Another Path to Success

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.
 

Robert Frost’s poem, originally published more than a century ago, still resonates, and not just to the hiker or wanderer. Sports event owners who venture into different territory often see their tournaments gaining new energy and attracting different registrants. They can also find new partnerships with sports commissions, CVBs and others who are ready, willing and able to take their events to the next level.
 

Across the country, cities have added to their inventories of venues, improved upon existing facilities and partnered with colleges and universities to gain new leverage in an increasingly competitive market. It’s a great time to be branching out. The following destinations are ready to roll out the proverbial red carpet. Here’s an armchair tour.
 

Arizona: Casa Grande

Casa Grande is located within an hour’s drive from the Phoenix area to the north and the Tucson area to the south. It is the perfect, central spot to stay and play and enjoy the many unique attractions, venues and scenic vistas throughout Pinal County. This growing city is innovative, progressive and home to more than 60,000 full-time residents. 
 

The colorful 145-year history and pioneer spirit that shaped Casa Grande still exists today in the friendliness and small town appeal one experiences, whether here for a day or decades. Many visitors take advantage of the easy-to-navigate traffic, no-snow guarantee and plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoor winter wonderland that awaits them. 
 

Visitors can kick off the day with a walk or hike at Casa Grande Mountain, which has more than 17 miles of established and marked trails. The City of Casa Grande is home to 19 parks, 17 miles of trails and many sports fields and open spaces. 
 

Newcomers will also enjoy the fantastic winter weather, especially to hike, play pickleball, skateboard or meet friends to get those all-important steps in. The parks provide the community with access to a number of year-round outdoor recreational opportunities.
 

Arizona: Mesa

Arizona Athletic Grounds is transforming the tournament experience by building amenities that keep athletes performing at their peak and families engaged all weekend long. Spanning 275 acres, this multi-sport complex goes beyond championship-caliber fields and courts to create a complete sports village atmosphere.
 

Recovery and performance are priorities. Athletes access onsite training tables, dedicated cool-down zones and expert support services that help them stay game-ready between matches. When hunger hits, families find diverse dining options right on campus,  from quick bites to sit-down restaurants, eliminating the scramble for meals during tight tournament schedules.
 

Entertainment spaces give younger siblings and downtime moments real purpose. Arcade-style zones, interactive play areas and shaded outdoor gathering spots mean no one’s stuck waiting in a parking lot. Parents will appreciate the walkable layout and relaxed atmosphere that turns tournament weekends into manageable, even enjoyable, family experiences.
 

Integrated amenities help reduce tournament-day stress. When athletes, families and staff can eat, recover and recharge without leaving the venue, everyone stays focused on what matters: competition and community.
 

Mesa’s Arizona Athletic Grounds proves that world-class tournaments deserve world-class hospitality.
 

Arizona: Tucson

Tucson is more than just a great place to visit. It’s an unbeatable destination for sports events and tournaments. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Tucson offers the perfect weather for outdoor competitions and activities. Whether rights holders are planning a large-scale tournament or a more intimate sporting event, Tucson has the facilities, accommodations and attractions to ensure success.
 

One of the key features of Tucson is its pro-level venues like the Kino Sports Complex, which boasts high-quality fields and amenities for a wide range of sports, including baseball, soccer and football. These venues, paired with top-tier services, make Tucson an excellent choice for teams and athletes looking to compete in world-class conditions.
 

Beyond the sports venues, Tucson offers a wide array of destination amenities that will elevate the event experience. From luxury resorts and spas to delicious dining options and outdoor adventures like hiking in the beautiful Sonoran Desert, the city is designed to entertain and relax participants and spectators alike. 
 

With its unbeatable combination of premier sports facilities, sunny weather and a vibrant city atmosphere, Tucson is ready to take any event to the next level. Discover everything Tucson has to offer at Visit Tucson Sports, www.visittucson.org/sports. 
 

Idaho: Eastern Idaho

Eastern Idaho is emerging as a premier sports destination, combining world-class facilities with unparalleled outdoor recreation and small town hospitality.
 

At the heart of this growth is Idaho Falls’ Mountain America Center, a state-of-the-art 283,000-square-foot facility featuring competition and practice courts, an aquatics center and flexible event space capable of hosting regional and national tournaments year-round.
 

The region’s accessibility is unmatched, with Idaho Falls Regional Airport offering convenient connections and Interstate 15 providing easy access for teams traveling throughout the Mountain West.
 

Eastern Idaho’s affordable accommodations and dining options make it budget-friendly for traveling families, while the area’s proximity to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks offers unforgettable experiences between competitions.
 

