Pennsylvania is a Premier Destination
The Keystone State hosts a variety of events big and small
PA Sports Celebrates 20 Years
Statewide organization continues to attract big events to Pennsylvania
Hello!
On behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we invite you to host your next sporting event in the Keystone State, home to The Great American Getaway.
Pennsylvanians share great passion for travel and sports, from little league to professional leagues to events that bring us together in the spirit of competition. Sports play an important role in our families, our lives, and our economy.
Pennsylvania provides the natural resources and facilities needed for regional, national, and international sport. From rugged terrain and soaring mountains to technologicallyadvanced venues and roaring rivers, the Commonwealth provides endless opportunities to create memorable experiences in 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 of 13 member destinations throughout Pennsylvania that are home to some of the top sports tourism attractions in the country. Our sports 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 getaway to one of Pennsylvania’s cultural, historic, and greater-than-great outdoor destinations, head over to VISITPA.com
There’s no better time to create your Great American Getaway in Pennsylvania!
Warm regards,
Anne Ryan Deputy Secretary of Tourism PA Department of Community & Economic Development
Adult Irish Games in Pennsylvania.
Johnstown, Pennsylvania hosts the All American Amateur Baseball Association National Tournament.
PA SPORTS CELEBRATES ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Statewide organization continues to attract big events to Pennsylvania
By Jason Paha
BBack in 2005, five sports tourism leaders gathered in Pennsylvania.
Their objective was to form a group to help sports commissions and destination marketing organizations in Pennsylvania maneuver through the early days of the sports tourism industry.
These five members, Happy Valley, Hershey, Reading, Valley Forge and York, formed an organization known as Ready, Set, Go! Little did they know 20 years later, the group they created would become an influential sports tourism powerhouse.
“(2005) was a long time ago in terms of the industry itself,” said Gregg Cook, past chair of PA Sports and executive director of the Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority. “At the time, we couldn’t have imagined the growth of all aspects of the sports tourism industry. We were always hopeful that we could continue to grow and prosper and have a presence.”
Grow and prosper, they did.
A SPORTS LEADER EMERGES
This year, PA Sports (formerly Ready, Set, Go!), is the lead agency for sports tourism in Pennsylvania and is celebrating its 20th anniversary. PA
Sports has grown to 13 members from across the Commonwealth: Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Chester County Tourism, Discover Lehigh Valley, Erie Sports Commission, Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance, Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority, PHL Sports, Sport York, SportsPITTSBURGH, Valley Forge Sports, Visit Delco, Visit Johnstown and VM Sports. It is recognized as one of the premier sports organizations in the country and is renowned for how well the members mesh with one another.
“The ultimate goal of PA Sports is to attract as many tourism driving sporting events to Pennsylvania as
possible,” said PA Sports Chair Mark Jeanneret, who is also executive director of the Erie Sports Commission.
“While many of our members are competing for many of the same events, the collective goal of the group is to help one another have a positive impact on our respective communities.”
“The way our group has continued to work together is impressive,” Cook added. “We are 13 destinations and we’ve been able to make it work without any significant personal issues. Everything is for the good of the group.”
BIG EVENTS COME TO PA
PA Sports’ mission is to attract and host international, national, regional and local sporting events and showcase Pennsylvania as a viable sports event destination for professional, collegiate, interscholastic, amateur and youth sporting ventures. And it has done so to a successful degree that would surprise the 2005 members of Ready, Set, Go!
In 2023, the 13 members of PA Sports combined to host/support more than
460 events generating $480 million in estimated economic impact to Pennsylvania. Among some of the sizable events PA Sports members have helped attract in 2024 alone include Wrestlemania XL in Philadelphia, the IRONMAN 70.3 in Happy Valley, the Special Olympics North America Softball Championships in Pittsburgh, the YMCA 2024 Gymnastics Nationals & Invitational in Valley Forge, the All American Amateur Baseball Association National Tournament in Johnstown and the IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship in Erie.
What a difference 20 years makes.
