants and a Top 50 Boston Marathon Qualifier.

HAMILTON COUNTY SPORTS AUTHORITY

Laura Kelner

Director of Sales 317-848-3181 lkelner@hamiltoncountytourism.com www.HamiltonCountySports.com

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Explore Strawtown Koteewi Park for outdoor activities including aerial adventures, horseback riding, hiking, archery and more.

▶ Step into the story at Conner Prairie, a Smithsonian Institute affiliate outdoor history museum that inspires curiosity and fosters learning for all ages.

▶ Play games, catch a movie, relax and unwind at Carmel’s Midtown Plaza or Fishers District

▶ Rock out to your favorite band or musician at venues like Ruoff Music Center. From free to famous, enjoy music nearly every day of the week.

▶ Ride the rails with Nickel Plate Express during a themed excursion.

▶ Explore the arts! Public art is everywhere in Hamilton County. Enjoy engaging murals, statues and even art in roundabouts.

The Hamilton County Sports Authority understands the challenges faced in staging events and tournaments. The HCSA provides many ground services, grants and assistance to make your event a success. We help with site selection, lodging, receptive services, health and safety, event planning, publicity, visitor experience and more.

All photo courtesy of Hamilton County Tourism

Forest Park Aquatic Center

Indy Fuel Tank

Pacers Athletic Center

Elkhart County, IN

WHETHER YOU ARE COMPETING INDOOR OR OUTDOOR, ELKHART COUNTY HAS THE SPORTS VENUE FOR YOU

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Located in the Midwest region of the country, Elkhart County is home to alluring cities that are filled with attractions. From classic small towns to energetic centers, the welcome mat is always out. Elkhart County also features excellent sports facilities, many of which are considered among the best playing surfaces in the country.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Elkhart Health & Aquatics

Swimming, basketball

Elkhart Health & Aquatics is great for people of all experiences and ages. It features a largerthan-life Olympic-sized pool that holds 1.1 million gallons of water and uses adjustable bulkheads to separate the pool into sections to cater to events. Whether that is for lap swimming, swim lessons, diving, birthday parties, training or swim meets, the facility can do it all.

The facility has a pool with 10-lap swimming lanes, spring diving boards (one and three

meters), platform diving (three and five meters), a full-size diving well, a warm water therapy pool, a whirlpool and adjustable bulkheads. The facility also has a seating capacity of 1,200 and family, men’s and women’s locker rooms. The certified, trained instructors offer more than 30 swim lessons a week.

You can even rent basketball courts that are adjustable for sports, tournaments or live events. The facility also has conference rooms featuring flexible space designed to meet your event needs. The space includes three combinable rooms each with a capacity of 36 guests. The Grand Hall is also available and

Elkhart Aquatics Center

features an open and inviting space that is perfect for large events.

Riverview Park and Softball Complex Softball, baseball

Riverview Park and Softball Complex in Elkhart hosts one of the largest adult slow pitch tournaments in Indiana with more than 50 teams. The ballpark features four diamond fields (lighted for night play), fenced-in dugouts with roofing, and scoreboards with remote controls. It seats approximately 500-600 people.

Amenities include concessions, restrooms, a spacious parking lot, and open patches of grass for stands or otherwise. The park is affiliated with USA Softball of Indiana and is a great space to hold your softball or baseball tournament.

Notable events hosted here include USA Softball of Indiana Adult Slow Pitch Tournament, NCSA College Regionals and Invitationals, USA Elite Select Youth Fastpitch and USSSA Northern State Fastpitch competitions and various corporate tournaments and competitions.

Moose Rugby Grounds Rugby

Rugby has a huge following in the United States. So much so that it’s found in Elkhart

County in a great sports facility called Moose Rugby Grounds. The Grounds features four championship-sized rugby fields, 12 acres of flat, grassy land, two entrance gates on the Grounds, paved parking for nearly 500 cars and buses and additional grass parking. Its 12-plus acres of playing surfaces are all well maintained and irrigated four days per week, mowed twice daily and fertilized four times a year to provide what many say is one of the best playing surfaces in the country. There is also a 250seat pavilion with concessions and restrooms. Notable rugby events hosted here include the Rugby Indiana Semi-State Championship, Rugby Indiana State Championship, Midwest Boys Championship, Midwest Girls Championship, Midwest All-Star Challenge, Boys High School National Championship, Big Ten Men’s Championship, and NSCRO – Small College regional championship.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ The Wellfield Botanic Gardens, located in the heart of Elkhart, is a 36acre natural enclave touted as a “living museum” featuring themed gardens, ponds and waterfalls.

