Golf is growing. Not just growing, in fact, it's exploding. In June, the number of rounds played was up more than 15 percent over last year. And U.S. sales of golf equipment jumped 51 percent. Learn how local venues are starting to tap into the new market - and how event owners may be able to capitalize on it as well.

Need proof that baseball (a) is America's favorite pastime, (b) is alive and well and (c) that sports tourism is not just surviving but thriving? Here it is: The better part of one million fans traveled and attended spring training games in the Grapefruit League in February and March. And the state sports organization says it's an unbelievable success.

Already a football mecca (it's the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame), Canton, Ohio, has a game changer ready to kick off. The area is expected to become the "Disneyland of Football" compete with sports-themed rides, a water park, hotels and retail. Learn more about the $300 million project, and its goals for sports tourism starting in 2022, here.

Want to host some indoor tournaments that take in a wide range of age groups? Want to use some existing athletic clubs and strengthen alliances with local organizations? It's time you took a look at events put on by USA Racquetball, sending athletes to the Pan-American Games and the World Games, and representing a sport that is active at all levels.

It could just become an example of how to stage high-profile sporting events with fans. The Kentucky Derby, scheduled to run on September 5, is bucking the no-spectators trend and will host just under 23,000 spectators. Here's an inside look at the decision, which gives Maryland officials hope that the Preakness in October can see fans in the stands.

Once fans are able to return, sports destinations, stadiums and arenas will be eager to assure all visitors, from athletes to spectators, that their environment is as safe as possible. In order to open their doors and welcome fans and employees, venues large and small will need to follow health guidelines and communicate those guidelines effectively.