2016sportsillinoisstatefeature

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ILLINOIS

Site InSpections 78 80 82 84 85 86 87 88

■ Rockford, IL ■ Bloomington-Normal, IL ■ Chicago Southland, IL ■ Carbondale, IL ■ Champaign County, IL ■ Effingham, IL ■ McHenry County, IL ■ Williamson County, IL

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Illinois Invites You Cory M. Jobe, Director Illinois Office of Tourism

Greetings from Illinois!

On behalf of all of us here at the Illinois Office of Tourism, we look forward to welcoming you to the Land of Lincoln for your next event.

As a lifelong Illinoisan, I’m no stranger to all of the amazing things there are to see and do in the state. Whether you’re a returning visitor coming back to the state for a tournament or you’re brand new to Illinois, there’s always something more to discover when you visit.

As the Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism I get the chance to invite people from all over the world to experience exactly what we have to offer here. For many, the first thing that comes to mind when they think of Illinois is Chicago, a world-class city with incredible restaurants, hotels, architecture, museums, attractions and more. Illinois is also home to rich presidential history in Springfield, classic Americana along historic Route 66, incredible outdoor adventures and scenic beauty in the Shawnee National Forest, more than 100 wineries and so much more. Illinois offers a worldclass experience from the moment you arrive and long after your team steps off the field.

With more than 1,200 sporting venues and state-of-the-art facilities, Illinois hosts everything from PGA tournaments and Olympic trials to college and high school sporting tournaments. Sporting events are an important part of the tourism industry in our state, and we continue to strive to be top of mind for sports associations and organizations planning their next event.

To find a sporting facility and to learn more about holding your next event in Illinois, please visit Sportsillinois.com. You can plan the perfect extension to your trip to Illinois by visiting EnjoyIllinois.com.

Your friend in Illinois tourism,

Cory M. Jobe Director Illinois Office of Tourism

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A World-Class Experience On and Off the Field Awaits in Illinois

llinois’ sports tourism track record, its world-class facilities and an unparalleled drive market with global accessibility have laid the foundation for Sports Illinois to establish itself as an industry expert and thought leader in the travel and tourism industry. Throughout the state, Illinois offers a world-class experience from the moment your spectators arrive and long after your teams step off the field. Choose from more than 1,200 sporting venues, home to everything from PGA tournaments to Olympic Trials to smaller, more intimate events. Furthermore, the state’s central location and diverse transportation infrastructure means it’s easy to get to the Land of Lincoln from anywhere in the country.

Along with the Illinois Office of Tourism, Sports Illinois is comprised of a consortium of Convention and Visitors Bureaus throughout the state that work together to provide resources and support event planners in their efforts to bring sporting events to the state. The legendary ballparks and stadiums of Chicago help make it an iconic global city with world-class attractions, impressive cultural offerings and a storied sports heritage at both the professional and amateur level. However, Chicago is just one of a many offerings that make Illinois the perfect

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location for your next sporting event. Illinois is home to a variety of stateof-the-art facilities across the state and is committed to giving sports organizations the perfect event that will accommodate all of their constituents, while supporting the local economies of the state.

The State of Illinois has supported sport-related initiatives including sponsorships, marketing/promotion, educational programming, partnered sales missions and more. One such example is the Sports Illinois Huddle. First held in 2009, this annual conference provides education, networking and business opportunities over three days to Convention and Visitor Bureaus throughout the state as well as interested event rights holders and national governing bodies. Additionally, the Huddle offers opportunities to experience Illinois’ iconic professional sports venues. Past visits have been to Wrigley Field, U.S. Cellular Field, Soldier Field and Chicagoland Speedway. Also included are opportunities to meet iconic professional sports athletes such as Hall of Fame Chicago Bear Dan Hampton, Hall of Fame NASCAR driver Dale Jarrett and Hall of Fame Chicago White Sox slugger Frank Thomas, who attended past conferences. On the amateur side, opportunities exist prior to the conference for local site visits.

Sports Illinois positions itself with a state-first frame of mind, with individual communities followed closely behind – a quality that

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separates it from other competing states. This cohesive and forwardthinking vision provides the rights holder a potential multitude of venue options across the state. Jeff Jarnecke, Director of Championships & Alliances for the NCAA, describes his relationship with Sports Illinois as such: “Sports Illinois connotes a trusted, valued and professional partner in the presentation of NCAA championships. From wonderful people to quality facilities, the team at Sports Illinois works tirelessly to ensure each event is successfully executed in a way that leaves participants and fans with engaging experiences and fond memories.”