▶ Bonneyville Mill Park, located in the town of Bristol, is embraced by the charming Little Elkhart River. Popular activities here include mill tours, hiking, and mountain biking.

▶ Enjoy Das Dutchman Essenhaus, located in the town of Middlebury. This peaceful escape in the country offers a homestyle bakery, boutique Inn, cozy shops and Indiana’s largest restaurant.

ELKHART COUNTY CVB

Located 120 miles East of Chicago on I-80/90 ecconv@eccvb.org 800-262-8161 www.visitelkhartcounty.com/sports/

▶ Coppes Commons, located in the city of Nappanee, is a historic red brick building offering Amish shops, out of this world ice cream and a Hoosier Cabinet Museum.

▶ Visiting the Soapy Gnome, located in the city of Goshen, is a must-do while in Indiana. Have you ever smelled a soap bar made from buttermilk?

Moose Rugby Grounds

Elkhart Aquatics Center

South Bend and Mishawaka, IN

THIS MIDWESTERN SPORTS HUB IS WHAT TOURNEY PLANNERS CRAVE: FABULOUS FACILITIES, EXCELLENT AMENITIES AND PLENTY OF ATTRACTIONS

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PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Great location, hotel selection and an abundance of first rate athletic facilities make South Bend a great choice for tournament planners! My organization operates several weekend events each season in South Bend each year and have experienced great success. Overall, I would be hard pressed to find another area that offers so much to my patrons.”

— Tony Prpic, Hockey Time Productions

Perhaps best known as the home of the University of Notre Dame, South Bend is the economic and cultural center of Northern Indiana. The city truly has it all — whether you like Minor League Baseball or college football, chocolate factories or a night at the casino, this Hoosier State gem is the perfect place to hold a sports tournament.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

One of the oldest zoos in Indiana, Potawatomi Zoo features around 400 animals with fun activities for everyone.

At East Race Waterway, visitors can go rafting or kayaking only in the summer on the first artificial white-water course in North America. At 2,000 feet long, East Race is perfect for rafters of any skill level.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Compton Family Ice Arena Hockey, Figure Skating, Ice Skating

Opened in 2011, Compton Family Ice Arena is the home of the Notre Dame hockey team. The team regularly attracts more than 5,000 fans, yet this facility is used for things other than just ice hockey. It serves the South Bend community as a whole, hosting a wide range of activities including sled hockey, figure skating and public skating on two ice sheets. Compton Family Ice Arena is perfect for a hockey or figure skating tournament, as it also boasts a four-sided, center-hung scoreboard, 36-seat press area and a merchandise shop.

Byers Softball Complex Baseball, Softball

Looking to host a softball tournament in the Hoosier State? Look no further than Byers Softball Complex, which features electronic scoreboards, a PA system, team dugouts, bleacher seating and a full-service concession

stand. The complex has hosted the U.S. Women’s Olympic softball team and multiple Amateur Softball Association national championships.

Indiana Invaders Sports Complex Soccer

This complex features nine full-size soccer fields, adjustable for any sport. The North Complex was developed in 1999 and offers five full-size fields. It has two stadium fields with large bleachers, a scoreboard and press box, lights for night games and 600 parking spots. The South Complex which opened in 2010, features four full-size multi-use athletic fields. It also offers 550 parking spots, spectator bleachers and line customization for all sports.

VISIT SOUTH BEND MISHAWAKA

Nick Kleva 574-400-4021

nkleva@visitsouthbend.com www.visitsouthbend.com

Byers Softball Complex

Compton Family Ice Arena

LafayetteWest Lafayette, IN

WITH ITS WORLD-CLASS GOLF COURSES AND OTHER SPORTING FACILITIES, LAFAYETTE-WEST LAFAYETTE PUTS ITS COMPETITION TO SHAME

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PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“We hosted our National Collegiate Club Golf Association’s Championship at the Birck Boilermaker Complex. With over 300 golfers traveling from across the country to West Lafayette, the Kampen and Ackerman-Allen courses couldn’t have been in better shape for a great challenge. This was the second time the championship was hosted here and we will be sure to come back in the future.”

— Matt Weinberger Director, Nextgengolf Operations

Lafayette-West Lafayette offers a small-town feel with plenty of city-sized opportunities. Delectable restaurants, art galleries, museums, cool coffee shops, nightlife & entertainment, interesting architecture, unique shops, and festivals create a place full of vibrancy and charm.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Visit any of the three districts in Downtown LafayetteWest Lafayette, where a slew of restaurants, shops and entertainment options await.

