Surrounded by some of the most populated cities in the United States, the northeast region is also filled with some of the nationís oldest historical and cultural landmarks. From Cape Cod to Coney Island, the roads that lead to these iconic destinations are the same as those traveled for weekend sports tournaments. So when it comes to showcasing all that a sports venue has to offer, donít forget to include the nearby attractions that provide fun for the whole family. The tournament may be the driving force for the trip, but everyone enjoys a good pit stop.
Erie, Pennsylvania: The Erie Sports Complex, LECOM Sports Park
If you can’t find something to do at the Erie Sports Complex, you’re not looking hard enough.
In addition to 10 grass fields that can host baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer and softball, a FIFA-certified turf field and a 61,000-square-foot dome open up the possibilities for basketball, cheerleading, soccer, volleyball and wrestling. If that’s not enough, the newly renovated LECOM Sports Park on the same 70-acre campus houses Northwest Pennsylvania’s only twinpad ice facility with two NHL-size rinks.
“No matter what sport, you can play it at this facility,” says Sydney Dietz, Events & Marketing Manager for the Erie Sports Commission. “It doesn’t matter what time of year; it can be 20 degrees and snowing outside and you can still play a soccer game inside the dome here.”
Located just off I-90 and a stone’s throw away from Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park, the area is laden with opportunities to turn a weekend tournament into a fun-filled getaway.
Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania: Schautz Stadium
East of Erie down I-86, Schautz Stadium has been transformed by a $3 million renovation that introduced turf to the field that dates back to the 1950s. More recently, a training facility addition with 4,140 square feet of turf complete with 55-foot and 70-foot batting cages and nets for various sports allows guests to take advantage of training for their favorite sport year-round. The facility can accommodate baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey for youth to high school sports teams.
And when teams aren’t socking it out of the park, Director of Sales for the Lackawanna County Visitor’s Bureau Alexa Peregrim points to a bevy of museums, outdoor adventures, art experiences and historic sites to visit.
“We know that sports travel sometimes becomes the family vacation. Families will find something to do for all ages,” Peregrim notes. “From Montage Mountain Resorts Ski and Waterpark to the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, there is something everyone can do.”
Binghamton, New York: Greenlight Networks Grand Slam Park
A ribbon-cutting in spring 2024 unveiled a $4 million renovation at Greenlight Networks Grand Slam Park that turned four grass fields into state-of-the-art turf fields complete with lighting, bleachers, dugouts, eight batting cages and a 500-square-foot concession stand, says Lisbeth Koch, Sales & Project Manager for Visit Binghamton.
While the complex is known for hosting softball, it can accommodate lacrosse, soccer, field hockey and football.
Managed by Broome County, the complex will have an opportunity to flex its muscles when it hosts the New York State Softball Championships beginning in 2025 through 2027.
“It’s a very big deal for the community, because we host tournaments throughout the year, but this is going to be something that’s going to knock it out of the park,” Koch notes.
Less than 20 minutes from the park, The Preserve drive-through animal adventure invites guests to interact with wildlife.
The Wildwoods, New Jersey: Wildwoods Convention Center
With a front-row view of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s no wonder Wildwoods Convention Center has a stellar reputation for hosting cheerleading and dance competitions as well as wrestling and basketball tournaments.
When you add in hands-on service, a full-service catering department with an executive chef and the ability to host multiple events at once, this 260,000-square-foot venue with a 75,000-square-foot arena has a remarkable 93-percent repeat rate in returning annual customers, says Ben Rose, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Authority.
With 8,000 hotel rooms and 4,000 vacation rentals to choose from and endless options for entertainment on the iconic boardwalk and its amusement piers, three water parks, arcades, carnival games, shops and eateries, the area and the venue sells itself.
“Families love coming here for events because the whole family can enjoy themselves and make a little mini vacation out of it,” Rose notes. “And it’s very affordable.”
Atlantic City, New Jersey: Atlantic City Convention Center
Just 45 minutes from Wildwood, New Jersey, the Atlantic City Convention City is poised to welcome futsal, basketball and volleyball tournaments to its more than 500,000 square feet of usable space, says Daniel Gallagher, Director of Sports Sales for the for the Atlantic City Sports Commission.
The space’s versatility as well as its ownership of important sports requisites make it an ideal site for events. For instance, Gallagher notes, the facility owns more than 90,000 square feet of Sport Court, which amounts to 27 volleyball courts and 18 basketball courts that can be put down and played on that do not require rental or shipping fees — a cost savings for tournament organizers.
“Anything that would take a tough court we can do,” he notes, “And we own the Sport Court to do it.”
With endless options for entertainment, guests are free to roam the beach, stroll the five-mile boardwalk and Steel Pier and soak in the fun at the indoor Island Waterpark.
Worcester, Massachusetts: Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center
Those looking to focus on cold-weather sports can head north to the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center, a versatile recreational facility that hosts a range of ice sports and community events year-round, says Sam Ashraf, Director of Marketing for Discover Central Massachusetts.
“Featuring twin NHL ice surfaces, a two-story taproom restaurant, strength-training and physical therapy services and a pro shop, this venue serves the Worcester community and is a key hub for amateur and professional ice sports,” Ashraf notes.
Hosting numerous weekend tournaments and showcases like the Eastern Hockey League Showcase, Junior Bruins tournaments and Railers Youth Hockey tournaments, the venue supports teams at the pro, collegiate, high school and youth levels, with additional curling and adult league programs.
Visitors can enjoy various nearby attractions, including the Bay State Brewery & Tap Room, Polar Park, the EcoTarium, Worcester Art Museum and Hanover Theatre.
Hartford, Connecticut: Connecticut Convention Center
With more than 540,000 square feet, the Connecticut Convention Center in downtown Hartford caters to boxing matches, cheerleading events and mixed martial arts matches as well as volleyball and basketball tournaments, says Robert Murdock, President of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau.
The 18-year-old facility not only welcomes repeat business, such as the New England Region Volleyball Association’s annual Winterfest Volleyball, but also seeks ways to expand its client base. In October 2023, for example, the Vertical Hoops Basketball Championships debuted at the site, welcoming more than 130 teams of girls and boys ages 8 through 18 over two days.
The area is steeped in history and invites guests to tour the Connecticut Science Center, The U.S. Navy Submarine Force Library and Museum and the Mark Twain House & Museum.
“Connecticut is a compact state, making it easy for athletes, officials and attendees to enjoy numerous nearby attractions when not competing,” Murdock notes.
Baltimore, Maryland: CFG Bank Arena
More than $250 million in renovations paved the way for the rebirth of the CFG Bank Arena. Reopened in April 2023, the 400-square-foot venue underwent a complete overhaul to upgrade seating, lighting, acoustics, technology, suites, concessions and more, says Ari Hamilton, Corporate Communications Manager for Visit Baltimore.
Capable of being converted into an ice rink, the venue can host anything from hockey to figure skating, but the real draw is in the sports court capacity. In 2023, more than 38,000 fans flocked to the facility to watch the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) basketball tournament, which generated a total economic impact of $29.6 million, Sports Destination Management reported previously.
For families looking for things to do, Hamilton points to the city’s walkable waterfront for access to the National Aquarium, Port Discovery interactive children’s museum, and other world-class museums.
“It’s all there on one campus,” she notes. SDM