Even before Yellowstone was signed into law as the nationís first national park in 1872, the Mountain Regionís dramatic canyons, lush forests, alpine rivers and sweeping vistas long enticed adventurers. That fascination has only deepened over time with the enduring promise of unforgettable natural wonders, diverse wildlife, authentic cultural experiences and a wonderland of thrilling recreational possibilities.
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Colorado Springs, Colorado
Known as Olympic City USA, Colorado Springs offers a culture of achievement along with stunning scenery and flexible, state-of-the-art sports venues. Notable events hosted include the International Jump Rope Union Championships, USA Weightlifting Nationals and U.S. Senior Open.
Weidner Field, home of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, features 111,500 square feet of event space. The 3,400-seat Ed Robson Arena is optimized for high-level competitions with its comprehensive sports medicine facility, flexible floor space and experienced staff.
Colorado Springs is also the site of 60 national and international sports organizations including 25 National Governing Bodies, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum.
“Athletes will thrive under the spirit of competition in Olympic City USA, and planners will enjoy the unparalleled accommodations at our world-class sports events venues,” says Cheryl McCullough, senior director of sports and events at Visit Colorado Springs.
Gillette, Wyoming
If you can play it, Gillette, Wyoming can host it.
Set on more than 1,000 acres, the CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities can host competitions ranging from rodeos to pickleball, boxing and dance. The Energy Capital Sports Complex features 320 acres of high-tech turf with four competitive baseball and softball fields, three multi-purpose fields and batting cages.
The Campbell County Recreation Center is home to a NCAA Division I-rated indoor track, and Gillette boasts one of only two Olympic-size swimming and diving pools in the state.
A sampling of successful events has included American Legion Baseball tournaments, the National High School Finals Rodeo, Energy Capital 9- and 10-Ball billiards tournaments, Division I NCAA indoor track meets and youth hockey tournaments.
“With a wide range of competitions, state-of-the-art venues and so much more, our premier destination guarantees a top-notch experience for athletes and spectators alike,” says Jessica Seders, CEO of Visit Gillette-Wright.
Boise, Idaho
Even visiting sports fans feel right at home at Boise, Idaho.
The unmistakable blue turf at Albertsons Stadium has garnered national recognition for the Boise State Broncos and Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Idaho Central Arena, which is connected to the AAA Four Diamond Grove Hotel and adjacent to the Boise Centre convention center, is home of Idaho Steelheads hockey.
The Idaho Central Aquatic Center was selected as the site of the USA Swimming Age Group Western Zone Championships in 2023 and 2024. Other major events have included the USA Gymnastics Level 9 Western Championships, US Youth Soccer Far West Regionals, USA BMX Gem State Nationals and USA Climbing YETI Nationals.
With a vibrant, walkable downtown boasting easy access to bike and foothill trails, it’s easy to see why Boise is nicknamed America’s New Boomtown.
“In Boise, you don’t just book an event,” says Lucas Gebhart, associate director of sports sales at Visit Boise. “You create an experience.”
Billings, Montana
The path to victory in Billings, Montana is paved with an array of flexible sporting venues, ample accommodations within the state’s largest city and a bucket list Big Sky adventures that entice athletes and their families.
MetraPark includes the 77,400-square-foot Expo Center, 28,800-square-foot Montana Pavilion and 10,000-seat First Interstate Arena with multiple options for event spaces. The 2,000-seat First Interstate Court at Rocky Mountain College’s Fortin Education Center is home of the Battlin’ Bears men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams.
Alterowitz Gymnasium features a 4,000-seat basketball arena, collegiate-sized swimming pool, indoor track, racquetball courts and weight room facilities. Landon’s Miracle Field, which opened in 2022, is hosting events during the 2024-26 State Games for Special Olympics.
“With so many world-class amenities enhanced by our trademark Montana hospitality, the visiting team is always eager to make the trip to Billings,” says Alyson Eggart, executive director of Visiting Billings.