▶ The arts and culture scene around Lafayette and West Lafayette offers some of the best art galleries around the Midwest.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Loeb Stadium

Baseball, Soccer, Lacrosse, Softball, Cornhole, Kickball, Quidditch, Rugby, Ultimate Frisbee

Dedicated in March 2021, the new Loeb Stadium has many new, exciting state-of-theart features. This multi-use stadium features two concession areas, a large multi-purpose concourse, and ample retail and office space.

With the combined lawn and stadium seating, Loeb Stadium features a seating capacity of approximately 2,600.

Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex Golf

Enjoy the one of a kind Purdue golf experience at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex. The complex features two 18-hole championship golf courses as well as a stateof-the-art training facility and driving range.

The two courses, Ackerman-Allen and Kampen, each offer their own benefits and experience. Kampen has been rated one of the top

collegiate courses in the nation and awarded 4.5 stars on Golf Digest’s “Places to Play”. The complex most recently hosted the PGA Canada Forme Tour in 2021.

Schwartz Tennis Center Tennis

Schwartz Tennis Center is Purdue University’s first indoor tennis center. The six indoor Basham Courts and 12 outdoor Schwartz Family Courts are available to the public. Six outdoor courts were added to the original six varsity courts in the fall of 2010. The 60,000-squarefoot facility includes locker rooms for the teams, offices for administrative staff and coaches, an athletic training room, and seating areas for fans on the mezzanine above the courts.

VISIT LAFAYETTE-WEST LAFAYETTE

Emily Weisenberger, Sports Marketing Manager 765-447-9999 eweisenberger@homeofpurdue.com www.homeofpurdue.com

Loeb Stadium

Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex

South Shore, IN

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MAKES

The South Shore of Lake Michigan is situated just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago. Our state-ofthe-art sports facilities and unique attractions draw youth, amateur and collegiate sporting events from around the nation. With a wide selection of top quality hotels, family friendly entertainment, and delicious restaurants, Northwest Indiana excels in hosting tournaments of all sizes.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Satisfy your sweet tooth at Albanese Candy in Merrillville where you’ll find the World’s Best Gummies.

▶ Visit the Mascot Hall of Fame for some science-based, furry fun in Whiting.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Rohrman Park

Soccer, baseball, softball

Rohrman Park has hosted its fair share of impressive events, including the National Softball Association Girls Fastpitch ‘B & C’ World Series. The park has a total of five soccer fields, four lighted softball/baseball fields, one unlit baseball field and features a playground, large parking area and a one mile paved trail throughout the park.

Hammond Sportsplex Basketball, dodgeball,

pickleball,

soccer, volleyball, wrestling

The state-of-the-art facility features six hardwood basketball courts, six regulation-size volleyball courts (12 cross-court), two indoor turf soccer fields and six indoor batting cages. Other amenities include an elevated, quarter-mile walking/running track, hospitality room, the Union Bar & Lounge and concession stand. The complex is host to the largest NCAA volleyball

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“The South Shore Sports team has the resources and expertise to handle our every need and they always make us feel at home when we are in the South Shore.”

— Bill Horton, President of the National Softball Association

Hammond Sportsplex

tournament in the country, the Midwest Region Crossover Volleyball Tournament.

US Steel Yard Baseball, mixed martial arts, sand volleyball, rugby

The stadium is home to the Gary SouthShore RailCats, a professional baseball team and member of the American Association. The Steel Yard can also transform into a concert and mixed martial arts venue. The facility seats 6,000 and features three fully-stocked concession stands, 18 luxury suites and a 2,000 square foot reception area.

SOUTH SHORE CONVENTION AND VISITORS AUTHORITY

Megan Goodan

Chief Sports & Leisure Officer 219-301-7762

mgoodan@southshorecva.com www.alongthesouthshore.com

NORTHWEST INDIANA’S CENTRALIZED LOCATION

US EASILY ACCESSIBLE FROM ALMOST ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES.

Rohrman Park

PLAYING 3D CHESS

By Jon Schmieder

As we noted last year in this column, sports tourism now has a better seat at the collective tourism table than ever before. Destinations are dedicating more time and resources to the sports market than at any time in my 26 years serving this industry.

For our eighth edition of the Sports Planning Guide trends article, our team at Huddle Up Group looked back at the past year to craft and share the trends to look for in 2023 and beyond. Without further ado, we offer you the top 10 trends we are closely following as we move into the new year.