Sports Illinois’ practice of sharing leads, experiences and best practices is a paramount advantage to a rights holder interested in securing an event in Illinois. Moreover, many of the local Convention and Visitors Bureaus offer a number of services within their communities to assist in the planning of sporting events such as site selection, securing hotel accommodations, volunteer recruitment, publicity, vendor assistance, identifying sponsors and providing visitor information. When referring to moving into the state’s lacrosse market, Robin Baxter, Vice President of Events for NXTsports, Inc. said, “The demographic, coupled with the facilities available throughout the state, the friendliness of the Sports Illinois team, and the easy access and location of Illinois, have enabled us to launch multiple successful events in Illinois.”

Sports tourism has a significant economic impact in communities across the state as an investment in the tourism industry by supporting local hotels, restaurants and retail establishments. Through collaborations with the Illinois Council of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, the Land of Lincoln continues to promote itself as a sports tourism destination under the umbrella of Sports Illinois. This collaboration provides premier host sites and services to event rights holders while increasing tourism, improving quality of life and enhancing sports opportunities for all. In the past two years alone, Sports Illinois has contributed about $2.5 million to the state’s economy.

Our communities statewide continue to utilize sports tourism for youth opportunities, new events, new tourism destinations, maximizing facility use, building community relationships, as well as strengthening corporate support. As we move forward and stay ahead of the curve, sport tourism will provide continued growth opportunities for Illinois and we want your event to be a part of it.

To learn more about Illinois destinations, to find a sporting facility or to submit an RFP for local expertise, please visit SportsIllinois.com.

Toyota Park in south suburban Bridgeview is home to the Chicago Fire Soccer Club and can seat up to 20,000 fans.

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Add Value To Your Illinois Event By Partnering With the

Local Tourism Industry o matter the size of the tournament or the skill-level of the athletes, attendees at out-of-town sporting events generally fall into two distinct categories – event participants and the spectators that support them. For the participant, a weekend sporting tournament can be an adrenaline-filled whirlwind that seems to pass in the blink of an eye. And yet for some spectators (like pesky little brothers, for example), the event can feel like an eternity, sitting through round after round of competition waiting for that brief moment in time when the participant they came to support is the focus of all the action. So how can event organizers help address this paradox? By partnering with the local tourism industry and Convention & Visitors Bureau, organizers can provide added value to their event, while also helping to expand the economic benefit their event has on the local community.

Take Illinois, for example. Whether you’re visiting for a one-day sporting event, or a multi-day regional tournament, there are

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plenty of things to see and do for travelers of all ages to transform the trip into a truly memorable vacation by adding a few extra hours to see the nearby sights or a few extra days to explore destinations across the state.

The most well-known city in Illinois is Chicago, a destination known for its worldclass hotels, incredible museums and cultural attractions, unique restaurants and more. While deep-dish pizza and Italian beef are two signature dishes, the Windy City is teeming with a plethora of dining options influenced by cultures from across the state, country and world. The city’s rich, historical museums, beautiful beaches and parks along the scenic Lake Michigan and the shopping mecca that is Michigan Avenue are all great experiences to help turn a trip to the Chicago area for a tournament into a fun family getaway. Just outside downtown, lively neighborhoods such as Hyde Park, Old Town, Wicker Park and Andersonville reflect the true essence of what it means to be a Chicagoan.

From vast arenas to historic theaters, cultural offerings play a leading role in Illinois tourism.

Canoeists commune with nature on a trip through the Cache River wetlands in Southern Illinois.

Beyond Chicago, Illinois has plenty to offer – from presidential history, to quaint main streets, to sweeping state parks and classic Americana along the original Route 66. Mile for mile, Illinois offers more Route 66 historic sites and experiences than any other state. The range of offbeat roadside attractions, classic American diners and museums dedicated to preserving the heritage of the “Mother Road” make this 300-mile stretch of Illinois both a journey and a destination.

A popular city to visit along Route 66 is Springfield, the state’s capital and home to a plethora of Abraham Lincoln historical sites, including the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Old State Capitol – where Lincoln gave his famous “House Divided” speech – and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

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Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate, an elliptical, stainless steel sculpture known locally as the “Bean,” reflects Chicago’s skyline and the clouds above.

Route 66, however, is just one of many scenic drives in Illinois. In total, seven scenic byways meander through the state. The Great River Road parallels the Mississippi River’s eastern bank and offers breathtaking views of the river and charming historical towns along a 550-mile stretch. Galena, near the northern tip of the drive, strikes the perfect balance between historical charm and modern-day style. Its quaint downtown features first-rate shopping and dining in elegant nineteenthcentury buildings.