“Back when we started, the big (organization everyone wanted to replicate) was Sports Illinois,” Cook said. “We were striving to have the visibility and positive perception that Sports Illinois had at that time, and I think we’ve been able to do that. We’ve gotten to the upper echelon of big sports groups where people know us, recognize us and see us at all the shows. When we go to the show now, we go to the show as Pennsylvania.”
PA Sports has proven the economic impact from sports tourism has value that extends beyond the actual competition. The state has long been a popular travel destination and extending tourism beyond the events is a significant part of the PA Sports mission.
“Funding was the biggest obstacle for us (at the start),” Cook said. “We all had great ideas of the things we’d like to do. But to make an impact, to be visible, noticeable and relevant in most cases, especially in the early days, individual bureaus did not have the funding in their budget dedicated to sports that allowed us to do what we wanted to do. Finally, after years of hard work and the success we had, most of our members have seen increased budgets along the way. We were able to prove to the state tourism office the reality of what we’ve accomplished. They’ve taken notice and invested in us.”
And that figures to continue for the next 20 years and beyond.
Let your games begin at sportsinpa.com
The IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship was held in Erie in August.
Photo courtesy of Erie Sports Commission
The Easton Twilight Criterium is a popular race that takes place in Lehigh Valley.
PENNSYLVANIA IS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR
With more than 1,500 facilities, Pennsylvania hosts a variety of events big and small
By Justin Marques
WW SPORTS AND ATTRACTIONS
ith the countless experiences Pennsylvania has to offer, there is always something new to discover. The Keystone State offers breathtaking landscapes, plenty of history and numerous outdoor activities in and around its 124 state parks; visitors can catch a game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia or 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial in Johnstown; or simply enjoy the many charming small towns and vibrant cities that make up the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania also proudly hosts a wide range of events, from Wrestlemania and Ironmans to college and high school tournaments. Sporting events are a cornerstone of the state’s tourism industry, and PA Sports, the lead agency for sports tourism in Pennsylvania, is dedicated to being a top choice for sports associations and organizations planning their next event. Here are some of the top events that have been held in Pennsylvania in 2024 and some additional non-sporting attractions that each member of PA Sports is known for.
BUTLER
Butler, located 35 miles north of Pittsburgh, hosted the Premier Ice Prospects Labor Day Girls Fest at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. It featured 66+ teams of youth girls hockey from all over the U.S. and Canada competing in front of college scouts. Butler is also home to Moraine State Park, Lernerville Speedway, Historic Pullman Park, and Jennings Environmental Education Center. Butler is known for excellent biking and hiking trails, golf courses, and disc-golf courses.
CHESTER COUNTY’S BRANDYWINE VALLEY
Chester County’s Brandywine Valley is home to premier sports facilities designed for tournament play; 11 outdoor fields and a 127,000-squarefoot indoor facility at United Sports; 4 NHL-regulation ice rinks at Ice Line; collegiate-level venues at West Chester University; and Equestrian venues with acres of multipurpose space. Players and spectators can enjoy the region’s vibrant, teamfriendly downtowns.
DELAWARE COUNTY
Delaware County hosted The Delaware County Senior Games this past June. This Olympic-style competition welcomed over 100 senior athletes from across the county to showcase their skills in events such as
track and field, pickleball, swimming, golf and more. There are plenty of ways for visitors to Delaware County to get out and be active. Hike, bike or horseback ride on any of our hundreds of miles of tracks and trails.
ERIE
Erie hosted the 2024 International Indoor Junior Lacrosse (IIJL) World Junior Lacrosse Championship at the Erie Insurance Arena this past August. Founded in 2016, the IIJL showcases top young lacrosse players globally, with this year’s tournament featuring players from Australia, Canada, Poland, Scotland and the U.S.
Erie also lays claim to the Erie Insurance Arena, which can seat up to 7,000 and serves as home to the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League. Opened in 1983 and recently
renovated for $47 million, the venue can also host wrestling, cheerleading, basketball, concerts and community events.
HAPPY VALLEY
Famously home to Penn State University, Happy Valley highlights a blend of academic excellence and spirited college-town-culture. People who enjoy the outdoors will find plenty to do, from the trails of Penn State’s surrounding forests to the stunning views from Mount Nittany.
