Need a New Home Court, Home Base or Home Field Advantage? Find it Here | Sports Destination Management

Need a New Home Court, Home Base or Home Field Advantage? Find it Here

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Sep 03, 2023 | By: Mary Helen Sprecher

Whether athletes are sliding into a base, spiking the ball across a net or taking the field, event owners all want the same thing: For them to have a quality experience that results in great memories.

The following venues, spread across the United States, stand ready to help make those goals a reality. Want to know more? Reach out to them directly.

Alabama: Bill Noble Park

AlabamaBill Noble Park, located in Gardendale, Alabama, has been developed as the southeast region’s ideal destination for premium sports and events. The park features nine softball/ baseball fields, eight tennis courts, 11 pickleball courts, one football/soccer field, a state-of-the-art inclusive playground and more. The $32 million complex will host sports events year-round for local Gardendale residents and traveling tourism families alike.

Positioned 20 minutes from the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, Bill Noble Park is a one-of-a-kind destination, designed to provide a premier sports and events experience for the Southeast region. The park’s goal is to promote a greater sense of community through meaningful recreational opportunities while fostering strong relationships within Gardendale and beyond.

Alabama: Gulf Shores and Orange Beach’s Beaches, Waterways, Fields and Courts

ALTurquoise waters lapping the shore, soft white-sand beaches and warm salty breezes…where are you? From stunning natural venues to well-maintained sports complexes, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on the Alabama Gulf Coast is a year-round destination for sports and events.

“What makes hosting events in coastal Alabama so special is both on and beyond the venues,” said Michelle Russ, CSEE, vice president of sales for Gulf Shores | Orange Beach Sports & Events. “Our natural amenities – the beach, waterways, a biodiverse state park and a national wildlife refuge – beckon families and fans to travel for events and incorporate vacations.”

The beach and waterways along the Alabama Gulf Coast shine and are particularly fitting for events like races, beach volleyball, handball, beach soccer, Ultimate, powerboating, fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Additionally, the Gulf Shores Sportsplex offers a track facility, football stadium, soccer field and high school softball and baseball fields. The Orange Beach Sportsplex features a football stadium, championship soccer field, softball and baseball fields and sand volleyball courts.

On the horizon and in many cases, already here, are upgrades to both sportsplexes and venues around the destination, including updated tennis facilities, new pickleball courts in Gulf Shores and upgraded baseball and softball stadiums in Orange Beach. www.GSOBsports.com | 866-813-5795

Alabama: Hoover Metropolitan Complex

ALThe Hoover Metropolitan Complex (HMC) is a world-class, multi-sport and event complex located in Hoover, Alabama. The HMC includes the Hoover Met Stadium, the state-of-the-art Finley Center with Hoover Climbing & Adventure, an RV Park, an outdoor baseball/softball complex, multi-purpose fields, the HMC Tennis Center and Explore Playground and Splash Pad. The Hoover Met Stadium has served as the home of the SEC Baseball Tournament since 1998. The Hoover Metropolitan Complex is owned by the City of Hoover, Alabama.

The Hoover Met Complex is devoted to providing an extraordinary multi-sport and event experience for the city of Hoover, Alabama. The complex is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the Hoover community. HMC strives to bring together people in celebration of sport while creating a lasting sense of pride within the community, while dreaming big with its vision of connecting generations by providing family-friendly destinations that will create lifelong memories for all.

Alabama: Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater

ALSand Mountain Park & Amphitheater (SMPA) is a sports, leisure, wellness and entertainment venue with 16 tennis courts, 14 outdoor turf fields, a 5,000+ person capacity outdoor amphitheater, an eight-lane indoor competition/lap pool, an outdoor water park, multiple playgrounds, an RV park, an 18-hole disc golf course, a 3.5+ mile walking/running trail, two dog parks and a 103,000-square-foot community recreation center that includes four hardwood courts, a two-story fitness center, a two-lane indoor track, concessions, locker rooms and conference/party rooms.

Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater is a premier recreational destination. SMPA serves the community by providing a variety of spaces to connect with friends and family while pursuing personal wellness. Sand Mountain’s vision is for everyone to feel supported and empowered as they find balance through physical activity, ranging from low-intensity fitness classes such as yoga or Pilates, team sports on any of the turf fields or courts, to higher-level competition swim meets in the state-of-the-art indoor swimming facility, free from judgment.

