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Find Your Perfect Sports Fit in Georgia

The best sports events are organized by planners who think outside the gym. What will the teams do during their downtime? Where will they stay? Can local restaurants accommodate big groups of athletes?

All these additional components come together to form an unspoken event planning rule: sports events are only as good as the city in which they’re hosted. It can be hard for event planners like yourself to find the perfect city when there are so many options vying for your attention but, luckily for you, Georgia is chock full of charming towns and bustling metropolises that can’t wait to help you make your tournament or race a smashing success.

Between its collection of cities and towns, Georgia has hosted Super Bowls, World Series and even the Summer Olympics, giving the Peach State a formidable sports history that puts it well above other potential destinations. In addition to successfully pulling off events on a global scale, Georgia is the well-loved home of the Falcons, the Braves and the Hawks. While your athletes might not be pros (yet!), rest assured Georgia will treat them with the same caliber. With more than 19 major sports cities and 1,850 hotels to choose from, Georgia makes picking a host city an enjoyable experience that will leave you anxiously awaiting your upcoming event.

Outside the gym and off the field, your athletes will never run out of things to see and do during their trip. Whether they’re touring Civil War mansions after the sun has set, shooting down waterslides at Six Flags or conquering the bountiful scenic wonders the Peach State’s natural side has to offer, your teams will enjoy their stay from start to finish no matter what Georgia city they’re visiting.

Ready to find your perfect sports fit? Head to georgia-sports.com.

SPORTS

GEORGIA

Site InSpections 102 104 106 108 109 110 112 114

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■ Savannah, GA ■ Alpharetta, GA ■ Cobb County, GA ■ Atlanta’s Dekalb, GA ■ Perry, GA ■ LaGrange, GA ■ Lake Lanier, GA ■ Gwinnett County, GA

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Atlanta Experience

Before and After the Game

Interactive exhibits entice visitors to the Center for Civil and Human Rights (left), located between the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola in downtown Atlanta.

Save with CityPASS in the nation’s ninth largest f planning to explore Georgia, all roads lead to Atlanta. If planning to explore Atlanta, then take a look at the Atlanta CityPASS. Available for purchase online, this admission-ticket booklet saves visitors more than 40 percent off regular ticket prices on five of the area’s popular attractions. At most attractions you can skip the ticket line and go directly to the entrance, saving time as well as money.

More than 10 million gallons of fresh and marine water fill the seven galleries at the Georgia Aquarium. Aquanaut Adventure: A Discovery Zone is a fun educational adventure with a series of challenges that allow families to learn about aquatic life. Cold Water Quest features ocean fish and marine mammals, while a theater film brings features the beauty of dolphins. Visitors can walk through an acrylic tunnel to view whale sharks and manta rays, and one gallery showcases the diversity of animals found in the world’s rivers. Tropical coral reefs and their inhabitants also dazzle Georgia Aquarium guests.

There’s only one place to learn the story of the world’s best-known beverage—The World of Coca-Cola at Pemberton Place®. Level 1 begins with The Loft and artifacts that tell the rich heritage of the brand. The

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film Moments of Happiness is a must-see, and who doesn’t want to have a picture taken with the iconic Coca-Cola polar bear? He’s right near the Vault of the Secret Formula. See the actual bottling process at the Bottle Works and learn the history of the Coca-Cola Company at Milestones of Refreshment. Level 2 has two theaters. The Perfect Pauses Theater is a visit through the company’s commercials. The Live Positively® Portrait Wall and Pop Culture Gallery share the impact of the brand. Search for your favorite among the 100 flavors from throughout the world in Taste It! The Coca-Cola Store makes a perfect end to your visit.

The Inside CNN Studio Tour is an up-close look at the global news leader. Every 10 minutes a guided walking tour departs for a 50-minute journey through CNN headquarters. You’ll visit the working studios of CNN and HLN. You’ll hear and witness live broadcasts and do a live read yourself while seeing your face on the big screen in Studio 7E. The special Morning Express Tour, available Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. by reservation, visits the HLN Morning Express set with Robin Meade. Atlanta CityPASS holders can upgrade to the VIP Tour with expanded inside access for smaller groups. This in-depth tour goes three times daily and does not @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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College Football Hall of Fame

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Inside CNN Studio Tour

metropolitan area, a treasure chest of family fun permit children under 12. All Inside CNN Studio Tours should have a 24hour reservation to ensure your place.

Now it’s time to choose between the Zoo Atlanta and Center for Civil and Human Rights. One of the city’s most cherished attractions, Zoo Atlanta shares more than 1,400 animals. You’ll see birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and the Carnivorous Plant Bog garden. Highlights include giant pandas and the nation’s largest gorilla and orangutan collection. There are interactive wildlife shows, keeper talks, a petting zoo, Zoo train rides and playgrounds.

The Center for Civil and Human Rights is located adjacent to the World of Coca-Cola and Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta. The center is one of the few places that bridges the American civil rights movement and today’s global human rights movements. Three major galleries are at the heart of the Center. The Voices to the Voiceless gallery features a rotating exhibition of Martin Luther King, Jr. items from the Morehouse College collection. Rolls Down Like Water: The American Civil Rights Movement engulfs visitors in the momentous 1950s and 1960s. Visitors gain a connection to human rights in Spark of ConvicSportsPlanningGuide.com

tion: The Global Human Rights Movement.

