Lehigh Valley, PA Offers Top Athletic and Entertainment Options

From wide-open fields to state-of-the-art indoor facilities, Lehigh Valley is the perfect destination for your next event. Located just 60 minutes north of Philadelphia, 90 minutes west of New York City, and a short road trip from Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Lehigh Valley is the perfect go-to destination for travelers. The region is set amid gentle hills and charming countrysides, and is home to Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, as well as dozens of small towns and picturesque boroughs.

Consider the many available venues at Lehigh University ranging from Stabler Arena to Goodman Stadium and Track & Field Complex. This venue accommodates lacrosse, football, wrestling, basketball, and so much more and has hosted countless events including the USA Wrestling Final X Trials, Laxpalooza and more.

Make your way to T-Town to catch Olympic-level athletes compete at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center. Recognized as the Bicycle Racing Capital of the World, this track cycling facility features family-friendly races throughout the summer months highlighting athletes of all skill levels as they reach speeds of upwards of 50mph on the velodrome's 333.3m concrete surface. The Valley Preferred Cycling Center has hosted a number of big-ticket events including the NCAA National Track Cycling Championships, the USA Cycling Junior & Master Nationals and more.

In downtown Allentown, the multi-purpose PPL Center offers seating capacity of 8,500+ fans with the capability to host ice hockey, basketball, wrestling, indoor racing, and more. The Lehigh Valley Phantoms, AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, call this space home.

Baseball fans flock to Coca-Cola Park, home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Triple A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Conveniently located just off of major area highways, this meticulously manicured ballpark has been home to the Triple-A All-Star game, National Pro Fastpitch games, and more.

Perhaps you want to lace up your running shoes and take in some miles. The trails of Lehigh Valley set the stage for number distance races, including half and full marathons. Explore the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, a 165-mile trail that spans through the Lehigh Valley region. The area is also home to the annual Runner’s World Half & Festival, hosted in October of each year.

Join the ranks of the 28,000+ athletes that participated in more than 20 Lehigh Valley sponsored events last year. Discover Lehigh Valley is ready to help you bring your next event to life. Available planning services include assistance with bid and RFP research & presentation, media relations, volunteer recruitment, and more. The team is also able to procure hotel room blocks with inventories, rates, and additional overnight incentives.

Entertainment Abounds

When your event has wrapped up, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do throughout the Lehigh Valley region that are sure to delight everyone in your group.

For a behind-the-scenes look at how American classics are made, make your way to C.F. Martin & Co. to admire craftsmen at work as they create some of the world’s most famous acoustic instruments. Looking to rediscover your inner child? Tap into your creative side at the Crayola Experience, featuring 25+ hands-on activities for the young - and young at heart.

When it comes to entertainment, you’ll find Lehigh Valley to be an undiscovered haven for music and cultural events. Catch world-renowned artists live on stage at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center and then hit the casino floor of Sands^® Bethlehem for some after-show fun.

Get a dose of thrills at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, home to seven roller coasters for adrenaline junkies, Planet Snoopy for the little ones, and countless water slides perfect for a hot summer’s day. Best of all? Your park admission includes access to all of the above, making for the perfect daytime adventure.

To learn more about Lehigh Valley and Discover Lehigh Valley, visit DiscoverLehighValley.com.