Arizona: Kino Sports Complex

AZLocated in the beautiful southwest city of Tucson, Arizona, Kino Sports and Entertainment Complex is one of the largest sports and entertainment venues in the Western United States. Anchored by two professional quality stadiums, Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium and Kino North Stadium, this multi-sport facility offers seven Major League Baseball-quality fields, two softball fields, 13 soccer fields, 20 pickleball courts and parking for over 5,000.

Housed on more than 300 acres adjacent to Interstate 10, this first-class tournament sports venue is located just 10 minutes from Tucson International Airport and 10 minutes from downtown Tucson, where visitors will find excellent dining options that made Tucson the very first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States.

In addition to 35 sports fields, Kino Sports Complex is located directly adjacent to the Kino Environmental Restoration Project, a 2.2-mile paved trail for walking, jogging, bicycling and wildlife viewing. Originally designed as a stormwater retention basin, the 125-acre project now contains a small lake, 20 acres of wetlands and serves as a haven to support natural vegetation, wildlife and birdwatching. KERP also connects to the award-winning Chuck Huckleberry Loop and its 137 miles of paved, mixed-used pathways.

Arizona: Surprise

AZSurprise, Arizona, located in the Phoenix-Metro area, is a beautiful Sonoran-desert community surrounded by mountain park lands. The city’s year-round sunny climate and growing tourism market makes it the ideal place for large sporting events.

Surprise Stadium is the Major League Baseball Spring Training home of the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers and offers 13 MLB fields, perfect for hosting tournament play. Plus, the stadium was selected by USA TODAY as the number-one Spring Training Complex in the Cactus League.

The Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex has also been deemed one of the United States Tennis Association Facilities of the Year. The 25 championship courts, with clubhouse and dedicated tournament operations facilities, make this one of the top tennis tournament venues in the country.

In addition, Surprise has 16 pickleball courts, a competitive athletic field for football and soccer, basketball and volleyball courts, and event space that can be customized for any type of event. Surprise hosts more than 100 events each year, ranging from amateur showcase events to collegiate tournaments and professional leagues. Hosting an event in Surprise provides event operators with premier facilities and top-notch customer service. Event owners can find their game – and their Surprise.

California: Placer Valley’s Athletic Facilities

CAComprised of three cities, Roseville, Rocklin, and Lincoln, Placer Valley sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in northern California and is conveniently located within 25 miles of Sacramento International Airport.

“Placer Valley is known for having nicely maintained fields and event venues, like the Roebbelen Center,” says Donna Dotti, director of sales for Placer Valley Tourism, noting that the 160,000-square-foot facility houses 12 basketball courts or 24 volleyball courts. The building has also accommodated unobstructed floor space events such as gymnastics, wrestling and martial arts.

Other popular venues include the Roseville Aquatics Complex featuring the Summer Sanders Olympic-size competition pool (which has hosted many US Aquatics events), Johnson Ranch Sports Club featuring 24 pickleball courts and regional parks with multiple baseball/softball diamonds and multi-purpose fields. Coming soon to Placer Valley is a new outdoor lighted 10-field artificial turf soccer complex and 16 court pickleball complex.

Additionally, there are multiple hotel options and amenities like Quarry Park Adventures (ziplining/ropes course), Topgolf, iFLY, Round1 Entertainment, Placer Wine & Ale Trail and the highly anticipated opening of Electric Pickle. Placer Valley is an ideal destination for hosting successful sporting events and creating memories.

Illinois: Ho-Chunk Southland

ILDon’t let the new name fool you; event owners will still get the same fantastic venue and outstanding service when they book their event at the Ho-Chunk Southland (formerly known as the Southland Center) in Lynwood, Illinois.

There’s not an event the Ho-Chunk Southland can’t handle. With over 100,000 square feet of space and five outdoor baseball fields (two youth, three adult), the Ho-Chunk Southland can accommodate any sports group need.

April through October offers the second-largest continuous portable wood court floor in the world where 10 basketball courts or 14 volleyball courts are available for those people seeking the perfect tournament venue.

Two indoor, state-of-the-art Desso Turf fields (111’ x 185’) are available from November through March and are perfect for soccer, softball, football and lacrosse. No need to worry, hoopsters and spikers, since four courts remain available after the turf is laid out.

Ho-Chunk Southland aims to keep all its visitors happy, whether they are participants or spectators. The free parking will keep Dad happy, the Wi-Fi can keep siblings entertained, the concession stand is a great place to grab a snack or drink, and the onsite sports bar and restaurant is perfect for not just Mom, but everyone.

Illinois: Parkside Fitness

ILParkside Fitness, located at 300 Red Bud Drive in Pekin, Illinois, offers state-of-the-art tennis and pickleball courts for athletes of all ages and skill levels.

