Outstanding Venues: Build the Perfect Event from the Ground Up

What’s the best way to build a great event? From the ground up, of course. The right venue can help your event exceed expectations by inspiring athletes, exciting spectators and of course, satisfying the requirements of the relevant governing bodies.

On the following pages, you’ll find some of the most outstanding venues in the United States. They represent a thorough cross-section of what our country has to offer sports planners looking to find a home for their events: indoors and out, natural terrain or perfectly manicured and groomed, some brand-new and some long-established. The common denominator? They’re all ready to play host, and they come staffed by some of the most knowledgeable, friendly professionals in the industry.

This is an issue you’ll want to save and refer back to. These venues, all major players in the market, are here to stay.

Santa Rosa, California: DeLoach Vineyards

When thinking about a sports venue/facility, a winery typically is the first thing that comes to mind, but then again, you have to be in wine country and Santa Rosa is in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country.

DeLoach Vineyards proudly hosted the Santa Rosa Marathon’s pre-race expo on August 22nd and 23rd. Over 3,500 people visited the property over the two day event – picking up their race gear, tasting DeLoach wines and exploring the newly renovated estate. On Sunday, August 24th, the participants of the full marathon made their way through the DeLoach Barrel Cellar during the first leg of their run. This race, a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, is the only one in the country to run through a working barrel cellar – a highlight for runners and supporters alike. So contact Visit Santa Rosa to learn more about unique sports venues like this as well as all there is to see and do in our Place of Plenty.

Hartford, Connecticut: Connecticut Convention Center

The Connecticut Convention Center is the Northeast’s ideal location for sporting events, competitions, tradeshows and conventions.  With over 140,000 square feet of exhibition space, a 40,000-square-foot ballroom and 25,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, the Connecticut Convention Center is the largest convention facility between New York and Boston. The center has hosted many high-profile tournaments and events such as ESPN Friday Night Fights, New England Regional Volleyball Tournaments, cheerleading, dance competitions and  fencing, just to name a few.  The venue also features exceptional highway access at the crossroads of New England, where interstates 84 and 91 meet.

With first-rate accommodations at numerous hotels (up to 1,600 hotel rooms within Hartford and 6,500 rooms within a 15-mile radius) and unparalleled service, Hartford truly has it. The expanded Bradley International Airport is conveniently located 15 miles away.

There are many options for dining, with over 30 restaurants all within walking distance or that can be easily accessed by our free shuttle, the DASH.  The new Front Street District that is located across the street features Spotlight Theatres, The Capital Grille, Ted’s Montana Grill, Infinity Music Hall and Nixs restaurant, all of which are now open. 

To learn more visit ctconventions.com

Florida Atlantic University Stadium: Palm Beach County, Florida

October 2011 ushered in a new era of sports for Palm Beach County. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) completed the construction of a state-of-the-art 30,000 seat multi-purpose stadium in Boca Raton, Florida. Located on the FAU campus, the facility is the only stadium in the United States that offers a view of the Atlantic Ocean for its guests. The stadium surface is Celebration Bermuda turf grass and its removable goal posts makes this an ideal venue for any event. Consisting of more than 144,000 square feet, the stadium offers plenty of press, meeting and supplementary space required to host major events.

The two suite levels consist of 24 luxury suites, a 5,000-square-foot Delray Acura Club Level that includes a private lounge and a 3,920-seat Delray Hundai Deck Level with a covered 16,000-square-foot tiki bar. The stadium also boasts four locker rooms equipped with the latest amenities.

FAU Stadium has been home to marquee events including Major League Lacrosse, international soccer matches, including a FIFA match featuring Germany, the current World Cup champion. This December, the stadium will be host to the NCAA Women’s College Cup and the inaugural Boca Raton Bowl.

Sarasota, Florida: Sarasota County

Training fields and facilities across the country close doors and shorten hours in the winter season, but in Sarasota County, athletes from across the world are just starting to warm up. With mild, sunny weather and elite-level facilities, the area is a primetime location for sports.