The last choice is an experience at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History or the College Football Hall of Fame. Housing the world’s largest dinosaurs, Argentinosaurus, and Atlanta’s biggest IMAX, there’s a world of family fun and adventure at Fernbank. Eight permanent exhibitions, many with hands-on activities, explore cultures of the world. Regularly scheduled special exhibitions bring new discoveries to Fernbank.

The College Football Hall of Fame’s Chick-Fil-A Fan Experience is the most interactive attraction in Atlanta. Show your skills on the 45-yard replica field in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl Skill Zone. Join the ESPN College GameDay Desk built by The Home Depot crew, Chris Fowler and Desmond Howard. Test your broadcast skills and call a legendary college football play in the Call the Play booth. Ten galleries and exhibits, including Game Day Theater, immerse the visitor in the passion of college football.

Begin your metro Atlanta vacation experience online at citypass.com/Atlanta.

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Georgia

Sets the Stage for

Big Events Georgia’s Southern charm, coastal location and subtropical climate make it a top choice for high-caliber sports events to take place year round on land or sea. Here are seven events that prove Georgia is more than capable of ensuring any kind of sports event will go off without a hitch.

TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola DeKalb County

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The TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola is held annually at Atlanta’s renowned East Lake Golf Club in DeKalb County, the formative home of the legendary Bobby Jones. In 2004, East Lake was named the permanent home to the TOUR Championship by Coca Cola, the FedExCup Playoff Finale and the season-ending event for the PGA TOUR. With this year’s event taking place September 24-27, players compete for an $8,250,000 purse at the oldest golf club in Atlanta.

The tournament primarily benefits the East Lake Foundation and First Tee. The club serves as the driving force behind the effort to revitalize the surrounding neighborhood. All profits from the club, as well as charita ble donations from the club’s corporate membership, support the East Lake Foundation and its remarkable redevelopment project.

The top 30 players in FedExCup points (after the BMW Championship) qualify for the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola at the FedExCup Playoff Finale. FedExCup points are reset prior to the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola, ensuring a real shootout as all 30 players in the field will have a mathematical chance of winning the FedExCup with a victory at the event.

Mitsubishi Electric Classic Gwinnett County Savannah’s famous historic district is the setting for the Rock ̓n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & Half Marathon.

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Formerly known as the Greater Gwinnett Championship, this PGA Tour’s Champions Tour is held in Gwinnett County annually at the TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, which spans 1,200 acres of Georgia countryside within the gated community of Sugarloaf Country Club. With an expected 40,000 spectators, the event will generate an anticipated $10 million in economic impact. The 54-hole tournament features 81 Champions Tour professionals competing for a $1.8 million purse. The 2016 event will take place April 11-17 with all three official rounds nationally televised on the Golf Channel. It will benefit charities through the Gwinnett Championship Foundation, Inc.; and has raised more than $520,000 for area charities in its first three years through all tournament-related activities.

"Playing the Champions Tour event in Gwinnett County at TPC Sugarloaf was an easy decision. The history of the Bellsouth Classic proved to us the need to continue professional golf in Gwinnett—great golf course, great community support and a location that we know players enjoy. And to partner with the Gwinnett Sports Commission was icing on the cake," said Miller Brady , Champions Tour senior vice president and chief of operations. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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2018 Dragon Boat World Championships Lake Lanier

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The 2018 Dragon Boat World Championships will take place at Lake Lanier Olympic Venue. It was bid on by Gainesville Hall County 96 to be held at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue in the summer of 2018 and expects 4,000 spectators, 3,000 players and $6 million in projected economic impact.

“The bid from Gainesville Hall 96 was accepted by the International Canoe Federation despite having received numerous bids from countries around the world. The Lake Lanier Olympic Venue offers the most fair and most beautiful course in the world. We believe that the world will see just how hospitable and accommodating Gainesville and Hall County can be when these elite athletes arrive here at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue,” said Morgan House, venue manager at Lake Lanier Olympic Venue.

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Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & Half Marathon Savannah

The Rock ’n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & Half Marathon takes place in Savannah’s beautiful, oaklined historic district, drawing 26,000 participants and spectators to the city . As one of Savannah’s largest events, the marathon generates nearly $34 million in economic impact and more than 19,000 room nights annually. This year, participants will relish a taste of the city as they enjoy several race-weekend events November 6-9. With a full marathon, half marathon, relay, 5K, one-miler and kids’ run, the weekend will be fun for all ages and skill sets. In 2014, Rock ’n’ Roll Savannah runners also helped raise more than $400,000 for its charity partners.

"Savannah is a beautiful city and great destination, so naturally it was a great fit for our Series, which strives to give runners a full weekend experience. Race participants can expect historic sites, stunning scenery and true Southern hospitality both on and off our marathon and half marathon courses,” said Director of Public Relations Dan Cruz. “This year will be our fifth in Savannah and we are grateful for our partners at Savannah Sports Council for helping us put on a successful event each year.”

Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour and Pro Wakesurf Tour Cobb County

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The Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour and Pro Wakesurf Tour returns to Cobb annually at Dallas Landing Park on Lake Allatoona in Acworth. The event features watersports action as well as food and music, athlete autograph signings, prizes and drawings, and shopping for equipment including boats, wakeboards, wakeskates, sunglasses and the latest in wakeboarding and surfing fashions. More than 5,000 spectators and 250 boats line the beach and course line to watch the world’s top professional wakeboarders compete. This family-oriented event generates an estimated $1.1 million in economic impact on the community.

“Few tour cities roll out the red carpet to welcome the pros like return city Acworth, Georgia, just north of Atlanta. Dallas Landing on Lake Allatoona is another ‘land or sea’ venue that keeps the party going, with over 250 boats drawn to this legendary competition course. After the contest, the party continues at downtown Acworth’s Pro T our Street Party,” says a Supra Pro Wakeboard Tour press release.

Georgia National Rodeo Perry

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IronKids Alpharetta Alpharetta

The IronKids Alpharetta event is held at Wills Park in Alpharetta, Georgia annually and is the largest youth triathlon in the US with more than 1,300 athletes competing in a swim, bike and run competition. The race includes three divisions: Junior for ages 6 to 8, Intermediate for ages 9 to 11 and Senior for ages 12 to 15.

"The community of Alpharetta plays the per fect host for the largest IronKids Triathlon in the country each September," stated Race Director Bill Burke.

The Lake Lanier Olympic Venue awaits dragon boat action in 2018.

Georgia National Rodeo, taking place February 18-20, 2016 at Reaves Arena in Perr y, is expected to host 800 riders and 15,000 spectators, generating an estimated $1,942,263.75 in economic impact. The event is officially sanctioned by the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) and features specialty acts plus cowboys and cowgirls from across the country competing in seven categories: saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, bull riding and barrel racing. Points earned at the Georgia National Rodeo qualify riders for the National Finals held every December in Las Vegas.

The Georgia National Rodeo features the best in the business.

The Mitsubishi Electric Classic at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth draws about 40,000 spectators.

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SAVANNAH, GA

Host your next tournament in Savannah, Georgia and see why visitors can’t stop gushing about this iconic Southern city.

A Wide Spectrum of Great Facilities for Hosting Great Sports Events 1. Savannah International Trade and Convention Center

3. Historic Grayson Stadium

Sports: Volleyball, indoor tennis, badminton, cheer, dance, gymnastics With 100,000 square feet of adaptable floor space, Savannah’s convention center is the perfect facility to accommodate cheer, dance, gymnastics and any other indoor exhibition sport that requires large amounts of space. Additionally, the convention center can host volleyball, indoor tennis, badminton and other gymnasium sports like dodgeball.

Sports: Baseball Historic Grayson Stadium offers free parking, multiple concession stands and one state-of-the-art professional baseball field. The stadium seats 4,000 people and has been open since 1926, making it a Savannah landmark.

2. Savannah Civic Center Sports: Cheer, dance, gymnastics Savannah Civic Center plays host to well over 500 events per year, a large number of which are tournaments and competitions like the PINK Gymnastics Invitational. The center’s 20,000square-foot Martin Luther King Arena can hold as many as 7,000 spectators and is the perfect location to host cheer, dance or gymnastics. Concession stands are available.

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4. Armstrong State University Sports: Volleyball, swimming, soccer, baseball, softball, basketball The university is home to several sports facilities that can host your event. The Aquatics and Recreation Center (ARC) holds a six-lane, 25-yard indoor pool as well as room for two regulationsize volleyball courts or five badminton courts. ARC also offers bleacher seating for about 1,000 people. Armstrong Soccer Field offers seating for 300 and a concession stand. The university also has a baseball/softball field, a two-lane indoor track and a basketball court.

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5. Savannah College of Art and Design: SCAD Athletic Complex

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Sports: Soccer, lacrosse This small college is home to the SCAD Athletic Complex, a set of fields where the school’s lacrosse and soccer teams practice and compete. Both of these fields are lighted and come with bleacher seating and ample parking space nearby.

6. Savannah State University Sports: Baseball, softball, tennis, football, track and field, basketball, volleyball, swimming Savannah State offers one baseball field, one softball field and eight outdoor tennis courts. Additionally, the school offers one football field that’s surrounded by a six-lane track and two basketball courts.

Recent additions to Savannah State’s campus include a volleyball complex and a pool.

What Can Savannah Offer My Teams in Their Downtime?

Savannah gives visitors an almost endless array of attractions, experiences and history with its own little twist on each of them. Touring Civil War mansions becomes terrifying and exhilarating when you embark on your journey after the sun sets and the ghosts begin to haunt the properties. Going out for Southern breakfast morphs into a delicious and creative activity when you eat at Funky Brunch Cafe, where you design your own pancakes. Savannah exploration gets taken up a notch when a riverboat is your mode of transportation, and even more so when your cruise departs under the light of the moon. With over 15,000 hotel rooms available in the greater Savannah area, your teams are guaranteed to be well-rested in addition to being entertained, ready to play their hearts out at the tournament.