Parkside Fitness is a perfect place for year-round play. It is home to four indoor tennis courts and eight indoor pickleball courts, each with a cushioned surface to help reduce the impact on players’ joints. The facility also has nine outdoor tennis courts (two are lighted) and 10 outdoor pickleball courts (four are lighted), perfect for players who prefer to play outside in the fresh air. Additionally, three indoor racquetball/wallyball courts allow athletes to play those fast-paced games at any time of year. With onsite locker rooms, saunas, showers, a lounge and concessions, the facility has everything needed to run a successful event.

Parkside Fitness is centrally located in Pekin, with ample onsite parking to accommodate any size event. In addition, Pekin provides numerous options for dining, accommodations, and entertainment in town and the immediate surrounding communities. Located approximately ten miles from both I-74 and I-155, Pekin is easily accessible and very accommodating.

Those interested can contact Parkside Fitness at 309-347-6644 or email kknox@pekinparkdistrict.org to inquire about renting the facility or hosting a tournament.

Illinois: Wintrust Sports Complex

ILWintrust Sports Complex, located in Bedford Park, Illinois, is the Midwest’s premier destination for sports, events and recreation. The location and proximity to Chicago’s Midway Airport will put visitors in a growing area of competition for teams from all regions of the United States and beyond. And since it is only minutes from Midway Airport, major interstates and top-rated hotels, athletes and their families consider this the most convenient destination for sports tournaments.

This complex is revitalizing sports and recreation in the Midwest. The 116,000-square-foot venue features eight high school hardwood basketball courts or 16 NCAA volleyball courts and one championship court, along with comprehensive amenities such as an arcade, laser tag, esports gaming room, flexible meeting spaces, private party rooms, a full-service bar and lounge and more.

Wintrust Sports Complex is committed to helping families create unforgettable memories while providing convenient access to Chicago’s Midway Airport and major interstates.

Indiana: Hamilton County

INHamilton County Sports Authority, located just north of Indianapolis, the Midwest’s crossroads of America, prides itself in successfully hosting all types of sporting events and tournaments, amateur or professional. The Sports Authority’s sales and service team is ready to make every event a winner. With championship golf courses, aquatics centers, indoor and outdoor hardcourts and multi-purpose fields, Hamilton County, Indiana is where champions play.

Hamilton County Sports Authority offers tournament planners an array of championship-caliber venues and support services to ensure your event is successful. But support doesn’t stop at sports; Hamilton County works to provide myriad activities for those seeking fun off the field. The area boasts over 5,000 hotel rooms and with first-rate attractions mixed with alluring shops and 90+ locally owned eateries, Hamilton County is perfect for after the game. The staff will assist with making every event a success from start to finish while enhancing the visitor experience.

It’s easy to plan an event, with 50 percent of the U.S. population within a day’s drive, or by using the Indianapolis International Airport, named the “Best Airport in North America” by the Airports Council International, just 30 minutes away.

Visit HamiltonCountySports.com to put any event at the winning destination.

Carl Daniels | Director cdaniels@hamiltoncountysports.com

Gabe Amick | Senior Sports Development Manager gamick@hamiltoncountysports.com

Indiana: Mishawaka Fieldhouse

INIn South Bend, work is now underway on the Mishawaka Fieldhouse, a new indoor sports facility and the first of its size in the area.

Construction is expected to take 12-14 months with operations beginning in the third quarter of 2024. Once it is complete, the facility will cover over 220,000 square feet with room for up to 10 basketball courts or 19 volleyball courts, plus two indoor turf fields.

It will also be in an ideal location, just off the interstate in Mishawaka within a short drive to several hotels and restaurants.

Louisiana: West Monroe Sports & Events

LASet to officially open in early 2024, West Monroe Sports & Events, located in West Monroe, Louisiana, is northeastern Louisiana’s destination for large indoor sports tournaments and events. With eight maple wood courts that convert to 16 volleyball courts, premier amenities, Southern hospitality and proximity to Interstate 20, West Monroe Sports & Events is part of America’s next level of sports and events centers.

This venue is the premier destination for sports and events in northeastern Louisiana. The staff’s goal is to provide safe, reliable venues that fuel a passion for sports while connecting people over their common interests. West Monroe provides an easy way for guests to travel and attend their favorite events conveniently. The town strives to establish America’s next level of sports and events centers, bringing communities together through recreational activities and entertainment and creating lifelong memories for its patrons.