Selby Aquatic Center’s 50-meter competition pool is an ideal year-round swimming facility — home to the 2014 and 2015 USA Masters Swimming Championships and previously, the 2013 Pan-American Masters Swimming Championships. Nathan Benderson Park, the site of the 2017 World Rowing Championships, is a perfect sprint-training course for rowing, featuring a 2,000-meter course, another 1500-meter practice course and a dual-purpose wave attenuation system and TV broadcast lane. IMG Academy just to the north in Bradenton, attracts both professional and amateur athletes alike, delivering high-caliber conditioning for all levels of competition.

Outside of these outstanding facilities, there are copious ways to enjoy the beautiful surroundings while training. Run, walk or bike on Sarasota County’s Legacy Trail, a 10.8-mile paved trail through several area parks. Swim the coastline or jog on the miles and miles of beach. Whatever your sport, play or train here in Sarasota County this winter and take your game to the next level. Your training begins at www.PlaySarasota.org.

Statesboro, Georgia: The Clubhouse

The Clubhouse in Statesboro, Georgia offers visitors outdoor and indoor entertainment, making it the perfect venue to host sporting events, meetings, parties and small conferences. The facility has recently added two regulation soccer fields that also could be subdivided to provide eight youth soccer fields, allowing the ability to host soccer events from all over the Southeastern United States.

Adjacent to the soccer fields is the Coca-Cola 125 Raceway. The unique course is filled with twists and turns, offering drivers a 1.25-mile adventure with the excitement of real life racing. This popular attraction features 28 of the industry’s most cutting-edge, fully electric, environmentally friendly go-carts. Their newly remodeled Spikes Sports Grill and Bar features an appetizing menu, along with beer and wine for guests 21 and older. 

With 24 lanes of bowling, including four luxury lanes in a private suite, as well as a technically advanced electronic arcade, a mini golf course, mini bowling, laser tag, batting cages, a pro shop and the Ballocity indoor playground, there is truly something for everyone. For more information, visit www.clubhousestatesboro.com or call 912-871-1000.

Valdosta, Georgia Anderson Tennis Center

Valdosta, Georgia, is known as “Titletown” for its winning sports history. While football and baseball are mainstays in this medium-size city near the Florida line, there’s another sport on the horizon. Tennis is growing rapidly, largely thanks to a stellar tennis facility in the heart of Valdosta. The Harry B. Anderson Tennis Center is run by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority and features 12 well-lit tennis courts, elevated seating with covered bleachers, a pro shop, and concessions. It’s nestled inside one of the area’s most popular parks with two large playgrounds, picnic pavilions, and a sand volleyball court.

The number and quality of courts combined with the welcoming South Georgia weather make the HBA Tennis Center an ideal place for competition. The center is equipped with permanent 10U lines and is perfect for juniors. In fact, VLPRA often facilitates USTA junior as well as USTA adult tournaments.

You’ll feel right at home in Valdosta with its Spanish Moss and southern charm. After your match, visit one of Valdosta’s many restaurants, then relax in one of our cozy hotels. Save some time to visit our hugely popular theme park, Wild Adventures. You’ll be glad you came to Titletown!

Nampa, Idaho: The Ford Idaho Center

The Ford Idaho Center is made up of four very unique multi-purpose venues. There is nothing like the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa or the Treasure Valley region of Idaho. 

From its first concert in 1998, the Amphitheater has become the place to enjoy the best outdoor concerts. Music fans enjoy some of the top touring artists is the world.

The Ford Arena holds 12,000 people at full capacity. The Ford Arena has hosted some of the world’s largest touring artists including The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, George Strait and Cher.

The Ford Arena hosts trade shows and exhibitions. To make trade show more convenient, the Ford Idaho Center boasts on-site parking for 4,000 vehicles in addition to truck and bus parking with power hookups.

The Ford Idaho Horse Park brings in 36 regional and national shows each year. Our unparalleled guest services will bring you back year after year.

The newest addition to the Ford Idaho Center is a 100,000 square-foot multi-purpose building, the sports center, that serves as the indoor track facility for Boise State University.

Nampa is proud of the world-class facilities right in its own back yard that serve the Nampa business community and local merchants.