Beyond basketball and volleyball, the region excels in hosting swimming championships, wrestling tournaments and emerging sports like pickleball. Local communities, including Rexburg, Pocatello and Blackfoot, offer additional venues and authentic Western hospitality that keeps teams returning season after season.
 

With 300 days of sunshine annually, stunning mountain backdrops and a growing reputation for exceptional event execution, Eastern Idaho delivers the complete package: competitive facilities, natural beauty and memorable experiences that extend far beyond the playing surface. Discover why event organizers are choosing Eastern Idaho for their next championship.
 

Illinois: Champaign-Urbana 

Home of the University of Illinois, a Big Ten powerhouse, Champaign-Urbana offers seamless access between Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. Its major sports facilities attract hundreds of thousands of athletes and fans each year. 
 

The Rantoul Family Sports Complex, host to the US Quadball national qualifiers, is located just north of Champaign-Urbana. Drawing hundreds of teams each weekend, this state-of-the-art facility features eight multi-purpose turf fields for soccer, football, quadball and lacrosse, alongside eight turf baseball/softball fields and two tee-ball/challenger fields. Prefer sports on wheels? Rantoul’s B-52 Hangar MX is an award-winning, 218,000-square-foot indoor amateur motocross facility.
 

Champaign-Urbana is also a pioneer in adaptive athletics. Home to the US Olympic and Paralympic National Training Site for Wheelchair Track, the University of Illinois was the first college in the U.S. to form men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams. 
 

Campus facilities, including the 27,000- square-foot, 16,000-capacity State Farm Center, have hosted the National Wheelchair Basketball Championships and the Special Olympics Unified Basketball Championships.
 

For those post-game celebrations or breaks between matches, Champaign-Urbana offers plenty of group-friendly restaurants, family-friendly activities, boutique shopping and outdoor adventures, all backed by that brilliant Midwestern warmth and hospitality.
 

Visit experiencecu.org/sports to learn more.
 

Illinois: Effingham

Located in Central Illinois, where Interstate 57 meets Interstate 70, Effingham offers the perfect centralized location to meet and play with others. With its state-of-the-art facilities, 17 hotels, 65 restaurants and numerous attractions, Effingham stands ready to help plan any sporting event. 
 

Whether event owners need a venue to facilitate the tournament, a host hotel to accommodate teams and fans or even recommendations on the best places to dine, explore or play, Visit Effingham is available to connect visitors with the right resources to ensure their event is a success.
 

Effingham boasts a variety of options for athletes and their families. For example, the Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex provides several avenues for recreation, including a 15,500-square-foot maple hardwood court, an indoor track, an aquatic center and a fitness center. Effingham also offers plenty of other options for sporting events, including several parks run by the Effingham Park District, with lighted softball and baseball diamonds, tennis courts, soccer fields, disc golf courses and cross-country courses.
 

Visit Effingham can also assist event owners and rights holders with site selection, grant opportunities, media assistance, souvenirs and visitor information. Reach out today to plan an event in Effingham.
 

Executive Director, Jodi Thoele: 
jthoele@effinghamil.com, 217-342-5305, www.visiteffinghamil.com.
 

Illinois and Iowa: Quad Cities

The Quad Cities is a bi-state regional destination along the Mississippi River between Iowa and Illinois. Conveniently located within a six-hour drive of 37 million people and served by an airport offering 11 direct flights to cities across the country, the region provides easy access for teams, families and fans alike. 
 

Its pedestrian-friendly downtowns, scenic riverfronts and world-class facilities make it an ideal destination for tournaments, championships and multi-sport events of all sizes. Sports QC Powered by Visit Quad Cities, the region’s dedicated sports commission, connects event organizers with local venues, accommodations and resources, ensuring seamless experiences for athletes and fans. 
 

Sports QC’s network encompasses more than 150 facilities across the Quad Cities. The Mississippi River provides unique opportunities for water-based competition and recreation. Top sports facilities include the TBK Bank Sports Complex, Vibrant Arena at THE MARK, Modern Woodmen Park, TPC Deere Run, RiverCenter, QC Tennis Club and Beyond the Baseline. Three colleges also house a wide variety of sports facilities capable of supporting numerous athletic events.
 

With ongoing investments in facilities, year-round programming and a community passionate about sports, the Quad Cities is quickly positioning itself as the Midwest destination where athletes, families and fans can compete, connect and celebrate the game.
 

Missouri: Cape Girardeau

Cape Girardeau is the destination that brings communities together and keeps teams coming back year after year. From indoor tournaments that fill the courts with energy to outdoor competitions framed by riverfront charm, the city offers a versatile and welcoming setting for athletes and families alike. 
 