In 2024, Happy Valley held the famous IRONMAN 70.3 competition. The race features a 1.2-mile swim in Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir, a 56-mile bike ride through scenic hills, and a 13.1-mile run on Penn State’s campus, ending with a finish line experience inside Beaver Stadium.
HERSHEY-HARRISBURG
The Hershey-Harrisburg region combines the family fun of “Chocolatetown USA,” which includes Hersheypark® and Hershey’s Chocolate World, with the charm of Pennsylvania’s capital city. The area is also home to three professional sports teams, supported by an enthusiastic local community. Giant Center ℠ , a state-of-the-art arena, is home to Hershey Bears Hockey, and also accommodates basketball and wrestling tournaments, concerts and more.
JOHNSTOWN
The All American Amateur Baseball Association (AAABA) National Tournament is a signature event in Johnstown that will celebrate its 80th year in 2025. The summer tradition
features top teams from across the U.S. competing for the national title. The tournament has hosted some of the top players in Major League Baseball including Ken Griffey Jr. and Reggie Jackson.
Johnstown has many unique attractions including the Johnstown Flood Museum and the World’s Steepest Vehicular Inclined Plane.
LEHIGH VALLEY
With a difficult 0.8-mile circuit that includes six turns through downtown, the Easton Twilight Criterium in Lehigh Valley is a biking event that attracts approximately 500 cyclists. Competitors from around the globe, including Canada, Europe, and New Zealand, ranging from amateurs to professionals, compete for a portion of over $10,000 in prizes.
MONROEVILLE
The Atlantic Coast Cap Classic is AC Baseball’s biggest tournament of the year. The event hosts more than 200 teams from across the country. With special events like an opening ceremony at PNC Park before a Pirates game, this tournament is known to have some of the toughest competition for youth athletes. Monroeville features sporting and event facilities, including the Monroeville Convention Center, featuring 100,000 SF of exhibit space.
PHILADELPHIA
In April 2024, Philadelphia hosted the 40th edition of WWE’s biggest annual event, WrestleMania. This week-long event became the most successful in WWE’s history and further demonstrated Philadelphia’s
Photo
exceptional track record of hosting major sporting events.
Philadelphia is set to become the centerpiece of the sporting world in 2026 when Lincoln Financial Field hosts six FIFA World Cup soccer matches; MLB’s All-Star Game returns to Citizens Bank Park; the NCAA’s March Madness men’s basketball tournament is back at the Wells Fargo Center; and Aronimink Golf Club hosts the 108th PGA Championship.
PITTSBURGH
For the first time, Pittsburgh hosted the Special Olympics North America Softball Championships at the No Offseason Sports Facility in early September.
This marks the first national Special Olympics event held in Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh is famous for many reasons, some of which include its iconic skyline, Carnegie Museum of Art and the Andy Warhol Museum. Pittsburgh also has a history of winning with its black and gold-clad professional teams – including the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins.
VALLEY FORGE
The YMCA Gymnastics Nationals & Invitational brought together top athletes from 81 YMCA programs across the country. It took place in June 2024 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, a 240,000 square-foot facility
suitable for a variety of indoor sports.
Montgomery County is a historic and scenic area known for its role in America’s history, best known as the location of the Valley Forge National Historical Park.
YORK
Located in South Central Pennsylvania, York is known for its historical heritage, with landmarks such as the York Historic District and the Colonial Complex showcasing its role in American history. The York Expo Center is one of the largest exposition centers in South Central Pennsylvania, features more than 250,000 square feet of space and can host a variety of events.
Photo courtesy of PA Sports
In 2024, Happy Valley held the famous IRONMAN 70.3 competition.
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
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex Ice Hockey, Figure Skating and more Ice Sports
This 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 first-of-its-kind facility in the Pittsburgh region is a true partnership between two worldclass organizations, featuring 185,000 square feet of total space dedicated to treating and training with two ice rinks and nutrition-based concessions.
2. Slippery Rock University Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Volleyball and more
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.
