On behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we’d like to welcome you to the Keystone State for your next sporting event. Tourism, and sports tourism in particular, plays an important role in our vibrant Pennsylvania economy.
Life in the Keystone State is invigorating, fulfilling, and downright happy, and is home to many modern, cutting-edge facilities equipped with the latest technology that are perfect for your next event. From sandy shores and rugged peaks to tranquil forests and roaring rivers, Pennsylvania provides endless opportunities to pursue your happiness throughout all four seasons. Our diverse market – which includes youth and adult amateur, college, and professional sporting events – attracts out-of-town and out-of-state visitors to an array of destinations and attractions across the state.
PA Sports is an organization comprising 13 member destinations throughout Pennsylvania that are home to some of the top attractions for sports tourism in the country. These highly trained professionals understand that success in hosting events is a team effort. From Erie and Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley – and everywhere in between – Pennsylvania has just what you and your colleagues are looking for. To learn more about our sports facilities across the state or to book your next sporting event, visit SportsinPA.com. To start planning your next trip to one of Pennsylvania’s cultural, historic, and greater-than-great outdoor destinations, head over to visitPA.com. We hope to see you soon!
Rec Hall at Penn State University Park is a legendary venue that has hosted wrestling, volleyball and gymnastics events since 1928.
With major cosmopolitan cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh surrounded by smaller, yet no less cultured cities and towns across the state, Pennsylvania is an event planner’s dream destination.
This is evidenced by the multitude of events that PA Sports members have hosted or are planning to host in the near future.
Philadelphia has a long history of hosting major events. PHL Sports, a division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, welcomed the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Regional Championships in 2022 and has five more NCAA Championships on its schedule in the next four years. And in 2026, the Commonwealth’s largest city will be front-and-center as hosts of FIFA World Cup 2026, the MLB All-Star Game, the 108th PGA Championship and the U.S.
Amateur (golf) Championship.
Sports tourism has a major impact on the other side of the state as well, as SportsPITTSBURGH recently won the rights to host more NCAA Championship events than any other destination in the U.S. The lengthy list included the 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Frozen Four and NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball First and Second Round games in 2022. Pittsburgh is also looking forward to hosting the National Senior Games in 2023 as well as the U.S. Open Championship in 2025.
“The two largest members of PA Sports have done a fantastic job attracting world-class events for years,” said Amy Capcara, vice chair of PA Sports and sales and marketing manager for VM Sports.
PA Sports members in smaller cities across the state also shine. On the west side of the state, the Butler County
From East to West, with many destinations in between, Pennsylvania can host any competitionPhoto courtesy of The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
Tourism and Convention Bureau will host the Can-Am Police-Fire Games in 2024; the Erie Sports Commission recently hosted the 2021 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four; and VM Sports in Monroeville supported the American Junior Golf Association Preview at Westmoreland in 2022.
Centrally, Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority annually hosts the U.S. Junior Nationals Hershey Showcase, one of the longest-running organizations in girls’ basketball nationwide; The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau crowned the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four champion in 2022 and will host the 2024 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team Trials; Sport York annually hosts the Northeast Power Series MLK Volleyball Tournament; and Visit Johnstown hosts the All-American Amateur Baseball Association Tournament annually.
To the east, Chester County CVB supported the 2022 USA Archery Target Nationals & U.S. Open; the USA Cycling Masters, Junior, Elite, & Para Track Championships were hosted by Discover Lehigh Valley in 2021; Valley Forge Sports was home to the National Xball (paintball) League MidAtlantic Major in 2021 and will welcome the U.S. Youth Soccer Eastern Presidents Cup in 2023; and Visit Luzerne County recently signed a five-year contract to continue as host of the Keystone State Games.
“The majority of our membership is making a positive impact through youth events, whether they be regional, statewide or national,” Danielle Vincenti, PA Sports secretary and director of business development for the Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority, said.
