Going West for Big Wins

Host a tournament in the Southwest or Pacific region is a winning decision for any sports event planner. 
 

Both destinations boast mild weather throughout much of the year, creating ideal conditions for outdoor and indoor competitions alike. The Pacific features stunning coastal and mountain views, lush greenery and a strong sports culture, while the Southwest’s desert landscapes elevate any sporting event.
 

What sets both regions apart is the ability to offer more than just sports. Cultural landmarks, scenic national parks, renowned culinary scenes and diverse entertainment options ensure that teams, families and fans have plenty to explore beyond the field or court. With vibrant cities providing state-of-the-art sports complexes, top-tier accommodations and efficient transportation systems, there are plentiful resources and infrastructure to support successful events of all sizes.
 

Surrey: British Columbia, Canada

Whether event owners are seeking a rink, pitch, pool, track, court or stadium, the Canadian city of Surrey offers a range of modern and accessible venues, all competition-ready.
 

Open since July 2025, the $27.5 million Bear Creek Stadium unveiled an upgraded track aligned with international sport standards, grandstand seating for 2,200 and upgraded areas for teams and fans.
 

Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex is another new capital project aimed at the growing need for ice hockey, figure skating and dry-floor use for lacrosse, ball hockey and other sports. A two-ice sheet building was completed in summer 2025, with a third ice sheet anticipated in early 2027.
 

Also of note is Sport Surrey’s sports tourism grant, which has skyrocketed to $500,000 from $50,000.
 

“These landmark investments further solidify Surrey as the sports and esports destination of choice throughout the region,” says Nicholas Blaga, community services coordinator at Sport Surrey.
 

Snohomish County, Washington

Snohomish County in Everett, Washington has the venues to welcome any sports event.
 

The Angel of the Winds Arena, home of the Western Hockey League Everett Silvertips, has hosted an array of national and international competitions as varied as the 2018 and 2008 Skate America, 2016 and 2012 Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships, 2017 USA Curling National Championships and 2020 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Qualifier. 
 

Home of the Snohomish Youth Soccer Club, Stocker Fields has added versatility for flag football, ultimate, archery, lacrosse and outdoor drone racing competitions. Meadowdale Playfields offers three all-turf synthetic infield softball/baseball fields and two all-turf synthetic multi-purpose fields lined for soccer and lacrosse.
 

Families also enjoy touring the Boeing Future of Flight, shopping at the Seattle Premium Outlets and experiencing the picturesque waterfronts of Edmonds, Mukilteo and Everett.
 

“The Snohomish County Sports Commission is dedicated to creating memories for participants, spectators and event organizers,” says Tammy Dunn, executive director of the Snohomish County Sports Commission. “Consider us a member of your event team working locally within the community to ensure success.”
 

Placer Valley, California

Nestled near the Sierra Nevada foothills, Placer Valley stands out as a premier destination for youth sports and family-friendly experiences in Northern California.
 

 Opening in January 2026, the Placer Valley Soccer Complex will span 51 acres and feature 10 lighted artificial turf fields for high-level play in soccer, lacrosse, rugby, quadball, football and field hockey.
 

Just minutes away, the Roebbelen Center offers 160,000 square feet of versatile indoor space transforming seamlessly to accommodate 12 basketball courts, 24 volleyball courts or 108,000 square feet of unobstructed floor space, ideal for a variety of tournaments and events.
 

 Visitors can also enjoy hiking, ziplining, Topgolf, VR and escape rooms, water parks, shopping and day trips to Lake Tahoe and Apple Hill.
 

“With easy access, mild weather, top-tier sports venues and 25 welcoming hotels, Placer Valley is a winning destination for athletes, families and event organizers alike,” says Donna Dotti, director of sales at Placer Valley Tourism.
 

Enid, Oklahoma

Premier facilities and hometown support make Enid, Oklahoma a unique location for top sporting events.
 