3. UPMC Passavant Sportsplex at Graham Park Pickleball, Football, Soccer, Lacrosse and more Outdoor Sports
UPMC Passavant Sportsplex at Graham Park is a large community sports park complete with athletic fields for a multitude of outdoor sports. It features Miracle League Field, Out-of-the-Park playground, Dek Hockey Rink and SportCourts, which is primed for bocce, horseshoes, pickleball, tennis and basketball.
BUTLER COUNTY SPORTS COMM
Perry Latimer Sales Manager (724) 234-4619 perry@visitbutlercounty.com
LEHIGH VALLEY
With the elite sports venues and attractions of three destinations rolled into one, sports organizers have everything they need right at their fingertips in Lehigh Valley
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. PPL Center
Ice Hockey, Figure Skating, Wrestling, Indoor Racing and more Indoor Sports
Located in downtown Allentown, PPL Center is a stateof-the-art arena and 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 seats over 10,000 for concerts and more than 8,500 for ice hockey, and features on-site food, parking and more.
2. Valley Preferred Cycling Center Cycling
Lehigh Valley’s Velodrome represents the cycling capital of the U.S. with a capacity of 2,500 and a 333.3 m concrete surface. Valley Preferred Cycling Center and the roads of the Trexlertown area are renowned for being some of the best by cyclists worldwide. The Velodrome hosts a premier weekly racing series each summer, as well as national championships, large group rides, charity rides, cyclo-cross events and much more.
3. Lehigh Valley Sports Fields
Soccer, Baseball, Ultimate Frisbee and more Outdoor Sports
Lehigh Valley Sports Fields are a first-class sports complex, hosting several local and national tournaments and drawing teams from the Mid-Atlantic and Eastern states. The venue features eight soccer fields and six baseball fields, three of which are equipped with lights. Amenities include a picnic pavilion, a running track and plentiful parking.
Maizee Freeman Manager, Tourism Development
(218) 536-0418
Maizee@DiscoverLehighValley.com LEHIGH VALLEY
UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
Valley Preferred Cycling Center
Discover Lehigh Valley®
PHILADELPHIA DELAWARE COUNTY
Amazing getaways come easy in Philadelphia, a popular destination for history lovers and a wide variety of sports and entertainment, including the FIFA World Cup 26™
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. Lincoln Financial Field
Football, Soccer, Lacrosse and more Outdoor Sports and Events
Home to the Philadelphia Eagles and Temple Owls, Lincoln Financial Field (the Linc) seats nearly 70,000 and is widely regarded as one of the finest stadiums in the United States. The venue is home to a huge variety of premier events, including WrestleMania, the Army-Navy Game, NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships, FIFA World Cup 2026 and much more.
2. Wells Fargo Center
Ice Hockey, Basketball and more Indoor Sports and Events
This multipurpose indoor arena is home to the NHL’s Flyers and the NBA’s 76ers, with a seating capacity of 19,541 for hockey and lacrosse and 20,318 for basketball. 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.
3. Subaru Park
Soccer, Rugby, Lacrosse and more Outdoor Sports
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, several U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team matches, international friendlies, elite rugby competitions, NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Quarterfinals and much more.
Brea Webster-Stanko, Director Business Development & Sports Marketing
(215) 636-3319
Delaware County, PA, is a convenient and affordable location for hosting sports events and tournaments, offering easy access to major highways and proximity to Philadelphia
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. WSFS Bank Sportsplex
Soccer, Lacrosse, Flag Football, Field Hockey, and much more
The WSFS Bank Sportsplex, located on the Philadelphia Union’s campus in Chester, PA, is a 365-day-a-year sports and recreation complex. The facility includes three full-sized grass fields, three full sized turf fields, a grass 9v9 field, and a stateof-the-art indoor sports performance center. The pristine facility serves as the training home for the Philadelphia Union first, second, and academy teams. Additionally, the WSFS Bank Sportsplex is a premier destination for youth sports and activities, with options from soccer, lacrosse, flag football, field hockey, and much more. Find out more at www.wsfsbanksportsplex.com
brea@discoverphl.com Katie Paschall Director of Sales and Partnerships (856) 905-6492
kpaschall@visitdelcopa.com
Lincoln Financial Field WSFS Bank Sportsplex
CHESTER COUNTY’S BRANDYWINE VALLEY
Escape to the rolling hills and charming villages of Chester County’s Brandywine Valley, featuring worldclass gardens, rich histories, and premier sports facilities
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. United Sports Soccer, Lacrosse, Field Hockey, Basketball
United Sports is the region’s largest sports complex with both indoor and outdoor spaces. It features a 127,000-square-foot facility with turf fields, courts, a training center and more to provide the ultimate sports and recreation experience in Downingtown. United Sports also offers a new full-size turf field under the Kinetic Dome, as well as 11 premier fields adjacent to the indoor facility.