A Convenient Coastal Location Only four hours southeast of Atlanta, Savannah sits directly on the Atlantic Coast and is easily accessible via Interstates 16 and 95. Major cities under eight hours away include Jacksonville, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina; Charlotte, North Carolina; Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Montgomery, Alabama. Savannah Hilton Head International Airport is just under 20 minutes northwest of the city center. Major airlines that fly there include Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue and United.

Planner Perspective “Savannah is a great place for a family sports vacation. The history of downtown Savannah and its beach culture on Tybee Island makes it a destination for beach volleyball athletes and their family. EVP Tour is excited to return for our seventh year in a row May 8-9, 2016.”

— Ross Balling, EVP Tour Commissioner

SAVANNAH SPORTS COUNCIL

Ben Wilder, Director, CSEE 912-644-6414 • bwilder@VisitSavannah.com SavannahSportsCouncil.com

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ALPHARETTA, GA Facilities Range from Ball Fields to Ice Arenas

With year-round sunshine, modern and affordable hotels, well-maintained facilities and professional partnerships, planning a sports event in Alpharetta, Georgia is as sweet as the peaches the state is known for.

1. North Park

3. Wills Park

Sports: Football, softball, tennis, soccer, baseball This sprawling park is perfect for a variety of sports and tournament-friendly competition with its clusters of fields. Its facilities include seven lighted tennis courts, two multipurpose synthetic turf fields and eight lighted softball fields. Families can enjoy meals in its two picnic pavilions and kids can choose from two playgrounds.

Visitors to the park can also enjoy its Adult Activity Center, Arts Building, Rotary Reflection Garden and 3.1-mile walking trail.

Sports: Baseball, tennis, disc golf Home to the Alpharetta Youth Baseball Association, this 110-acre park is a tournament planner’s dream. The park includes seven grass baseball fields, one synthetic turf baseball field and two tee ball fields. Families and team siblings can enjoy its five picnic pavilions and Wacky World Playground. It also offers a disc golf course, six lighted tennis courts and a 1.8-mile walking trail where walkers can view the scenic Alpharetta Community Garden and Alpharetta Arboretum.

2. The Cooler Sports: Ice hockey, figure skating, volleyball, roller hockey, martial arts, yoga, wrestling One of Georgia’s largest skating facilities, the Cooler has two 85-by-200-foot ice arenas and one 85-by-185-foot roller arena.

Courts are available for basketball and volleyball, and are adaptable for other sports. Four party rooms can be used for team gatherings and celebrations.

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4. Windward Lake Club Sports: Tennis Windward Lake Club is a private tennis facility nestled amongst the pines in the heart of Alpharetta. WLC features 30 courts including 20 hard courts, two Har-Tru clay courts, six kids’ courts (36-foot courts for 8&U) and two platform/paddle tennis courts. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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Downtime Options Abound for Players and Families Every good sports event planner knows there is more to planning an event than just the games and tournaments. The safety of the players and a family-oriented atmosphere for downtime is crucial to success. Alpharetta was recently named America’s 7th friendliest city by Forbes and offers a wide variety of familyfriendly activities perfect for the young and young at heart.

Kids and adults can have a night out on the town together at Main Event Entertainment, where they can eat, play laser tag and bowl; or at Topgolf Alpharetta, where they can engage in friendly-competition with a point-scoring golf game over dinner and drinks. Families can enjoy picnics, fresh air and performances at one of three outdoor music venues: Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Chukkar Farm or Matilda’s Under the Pines.

Take in a scenic outdoor walk on the Big Creek Greenway or at one of Alpharetta’s five arboretums. Release your inner daredevil during a rider training class at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

In the heart of historic downtown Alpharetta, you’ll find boutique shops, a self-guided history walk and locally-owned restaurants offering delicious food. For a more luxurious experience, Avalon offers 86 lush acres of upscale shopping, chef-driven dining, resort-level hospitality and family entertainment at Regal Cinemas or on the Plaza lawn. North Point Mall and the surrounding area is home to more than 100 major retailers, including the only

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American Girl Boutique and Bistro in Georgia, an innovative LEGO Store, and AMC North Point Mall 12 to see the latest Hollywood flicks while reclining in style. The Walk of Memories at American Legion Post 201 and Veteran’s Field honors all those who have bravely served our country with a brick-paved path memorial honoring our fallen heroes; a collection of military equipment and monuments adds to this moving tribute.

Finding Alpharetta is Easy Perfectly positioned between the North Georgia Mountains and the international city of Atlanta, Alpharetta is easily accessible from all major interstates in North Georgia and the metro Atlanta area. Located only 22 miles north of Atlanta, Alpharetta is a breeze to access off of Georgia 400. Visitors can also access Alpharetta via Georgia Route 19, Hwy 120 or Hwy 92, connecting to major highways such as I-85 and I-75. Alpharetta is surrounded by five airports in the metro area—Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, DeKalb Peachtree Airport, Mathis Airport, Gwinnett County Airport and Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport.