Pocatello, Idaho: Holt Arena

Holt Arena is an indoor multi-purpose athletic stadium in Pocatello, Idaho. Completed in September 1970, Holt Arena was the first enclosed stadium built on a college campus in the United States and the second overall. Only the Houston Astrodome, completed in 1965, predates it. It is the home field of the Idaho State Bengals at Idaho State University and continues to draw devoted fans from throughout Eastern Idaho, the region and nation.

Holt Arena features 194,400 square feet of floor space and seats close to 12,000. Infilled synthetic turf was installed in Holt Arena in July 2011. The SoftTop Removable Matrix System is also installed in the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium. The arena boasts the largest indoor American flag–a breathtaking sight as it unfurls from the top of the dome and cascades toward the field.

Holt Arena has the capacity to host athletic events, such as the Simplot games (pictured), the country’s premier national high school track meet, and USA Wrestling’s West Kids & Cadet Regional Championships with 1,900 competitors, trade shows, conferences and concerts ranging from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to Van Halen. Dirt is hauled in and out for monster truck shows and rodeos.

For information, contact www.isu.edu/events  208-282-3398, http://pocatello.com/ or 208-479-7659.

Decatur, Illinois: Fairview Park Tennis Complex

The Decatur Park District’s Fairview Tennis Complex was built on revered ground, once the site of Civil War musters for units preparing to go into battle. Nestled amongst 200 year-old trees on a hill overlooking the park’s picturesque Dreamland Lake, the courts have seen action since the 1930s. Refurbished to keep up with the times, the complex has undergone significant building, court and facility renovations over the past decade. State-of-the-art courts are now enhanced by a clubhouse with showers, restrooms and a comfortable lounge area. 

In 2008, the facility was one of just two public entities honored with a USTA Outstanding Small Facility Award and was the only complex in Illinois to receive the endorsement that year. Lessons, camps, leagues and tournaments keep the facility bustling with players of all ages throughout the season.

Thanks to a partnership with the Decatur Athletic Club and the leadership of USPTA Master Professional Chuck Kuhle, the Fairview Tennis Complex hosts the following events:

• Home to MU men’s and women’s tennis teams

• USTA Pro Circuit Men’s $10,000 event

• USTA/Midwest Men’s Hard Court Championship

• USTA/Midwest Level 5 junior event

In summer 2014, the complex proudly hosted the USTA/Midwest U.S. Open Qualifying Tournament. For additional details, visit www.decatur-parks.org.

Kansas City, Kansas: Kansas City Convention Center

A previous host to USA Volleyball and MLB All-Star Fan Fest, the Kansas City Convention Center is the largest meeting space in Kansas City, Missouri. The eight-square block convention and special event facility can accommodate every need with 388,800 square feet of column-free exhibit space on one floor; 48 state-of-the-art meeting rooms; a 2,400-seat fine arts theater, an arena that seats more than 10,700 people and a unique outdoor festival plaza. And not only is it all in one location, the 800,000-square-foot complex is connected to major downtown hotels and parking by skywalks and underground walkways.

One of America’s largest green ballrooms, the 46,484-square-foot Grand Ballroom, is certified LEED Silver, boasting waterless plumbing, energy-efficient heating & cooling and one of the most sophisticated lighting systems in the world. That’s enough to make other cities turn green with envy.

After taking care of competition play at the Convention Center, athletes and spectators will find plenty to do just steps from the competition. At the heart of it is the new Power & Light District, an eight-block entertainment hub chock-full of shops and restaurants.

Olathe, Kansas: College Boulevard Activities Center (CBAC), Olathe District Activity Center (ODAC)

There’s no better time to live, work and PLAY than Olathe! Renovations are underway at the College Boulevard Activities Center (CBAC) and the Olathe District Activity Center (ODAC) in Olathe, Kansas, that will enhance the way sporting events are hosted and played. The new facility enhancements to both complexes are expected to be completed by March of 2015.

The CBAC and ODAC venues will host many tournaments in 2015, including the MIAA Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships. All fields at both venues will feature new artificial turf and each facility will be equipped with a full-size football field, two full-size soccer fields, two baseball fields and two softball fields. Additionally, ODAC is equipped with a USATF-certified track and this site has been used to host a number of successful events, including the 2013 Outdoor Masters Championships. Across town at CBAC, 10 new state of the art tennis courts will be ready for use in early 2015.