2. Ice Line Ice Hockey, Figure Skating, Curling
The rush to score goals starts on one of four NHL-regulation ice surfaces at Ice Line in West Chester, each with a seating capacity of 500. 20 locker rooms with VIP options are also available, along with the Method Hockey Training Gym, traditional concessions and a full-service restaurant, The Goal Line Pub, which overlooks rink 4.
3. West Chester University Lacrosse, Soccer, Football, Basketball, Swimming, Diving
West Chester University utilizes nine top-notch facilities for its 24 intercollegiate athletic programs. Along with premier upgrades to the school’s 7,500-seat football field, John A. Farrell Stadium, which doubles as home to the men’s and women’s outdoor track & field squads, there are also three turf and five grass multipurpose fields for competitions. Indoors, enjoy the traditional surroundings of 2,500-seat Hollinger Field House which is nestled in the hub of North Campus, as well as the six-lane Graham Natatorium.
CHESTER COUNTY’S BRANDYWINE VALLEY
United Sports
HERSHEY-HARRISBURG JOHNSTOWN
With dozens of sports tournaments successfully planned and executed each year, Hershey-Harrisburg is quickly soaring to the top of the sports world
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center
Basketball, Volleyball, Cheer, Archery and more Sports and Events
Each year, the multipurpose Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center hosts a variety of exciting sports events, highlighted by MADE & Marquee Hoops Basketball Showcases and Keystone Regional Volleyball Association events. Overall, the complex has over one million square feet under one roof with 11 halls and three arenas. The largest space is the 172,000 square foot expo hall.
2. GIANT Center SM
Ice Hockey, Figure Skating and more Ice Sports and Events
GIANT CenterSM is the regular venue for the Hershey Bears AHL hockey team. This state-of-the-art, 10,500-seat arena hosts ice shows, concerts, state high school championships for 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.
3. Hersheypark® Stadium
Football, Soccer, Lacrosse and more Outdoor Sports and Events
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 been upgraded with a state-of-theart synthetic turf system and has spectator seating for up to 16,000 for sports and 30,000 for concerts and other events.
HERSHEY HARRISBURG
Located in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania, Johnstown is where visitors come for the sports and stay for the scenic beauty and wealth of outdoor activities
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War
Memorial
Ice Hockey, Wrestling, Cheer, Martial Arts
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, and is home of the famous film Slap Shot. Home to both a local junior and university hockey team, the arena caters to both players and fans.
2. Sargent’s Stadium at the Point
Baseball, Football, Soccer and more Outdoor Sports
Sargent’s Stadium at the Point is a baseball stadium and multipurpose complex located in the heart of Downtown Johnstown. The park is scenic, practical, and features new full turf. More recent upgrades include a top-notch press box and a new suite area. Sargent’s Stadium can seat about 8,000 spectators and is home to the annual All American Amateur Baseball Association national tournament.
3. Rock Run Recreation Area
ATV,
UTV, Dirt Bike, and Adventure Sports
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. There are trails dedicated to beginner riders as well as the most experienced. On-site camping is encouraged, with over 350 primitive and 16 electric campsites spread among 6 campgrounds.