Pennsylvania has proven to be a desirable sports destination thanks in part to its ideal location and weather that offers opportunities in all four seasons. Pennsylvania also has unmatched leisure time activities ranging from outdoor recreation, historic attractions, amusement parks and a host of professional and collegiate sports options. Here are just a few attractions that draw thousands each year:
• Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hersheypark in Hershey, where guests can explore the many wonders of chocolate
• Penn State Berkey Creamery, a historic creamery in Happy Valley that has been making ice cream since 1889
• The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh is the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist
• Moraine State Park in Butler County resides on 16,725 acres and is one of the largest parks in Western Pennsylvania
“We are extremely fortunate to have top quality sports venues and plenty of activities outside of competition across the state that will appeal to participants and their families year-round,” said Gregg Cook, past chair of PA Sports and executive director of the Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority. “Add to that the sports tourism and event expertise provided by destination members of PA Sports and you can’t go wrong hosting your future event in Pennsylvania.”
PA Sports is made up of 13 member destinations across the state.
The impact sports tourism has on state economies is monumental.
For proof, one needn’t look any further than this past May when Sports ETA released its State of the Industry report for the sports tourism industry. The report shows in 2021, national sports tourism created a total economic impact of $91.8 billion,
generated $12.9 billion in taxes and supported 635,000 fulltime and part-time jobs.
Sports tourism has been thriving in Pennsylvania for years, thanks in large part to the efforts of PA Sports, a team of the leading sports tourism organizations from throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The mission of PA Sports is to attract and host international, national, regional and
local sporting events as well as showcase Pennsylvania as a viable sports event destination for professional, collegiate, interscholastic, amateur and youth sporting ventures.
PA Sports is made up of 13 member destinations across the state: Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Chester County CVB, Discover Lehigh Valley, Erie Sports Commission, Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority, PHL Sports, Sport York, SportsPITTSBURGH, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Valley Forge Sports, Visit Johnstown, Visit Luzerne County and VM Sports. The group collectively works to market the state to sporting event organizers through trade shows, sales missions and marketing campaigns.
“PA Sports members have a long history of working together, despite the fact that most are competing to attract the exact same events to their communities,” said Mark Jeanneret, executive director of the Erie Sports Commission and chair of PA Sports. “We all share a common vision, which is to make certain that Pennsylvania is always viewed as an attractive location to host a sporting event by event organizers.”
For Pennsylvania, the economic impact from sports tourism has value that extends beyond the actual competition. The state has the good fortune of being a 12-month vacation destination and has long been a popular travel destination. From major cities and charming small towns to rugged woodlands and a lush countryside, there are endless options to explore.
To illustrate the impact of sports tourism in Pennsylvania, PA Sports performed an economic impact survey for sports tourism in the state. Acquiring data from 10 of its members, PA Sports shared that in 2021 its members hosted 385 events. Total attendance of those events was nearly 570,000 and the estimated economic impact of these events was $236 million. Some of the bigger events PA Sports members hosted and/or supported in 2021 included: USA Cycling Masters, Junior, Elite & Para Track National Championships, Lehigh Valley; US Junior Nationals Hershey Showcase, Hershey Harrisburg; NCAA Women’s Frozen Four, Erie; and the NCAA Men’s Frozen Four, Pittsburgh.
“To see that our members helped generate more than $236 million in economic impact in 2021 is impressive but it’s really not painting a complete picture of the tremendous positive impact that sports tourism has in Pennsylvania,” said Jeanneret. “There are countless other sporting events and competitions taking place in the Commonwealth every year that aren’t connected to our members. It’s not hard to estimate that the impact of sports tourism in the entire state is $500-$600 million, or more, annually.”
To further encourage the growth of sports tourism in the state, PA Sports supports a grant program for its members. In the two years that the program has been in operation, $47,500 in total grants have been awarded and 21 events were supported. This resulted in total attendance of more than 76,000 and generated more than 23,500 room nights, resulting in an economic impact of $18.7 million.
“PA Sports offers its members numerous ways to increase the impact that they have in their communities, especially
as we continue to recover from the initial restrictions brought on by the pandemic,” Jeanneret said. “Sports tourism has been a major contributor in the recovery and Pennsylvania needs to be aggressive in its approach to attract events. PA Sports is positioned to lead the way.”
Let your games begin at sportsinpa.com
Scan to discover more of what Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
“Our partnership with the Butler County Sports Commission/Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau was instrumental to our successful hosting of the PDGA Pro Disc Golf World Championships. BCTCB helped us win the bid, line up the host hotel and other player accommodations, as well as connecting us with local sponsors and venues.”