Maryland: Harford County’s Sports Facilities

MDHarford County, Maryland, at the top of the Chesapeake Bay and along I-95, is the perfect sports destination. It includes state-of-the-art facilities, such as Cedar Lane Regional Park, a multi-sport recreation complex with 12 grass fields, one turf field, seating for more than 900 spectators and a walking/jogging/biking trail.

An additional eight turf fields are coming soon to Edgewood, Maryland with Maryland Copperplex. This 40-acre facility will feature LED lighting and MUSCO Vision, concessions, free public Wi-Fi, public restrooms and over 650 parking spaces.

Also in Harford County is The Miracle League, designed for baseball players of all abilities, with a field featuring a cushioned, rubberized surface. This design makes it easier for players with special needs to get from base to base.

The largest indoor arena in the area is the APG Federal Credit Union Arena, with 19,000 square feet of open space. This facility is frequently used for regional tournaments, concerts, commencements, special events, conferences, trade shows and more, and has multiple locker rooms, a concession stand and retractable bleachers with 18,000 square feet of floor space.

Harford offers a diverse culinary scene and an abundance of outdoor recreation, along with arts and entertainment. More information is available from VisitHarford.com.

North Carolina: Rocky Mount Event Center

NCRocky Mount Event Center (RMEC) is a premier venue in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, for hosting concerts, sporting events, conferences, weddings and more. The multi-use facility opened its doors in October 2018 with a mission to make any special occasion an unforgettable experience. It offers multiple large event spaces, meeting rooms and Game Day Adventure & Arcade, along with onsite catering and concession options to ensure the success of every occasion hosted there.

RMEC strives to be at the forefront of event excellence and to redefine how entertainment is imagined, both across the state of North Carolina and beyond its borders. With the goal of providing memorable experiences to clients both near and far, the facility is easily accessible from I-95 and U.S. 64, and just an hour away from the Raleigh-Durham Airport.

Ohio: Spooky Nook Champion Mill & Voice of America Athletic Complex

OHIt all starts with the best venues. Just north of Cincinnati, Butler County, Ohio has best-in-class indoor and outdoor facilities, paired with a lineup of impressive local amenities.

With over one million square feet of space, Spooky Nook Champion Mill is the largest indoor sports complex in North America. This new facility features 28 basketball courts (14 hardwood), 46 volleyball courts, a multi-use sport court surface and an indoor and outdoor turf field. The onsite fitness center, restaurants, team building activities and retail options elevate any experience. Guests can stay in the onsite 233-room Warehouse Hotel, or book from the 4,000 rooms available in Butler County. Spooky Nook Champion Mill’s location in Hamilton provides access to a variety of dining options, entertainment and places to recharge between competition.

For outdoor space, there’s the Voice of America Athletic Complex, home to 25 tournament quality multi-purpose fields including two lighted synthetic turf fields. The facility has accessible parking, a state-of-the-art fieldhouse including a trainer’s room and a second story press box for enhanced viewing, as well as a full concession stand. Just minutes off I-75, the facility is close to shopping, dining, one-of-a-kind attractions and entertainment.

Learn more about everything Butler County has to offer at travelbutlercounty.com/sports.

Tennessee: Farm Bureau Expo Center

TNThe Farm Bureau Expo Center, located just twenty minutes East of Nashville’s International airport and less than a mile from the I-40 Interstate, has become the burgeoning home of many sporting events. The 79,000-square-foot facility has hosted gymnastics, esports, roller derby, boxing, wrestling, mixed martial arts, cheerleading, dancing, pickleball, and in the fall of 2023, the Howard Cohen American Masters Weightlifting Championships.

The Main Exhibit Hall offers over 45,000 square feet to accommodate multiple layouts and configurations with the option of an airwall to divide the space in two. There is ample, dimmable lighting, evenly spaced across the two MEH sections, 26 feet above the smooth, sealed concrete floors.

The MEH also offers restrooms with lockers and showers. South Hall delivers a versatile 7,000-square-foot carpeted space that can be subdivided into two or four smaller event spaces. Both areas feature state-of-the-art technology and convenient amenities.

Event organizers have heaped praise on the well-maintained facility and on the expert staff for their preparedness and professionalism. Many amenities are included that other venues charge for; not to mention the free parking. The Farm Bureau Expo Center will quickly become event owners’ favorite tour stop that rests in the shadow of the Music City.

Tennessee: Rocky Top Sports World

TNRocky Top Sports World (RTSW) is an 80-acre sports complex in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, offering seven outdoor fields and an 86,000-square-foot indoor venue equipped with six basketball courts.

Located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, this venue offers more than just a first-class sports experience. It has several tourist attractions and memorable experiences that will keep event owners coming back year after year.