VISIT JOHNSTOWN
GIANT CenterSM
Sargent’s Stadium at the Point
MONROEVILLE ERIE
A combination of convenience, affordability, entertainment and excellent athletic facilities makes Monroeville, Pennsylvania a go-to sporting destination
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. Monroeville Convention Center
Wrestling, Cheer, Martial Arts and more Indoor Sports and Events
Monroeville Convention Center is a private suburban convention and event center in Western Pennsylvania that has a unique campus-like setting. The center features more than 100,000 square feet of event space, Specifically, its North Hall has 45,000 square feet of exhibit space and the South Hall 35,000 square feet of carpeted space. There are also four breakout rooms and an office that total 12,000 square feet.
2. All American+ Fieldhouse
Basketball, Volleyball, Pickleball, Soccer and more Indoor and Outdoor Sports
All American+ Fieldhouse features more than 170,000 square feet of space for outdoor and indoor sports. The sevenfloor, three-room indoor space can accommodate up to five high-school regulation-size basketball courts, seven volleyball courts or 17 pickleball courts. The fieldhouse also has an outdoor turf field and one indoors.
3. Monroeville Park West
Baseball, Soccer, Pickleball, Tennis and more Outdoor Sports
Monroeville Park West is a delightful family-friendly retreat for sports and leisure. It features four lit youth-sized baseball fields with newly turfed infields, 14 soccer fields—one of which is FIFAregulation sized—six pickleball courts, two tennis courts—or an additional six for pickleball—two volleyball courts and a basketball court. Five pavilions can accommodate up to 850 guests.
The picturesque lakefront city of Erie, Pennsylvania is a premier destination for sports planners who seek quality facilities and a community dedicated to sports
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. Erie Sports
Center
Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Lacrosse
Erie Sports Center is a premier sports complex offering a variety of amenities for a wide range of sports and recreational activities. The complex spans over 60 acres and includes 10 soccer fields, a 30,000-square-foot gymnasium with four wood-floor courts for basketball and volleyball and a 61,000-square-foot, 70-foot-high sports dome with a FIFAaccredited field for year-round events.
2. LECOM Sports Park
Hockey, Figure Skating, Broomball
LECOM Sports Park offers high-level sports training and recreational programming in one facility. Its proximity to Interstates 90 and 79, and convenient location in the heart of Erie’s shopping and entertainment district makes it an ideal venue for hosting events. The facility features two NHL-sized ice rinks, 10 locker rooms and a premier fitness and training center.
3. Bayfront Convention Center
Wrestling, Cheer, Dance, Gymnastics, Weightlifting
Located on Erie’s picturesque Bayfront, the Bayfront Convention Center offers over 120,000 square feet of space with stunning floor-to-ceiling views of Presque Isle Bay. The Great Hall covers over 28,000 square feet of columnfree space with a ceiling height of 23 feet. The venue has hosted diverse events such as boxing matches, cheerleading competitions, 8-ball tournaments and the American Cornhole League.
VALLEY FORGE YORK COUNTY
A world of adventures awaits you in Montgomery County — home to must-see historical sites and tons of family attractions, a vibrant arts scene, sports venues and more
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. The Proving Grounds
Soccer, Football, Field Hockey, Kickball and more Outdoor Sports
The Proving Grounds houses Villanova University’s premier field hockey stadium and boasts more than 80 acres of outdoor space. This multipurpose facility offers 8 oversized, lighted turf fields with bleachers, concessions, air-conditioned meeting rooms and indoor restrooms.
2. Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
Basketball, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Esports and more Indoor Sports and Events
The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks has seen many national sports tournaments over the years, such as USA Weightlifting’s Junior National Championships. Known as one of the Eastern U.S.’s largest indoor sports complexes, the center boasts about 240,000 square feet of single-floor exhibition space, featuring high-ceilings, easy load in/load out and premium internet capabilities.
3. Competitive Edge Sports Basketball, Volleyball, Futsal, Dodgeball and more Indoor Sports
Founded in 2010, Competitive Edge Sports provides topclass indoor programs and events across 55,000 square feet of space, including concessions & meeting areas. This venue hosts a multitude of basketball and volleyball tournaments annually, with four high school-regulated courts and one NBA-regulated court— all of which are Aacer floating maple hardwood.