— J. Gary Dropcho and Chas Ford, PDGA Pro Disc Golf
Located in Western Pennsylvania, Butler County offers a glimpse of small-town life, yet is close to major cities. Located only 25 miles from Pittsburgh, 325 miles from Philadelphia and 380 miles from New York City, Butler County is in the middle of everything.
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Explore the nearly 16,800-acre, Moraine State Park where there is a multitude of trails for every outdoor activity, including biking, snowmobiling, hiking, fishing and swimming.
▶ The Butler County Beer Circuit is a listing of the unique breweries within the area. You will find brewpubs that create handcrafted beverages.
The UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex is the primary practice and training facility for the Pittsburgh Penguins, as well as a comprehensive outpatient facility for UPMC Sports Medicine. A premier tournament destination, this firstof-its-kind facility in the Pittsburgh region is a true partnership between two world-class organizations and features 185,000 square feet of total space dedicated to treating and training.
Baseball, Softball, Football, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Lacrosse,
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.
Pickleball, Football, Baseball, LaCrosse, Fitness,
UPMC Passavant Sportsplex at Graham Park is a large community park complete with athletic fields for soccer, lacrosse, baseball and football. It features Miracle League Field, Out-of-the-Park playground, Dek Hockey Rink and SportCourts (bocce, horseshoes, pickleball, tennis and basketball).
Perry Latimer
724-234-4619
perry@visitbutlercounty.com visitbutlercounty.com
In central proximity to Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C., the Brandywine Valley is an ideal location for Mid-Atlantic sporting events, easily accessible from the Philadelphia International Airport and I-95. Discover sprawling field complexes, premier facilities, and vibrant towns with team-friendly dining and downtime attractions. Pair the right facilities and accommodations of nearly 4,000 rooms with surrounding entertainment to create the perfect play for your event – save the Hail Mary for the game. Indoors, outdoors, or on ice, Chester County can accommodate even the most unconventional sporting events, from mud runs and lantern festivals to curling championships and equestrian competitions.
Enjoy complete event services that make your planning as breezy as our beautiful countryside.
Scan to discover more of what Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
“I will always remember the 2020-21 hockey season as the most difficult in the history of the EHL. I connected with Travis, Ice Line, and the staff at the Sheraton Great Valley. I can say with certainty that if it wasn’t for the extra assistance they provided, we would not have been able to successfully crown our champions.”
— Neil Ravin, Director of Communications at Eastern Hockey League
West of Philadelphia, beautiful Chester County features plenty of attractions and activities which will appeal to any group. Visitors can escape to the rolling hills and charming villages of Chester County’s Brandywine Valley, stroll through the beautiful chateaus and the extraordinary landscapes of Longwood Gardens, and browse timeless art at museums and attractions throughout the region.
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Longwood Gardens is a botanical garden that consists of over 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, United States in the Brandywine Creek Valley.
United Sports
Basketball, field hockey, flag football, gymnastics, lacrosse, pickleball, soccer, softball, volleyball
The state-of-the-art indoor facility is the region’s largest sports complex with both indoor and outdoor surfaces. It features 127,000 square feet of playing surfaces, activity centers and more to provide the ultimate sports and recreation experience in Downingtown. United Sports also offers 60 acres of outdoor fields and 11 premier fields adjacent to the indoor complex with synthetic field turf.
Ice hockey, figure skating, ice skating
The rush to goal starts on one of four NHLregulation ice surfaces at Ice Line Quad Rinks in West Chester, each with seating capacity of 500. Take pride presenting your event at this state-of-the-art facility, from ice skating, figure skating or hockey.
Football, track and field, basketball, volleyball, baseball, soccer, rugby, field hockey, lacrosse, swimming
West Chester University utilizes nine topnotch facilities for its 24 intercollegiate athletic programs. From state-of-the-art upgrades to the school’s football field, John A. Farrell Stadium which doubles as home to the men›s and women›s outdoor track & field squads, to the traditional surroundings of Hollinger Field House nestled in the hub of North Campus, West Chester has played host to NCAA championship events, regional finals and conference titles.