Both venues can hold an impressive amount of spectators, too – up to 6,500 fans in the football and soccer stadiums, 3,500 split between the soccer and tennis courts, 500 for baseball and 250 for softball.

Pittsburg, Kansas: Robert W. Plaster Center

Pittsburg, Kansas, is a community of 20,000 in southeastern Kansas, where Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas come together. Pittsburg will soon be home to the Robert W. Plaster Center. The Robert W. Plaster Center at Pittsburg State University is a state-of-the-art, $13 million, 154,000-square-foot facility, to be completed in spring 2015.

The new facility will include a 100-yard turf field, an 11,000-square-foot modern strength facility, a 300-meter track and seating for up to 2,000. Pittsburg is centrally located, just two hours from Kansas City and Tulsa, three hours from Wichita, five hours from St. Louis and six hours from Dallas. Pittsburg offers spectacular facilities, a convenient location and affordability.

At Pittsburg and Crawford County, Kansas, “We Have Sports Cornered!”

Elizabethtown, Kentucky: Elizabethtown Sports Park

Elizabethtown Sports Park, located in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, has all the sports options you want. There are 12 soccer/lacrosse/field hockey natural turf fields and three quads for baseball, softball and fast pitch. The facility has a total of 12 total diamonds with lighting, two championship fields with synthetic turf, three large pavilions for ceremonies, events and meeting space, a meeting room and locker rooms for event officials.

E-Town Sports Park also features stadium lawn seating, convenient parking and playgrounds. Amenities include misters, bus parking, plaza/vendor areas, ample shade, family restrooms, wi-fi and three miles of pathways. The park even has a partnership with a local hospital so that visiting teams can arrange to have certified athletic trainers on the premises during athletic events.

Elizabethtown, Kentucky, is situated at the crossroads of I-65 and the Bluegrass Parkway, making it a convenient place to hold a sporting event. The Sports Park is located near 21 hotels, six shopping centers and over 90 restaurants in family-friendly Elizabethtown. And for those who want to venture further afield, E-town is a mere 45 minutes south of Louisville’s attractions.

For more information on Elizabethtown Sports Park, visit www.touretown.com or call 800-437-0092.

Lincoln, Nebraska: Pinnacle Bank Arena

Located prominently in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District is the newly opened Pinnacle Bank Arena. This publically owned facility is the centerpiece of a $344 million downtown redevelopment project which includes new retail, hotels, restaurants, commercial enterprise and residential living. With its combination of concrete and metal panel facade, spectacular open-air roof deck, contemporary glass-encased entrance and concourse offering picturesque views of the State Capitol, Pinnacle Bank Arena is an architectural embodiment of aesthetics and modernity. The arena features 16,000 seats with approximately 470,000 square feet of event space. Although its primary tenant is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln men’s and women’s basketball programs, the arena is open to use for sporting events, concerts, and meetings.

Directly adjacent to Pinnacle Bank Arena is the Railyard Entertainment District. This area includes a large courtyard surrounded on three sides with restaurants and bars where customers can carry alcoholic drinks from one establishment to the next. The focal point of The Railyard is ‘The Cube.’ This multimedia digital screen, that wraps around one corner of the space, is approximately 14 by 40 feet on one side and 14 by 14 feet on the other. It is the largest screen of its kind in the Midwest.

South Logan Township, New Jersey: The Gloucester County DREAM Park

The Gloucester County DREAM Park in South Jersey is a state-of-the-art equestrian complex built in 2000 to provide opportunities for those who own horses with a place to participate in shows and competitions, and also to allow the public to experience the magnificence and beauty of the animal participants first hand. The 277-acre space facility is ideal for not only equestrian events, but also dog shows and other sporting competitions and gatherings.

DREAM Park’s features include an indoor arena with bleacher seating for 600 spectators, concession areas, a covered outdoor arena and a separate annex room for dog show crating, auctions, exhibits or off-season instructional clinics. The facility also has two barns to accommodate 238 show horses, five outdoor rings including a hunter jumper ring and dressage ring, one of which has state-of-the-art lighting for night events, and designated parking for trailers and RVs with a new bath house.