Event planners consistently find that the Cape’s easy access, inviting atmosphere and strong local support make hosting there feel seamless from start to finish. A wide range of facilities can meet the demands of everything from basketball showcases to large-scale soccer, baseball and softball events.
 

 The Cape Girardeau SportsPlex anchors much of that activity with its expansive indoor turf fields and multiple hardwood courts. Surrounding parks and recreation offer up fields, trails and open spaces that create a complete, family-friendly tournament experience.
 

The Shawnee Park Sports Complex is poised to become an even stronger outdoor anchor for tournaments in the region. With planned enhancements including additional youth baseball and softball fields and upgrades to current fields, the complex will soon offer expanded capacity and refreshed playing surfaces. 
 

These improvements will give planners greater flexibility for multi-day schedules and larger brackets, all while preserving the welcoming, community-driven feel that makes Shawnee such a natural fit for visiting teams.  
 

Montana: Kalispell  

The hub of northwest Montana and the heart of the Flathead Valley, Kalispell is a premier destination for sporting events. A mountain town, Kalispell lives and breathes sports, from soccer to baseball, rock climbing to trail running and everything in between.  
 

The Kidsports Complex, located at the north end of town, has 30 different playing surfaces and can accommodate baseball, softball, soccer, football, lacrosse and track & field. It also has an adaptive field for players with disabilities. All in all, the facility can host 7,000 people, including participants, coaches and spectators. 
 

Glacier Bank Park, which is home to the Glacier Range Riders, opened in 2022 and is a gorgeous venue for baseball, as well as a great location for hosting special events or receptions. Additional venues include two nearby ski areas, indoor and outdoor equestrian arenas, soccer fields and pickleball courts.  
 

Beyond Kalispell’s sports facilities, there is plenty to see, do and experience. Visitors can kayak to the biggest island on Flathead Lake with Sea Me Paddle, visit Glacier National Park on a private red bus tour or hike at Lone Pine State Park and take in the sweeping views of the Flathead Valley.
 

Montana: Missoula 

Missoula, Montana’s mountain setting lends itself to all kinds of play, and by combining top-tier facilities with the beautiful landscape that inspires an adventurous spirit in those who call this place home, it’s the ideal choice for sporting events of all sizes. Home to the University of Montana, the city has a sports culture that runs deep. Washington-Grizzly Stadium regularly draws thousands of passionate fans. 
 

Fort Missoula Regional Park is home to the city’s premier recreation infrastructure. This 156-acre, state-of-the-art complex features seven softball diamonds, 11 multi-use grass fields, a synthetic turf field, a rugby pitch, 22 pickleball courts, eight tennis courts and ample open space for flexible programming. Designed for both competitive play and casual fun, the park also offers modern amenities, accessible pathways and easy bike and pedestrian connections via the South Reserve Street bridge. 
 

Missoula’s sports offerings extend year-round, supported by exceptional facilities that host everything from baseball and hockey to curling and roller derby. The city’s compact layout, easily accessible public transit and diverse lodging options make logistics simple, while its outdoor recreation and vibrant downtown create an exceptional experience for athletes, coaches and families both on and off the field. 
 

Learn more about Missoula: www.destinationmissoula.org/sports
 

Nevada: Reno Tahoe

From mid-sized sports facilities to 600,000-square-foot spaces, Reno Tahoe’s recreation venues can accommodate any sports event. Facilities are convenient to hotels and the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, and are accessible via rideshare, taxis and buses.
 

Reno Tahoe has been home to events like the 2025 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships, USA Karate National Championships and Team Trials, USA Volleyball Boy’s Junior National Championship and National Collegiate Volleyball Championships, as well as USA Gymnastics Men’s Junior Olympic Nationals and others.
 

Outdoor sports are also right at home. Golden Eagle Regional Park is a state-of-the-art sports complex that has adult and youth softball and baseball fields, four stadium-size football/soccer fields, multi-purpose fields and more. Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is a 580-acre park conveniently located just minutes from downtown Reno that offers an ideal setting for a variety of events. 
 

These facilities have successfully hosted events like the Triple Crown Sports Softball World Series, USA Track & Field Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships, USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross Nationals and more.
 

The team at Reno Tahoe can help find the right space for any event to score big in The Biggest Little City.
 

North Carolina: Cabarrus County

Situated along Interstate 85, Cabarrus County, North Carolina is just 30 minutes from Charlotte and offers versatile, top-of-the-line venues for competitions of all kinds. The destination’s convenient location provides easy access to CLT Airport, Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, I-77, I-40 and Amtrak in Kannapolis.
 