Travis Geiser 484-840-7216
travis@brandywinevalley.com www.brandywinevalley.com/ sports-commissions/
Scan to discover more of what the Erie Sports Commission offers sports planners at SportsPlanning Guide.com
“It was an absolute pleasure working with the Erie Sports Commission for our Men’s and Women’s National Club Basketball Association Championships in 2022. The teams and staff loved the venues and Erie’s hospitality.”
— Christian Smith, Vice President of Basketball Operations, National Club Basketball Association
Sports play a vital role in the community of Erie, Pennsylvania, and the region has developed a strong reputation as a premier destination for athletes and sports groups. With a supportive local staff ready to assist in planning events for a wide range of sports, Erie is a sporting destination not to be missed.
▶ What trip to Erie is complete without a visit to the city’s namesake? Head to the shores of Lake Erie and take in the natural beauty at Presque Isle State Park
▶ Get your adrenaline pumping at Waldameer Park & Water World. Ravine Flyer II is one of the best wooden roller coasters in the world.
Soccer, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball
Erie’s home for sports and family fun, the Erie Sports Center is equipped to host sports events of all shapes and sizes. Encompassing 10 outdoor grass fields, four indoor hardwood basketball courts, a brand-new FIFA-accredited turf inside a four-season dome, a new sand arena and a rejuvenated family fun center, the facility has the surfaces and space to host your tournament. A wide variety of events have been successful at the venue, including events hosted by Lax Bash Tournaments, USA Ultimate, USA Dodgeball, and regional rugby and soccer tournaments. More than 1,500 hotel rooms are located within three miles of the facility.
Ice hockey, broomball, figure skating
ERIEBANK Sports Park boasts the region’s only twin-pad ice arena. The indoor facility is located in the heart of Erie’s shopping and entertainment district, conveniently located along Interstate 90.
A $9.1 million renovation in 2018 introduced two NHL-size ice rinks, 10 locker rooms and a premier sports fitness and training center. TCS Hockey and Lake Effect Hockey have hosted successful events at the facility, as well as the Mid-Atlantic Broomball Tournament held each fall.
The Bayfront Convention Center, with 28,000 square-feet of column-free space and a 23-foothigh ceiling, is the perfect fit for events ranging from gymnastics to cheerleading, and even 8-ball tournaments.
Ben Huggler 814-572-5364 ben@eriesports.com www.eriesportscommission.com
Scan to discover more of what Happy Valley Adventure Bureau offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
Regardless of whether you are a Penn State fan, Happy Valley and Central Pennsylvania are perfect for group travel. From top-flight baseball at Medlar Field to a host of historic towns, art trails and exhibits, Happy Valley has something for everyone. Groups can indulge in a variety of local breweries, distilleries, wineries and cideries along with unique shops, fine dining and cafes and much more.
Penn State University is home to a variety of great facilities including Beaver Stadium, home to the football team. This legendary stadium has a capacity of 106,572 and is the secondlargest stadium in the nation.
This locally owned and operated indoor sports facility offers recreational and competitive sports activities including skills training, leagues and speed and agility classes. It can also host teambuilding events, meetings and charity/awards dinners. The facility offers six basketball courts, and also can host volleyball, soccer and lacrosse.
Minutes away from Penn State, this indoor complex can host tournaments, camps, sports clinics and games and attracts state-wide events. C3 offers up to 38,000 square feet of available space across the gymnasium and the Dome. The space can be transformed into the perfect place to host wrestling meets, field hockey or futsol. The hard court options can
be transformed into six basketball courts, nine volleyball courts or 12 pickleball courts.
Oak Hall Regional Park is a beautiful, 68-acre park located in the shadow of Mount Nittany near Boalsburg. Oak Hall Regional Park is home to four multi-purpose softball diamonds, a concession stand, walking path, and restroom facilities. Today, the Complex continues to be home to various recreational activities, including the popular Adult and Youth Flag Football Program, local softball leagues, as well as local and regional softball tournaments for both youth and adults.