DREAM Park is also a source of educational opportunities for the equestrian community, those with special needs, and for any individual interested in learning more about horses. The facility helps carry on hundreds of years of rich equestrian and agricultural tradition in the area.

Raleigh, North Carolina: The Raleigh Convention Center

The Raleigh Convention Center campus has been a remarkable resource for groups from 50 to 5000, having hosted acclaimed events like the NHL All-Star Weekend, Deep South Classic Basketball, MAPL Raleigh Volleyball Tournament and Big Rock Sports.

The region has an intense pedigree and proven commitment to world-class athletics. It’s also home to PNC Arena, WakeMed Soccer Park and the USA Baseball Training Complex, among countless other sporting venues.

The LEED Silver-Certified Center features a 150,000 square-foot Exhibit Hall. Flexible and expansive, it fits 24 volleyball or 20 basketball courts. The Hall is complemented by a soaring, street-level lobby, 20 meeting rooms and an elegant ballroom (perfect for awards events or dinners). The Center also features cutting-edge amenities, an expert staff and culinary delights.

The Raleigh Convention Center, the Red Hat Amphitheater and the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts are within steps of one another. Two luxury hotels–the Raleigh Marriott City Center and the Sheraton–are either connected or just steps away, too. This interlinking campus is a cultural centerpiece of downtown Raleigh, irresistibly blending competition and convenience for planners, athletes and fans alike.

For more information, visit RaleighConvention.com.

Canton, Ohio: Fawcett Stadium and Pro Football Hall of Fame

The Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio, is slated for $25 million facelift at the same time the Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced a study to support a Hall of Fame Village.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame field at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio is among football’s most elite venues.  It is home to two annual events: the Enshrinement ceremony for the Hall of Fame, and the kick-off game of the NFL pre-season.  The stadium is slated for a $25 million facelift, and the Hall has been working with HKS Architects on the renovation – the architects also designed AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis and the new Minnesota Vikings Stadium.

Additional plans for a Hall of Fame Village have recently been announced.  David Baker, President and Executive Director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, believes that Canton can do with football what Kissimmee, Florida, has done with Disney.  The vision incorporates the grounds surrounding the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Fawcett Stadium and other sports facilities on the campus including C.T. Branin Natatorium and Memorial Field House, and includes the potential for additional playing fields, a four-star hotel and conference center, retail and restaurants, among other elements.

Ohio: Lake Erie Shores & Islands

Lake Erie provides a refreshing natural venue for multiple types of sporting events held in Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands.

Multiple bass and walleye fishing tournaments are hosted annually, attracting competitors from around the globe for multiple days. Lake Erie is a highly desired location due to the abundance of fish and its walleye fishery is widely considered the best in the world.

Non-motorized boaters, such as canoe and kayak paddlers, compete within Sandusky Bay or other inland protected water venues. Power boating, sailing, jet skiing and water skiing competitions fill the lake with action and adventure just offshore. 

Swimmers start the first leg of their competition in Lake Erie during the annual Cedar Point Challenge Triathlon and Vermilion’s Linwood Park Triathlon.

This freshwater destination is less than an hour’s drive from both Cleveland and Toledo airports, and is easily accessible via the Ohio Turnpike and other major state routes. The Lake Erie Shores & Islands® has over 8,000 sleeping rooms and more than 615,000 square feet of traditional meeting space. There are numerous entertainment options to enhance your event, including Cedar Point, the Lake Erie islands and four indoor waterpark resorts.

Wilmington, Ohio: Roberts Arena

Roberts Arena, located in Wilmington and southwest Ohio’s premier full-service show facility, will be making improvements over the next several months in preparation for the 2015 show season. In addition to their existing indoor and outdoor arenas, they will be adding a 625’ x 130’ indoor arena and expanding the existing indoor arena to 245’ x 110’. This will provide a total of over 100,000square feet of heated riding space. These additions will make the indoor arenas among the largest heated facilities for shows in the country.

 The growth of the arenas will be accompanied by an expansion of their support facilities. A total of 15 wash racks and 36 full hook-up camping spaces will be added to their grounds to accommodate the extra horses and their owners. This growth will also impact their schedule, increasing the number of shows they will be able to host. Currently, they have added four new hunter/jumper shows for 2015 with more to follow.