In addition to Charlotte Motor Speedway, Cabarrus County is home to another notable track: The Jay M. Robinson MONDO Track & Field Facility in Concord, featuring a state-of-the-art MONDOTRACK with LED video display. Also in Concord, the scenic 238-acre Frank Liske Park offers a 10-acre lake, volleyball courts, six lighted pickleball courts, an 11-field soccer complex with two lighted fields, a four-field lighted softball complex and more.
 

Other venues for sporting events and tournaments include multiple turf fields with a variety of amenities as well as Cabarrus Arena & Events Center which provides 150,000 square feet of event space.
 

The dynamic experience in Cabarrus County continues after the competition ends. Within minutes of the area’s outstanding sports venues are more than 3,000 hotel rooms with amenities and price points for every budget, including indoor water park resort Great Wolf Lodge, all alongside unique local dining, outlet and boutique shopping and family-friendly entertainment.
 

To learn more, visit ExploreCabarrus.com/Sports. 
 

North Dakota: Jamestown

Jamestown sits in the center of North Dakota and serves as a practical hub for tournaments that draw teams from across the Upper Midwest. The community offers a tight network of venues, hotels and supporting amenities that keep events easy for owners to manage and simple for families to navigate.
 

Local facilities include indoor courts, multi-sport complexes, ice arenas and well-maintained outdoor fields for youth and adult play, seasonal leagues and traveling events, with dependable scheduling and straightforward logistics. Nearby reservoirs and river access support water-based competitions, training sessions and outdoor endurance events.
 

The city’s lodging mix gives organizers flexibility to plan for weekend tournaments, extended events and multi-day championships. Teams and officials will appreciate the shorter travel times between venues and accommodations, keeping schedules running on time and reducing overall strain.
 

Visiting families will also find a community that is comfortable to move through. Food, shopping and recreation are close to the venues and local attractions add options between games. Jamestown’s manageable scale keeps transportation simple while still offering a full event experience.
 

Event planners exploring new locations in the northern tier will see Jamestown continuing to grow its facilities, partnerships and programs, positioning itself to host future sports events.
 

South Dakota: Sioux Falls

South Dakota’s largest city is a premier destination for sports events of every level, from youth competitions to major collegiate and professional tournaments. Conveniently located in the Midwest, Sioux Falls offers elite indoor and outdoor venues supported by nearby lodging, dining, retail and standout fan experiences.
 

In 2025, the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center advanced its fan amenities, selecting Daktronics to install a new continuously curved center-hung video display and upgraded LED scorer tables, enhancing visibility for live video, replays, stats and graphics. The Summit League also extended its agreement to host its men’s and women’s basketball championships in Sioux Falls through 2029, marking 21 consecutive years since the tournament arrived in 2009.
 

Sioux Falls also hosted South Dakota’s first-ever Olympic trials, welcoming the 2025 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for men’s and women’s curling and the U.S. Paralympic Team Trials for wheelchair mixed doubles, with winners advancing to the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Games.
 

At the Sanford Sports Complex, 2025 brought major recognition as it received Experience Sioux Falls’ Visitor Industry Business Award, underscoring its role as a significant economic driver. The Complex also celebrated its 100th Division I basketball game, reinforcing its growing prominence in college athletics and Sioux Falls’ reputation as a leading sports destination.
 

Pennsylvania: Crawford County

The rolling roads of Crawford County, Pennsylvania are increasingly becoming a proving ground for endurance athletes, and two marquee events highlight this growing reputation. 
 

First, there is the gravel grinder spectacle of the Roughneck Gravel Roubaix in Titusville, Pennsylvania. Riders navigate historic oil region terrain, dirt and gravel stretches, as well as steep backwoods climbs starting from the Iron Works. Every route is imbued with local character – from oil-field roads to wooded rollers – and the event draws hundreds of cyclists who relish the challenge of fewer spectators and more rugged terrain. 
 

On the multisport side, Conneaut Lake Sprint Triathlon, organized by ALFA Endurance in Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania, offers a swim-bike-run format with region-specific appeal: a 650-yard swim, roughly 13.6-mile bike and a 3.1-mile run through scenic lakeside and countryside. It’s beginner-friendly, yet still provides a meaningful test, all set amid the laid-back character of northwestern Pennsylvania.
 

Together, these events reflect how Crawford County is embracing the endurance sport ethos, from gritty gravel rides through historic landscapes to triathlons that open the door to newcomers. The local terrain, combined with small town hospitality, gives athletes an authentic, un-commercialized experience — one where finishing is as much about grit and community as it is about placing.
 