ALPHARETTA CVB

Adam Berrios, Sports Sales Manager 678-297-2811 • adam@awesomealpharetta.com AwesomeAlpharetta.com

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COBB COUNTY, GA

Cobb County, Georgia is full of facilities to make your sports event one for the books.

A Wealth of Facilities Makes the Planner’s Job Easy 1. Kennesaw State University Sports and Recreation Park

3. Lost Mountain Park

Sports: Rugby, lacrosse, soccer, football, track Kennesaw State University Sports and Recreation Park features two state-of-the-art, synthetic-turf fields and a 16,000square-foot Owls Nest indoor training facility. This 88-acre complex accommodates field sports such as rugby, lacrosse, soccer and football. There are also a track and nearby lake.

Sports: Softball, baseball, football, soccer, tennis, track, fishing, basketball Lost Mountain Park has eight softball fields, one baseball field, two football or soccer fields, 12 tennis courts and a track. On top of that, it has three concession areas, two playgrounds, three picnic pavilions, batting cages and two fishing ponds. The GRPA championship tournament for youth basketball teams is held here.

2. Al Bishop Softball Complex Sports: Softball Al Bishop Softball Complex is the hub of league and tournament events for softball in Georgia. Sponsored by the Cobb Parks and Recreation Department, this nationally recognized facility has hosted around 2,500 annual tournaments since 1979. It also hosts 2,000 league games a year on one of its five fields. A few events that come back year after year are CAM Sports Youth FastPitch Tournament, Japanese Chamber of Commerce Tournament, Metro Girls Fast-Pitch Tournament and NSA Youth Fast-Pitch Tournament.

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4. McEachern High School’s Cantrell Stadium Sports: Football High school football is extremely competitive in Georgia, especially in Cobb County. McEachern High School’s Cantrell Stadium has held the Corky Kell Classic, a Georgia high school football event that benefits the Kell Foundation to help fund scholarships for students. With a capacity of up to 12,500 people, Cantrell Stadium is perfect for those participating in a large football event.

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5. Wild Horse Creek Park Sports: Softball, baseball, soccer, football, BMX, equestrian, fishing, tennis Wild Horse Creek Park has six softball fields, a baseball field, a field used for both soccer and football, a BMX track, an equestrian facility, a fishing pond and four tennis courts. It also has concession buildings, a picnic pavilion and playgrounds.

6. Noonday Park Sports: Soccer, football, BMX, lacrosse Noonday Park offers 12 soccer fields, two soccer practice fields, two football fields and a BMX track. A picnic pavilion, playground and concession building are also available.

minutes northwest of downtown Atlanta. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport boasts close to 50 million flights a year.

COBB SPORTS ALLIANCE

Rachel Rogers, Sports Sales & Services Manager 678-303-2630 • rrogers@travelcobb.org TravelCobb.org

Free-Time Activities to Keep Your Group Entertained Test your bravery on the first drop of Six Flags Over Georgia's 10-story Dare Devil Dive roller coaster. Relax on the Lazy River or slide down one of the world's tallest water free-falls at Six Flags White Water. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, the most visited Civil War site in the U.S., offers hiking, biking and picnicking on its 2,923 acres. Cobb County also is the location of the greatest spy story in American history, the Great Locomotive Chase. Visit the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, a Smithsonian Affiliate, to learn more about this military raid during the Civil War. Cobb County is a shopper's fantasy come true. For the skilled shoppers on your team, its boutiques, retail stores, thrift shops and antique markets will exceed their expectations.

Regularly featured on the Food Network, Cobb County has nationally recognized restaurants such as Henry’s Louisiana Grill and Marietta Diner. Your team's visit to the area wouldn't be complete without experiencing the variety of live entertainment. Beginning in 2017, your team can catch a professional baseball game at SunTrust Park, future home of the Atlanta Braves.

A Quick Drive from Atlanta A short distance away from the largest airport hub in the country, Cobb County is in an excellent location for smooth traveling.

Not only can you experience all the wonders Cobb has to offer, but the surrounding area of Atlanta as well. Cobb County is only 10

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Fields of Dreams 1. Southeast Athletic Complex Sports: Soccer, softball, football, lacrosse This complex has hosted countless local tournaments and offers ample parking for 300 visitors as well as a concession area. Its 80 acres consist of five soccer fields (one lighted), four softball fields (two lighted), a women’s fast-pitch field and three multi-use fields.

2. Henderson Park

ATLANTA’S DEKALB, GA As far as hosting sports events is concerned, Atlanta’s DeKalb County is the MVP. DISCOVER DEKALB Dan Bell, Sports Marketing Manager 770-492-5010 • danb@dcvb.org AtlantasDeKalb.com

Sports: Tennis, soccer In addition to a stunning lake and waterfall, Henderson Park provides four tennis courts, six soccer fields and both paved and natural walking trails. The park is home to Triumph Youth Soccer Association, the largest youth sports association in all of DeKalb County.

3. Atlanta Silverbacks Park Sports: Soccer Home to Atlanta’s professional men’s soccer team, Silverbacks Park features four full-size soccer fields, one of which is nestled in a 5,000-seat stadium.

