2023 Oregon Sports Planning Guide

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

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.

of Sport Oregon 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

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.

Scan to discover more of what Travel Salem offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

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

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

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

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

▶ 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.

PLAYING 3D CHESS

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 eight trends to look for in 2023 and beyond.

1Emphasis – 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.

route to take today. Nearly every community we work with is pushing forward some form of state and locally enabling legislation to put a TID in place to fund sports tourism marketing and facility development.

create your own events, as you will want to focus on clubs and teams from within a day’s drive versus trying to recruit teams from greater distances.

4

DEI – 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.

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? 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 existing venues.

2

3

Funding – How do we fund facility development and enhancement?

Tourism Improvement Districts (or TIDs) are definitely the most popular

Pickleball – The fastest growing sport in America is taking over. 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? More sport options mean more potential participants which mean more tournaments to host.

6

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 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

7

Special 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.

8

Bigger, 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.

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

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