Sarasota County, Florida
When searching for a sports venue, it’s hard to beat a location with gorgeous coastal scenery and yearlong temperate weather. In Sarasota County, Florida, the sports commission enhances that natural setting with top-quality service to professional and amateur teams alike.
“We have a track record of success when it comes to hosting sports teams,” said Sarah Huffman, sports sales manager at the Sarasota County Sports Commission.
With its proximity to the water, Sarasota’s niche sport is aquatics, particularly rowing. Nathan Benderson Park is the only venue in North America officially approved by FISA, the international rowing federation, and will host the 2017 World Rowing Championship in September.
Benderson Park features a 2,000-meter course with 10 racing lanes as well as an athletic training center and a 5K track circling the venue. In addition to rowing, the park hosts events for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, dragon boats, triathlons, and 5k and 10k runs. Sarasota is also proud it will host the World Sailing Annual Conference in 2018, which has never been held in the United States.
“The area is ideal because of our wonderful year-round weather,” said Huffman. “January through June, you can get on the course or in the pool, and the sun is always shining.”
Horse lovers might pay a visit to Fox Lea Farm nearby in Venice, a nationally recognized horse show facility, and lacrosse and soccer groups can take advantage of the 130 acres of playing fields at the Sarasota Polo Club. In the spring, softball and baseball groups often flock to Ed Smith Stadium, which serves as the training ground for the Baltimore Orioles.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
As home to one of three official Olympic Training Centers in the United States, Colorado Springs immediately sets itself apart as an excellent destination for sports groups.
“We have over 60 sports organizations headquartered here,” said Cheryl McCullough, director of sports and special events at Visit Colorado Springs.
Because of this, the area has some of the finest sports amenities in the world. At the Olympic Training Center, groups are welcome to tour the training complex, visit the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame or coordinate a reception on the property. Planners can also hire one of the local coaches or sports experts as a guest speaker at their meetings.
Adult hockey leagues and figure skaters gravitate toward the Broadmoor World Arena Ice Hall, which frequently hosts training programs, performances and tournaments.
Of course, no visit to Colorado Springs is complete without witnessing the breathtaking view from Pikes Peak. Though it may be famous as one of the highest summits in the Rocky Mountains, car racing enthusiasts know it as the site of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, also known as the Race to the Clouds. Later in the year, runners from across the country put their training to the test in the Pikes Peak Marathon, which is often called America’s Ultimate Challenge due to the rapid elevation of the course, with runners climbing 6,000 feet within the first 10 miles.
Spokane, Washington
The community of Spokane, Washington, holds a special passion for sports, and that energy feeds into every travel group’s experience. The area offers a range of venues, most notably the Spokane Convention Center, a 650,000-square-foot, multipurpose facility that was recently upgraded to include a sky bridge that connects to the Davenport Hotel. It is in a thriving cultural hub along the Spokane River, with restaurants, shops and hotels all within walking distance.
“The best thing about Spokane is the walkable community,” said Kate Hudson, public relations manager at Visit Spokane.
In January, the convention center hosts the Spokane Sizzler Adult Volleyball Tournament. Around 60 coed adult teams compete while enjoying music, contests and a courtside beer garden. Those looking for beach volleyball will find outdoor courts nearby in Spokane Valley.
Every year, in spring, the Nordic Ski Association closes out the season with the Spokane Nordic Challenge Loppet, a long-distance cross-country ski event that features 20-, 30- and 50-kilometer races. The event is a good opportunity for people of varying skill levels to come together and compete, or just enjoy the ride with a group of friends. Hot food and beverages are provided.
Another renowned competition in the city is the Lilac Bloomsday Run, which takes place annually on the first Sunday in May. An average of 50,000 runners, joggers and walkers show up each year, making it one of the largest timed road races in the country.
Later in summer, hundreds of groups gather in Spokane for the Hoop Fest, in which 7,000 teams contend in the world’s largest three-on-three basketball tournament.