DeKalb County Offers Lots to Do off the Field If your teams are interested in exploring natural Georgia, look no farther than the scenic trails and spectacular views of Stone Mountain Park or the millions of years of history preserved in the archeological digs at Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. Whether it’s on bikes, horses or your own two feet, exploring the peaks and valleys of DeKalb County is sure to be an unforgettable experience for athletes, coaches, families and spectators.

Want to beat the heat? Bring your teams to Stone Mountain Park, where Geyser Towers is full of spontaneous water eruptions that let you cool off in the summer or dart across suspended rope bridges and crawl through a maze of tunnels at SkyHike. If you aren’t in the mood to get wet, try shopping around the Decatur Square or at one of the county’s upscale shopping malls.

Just Minutes from Atlanta Only six miles east of downtown Atlanta, DeKalb County is easily accessible via I-20. Cities that are less than eight hours away from DeKalb include Savannah, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; Memphis; Jacksonville, Florida; New Orleans; and Louisville. Interstates 85, 75, 675 and 285 all access DeKalb. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is only 20 minutes from DeKalb County and is serviced by American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit and United airlines.

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PERRY, GA

This Georgia town warmly welcomes visiting athletes and teams to its wide variety of sports facilities.

Ideal Venues for Equestrian Events, Golf and Fishing

Enjoy Big-Time Entertainment and Small-town Hospitality

1. Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter

Visitors can learn about the town’s historic side through the Perry Area Historical Museum or the Historical Walking Tour and Sam Nunn Museum. Local festivals include the Georgia National Rodeo, Georgia National Fair and Perry Dogwood Festival.

For fun shopping, visit the welcome center’s Georgia Artisan Center and take home a piece of Georgia. Also check out the Carroll Street Boutique District.

Sports: Equestrian, livestock shows When the grounds aren’t hosting the Georgia National Fair for 11 days in October, the buildings are open for other events. This agricenter fills 1,100 acres with two 480-stall horse barns, two arenas, four exhibit halls, a variety of conference rooms and livestock barns, four ponds and parking for as many as 13,000 vehicles. Banquet hall space is rentable as well.

2. Cherokee Pines Golf and Fitness Club Sports: Golf This club offers a 6,465-yard, par-71, 18-hole golf course.

There are four sets of tees for varying skill levels. With pretty even terrain and elevation throughout the park, walking the course is easy, but electric golf carts, each equipped with a GPS device, are available. Cherokee Pines also offers a pool, exercise studio, banquet hall and restaurant.

The “Crossroads of Georgia” is Easy to Access from Any Direction Interstate 75 runs through Perry north to south. US routes 341 and 129 connect Perry to the rest of the state in the Northwest and Southeast regions. The nearest airport is the Perry Houston County Airport in Perry. Middle Georgia Regional Airport, 20 miles north of Perry, offers flights to Atlanta.

3. Flat Creek Fishing and Archery Area Sports: Fishing, archery This 102-acre public fishing lake offers excellent fishing for bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and largemouth bass. The lake can be accessed by bank or boat and is extensively managed to maximize fishing success. Facilities include a concrete boat ramp, restrooms, picnic tables and fish cleaning station.

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PERRY SPORTS COUNCIL

Sandi Smeltzer, Executive Director 478-988-8000 • ssmeltzer@perryga.com PerrySportsCouncil.com

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LAGRANGE, GA

With its natural beauty and warm climate, LaGrange and Troup County provide an excellent location for your next tournament, and the adventure continues after a winner is decided.

Superb Sporting Facilities to Match Your Tournament 1. Harris and Shuford Baseball/Softball Complexes Sports: Baseball, softball Fourteen fields comprise the Harris and Shuford complexes, located across the street from each other on the east side of LaGrange. The fields come in various sizes for different age levels and abilities. Parking lines the west edge of the eight-field Harris baseball complex and also on the southeast corner of the sixsoftball-field Shuford complex. Spectators can watch the game from bleacher seating or stand or sit picnic-style alongside the foul lines.

2. McCluskey Tennis Center Sports: Tennis The Ann and Doc McCluskey Tennis Center offers 10 hydro soft courts and six plexipave courts, all with lighting for after-dark play. Players will enjoy the fully loaded pro shop for last-minute repairs and equipment. Parking is available surrounding the facility and spectators can watch the match from bleacher seats. The complex is located in the center of town near LaGrange High School. It is the home of several leagues and U. S. Tennis Association state championship tournaments. The facility is near several shopping centers and restaurants, and is a short drive from the downtown area and lodging locations.

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3. Pyne Road Park on West Point Lake Sports: Cross country, fishing, triathlon, water sports, biking, extreme sports On the northern banks of the scenic West Point Lake, planners will find a four-mile trail for running and biking with a pavilion for athletes to gather before and after the race. Swimmers, runners and cyclists will perform at the top level as they compete amid the wooded scenery. Bathrooms are on-site and parking is available around the park. On the south side is the Mega pavilion available for rent, along with boat launches and access to the water. The facility has hosted the Bassmaster Elite and state championship fishing tournaments, Bicycle Ride Across Georgia and West Point Lake Olympic Triathlons.