Dave Gerdes 1-814-231-9684
daveg@happyvalley.com www.happyvalley.com
WITH DOZENS OF SPORTS TOURNAMENTS SUCCESSFULLY PLANNED AND EXECUTED EACH YEAR, HERSHEY HARRISBURG IS QUICKLY SOARING TO THE TOP OF THE SPORTS WORLD
Scan to discover more of what Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
Hershey Harrisburg is the perfect place for sweet family fun. Harrisburg is the capital city with a small-town feel. And with excellent venues like GIANT Center SM and Hersheypark® Stadium, Hershey Harrisburg is the perfect place to host your next sporting event.
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Hersheypark® is home to more than 70 rides and attractions including 15 roller coasters, and a waterpark.
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One of the region’s most visited attraction is Hershey’s Chocolate World, where you can create your own candy bar and take a simulated tour of the chocolate factory.
Archery, basketball, fencing, martial arts, volleyball, equestrian, wrestling, cheer
Each year, the multi-purpose Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center hosts a variety of exciting sports events, highlighted by the USJN Hershey Showcase and four Keystone Regional Volleyball Association events. The USJN Hershey Showcase is a four-day girls basketball event drawing more than 200 teams to compete on 20 courts, while the KRVA events each use up to 29 courts for both boys and girls tournaments.
Basketball, cheer, ice sports, wrestling
GIANT Center SM is the regular venue for the Hershey Bears® AHL hockey team. This stateof-the-art, 10,500-seat arena hosts ice shows, concerts, state high school championships (wrestling, competitive cheer and basketball), graduations, and more. The U.S. Figure Skating
Eastern Sectional Synchronized Skating Championships have been held here on several occasions. Fans have enjoyed musical acts ranging from Carrie Underwood to Van Halen.
Hersheypark® Stadium is the most prominent outdoor stadium between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, hosting events such as the Big 33 Football Classic, state high school championships, band competitions and more. Opened in 1939, the stadium has a stateof-the-art synthetic turf system with spectator seating for 16,000.
Danielle Vincenti, STS 717-658-8390
danielle@hhsportsandevents.com www.hhsportsandevents.com
The sports scene in Johnstown is flourishing and continuing to grow on a daily basis. It has brought visitors from near and far who enjoy its quality venues and friendly event staff. The ideal sports destination encompasses a host of activities: cultural, historic, recreational and scenic. In Greater Johnstown and Cambria County, you will find all of this, and more.
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The Johnstown Inclined Plane is an almost 900-foot funicular which is the world’s steepest vehicular inclined plane.
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The Johnstown Flood Museum/ Flood National Museum commemorates the 2,209 victims of the Johnstown Flood of May 31, 1889.
Hockey, Basketball, Cheerleading, Skating, Wrestling,
As one of the premier sports facilities in Cambria County, the 1st Summit Arena has become a go-to for sports planners looking for top quality amenities and event planning assistance. This 4,000-seat arena has hosted tournaments, games, concerts and more. Home to both a local junior and university hockey team, 1st Summit Arena caters to both players and fans, offering plenty of parking options, concessions, restrooms and player facilities. Helpful staff are available to assist with event planning.
For a fabulous baseball facility located in downtown Johnstown, pay a visit to Sargent’s Stadium at the Point. Named for its position at the confluence of the three rivers, the park
Scan to discover more of what Visit Johnstown offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
“PA Junior Wrestling has held our Jr. High State Championship Tournament in Johnstown for the past several years and we’ve been treated very well. Visit Johnstown, the city, hotels and restaurants have gone out of their way to make the wrestlers and their families feel welcome.”
is scenic, practical and fully turfed. It is home to the annual All American Amateur Baseball Association national tournament and is also used for local high school football games.
The Allegheny Mountains are a picturesque backdrop within Cambria County, so why not get out and enjoy the views from above on the back of a bike? There are more than 140 miles of trails within the Rock Run Recreation Area just waiting to be explored, and the area has become a popular weekend getaway for ATV, dirt bike, OHV and side-by-side enthusiasts!
Nicole Waligora 814-536-7993
nicolew@visitjohnstownpa.com www.visitjohnstownpa.com
Scan to discover more of what Discover Lehigh Valley offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
“East Coast Volleyball has been fortunate and thankful to be working with an organization dedicated to supporting, growing and promoting our Annual East Coast Volleyball Events in the Lehigh Valley. Discover Lehigh Valley Sports is dedicated to the Sports Travel Tourism Industry.”
