There’s a reason people say you can feel the energy in Champaign-Urbana. Maybe it’s the roar from Memorial Stadium on a fall Saturday, the cheers echoing through the State Farm Center or the thrill of a game-winning goal under the lights at the Rantoul Family Sports Complex.
Whatever it is, this Midwest destination in the heart of Illinois has long been a place where athletes, fans and families come together to play, cheer and create unforgettable moments.
A Legacy of Champions
Home to the University of Illinois and its storied Fighting Illini athletic programs, Champaign-Urbana has sports woven into its DNA. As a proud member of the Big Ten Conference, Illinois brings world-class competition and facilities to the community, with venues that regularly host NCAA and high school championship events.
Memorial Stadium, with seating for more than 60,000 fans, provides the ultimate stage for football and major outdoor events, while the iconic State Farm Center, fresh off a $170 million renovation, hosts everything from Illini basketball and gymnastics to the Illinois High School Association’s Boys State Basketball and Wrestling Championships.
Nearby, the Atkins Tennis Center and Khan Outdoor Complex continue to build on their national reputation, hosting the NCAA Division I Tennis Championships in both 2013 and 2022. With six indoor and 20 outdoor lighted courts, it’s a facility that attracts both elite college athletes and community players alike.
Sports for Every Player
Champaign-Urbana’s sports scene isn’t confined to campus. Just 15 minutes north, the award-winning Rantoul Family Sports Complex has quickly become one of the Midwest’s premier outdoor facilities.
Featuring eight multi-purpose turf fields for soccer, football, lacrosse and quadball, as well as eight turf baseball and softball diamonds, this state-of-the-art complex hosts tournaments for all ages and skill levels. Add LED lighting, scoreboards, a splash pad, concessions and more than 800 parking spaces, and it’s easy to see why teams keep coming back.
In town, the Dodds Soccer Complex offers 11 grass fields maintained by the Champaign Park District, ideal for youth and adult leagues alike. Demirjian Park Stadium, Illinois Field and Eichelberger Field add to the impressive list, accommodating soccer, baseball and softball tournaments in settings that meet both competitive and community needs. Altogether, Champaign-Urbana boasts more than 100 outdoor fields, 70 indoor courts and more than 70 tennis courts—plenty of room for everyone to play.
Beyond the Game
Of course, hosting a great tournament means offering more than just great venues. It’s about creating a Champaign-Urbana experience that keeps people talking long after the final whistle.
Between games, athletes and families can explore vibrant downtowns filled with award-winning restaurants, boutiques and breweries. Foodies will love the farm-to-table flavors at local favorites, while families can unwind at nearby parks, trails and museums. The University of Illinois campus adds a cultural flair with its performing arts, galleries and the serene Japan House gardens—perfect for a quiet stroll between matches.
For something more unexpected, visitors can meet goats and sample artisanal cheese at Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, pet friendly reindeer at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch or test their teamwork at CU Adventures in Time & Space, a nationally recognized escape room center. It’s all part of what makes this community so engaging: there’s always something new to discover.
The Heart of the Midwest
Convenience is another major win. Located in east-central Illinois, Champaign-Urbana sits at the crossroads of Interstates 57, 72 and 74, right between Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis.
The area is also served by Amtrak and the University of Illinois Willard Airport, making travel easy for teams and spectators alike. With more than 4,500 hotel rooms, the community is equipped to welcome large tournaments, championships and festivals with ease.
Winning Hospitality: Every Time
What truly sets Champaign-Urbana apart is the people. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and strong community spirit, the destination prides itself on taking care of every detail before, during and after your event.
The team at Experience Champaign-Urbana provides a full-service approach for planners, including help with bid incentives, hotel coordination, marketing support and local partnerships. Their mission is simple: to make every event seamless, successful and memorable.
Whether it’s a national championship, a youth tournament or a community sports festival, Champaign-Urbana delivers the facilities, enthusiasm and hospitality where sports aren’t just played — they’re celebrated.
Ready to bring your next big event to a destination that truly gets it? Contact Robert White, rwhite@experiencecu.org, today to schedule a site visit and
Experience Champaign-Urbana—where legends play, and everyone belongs.
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