4. Mike Daniel Recreation Center Sports: Basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, swimming, indoor soccer The hub of the Troup County Recreation Department, the Mike Daniel Recreation Center offers a dynamic location for several indoor sports. The 75,000-square-foot center offers two basketball courts, an indoor soccer/floor hockey rink and a skate park. Swimmers will also enjoy the 25-yard, six-lane swimming pool. The facility includes meeting space, a snack bar, restrooms and locker rooms. It is located on the east side of LaGrange and has a parking lot in front of the entrance.

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5. Callaway Stadium Sports: Football, soccer, track and field Home of the LaGrange College Panthers football team, Callaway Stadium offers the seating, playing surface and extras a tournament planner needs. Also the home of local high school teams, Callaway Stadium features a FieldTurf playing surface and full concession, restrooms and locker rooms. The stadium is located on the south end of campus with parking around the field.

LaGrange College is in the heart of the city.

Getting to LaGrange Interstate 85 runs through LaGrange, and nearby cities Hogansville and West Point, coming from the northeast from Atlanta and stretching southwest to Montgomery. Interstate 185 offers access to nearby Columbus. LaGrange Callaway Airport has two runways for local air traffic. Just an hour away is Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which is served domestically by American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit and United airlines.

There’s Plenty to Do After the Game

Planner Perspective

LaGrange has the variety of attractions and activities you’re looking for in a tournament destination. See the historic downtown area on a walking tour, and view the city’s true soul on the 3.6-mile loop. Starting at the Legacy Museum, visitors will learn about the city’s growth from its founding in 1828.

After visiting downtown LaGrange, your participants can see a number of mansions, estates and other historical sites in the area. Stonewall Jackson Cemetery is the resting place of more than 300 Confederate soldiers from the Civil War, as well as the Horace King Gravesite. Visitors can also tour the Hills and Dales Estate and the 1835 Bellevue mansion.

Enjoy some first-class shopping in LaGrange’s downtown area at boutiques, coffee shops, and other retailers. There’s also great shopping in nearby West Point and Hogansville.

“Troup County Parks and Recreation Department is one of the best in Georgia. Their professional staff has always impressed me with their commitment to ensuring excellence for every tournament. Working together, the entire community has always done a magnificent job during the Dixie Youth World Series, Georgia state and district tournaments.”

—Jerry Holmes, Georgia Dixie Youth Baseball State Director

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LAGRANGE-TROUP COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dave Marler, Director of Tourism 706-884-8671 • dave@lagrangechamber.com VisitLagrange.com

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LAKE LANIER, GA

Lake Lanier, Georgia is a high-octane field of dreams for land and water sports enthusiasts.

Facilities Fit for Water Sports and Other Athletic Competitions 1. Lake Lanier Olympic Venue Sports: Kayaking, rowing As home of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, this canoe/ kayak/rowing venue plays hosts to elite athletes from across the globe year round. Upcoming events include the Pan American Sprint Kayak Championships (May 2016) and Dragon Boat World Championships (2017). Located at Clarks Bridge Park, the venue offers rental facilities and stadium seating for up to 2,000 guests. Each facility is equipped with its own restroom, and the Boathouse is currently expanding to host additional guests.

2. Frances Meadows Aquatic Center Sports: Swimming This 34,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor center is located in Gainesville. After a $12-million renovation, the center now includes a 4,400 square foot fitness center and meeting space.

Equipped to host both leisurely swim outings and competitive tournaments, the facility has a 10-lane competition pool and 112

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four-lane instructional pool with indoor stadium seating for up to 300 spectators. The outdoor portion of the facility offers a kidfriendly water playground with slides and sprinklers. There are on-site concessions, locker rooms and a sundeck for relaxing.

3. Road Atlanta Motorsports Center Sports: Cycling, running With 750 acres of pristine Northeast Georgia land, the center hosts a wide variety of professional, world-class motorsports events, including the Petit Le Mans (150,000+ spectators). It includes a 2.54-mile, 12-turn road course, which is perfect for a cycling, running and other road-related sporting events. In 2006 the familyfriendly center underwent major renovations to include private rental spaces. The Podium Club offers private viewing decks, catering services and VIP parking. There are electric and water hookups for in-field camping and designated parking areas with shuttle service for spectators. The track includes multiple restrooms and concession stands. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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4. Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center Sports: Rodeos, archery Situated on 66 acres, the multipurpose complex facilitates equestrian and animal expositions, along with archery competitions, circuses, rodeo shows, and other community and corporate events. It offers bleacher seating, restrooms, concessions and free parking. There are 51 RV hookups reserved for vendor camping, large animal holding areas and indoor meeting facilities.

5. Allen Creek Soccer Complex Sports: Lacrosse The complex features nine youth and adult soccer and lacrosse fields that are perfect for practice, tournament and league play. The venue is located amid 54 acres of well-manicured playing fields and includes stadium seating for up to 2,500 people.

The grounds include over 800 parking spaces, restrooms and concessions.