— Chris Ho, President East Coast Volleyball
Lehigh Valley brings together the power of three cities: Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. With the amenities of three destinations rolled into one, sports organizers have everything they need right at their fingertips. Coaches, athletes and their fans will enjoy the competition at elite sports venues, as well as all the wonderful attractions off the field.
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The Crayola Experience, located in Easton, immerses guests in a colorful world where they can draw, paint and create with the latest products. There are four floors to explore, with hands-on and interactive attractions that will keep families and their kids entertained all day long.
The Lehigh County Sports Fields are a firstclass sports complex. It hosts several local and national tournaments, drawing teams from the Mid-Atlantic and Eastern states. The venue features 12+ playing areas, three of which are equipped with lights.
Hockey, figure skating, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, indoor racing, indoor football
Located in downtown Allentown, PPL Center is a state-of-the-art arena. It’s home to the Phantoms, an AHL affiliate of the NHL Philadelphia Flyers. The venue also plays host to regional events from hockey leagues and figure skating competitions to numerous NCAA championship events. The arena features on-site food, parking and seating for 8,500 for hockey games.
Wrestling,
Situated on the Lehigh University campus, Stabler Arena is home to the men’s and women’s basketball programs, as well as the university wrestling team.
Soccer, lacrosse, track & field, Ultimate Frisbee, cross
This venue has a scenic view of South Mountain, and has been deemed as having the “Best Game Day Atmosphere in the Patriot League.” It has seating for 16,000 people.
Maizee Freeman, Manager, Tourism Development 218-536-0418
maizee@discoverlehighvalley.com www.discoverlehighvalley.com/sports
Scan to discover more of what Visit Luzerne County offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
The 40th Keystone State Games Festival of Sports and Pennsylvania Senior Games took place throughout Luzerne County in July of 2022. The games are PA’s largest annually held multi-sport competitions providing Pennsylvania’s amateur athletes an opportunity to compete against athletes from throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.
▶ Montage Mountain Waterpark and Ski Resort in Scranton provides top-notch skiing in the winter and water-filled fun in the summer, with a wave pool, lazy river and countless exhilarating slides.
Basketball, boxing, bowling, rodeo, table tennis, lacrosse
With a convenient location right off of Highway Interstate I-81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Mohegan Sun Arena is an 8,050-seat multi-purpose venue that is consistently ranked amongst the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine. Previously home to NCAA Division I and professional basketball tournaments and games, the arena also has 30,000 available square feet of indoor meeting space and over 245,000 square feet of outdoor meeting space.
Hockey, curling, figure skating
Serving as the official practice facility for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins hockey team, Toyota SportsPlex is Luzerne County’s go-to complex for winter sports. The facility offers programming for adult and youth teams
of all ages and skill levels. The figure skating program features coaches who were all once competitive skaters, and the facility’s camps and clinics offer instruction from current and former professional players.
Drifton Softball Complex in Freeland is a onestop shop for all things baseball and softball. Located off of Highway Interstate I-81, Drifton offers elite baseball and softball training, lessons, cage rentals and more. Consisting of four lighted outdoor fields, the facility has a capacity of 1,000 seats.
Alan Stout, Executive Director 570-819-1877
Alan.Stout@luzernecounty.org www.visitluzernecounty.com
Scan to discover more of what VM Sports offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
“Terrain Race is a national obstacle course race that is grounded by community ties and involvement. Amy Capcara and her team at VM Sports have been shining stars for their local community and an absolute joy to work with. We look forward to a long lasting relationship with VM Sports because of the excellent service.”
— Justin Muir, Business Development Manager CoolEvent Inc.
All American Fieldhouse
Looking for a place to hold your next tournament? Look no further than Monroeville, Pennsylvania. Monroeville provides quick and easy access to many facilities throughout the Pittsburgh area as well as great dining and shopping. Its region hosts youth sports tournaments and activities throughout the year, so its hotels are ready to accommodate your group.
▶ Kennywood Amusement Park is America’s Finest Traditional Amusement Park, and a top destination for family-friendly fun.
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Full Throttle Adrenaline Park is a great place to get your adrenaline pumping as it features go karting, virtual reality and axe throwing.