Tennessee: Lawrenceburg

Located strategically between Nashville, Tennessee; Huntsville, Alabama and Florence, Alabama, Bobby Brewer Park in Lawrence County offers tournament organizers a uniquely accessible and well-connected venue option. Its central placement allows teams from multiple major markets to travel with ease, making it an ideal midpoint for regional competitions, youth tournaments and multi-state matchups.
 

The park provides a versatile mix of baseball, softball and soccer facilities designed to support consistent, high-quality play. Well-maintained fields, reliable lighting, organized parking areas and efficient site flow create a smooth experience for both organizers and participants. 
 

The layout accommodates a range of events, from single-day showcases to multi-division tournaments, with onsite staff who prioritize dependable operations and a welcoming environment.
 

Beyond sports, Lawrence County is home to Tennessee’s Amish Country, offering visiting families a unique cultural experience with locally made goods, scenic farmland and family-friendly activities. Lodging, dining and outdoor recreation are also easily accessible, making it simple for families to enjoy a full weekend outside of the fields.
 

With its advantageous location, capable facilities and supportive community atmosphere, Bobby Brewer Park presents a strong and reliable choice for organizations seeking new or expanded event destinations in the Southeast.
 

Tennessee: Rutherford County

Rutherford County is center stage to an unforgettable Tennessee experience for athletes, families and everyone who loves sports, history and sightseeing.
 

Located just 30 miles outside of Nashville, this vibrant Southern community is the kind of place where visitors want to stay. Event owners will find Rutherford County is home to excellent venues, including bass fishing lakes, sports fields, diamonds, gyms, golf courses, courts and stadiums, as well as the great facilities at Middle Tennessee State University.
 

In the off hours, athletes and their families can trace the path of history and explore Rutherford’s deep Southern roots. From the Civil War Trails to Klardy House and from Cannonsburgh Village to the solemn atmosphere of Confederate Circle, fascinating experiences lurk around every turn. 
 

For more lighthearted experiences, there’s GO USA Fun Park, with its go-karts, batting cages, driving range, arcade and putt-putt golf. 
 

Rutherford County also boasts more than 400 restaurants, from award-winning barbecue to fine steaks, Thai, pizza, soul food, burgers and (of course) great Southern home cooking. Event owners will also be pleased to find an array of accommodations, with more than 50 properties at every price point and every level of service. 
 

Learn more at visitrutherfordtn.com.
 

Virginia: Williamsburg

The Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center is where history meets high performance in an inspired new destination designed to elevate every tournament, meeting and community celebration. 
 

Opening this summer, this 200,000- square-foot, purpose-built venue brings a bold new stage to the heart of Coastal Virginia’s Historic Triangle, offering athletes, families and planners an experience shaped by possibility. 
 

At its core is a breathtaking 114,000- square-foot, unobstructed fieldhouse engineered for versatility. From volleyball and basketball to wrestling, cheer, pickleball and indoor turf events, the space transforms with ease, supported by expansive seating, a retractable turf system, broadcast-ready technology and streamlined event operations. 
 

Beyond competition, guests discover an environment created for connection: chef-driven catering, naturally lit lobbies, spacious meeting rooms, a balcony suite overlooking the action and hospitality that feels both elevated and inviting.
 

Surrounded by world-class attractions and positioned between Richmond and Virginia Beach, the Center gives rights holders access to one of the nation’s most iconic tourism destinations – especially during America’s 250th birthday.

Any event. Every possibility.
 

The Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center is ready to help athletes shine, teams grow and unforgettable moments take center stage.
 

Wisconsin: Janesville

As sports like pickleball, martial arts and alternative sports surge in popularity, event organizers are seeking versatile venues to accommodate growing participation. Janesville’s new Woodman’s Center offers flexible, state-of-the-art spaces designed for a wide variety of activities.
 

The Robert & Delores Kennedy Convention Center and Multipurpose Arena can host multiple courts for pickleball, basketball and volleyball. Configurable floor layouts and open spaces make it ideal for cheer, wrestling and mixed sport events, from local tournaments to national competitions. The center also features a year-round ice rink that supports hockey, figure skating and other sports, adding even more versatility for organizers and athletes.
 

A venue with accessible seating, locker rooms, meeting spaces and robust logistical support, the Woodman’s Center provides everything athletes, coaches and organizers need to run professional-quality events. Its location near Interstate 39/90, hotels and restaurants, makes multi-day tournaments easy to plan.

For sports experiencing rapid growth, having a flexible, reliable venue is key. The Woodman’s Center positions Janesville, Wisconsin, as a Midwest hub for emerging and expanding sports markets, helping organizers tap into new audiences and give athletes the competitive experiences they deserve. SDM