Since 2009, junior college baseball teams from Arizona to Connecticut have attempted to navigate the road to Enid for the NJCAA Division II World Series at David Allen Memorial Ballpark.
 

Advance Soccer Complex, which opened in 2023, is already attracting national attention. It will be the site of the NJCAA Division I Women’s Soccer National Tournament this fall and has already hosted several youth and collegiate state, regional and district tournaments.
 

Stride Bank Center, an indoor event and conference facility, has held basketball, volleyball, indoor football, wrestling, cheer and dance, baton, gymnastics, weightlifting, MMA and even indoor kite flying.
 

“We’re two hours or less from Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Wichita, Kansas,” notes Jenna Spencer, sales manager at Visit Enid. “Our state-of-the-art facilities, unique shopping and dining and numerous arts experiences make Enid a great place for your sporting event.”
 

Tucson, Arizona

The growing list of signature events hosted by Visit Tucson Sports is proof of the area’s winning formula to take any competition to the next level.
 

Initially a baseball-centric facility, Kino Sports Complex has evolved into the largest sports and entertainment venue in Southern Arizona. Current events include FC Tucson (USL2), Mexican Baseball Fiesta, World Baseball Classic Qualifier, USDAA and the USAFL National Championships.
 

The baseball portion of the complex, the former spring training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago White Sox, offers eight regulation baseball fields, two infield practice areas, batting cages, pitching facilities and locker rooms. The remaining facility features one stadium field, one grandstand field and 18 additional multi-purpose fields.
 

With anticipated completion by mid-2027, the Mosaic Quarter expansion will offer a 175,000 square-foot iceplex and a 131,000 square-foot field house providing eight indoor basketball courts with flexibility to convert into volleyball, soccer, pickleball, 7v7 football and badminton. 
 

“Our award-winning sales team is ready to match your event with the perfect facility,” says Nick Pazzi, director of Visit Tucson Sports.

Portland, Texas

Event owners who plan a tournament in Portland, Texas will find it is where competition meets coastal charm.
 

Spanning 21 acres, Municipal Park features five baseball/softball fields (also suitable for soccer), dual lane batting cages, a covered basketball court, walking track, shaded fitness areas, a covered playground with splash pad and more.
 

The 38-acre Portland Sports Complex offers four softball/baseball/soccer fields, a youth football field, a multi-purpose turf field for football or UIL soccer and batting cages. Another cornerstone venue is the 15-acre Portland Soccer Complex, with six multi-purpose grass fields.
 

Popular outdoor activities include swimming, fishing, windsurfing, birdwatching and golf. The city’s safe neighborhoods, scenic parks and strong community support further enhance the visitor experience.
 

“The coastal community of Portland, Texas is a true destination for athletes and families,” says Jonathan Besinaiz, general manager of Play Portland Texas. “Our facilities and hospitality create a winning atmosphere for every tournament.”
 

College Station, Texas

In College Station, Texas, premier sports facilities are rivaled only by family-friendly activities outside of competitions like the 2024 USATF National Junior Olympics, Texas 7on7 State Championships and TAAF Games of Texas in 2025 and 2026.
 

Veterans Park and Athletic Complex features 13 multi-purpose fields (four synthetic) and five natural grass softball fields, with lights on all fields, batting cages and playgrounds. The 106-acre Stephen C. Beachy Central Park is a premier outdoor facility, offering four lighted softball fields with batting cages, three lighted athletic fields, a basketball court, sand volleyball court, two lighted tennis courts, wooded walking trails and more.
 

Families can tour Texas A&M University, visit the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, play and eat at Grand Station Entertainment and put their mini golf skills to the test at PopStroke.
 

“Our team offers complimentary services to event owners such as room block assistance, volunteer coordination and hospitality arrangements,” notes Alexander Aguero, sports manager, economic development and tourism at Visit College Station. “Lastly, we have a grant funding program to help offset costs."  SDM