The general manager, Sarah Arpke, and her trained, professional staff are looking forward to seeing horse show enthusiasts from all over the country for our upcoming events in 2014-15. www.clintoncountyohio.com

Redmond, Oregon: Deschutes Expo Center

Deschutes Expo Center is the perfect location for virtually any kind of sporting event. The 320-acre event site is located in beautiful, sunny Redmond, Oregon. The Expo complex includes permanent  seating for 4,000 with the capacity to stretch to 10,000. The Bank of the Cascades Center includes an NBA regulation basketball court and scoreboard. 200,000 square feet of flexible indoor event space, one indoor, two covered  and one outdoor livestock arenas, an off-road race track for motorsports, 75+ acres of beautifully landscaped lawns and a full-service Expo RV park with 200 acres of parking.

 On-site catering and concessions are provided to ensure exceptional quality and a dedication to excellence for all events.

Redmond is located at the heart of Oregon and is home to the regional airport, as well as an outstanding variety of lodging accommodations. Redmond enjoys over 300 days annually of high desert sunshine. There is a reason it is known as the playground of the Pacific Northwest, with abundant four-season recreation, championship golf, world class skiing and limitless diversity to offer.

“We really can do it all,” and are eager to share what we know will exceed your expectations.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Rocky Top Sports World

The country’s newest sports tournament destination is now open and receiving accolades for its state-of-the-art facility.  Rocky Top Sports World opened its doors on July 12, 2014, and has been hosting tournaments and events regularly since day one.  “The response has been phenomena,” stated Lori Moore, director of marketing and business development.  “We are close to being 40% over our original projected events for our first operating year. The combination of a world-class facility and the family friendly environment of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains make this an ideal location for youth and amateur events.” 

Rocky Top Sports World offers seven outdoor fields (six with new synthetic turf), and six hardwood basketball courts plus four more on site.  The new facility also features team rooms, Champ’s Grill, inflatable children’s games and referee locker rooms.  The leadership team has over 75 years of experience in tournament, event and destination management to help make your next event a premier experience.  Rocky Top Sports World has also added Hall of Fame Coach Phillip Fulmer to serve as an ambassador for the venue.

To book your next event, contact Lori Moore at 865-325-0044 or visit www.RockyTopSportsWorld.com.

Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee loves sports and loves hosting sporting events. The city’s skyline is filled with iconic reminders like the world's largest basketball at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and Neyland Stadium.

Knoxville recently hosted the Ozone Invitational, USA Diving AT&T National Diving Championships and the Powerboat Super League Classic. The city served as the fourth stop of the five-state competition for the Southeast Regional Cycling Series, hosted a state championship competition presented by Greater Knoxville Tennis Association (GKTA) and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and is well equipped to host youth football events.

The Knoxville Convention Center serves as the cornerstone of Knoxville’s meeting facilities. Located just minutes from Knoxville’s vibrant, walkable downtown, this beautiful, 500,000 square-foot facility serves as the cornerstone of Knoxville’s meeting facilities. Additional facilities include the Knoxville Coliseum & Auditorium, Chilhowee Park and Allan Jones Aquatic Center on the University of Tennessee campus, one of the nation’s premier swimming and diving facilities.

Getting here is easy! Knoxville, Tennessee is situated at the crossroads of three major intestates: I-75, I-40 and I-81 - within a day's drive of nearly half of the U.S. population.

Abilene, Texas: Shotwell Stadium

Play like a champion in Abilene at Shotwell Stadium, as several Super Bowl winning athletes have before you! This facility is a guaranteed winner that teams and fans will fully enjoy. Continuous improvements and upgrades allow Shotwell to host over 150 successful events each year.

Football isn’t the only sport played on the field; soccer now shares this stadium as a home field. Watch as your team’s information and replays pop up on the 14’ X 24’ HD video scoreboard, one of the largest of any high school in the country. At capacity, 15,046 fanatical fans can support their team, never missing a play with mounted televisions located near all concession stands. Enjoy all of the amenities Shotwell provides:

·         Revolution artificial turf by FieldTurf USA installed in spring 2012

·         Renovated dressing rooms with 75 spacious, secure lockers on each side

·         Catering can be provided for teams, cheerleaders and bands

·         Complimentary wireless internet

·         Newly updated restroom facilities

In addition, know you will have full support and free services from the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau and truly genuine, uniquely Abilene southern hospitality. 