Make your York County sports event stand out with exceptional facilities, unforgettable attractions and a convenient location that the entire family can appreciate
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. York Expo Center
Volleyball, Wrestling, Cross-country and more Indoor and Outdoor Sports and Events
With on-site indoor and outdoor facilities, the 120-acre York Expo Center offers versatile spaces that allow serving a wide range of sporting events. The venue consists of the 74,000-square-foot, 5,500-capacity UPMC Arena, the 58,000-square-foot Memorial Hall with a capacity of 4,000; and the elegant 10,000-capacity Grandstand. The Expo Center has hosted events like Tyrant Wrestling’s Columbus Day Duals and the USA Wrestling Cadet Duals, as well as major entertainment events.
2.
Memorial Park Complex
Softball, Sand Volleyball, Kickball, Skateboarding
As 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 Bob Hoffman Stadium—formerly the home of professional baseball in York until 1969 when the site was converted to softball. Four of the eight fields are lit. The facility also has four sand volleyball courts, batting cages and a top skate park.
3. Graham Aquatic Center
Swimming, Diving, Water Polo and more Water Sports
This 33,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor aquatic center features a flexible floor plan and plentiful amenities, making it a great choice for a variety of aquatic sports and events. Along with Graham Aquatic Center’s Olympic-sized pool, there are also multiple springboards and a diving well.
VALLEY FORGE SPORTS SPORT
PITTSBURGH
Pittsburgh is an authentic and iconic sports city, filled with world-class sports facilities and first-rate pro franchises like the NFL’s Steelers and NHL’s Penguins
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Martial Arts, Cheer, Gymnastics and more Indoor Sports and Events
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 Rooftop Terrace—a breathtaking outdoor gathering spot. The convention center has over 313,000 square feet of column-free event space, and offers amenities such as 700 indoor parking spaces, catering and concessions.
2. PPG Paints Arena
Ice Hockey, Basketball, Wrestling and more Indoor Sports and Events
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 stateof-the-art design has a capacity of 18,187 for ice hockey, 19,000 for basketball and just shy of 20,000 for center-stage events.
3.
Highmark Stadium
Soccer, Rugby, Lacrosse and more Outdoor Sports and Events
Highmark Stadium is a 5,000-seat, soccer-specific stadium in Pittsburgh’s Station Square and 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.
Sports Development Director (412) 588-3503
HAPPY VALLEY
Regardless of whether you are a Penn State fan, Happy Valley and Central Pennsylvania enables sports planners to dream big with their excellent sports history
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
1. Bryce Jordan Center
Basketball, Volleyball, Gymnastics and more Indoor Sports
Home to Penn State Basketball, Bryce Jordan Center encompasses a full-size practice area featuring three basketball courts, 11 varsity locker rooms, 6 meeting and event spaces and state-of-the-art athletic training and strength facilities. Built-in concession stands are available on the concourse and event levels of the facility. With seating for over 15,000, the facility has also been home to NCAA DI Gymnastics, Wrestling Championships, Big Ten Championships and more.
2. Nittany Valley Sports Centre
Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer and more Indoor Sports
This brand-new, locally owned and operated indoor sports facility offers recreational and competitive sports activities including skills training, leagues and speed and agility classes. Spanning 74,00 square feet of space, the facility offers six basketball courts, which can also convert to nine volleyball courts and be utilized for other sports.
3. Pegula Ice Arena
Ice Hockey, Figure Skating, Roller Derby and more Ice Sports
Experience the best of the best when it comes to hockey venues at Pegula Ice Arena, where you will find two rinks and top-notch amenities. The main rink boasts seating for 6,000 while the practice rink offers seating for 300. Event history includes NHL Exhibition Games, Big Ten Ice Hockey Finals and the Hockey Valley Invitational. More recently, roller derby has also utilized the facility for the 2024 WFTDA North American Northeast Regionals. The facility includes concessions, while also offering space for outside vendors.
Eric Engelbarts
Executive Director
(814) 231-1401 erice@happyvalley.com
Highmark Stadium Holly Perella
Bryce Jordan Center