1Emphasis – Noted above, destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs) across the country are investing more resources in sports tourism today than ever before. This comes in the form of an increased sports marketing effort and often times in facility development. The pandemic proved to us what we have been saying all along – sports tourism is immune from economic downturns, international conflicts, and yes, pandemics.

state and locally enabling legislation to put a TID in place to fund sports tourism marketing and facility development. Having a sustainable funding mechanism like this can serve a community well in the near and long-term.

4DEI – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (or DEI) has become a front line topic for CVBs and event rights holders alike. Several event owners have rebranded to give notice that they are intentionally addressing DEI issues. Destination International has also provided some excellent best practices in this area for CVBs through their DEI Committee’s work. As a country, we have a long way to go here. We are glad to see the tourism community at large taking an active role in how we interact with one another to make our nation a more equitable place.

5

Bricks and Mortar – Nearly every project our team touched this past year had a facility element to it. What venues is that destination missing? Which of their existing facilities can be enhanced to become tournament friendly? If we built XYZ what would the economic output likely be? Ten years ago, very few tourism agencies were investing in bricks and mortar. Today, nearly every one we work with is getting in the weeds with their community leaders to help develop new facilities and/or enhance their existing venues.

2

Pickleball – The fastest growing sport in America is taking over. Pickleball has grown into a national force from the tournament level all the way down to recreational leagues across the country. Pickleball has become an “overnight success” starting in a driveway in Washington State in 1967, with the first official organization for the sport being formed in 1972. One thing our team talks about when looking at the rise of pickleball over the past decade is this – what new sport will emerge next? Slamball? Maybe teqball? How about KUUB? (Note: if you have not heard of these sports, they are all cool, Google them). More sport options mean more potential participants which mean more tournaments to potentially host. If destinations can partner with these sports as they grow, there is a greater possibility to establish a stronghold within these sports (and their events) in the future.

3

Funding – Following up on No. 2 above, how do we fund facility development and enhancement? Tourism Improvement Districts (or TIDs) are definitely the most popular route to take today. Nearly every community we work with is pushing forward some form of

Regionality – Even prior to the pandemic, there was a growing trend of “national championship” events becoming more drive market than cross country flights. That is, the teams were more and more coming from

6

The best organizations will be raising the bar and following a smart plan in the upcoming year

Pickleball

a day’s drive to a tournament than getting on a plane to travel long distances. The pandemic only accelerated that trend. This is important to consider when you are working to create your own events (a trend from the past few years in this writing), as you will want to focus on clubs and teams from within a day’s drive versus trying to recruit teams from greater distances.

7Special Events – More tourism organizations are adding the marketing and management of special events to the sports department’s plate. The ability to execute a sporting event isn’t that much different than producing a music festival. Putting on the “backpacks” (as we like to call it) for special events is becoming quite common for those with an experienced sports staff on the team.

8Bigger, Better, Stronger, Faster – One of the most common calls we got this past year from destinations was this, “We had to furlough all our people during the pandemic, but sports kept rolling. So, we need to build our sports program back up to a place where it is even bigger and better than it was before.” This is another form of doubling down on the great performance sports tourism offered the industry over the past two-plus years.

These last two are carryovers from last year that are still quite relevant today…..

Accountability – As we start to rebound back to 2019 levels, in many cases, resources are still more limited than in prior

years. Given that we have to try to do more with less, the microscope is now on every transaction that is made. Every dollar has to have a good result and those that are tasked with governing our organizations are paying a lot more attention to how money is spent. Transparent organizations have a process for why decisions are made on resource allocations and document every move along the way.

10Silent Sports – Several outdoor sports have seen massive spikes in participation the past few years. Golf, canoe/kayak, and fishing (among others) all offer opportunities for those destinations that seek them. These “silent sports” have become a cornerstone for business development with many CVBs across the country. We would also recommend that for those destinations that have great water and trail assets, that you look at how to optimize some of your sports tourism marketing to the leisure travelers in these sports.

The underlying theme of these trends really boils down to intentionality. Every move your organization makes should be intentional and follow a plan that the entire team thinks will lead to success. We like to say the best organizations out there are playing three dimensional chess while the average ones are plying checkers.

Be intentional. Play 3D chess. Raise the bar in the coming year for you and your organization. Good luck to all in 2023.

Yours in Sport, Jon

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 25 years of experience in leading sports tourism and events organizations through strategic growth and increased community collaboration.  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.

© Huddle Up Group, 2021

continues to be a growing sport and is now a national force.

Photo courtesy of PPA Tour

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