Monroeville Convention and Events Center is a private suburban convention and event center in Western PA. The center features more than 100,000 square feet of event space, four breakout rooms and an office (totaling 12,000 square feet), 400 10 x 10 booths or 500 8 x 10 booths, a North Hall (45,000 square feet of exhibit space) and South Hall (35,000 square feet of carpeted space).
Recent park-wide renovations have made the Monroeville Community Park West a delightful family-friendly retreat. It features one 198 x 240 open field, four lit youth-sized baseball fields with newly turfed infields, 14 soccer fields, 3.2 miles of trails, one 49 x 81’ basketball court with
10-foot hoops, six 20 x 44 ‘ pickleball courts, two 35 x 78 ‘ tennis courts, two 52 x 77’ volleyball courts, five pavilions to accommodate up to 850 guests, an amphitheater and 625 parking spaces and 52 handicapped spaces.
All American Field House houses more than 170,000 square feet featuring soccer fields, multipurpose fields, baseball infields, fullsized basketball courts, batting cages and a weight room.
Amy Capcara 412-418-1519
amycapcara@visitmonroeville.com visitmonroeville.com/vm-sports
Scan to discover more of what PHL Sports offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
Amazing getaways come easy in Greater Philadelphia, which has been described as a “historical heavyweight.” The sixth-largest city in the country with a population of more than 1.5 million, Philadelphia is also one of the oldest cities in the country. This city is a popular destination for history lovers and those seeking a wide variety of entertainment options.
▶ Visit Independence Hall and tour this UNESCO World Heritage Site where America’s Founders signed the Declaration of Independence and the Liberty Bell.
▶ Strike a pose in front of the iconic Love sculpture, located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Home to the Philadelphia Eagles and the Temple Owls, the Linc seats 69,594 and is widely regarded as one of the finest stadiums in the country. The stadium will host the 2023 & 2024 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships, WrestleMania in 2024 and the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
This multipurpose indoor arena is home to the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers and the NBA’s 76ers. In the years ahead, the arena will also host WrestleMania in 2024, the NCAA Wrestling Championships in 2025 and the NCAA Men’s Basketball First & Second Rounds in 2026. The arena is part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which also includes Xfinity Live!, an indoor-outdoor dining and entertainment venue located next door.
This soccer-specific stadium located just outside Philadelphia is the home stadium of Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union. This 18,500-capacity stadium has played host to the MLS All-Star Game, a number of US Women’s National Soccer Team matches, international friendlies, elite rugby competitions, NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Quarterfinals and much more.
Brea Webster Stanko 215-363-3319 brea@discoverphl.com PHLSports.com
UPCOMING HOST TO THE FIFA WORLD CUP, MLB ALL-STAR GAME, WRESTLEMANIA & SO MUCH MORE — PHILADELPHIA IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREAT SPORTS DESTINATIONSLincoln Financial Field Wells Fargo Center
Scan to discover more of what SportsPITTSBURGH offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
“Pittsburgh has such a cool downtown with great sports venues - it is the perfect spot for hosting events. I have covered many great sports moments in Pittsburgh. The fans and city make every event there feel big and special.”
Clearly, Pittsburgh is home to one of the greatest franchises in the NFL: the Pittsburgh Steelers as well as other great professional sports teams in the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL and the Pittsburgh Pirates of the MLB. What you may not realize is Pittsburgh is also home to a variety of activities and attractions that stretch beyond professional sports.
The Andy Warhol Museum, a sevenstory Only in Pittsburgh attraction that tells the story of the legendary pop artist.
Enjoy a ride on the Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines. No trip to Pittsburgh is complete without a photo at the top of Mt. Washington following a ride on the inclines.
The LEED Platinum Certified David L. Lawrence Convention Center features four floors with 53 meeting rooms, the Spirit of Pittsburgh Ballroom, an additional meeting space and the brand new Rooftop Terrace, a breathtaking outdoor gathering spot.. The convention center has previously hosted the USA Karate National Championships and Team Trials, offering amenities such as 700 indoor parking spaces, catering and concessions, wheelchair accessibility and special equipment rental.