6. Lanier Islands Resort Located on 1,500 acres by Lake Lanier, the resort includes several individual lodges and conference centers. It hosts a number of family-friendly activities and sporting events, including triathlons, adventure races, canopy tours, golf tournaments, cycling, swimming, boating and horseback riding. The main lodge offers pet-friendly luxury, and there are camping accommodations. The resort has many team dining options and daily parking passes for vacationers and sporting event guests. Resort features include a family-friendly beach, water park, boathouse, equestrian center and over 20 miles of walking trails along the lake.

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Lake Lanier is a Vacation Haven Lake Lanier and surrounding cities like Gainesville offer a perfect mixture of Southern charm and comfort that is sure to hit a home run in the hearts of your athletes and their families.

Besides fun on the water, the area offers plenty of convenient shopping locations, lodging and group dining options, and exciting family-friendly activities to help make them feel right at home. Gainesville proved its hospitality to thousands of spectators by hosting the 1996 Centennial Olympic flatwater competitions.

Making Your Way to Lake Lanier Gainesville is among the many hospitable Georgia cities located along the Lake Lanier shoreline. It is located roughly 45 minutes north of Atlanta. Gainesville is easily accessible from GA-369 E/W and I-985 N/S. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport receives flights from most major cities, and Greyhound provides shuttle service to and from Gainesville.

Locally, there is Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport.

LAKE LANIER CVB

Renee Carden, Sales Manager 770-536-5209 • renee@lakelaniercvb.com DiscoverLakeLanier.com

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GWINNETT COUNTY, GA

Sporting events are a breeze when planners choose Georgia’s Gwinnett County, a premier location for competition and fun.

Top-of-the-line Facilities 1. Suwanee Sports Academy Sports: Basketball, volleyball The Suwanee Sports Academy has over 100,000 square feet of space, including seven NBA-regulation basketball courts and 11 regulation volleyball courts. Entire national competitions are held here, all under one roof in a clean, safe and climate-controlled environment. This multipurpose facility offers flexibility to any event planner, utilizing a pick-and-choose system of options where a group can tailor-make its configuration (i.e. set-up, concessions or bleachers).

2. The Arena at Gwinnett Center Sports: Gymnastics, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, hockey The Arena can accommodate groups from 3,500 to 13,000 for a variety of sporting events. The beautifully landscaped environment and state-of-the-art lighting and acoustics guarantee an enjoyable event. The house reduction system allows staff to scale back seating with the touch of a button. The Arena is the Southeast’s venue of choice for regional and national events, including the 2010, 2013 and 2014 SEC Women’s Basketball Championships; 2012 and 2015 SEC Gymnastics Championships; 2012 NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championship; and Georgia High School state wrestling and basketball championships.

3. Gwinnett Convention Center Sports: All The Gwinnett Center is made up of 50,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 21,600-square-foot Grand Ballroom and 23 versatile meeting rooms equipped with retractable air walls. The exhibit hall can easily host a variety of sporting events. With three partitions, this facility can be configured to accommodate events requiring 10,000 to 50,000 square feet.

4. Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation Sports: All With over 40 parks throughout the county, event organizers will find a park that accommodates their needs. Facilities include swimming pools, tennis courts, disc golf courses and sports fields. Gwinnett 114

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County Parks & Recreation was named the nation’s top parks and recreation department by the National Recreation & Park Association in 2008 and was recently voted the #1 Parks and Recreation Department by the Georgia Recreation and Park Association.

5. Coolray Field Sports: Baseball Coolray Field is home to the Atlanta Braves AAA affiliate, the Gwinnett Braves. The stadium has over 10,000 seats and includes a state-of-the-art Diamond Vision screen. It offers full-service catering, multiple bars and restaurants, and a wide variety of visual and audio equipment. It also has indoor batting cages that include a viewing area for those watching. Coolray Field has a variety of suites, the smallest of which comfortably holds 25 people. There are multiple outdoor decks that are ideal for parties or activities.

Much to See and Do in Greater Atlanta One of the best parts about Gwinnett County is that it is an easy drive from Atlanta and many other cities. Shoppers in the family will love Mall of Georgia, Georgia’s largest shopping mall. Attend a Gwinnett Braves game (the Atlanta Braves AAA affiliate) or head down to Aurora Theater to catch a show or concert. Kids can explore one of the towns’ local parks and then get competitive at Dave & Busters. The 16 cities of Gwinnett also offer a variety of restaurants and other attractions, including the Arena at Gwinnett Center, a concert venue.

Visitors can also explore the sights of downtown Atlanta. See the fish at the Georgia Aquarium and enjoy a fizzy soda at the World of Coca-Cola. Learn about college football legends at the College Football Hall of Fame, and walk in the footsteps of those who have made history at the Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Getting to Gwinnett County Gwinnett County is located off of I-85, just 30 minutes north of downtown Atlanta. Teams flying into Gwinnett County can choose from County Airport or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport.

GWINNETT SPORTS COMMISSION

Leigh Hooten, Sales Manager 770-814-6051 • lhooten@gwinnettsportscommission.com GwinnettSportsCommission.com

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