Utah Valley
A key player in the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and future host of events in the 2034 Winter Olympics, Utah Valley offers exceptional sports venues in a spectacular setting.
Located adjacent to Provo Airport and only 10 minutes from historic downtown Provo, Epic Sports Park offers 15 full-size fields and will expand to 100 acres at full buildout.
The 8,500-seat UCCU Center has the capability to host basketball, wrestling, volleyball, trade shows and concerts with equal ease. Peaks Ice Arena offers two Olympic size ice sheets for ice skating, ice and floor hockey, figure skating and indoor soccer.
With more than 100 multi-purpose fields, 140 pickleball/tennis courts, 90 baseball/softball fields and 30 basketball courts, the region is comprehensively equipped to host tournaments, championships and competitions of all sizes.
“We’re ready to help you elevate your next sports event in this stunning, mountain-framed location,” says Erin Scott, director of destination sales at Explore Utah Valley.
Casper, Wyoming
Casper offers the best variety of top-notch sporting facilities in Wyoming, all in one place.
Opened in January 2025, WYO Sports Ranch is the only indoor sports facility of its kind in the Rocky Mountain West. The 130,000-square-foot venue accommodates up to 10 basketball courts or 20 volleyball courts, along with a permanent indoor turf field.
The 28,000-square-foot Ford Wyoming Center is a diverse, multi-purpose venue that has hosted the College National Finals Rodeo, NJCAA volleyball and women’s basketball championships, spirit and dance competitions and Wyoming high school state volleyball, basketball and wrestling tournaments.
The Casper Classic and Wyoming Cup soccer tournaments have taken place at the North Casper Sports Complex, while Casper Mountain Trails Center has hosted the Bear Bait 8 Mountain Bike Race and Wyoming High School Nordic ski races.
“No matter the type or size of your event, Casper boasts unique venues, comfortable lodging and experiences to help attendees feel well-supported and at ease,” says Shelby Kraus, business sales manager at Visit Casper.
Surprise, Arizona
The stunning Sonoran desert landscape of Surprise, Arizona sets the stage for the city’s exciting sports and recreation scene.
Within the award-winning Surprise Recreation Campus, Surprise Stadium is the spring training home of the Kansas City Royals and the 2023 World Series Champion Texas Rangers. The 25-court Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex, a recipient of the USTA Facility of the Year award, hosts numerous USTA National Championships and junior, college, senior and league tournaments.
Surprise is also the home of Ottawa University Arizona and its 21 varsity sport home teams. Other amenities include a comprehensive aquatics center, a five-acre fishing lake in the heart of City Center, seven deluxe golf courses, scenic hiking and biking in White Tank Mountain Regional Park and easy access to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
“Surprise boasts an all-star line-up of exceptional amenities, first-rate shopping and entertainment, sunny climate and a vibrant Southwestern lifestyle,” says Kendra Pettis, the city’s sports and tourism director. “It’s the perfect place to ‘Find your Surprise!’”
Gallup, New Mexico
Flanked by stunning mountain vistas along historic Route 66, Gallup, New Mexico offers no shortage of outdoor adventures and scenic attractions.
Amenities at the Gallup Sports Complex include fields for baseball, football and soccer. Red Rock Park Arena hosts rodeo events, while the 300-acre Gallup ATV/OHV Park has a 1.2-mile track and 10 miles of ATV trails.
The dramatic red rocks offer opportunities for rock climbing and world-class hiking and biking. Motorsports enthusiasts can challenge their skills at Gallup Motocross Park, while state and national forests provide thousands of acres for hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing and birding. An additional 30 miles of trails are easily accessible via Interstate 40 and Route 66.
Family-friendly events include the Red Rock Balloon Rally, Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial and local craft fairs featuring timeless Native American art.
“Begin planning your next great adventure at Gallup, New Mexico,” says Matt Robinson, tourism and marketing manager at Visit Gallup. SDM
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