Basketball, hockey, figure skating, wrestling, volleyball
Home to the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, PPG Paints Arena boasts the most comfortable seating arrangement in the NHL, with seats up to 24 inches wide and an accompanying increase in leg room. As a leading entertainment venue, PPG Paints Arena is the regional epicenter for athletic events,
concerts and family shows. Hosting more than 150 events per year, the arena’s state-of-the-art design attracts national collegiate tournaments.
This 5,000-seat soccer-specific stadium in Pittsburgh’s Station Square is home to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC of the USL Championship. The stadium’s FIFA-certified synthetic turf is available for hourly and full-day rentals for sporting, entertainment and private events. The venue’s suite and banquet facilities can also be customized to cater for corporate entertaining and fundraising events.
Holly Perella 412-325-0292
holly.perella@sportspittsburgh.com www.sportspittsburgh.com
Scan to discover more of what Valley Forge Sports offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
“Gaining access to premier facilities can be difficult, but the Valley Forge Sports team made the process easy.”
— Key Moore, PA Swag/East Coast Nationals 7v7
A world of adventures rich in history awaits you in Valley Forge. Located 18 miles from downtown Philadelphia this region is home to not only must-see historical sites but also tons of family attractions, a vibrant arts scene, shopping malls, golf, outdoor activities, and so much more.
▶ Tour the grounds where George Washington and the Continental endured a harsh winter between 1777-78 at the Valley Forge National Historical Park.
▶ Shoppers will find all their gifts at the King of Prussia Mall. This 2.9 millionsquare-foot mall is America’s largest shopping center, housing over 450 stores, luxury boutiques and various dining options.
The Proving Grounds houses Villanova University’s premier hockey stadium and boasts more than 80 acres of outdoor space to host your event. This multi-purpose facility accommodates a variety of sports tournaments including baseball and football tournaments and leagues. The 10,000-square-foot indoor turf facility is equipped with netting, a scoreboard and movable batting tunnels.
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks
Basketball, billiards, futsal, martial arts, weightlifting, wrestling
The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center has seen many national sports tournaments, such as USA Weightlifting’s Junior National Championships. Known as one of the East’s largest indoor sports complexes, the center
boasts about 240,000 square-feet of singlefloor exhibition space.
Competitive Edge Sports Basketball, futsal, volleyball
Founded in 2010, Competitive Edge Sports is dedicated to providing top-class indoor programs and events. This venue hosts a multitude of basketball tournaments at the junior high and high school levels annually. Competitive Edge’s 6,000 square feet of open space, five maple hardwood courts, energy efficient lighting and electronic scoreboards make it one of the most popular basketball facilities in the mid-Atlantic.
Jon Scheuren, Director of Sports 610-834-7996
scheuren@valleyforge.org www.valleyforgesports.org
Scan to discover more of what Sport York offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com
Considered a top sports area in Pennsylvania, York is brimming with first-class facilities, a range of attractions, comfortable lodging options and an athletic spirit that rivals many big cities.
When you host a sports event in York, PA, you can expect the very best from the event services team, the venues and the county.
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Home of family-friendly, safe, fun and affordable entertainment, the York Revolution is a professional baseball team and member of the North Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.
▶ At Keystone Kidspace, kids can have fun with exciting and everchanging experiences.
With indoor and outdoor facilities, the 120acre York Expo Center offers versatile space that allows it to serve a wide range of sports events. The venue consists of the 74,000-squarefoot Utz Arena with a capacity of 5,500; the 58,000-square-foot Memorial Hall with a capacity of 4,000; and the 10,000-capacity Grandstand. It has hosted events like the Tyrant Wrestling’s Columbus Day Duals and the USA Wrestling Cadet Duals.
A multi-sport venue, Memorial Park Softball Complex has hosted several events for USA Softball, the Pennsylvania State Championships, and USA Softball Eastern Nationals. The 72-acre
park features an eight-field softball complex, which includes Hoffman Stadium. Four of the fields are lighted. The facility also has four sand volleyball courts, batting cages and a skate park.
Manchester Township is home to a variety of great parks including the 106-acre Cousler Park, which features four baseball and softball fields, six soccer fields, playground structures, tennis and basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, three pavilions and a pond.
Rasheeda Martin 717-852-9674 x114 rasheeda@yorkpa.org www.yorkpa.org/sports
