29 minute read
WASHINGTON
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
Washington’s natural beauty rivals any in the country.
Photo courtesy of Stepframe Interactive Media
Some of the best paddling can be found in Washington.
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.
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
Angel Of The Winds Arena
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
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.
SNOHOMISH COUNTY SPORTS COMMISSION
Tammy Dunn Executive Director 425-309-2744 tammy@snocosports.org www.snocosports.org
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.
▶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.
Meadowdale Athletic Complex
Walt Price Fitness Center
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
Yakima Valley SunDome
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
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 Apple Tree Golf Course
Yakima Tennis Club
Seattle Southside
FABULOUS SPORTS COMPLEXES, FAMILY-FRIENDLY PARKS AND COLLEGE-LEVEL GYMNASIUMS INVITE PLANNERS AND TEAMS TO ENJOY UNFORGETTABLE SPORTING EVENTS
Starfire Sports
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
North SeaTac Park
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
Visit Tri-Cities, WA
FUN IN THE SUN IS THE WAY OF LIFE IN THIS GROWING METROPOLITAN AREA IN SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON
Pasco Sporting Complex
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
Columbia Playfield
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
Colorado Springs, CO
OLYMPIC CITY USA IS HOME TO 60 NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS AND IS THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT
Weidner Field
Scan to discover more of what Visit Colorado Springs offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
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
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.
The Broadmoor World Arena
Edward J. Robson Arena
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
El Pomar Youth Sports Complex
Plano, TX
WITH HIP RESTAURANTS AND EXCELLENT SHOPPING, PLANO IS THE PLACE TO BE
Russell Creek Park
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
Heritage Yards Athletic Fields
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
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
Round Rock Multipurpose Complex
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
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
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.
Round Rock Sports Center
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
Dragon Stadium
ARLINGTON, TX
ARLINGTON’S POPULAR VENUES, FEATURING STATE-OF-THEART EQUIPMENT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, ARE NOTHING SHORT OF EXCITING COME GAME DAY
AT&T 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
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
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
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.
Arlington
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.”
— Jim Baker, Former Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, University of Texas at Arlington
Harold Patterson Sports Center