Abilene, where champions are made. Call 800-727-7704 or visit www.abilenevisitors.com to learn more.

Amarillo, Texas

Amarillo celebrates its heritage in many ways.  The Panhandle Plains Historical Museum, located in nearby Canyon, Texas, is the largest history museum in the Lone Star State, often referred to as the “Smithsonian with a Texas flair.” 

The world’s most popular breed of horse is honored at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum.  Timeless artwork and displays are featured in their beautiful facility.  Many special exhibitions are held there, including the annual celebration of the National Day of the Cowboy. 

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, located only a half hour from downtown Amarillo, is the second largest canyon in the United States and is the largest canyon where you can drive right onto the canyon floor.  This state park was recently ranked one of the top ten state parks in the nation.

Amarillo also honors its heritage through events, including the AQHA Adequan Select World show, the Working Ranch Cowboys Association (also headquartered in Amarillo) Saddle Bronc and World Championship Ranch Rodeo, the Coors Cowboy Club Ranch Rodeo, the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association World Finals, National Junior Bull Riding, PRCA events and much more.

Learn more by  going to the website, www.visitamarillotx.com.

Frisco, Texas:  Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters & Training Facility

Opening in the summer of 2016, the new Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters & Training Facility will be the newest addition to the Frisco Is Sports lineup. Featuring over 110,000 square-feet of floor space, a  two-acre outdoor plaza, 12,000 seats inside and an indoor field that can be shaped into any surface, this venue will be a game changer.

In addition to the new facility, there will also be an attached hotel, restaurants and entertainment venues.  To learn more about the new Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters & Training Facility and Frisco’s other professional sports venues, contact Chuck Brakes at cbrakes@friscoissports.com today.

Round Rock, Texas: Round Rock Sports Center

Welcome to The Sports Capital of Texas! The new $14.9 million dollar Round Rock Sports Center is now open and has already hosted the Tour of Texas Power League Volleyball Qualifier (133 teams in attendance) and the Heart of Texas Wrestling Nationals (over 820 wrestlers competing). The first two weeks the center was open, over 5,000 visitors attended.  Before it was even open, almost every weekend at the center was booked through July. To say that this new space is in high demand is an understatement.

The $14.9 million facility boasts 82,800 square feet of indoor space with 47,775 square feet of flexible, open, playable space.  Several configurations are available, including six high school basketball courts, 12 high school volleyball courts, three NCAA basketball courts or four badminton/pickleball courts.

In addition to the many indoor features, the Round Rock Sports Center has a beautiful outdoor pavilion and plaza. The covered pavilion features a multi-sport turf surface, playground, concession area and restroom facilities.  The open-air plaza has a children’s play area available for family, friends and event participants.

For more information about the Round Rock Sports Center, contact the Round Rock Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at 512-218-7023 or visit www.SportsCapitalof Texas.com.

Gillette, Wyoming: The CAM-PLEX

The CAM-PLEX Multi-Events Facilities in Gillette, Wyoming, provide more than 1,100 acres of possibilities. The biggest multi-event space west of the Mississippi, CAM-PLEX features state-of-the-art venues, staff and versatility to make this the choice location for your next sporting event.

With so many configurations and possibilities at your disposal, the CAM-PLEX has whatever you need to make your event so successful that you’ll be making plans to book the CAM-PLEX annually. The list of events the CAM_PLEX is equipped to accommodate is vast, so chances are if you can dream it, we can host it, whether you’re into wrestling, basketball, hockey, equestrian, softball, motocross, rodeo and much, much more.

Staff and support teams are available to answer your questions, and proactive setup, construction and teardown makes coordinating your event a breeze. Our experience enables us to anticipate your needs before you have to ask.

So when you’re looking to plan your next sporting event, look no further than CAM-PLEX. With the region’s premier multi-event facilities and an accommodating and dedicated staff that can transform their space into your dream sporting event, you won’t need to shop around next year!