At RTSW, the staff is passionate about providing athletes with a truly immersive sports experience.

At RTSW, the staff values excellence, teamwork and athleticism above all else, cultivating an environment that inspires individuals to reach their full potential at every level of competition.

Tennessee: Sevierville Convention Center

TNNearly 150,000 square feet of customizable space at the Sevierville Convention Center regularly welcomes sports events like K2 Volleyball, UCA Smoky Mountain Christmas Championship, Dance Machine Productions and more. Large exhibit halls and ballrooms with high ceiling clearances, at 32 feet and 24 feet respectively, are ideal for vendor space and competitive arts events.

Additional meeting rooms, concourses, show offices and pre-function space combine for additional facility space and a 54,000 square foot outdoor pad makes adding a tented area or exterior space easy. Loading in and out of the Sevierville Convention Center is a cinch with a 1.89-acre marshaling area, 10 berths at the loading dock and two ramps, allowing trucks to drive straight into the exhibit hall.

The connecting hotel property is Wilderness at the Smokies Water Park Resort, which also hosts many sports events throughout the year in conjunction with the Sevierville Convention Center. The Sevierville Convention Center, in Sevierville, Tennessee, is located in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is surrounded by attractions including Soaky Mountain Waterpark, SkyLand Ranch, Dollywood and more. For more information, call 865-453-0001 or visit www.SeviervilleConventionCenter.com.

Texas: Fort Bend Epicenter

TXThe Fort Bend Epicenter is the newest premier multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue in Fort Bend County, Texas. It is the center of the community, as well as a regional hub of activity, innovation, and economic development. At 230,000 sq. ft., it boasts six basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts, indoor event spaces, and an outdoor pavilion.

This Texas-sized venue, equipped for a range of activities, will establish the Fort Bend Epicenter as the paramount regional destination for sports and events. Located almost 30 minutes from the heart of Houston, Texas, it is an ideal location for travel from all around the United States.

Texas: Legends Event Center

TXLegends Event Center is the ultimate destination for sports, recreation and entertainment. Located in Bryan, Texas, this 120,000+ square-foot multi-purpose facility features eight basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, a gaming arena, an esports lounge, private meeting spaces and party rooms, as well as a picturesque, lake-adjacent outdoor patio area.

This venue is the destination of choice for those who seek to celebrate their passions in sports, recreation and entertainment. Legends Event Center strives to provide every guest with an unforgettable experience through its unique value proposition: boundless opportunities for activities suitable for all ages combined with exceptional service excellence at competitive prices.

Virginia: Virginia Beach Sports Center

VAThere’s simply an electrifying energy in Virginia Beach, one that compels visitors to move, do and be a part of the action, while bringing together the destination’s unique coastal spirit with state-of-the-art facilities. From indoor to outdoor sports, and from friendly games to massive tournaments, Virginia Beach is a prime setting for competition.

Event owners can elevate their sporting event in Virginia Beach by immersing themselves like locals. Home to one of the last great salt marsh habitats on the East Coast with hundreds of miles of inland waters, thousands of acres of parks and countless trails, Virginia Beach has something to explore for everyone.

Virginia Beach may be famous for its gorgeous beach and outdoor spaces, but the city’s newest sports facility makes it a pleasure to be indoors. Having opened in October 2020, the Virginia Beach Sports Center is a state-of-the-art facility ready to host a wide variety of indoor sports, including basketball, indoor track & field, volleyball and indoor field hockey. Its 285,000 square feet of convertible space can accommodate 12 basketball courts, 24 volleyball courts, nine field hockey courts and a 200-meter hydraulically banked track, plus it can hold up to 5,000 spectators to watch the action.

West Virginia: The Bridge Sports Complex

WVThe Bridge Sports Complex, located in Bridgeport, West Virginia, is the newest destination for all things sports, recreation and wellness. With 156,000 square feet of courts, turf, aquatics, fitness and more, The Bridge is the premium gathering space for sports, recreation and wellness in North Central West Virginia and beyond.

This venue offers a first-class experience for athletes in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. Located 90 minutes from the Pittsburgh International Airport, The Bridge has an indoor turf field with nearly 3,500 square feet of playing field, a 25-meter by 25-yard competitive swimming pool and a climbing experience that mimics traditional climbing in a safe environment, as well as a wellness center and six hardwood basketball courts that can convert to volleyball and pickleball courts.

Outside, the venue has four laser graded diamond baseball fields, a state-of-the-art full-size field for football, soccer and lacrosse, as well as a walking path and a pavilion for special events. SDM

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