The Great River Road’s southern terminus in Illinois introduces travelers to the Shawnee National Forest – an outdoor paradise waiting to be explored.

The Shawnee National Forest is home to Garden of the Gods, with rock outcroppings and formations that offer spectacular views of

the lush forest. This is the perfect locale to enjoy an abundance of outdoor recreational activities like hiking, kayaking, swimming, horseback riding and more. Southern Illinois is also home to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail tucked in the rolling hills with more than a dozen wineries along a 30-mile stretch.

So whether you’re a planning professional looking to enhance the impact of your event, or if you’re already traveling to Illinois for a sporting event and looking to extend your stay, there are plenty of ways to make your time in the Land of Lincoln unforgettable.

To start planning a trip and to learn more about what to discover in Illinois, visit EnjoyIllinois.com or Facebook.com/ EnjoyIllinois.

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ROCKFORD, IL Superior Facilities in a Great Location 1. Sportscore One Sports: Soccer, softball, baseball, lacrosse, ultimate Frisbee, rugby Sportscore One’s 179-acre facility offers extensive, luxurious grounds for a variety of sports. It offers eight premier soccer fields, nine regulation soccer fields and eight lighted softball or baseball diamonds. Sportscore is nationally recognized for hosting rugby, ultimate Frisbee and other events. Beyond the fields themselves, concession stands, restrooms, locker facilities, boat ramps and two playgrounds are also available. Recreational activities such as running, biking, boating and fishing can all be enjoyed at Sportscore One.

2. Sportscore Two Sports: Soccer, volleyball, rugby, pickleball, ultimate Frisbee, football, adaptive wheelchair sports Covering 124 acres in Loves Park, Sportscore Two is designed to host tournaments and events year round, with indoor and outdoor multi-sport surfaces. In total, there are 33 regulation fields that can be used for any sport, from pickleball to soccer including variations of sports adapted for players in wheelchairs. Plans for further expansion include additional indoor and outdoor turf fields.

3. Wedgbury Stadium This Sportscore Two facility, with seating for 2,000 spectators, has hosted state high school soccer finals, pro football games, 78

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Rockford offers a range of high-quality facilities for your next big game. national rugby finals and college rugby championships. It includes indoor and outdoor concessions and picnic areas, indoor and outdoor dining at the Skybox overlooking the fields, a tournament staging area for pictures, a playground and ample parking.

Expansion plans have begun and include: new synthetic turf field, new lighting system (NCAA professional level), new pathways, a restroom building, upgrades to bleachers and a press box.

4. Indoor Sports Center (ISC) Sports: Soccer, basketball, volleyball, wheelchair sports Located on the Sportscore Two campus, ISC includes a 60,000-square-foot indoor sports center with three indoor multi-sport soccer fields, five volleyball/basketball courts, a sports equipment store, Skybox restaurant and sports bar. This venue can also accommodate a variety of events, including conventions, trade shows, expos, weddings, receptions and festivals. ISC is wheelchair-accessible and hosts various adaptive wheelchair sports.

5. Sportscore Downtown Sports: Indoor sports This facility will be open and fully operational as of spring 2016.

Located downtown, along Rockford’s riverfront, the facility covers an expansive 105,000 square feet. Eight courts can be used for basketball, 18 for volleyball (two of which are championship courts) and 42 for pickleball; 16 wrestling mats are available as well. Up to 3,700 spectators can be accommodated. Five meeting rooms are available to visiting planners. The facility also has a riverfront boardwalk. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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6. Rock River Sports: Water sports The Rock River links 11 counties in Wisconsin and Illinois over a course of 320 miles. The water trail is a delineated path on the river. The river is ideal for events and tournaments involving water skiing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, boating, fishing and other water sports. The river has hosted the yearly Head of the Rock Regatta, all the Rockford Ski Broncs Waterski Show Team events and the Indmar Marine Engines Division One Show Ski National Championships for eight years running.

Rockford Will Keep Your Group Entertained Aviators Stadium, home to professional baseball’s Rockford Aviators, offers a great chance to enjoy a ballgame in style, with VIP areas, group rates, and a Kid Zone with inflatables, speed pitch and a playground. For more excitement, check out Volcano Falls Adventure Park for mini golf, laser tag, go-kart racing and an arcade.

Alpine Hills Adventure Park has a five-hole youth or beginner golf course, practice range, zip line tree canopy tour, and paths for running, biking and hiking. During the winter, the park’s hills turn into the perfect place for tubing, tobogganing and snowboarding. A permanent snow-making system is used to ensure these sports can go on all winter. Visitors can rent equipment for all the winter sports and activities.

Visit Midway Village Museum for a look at local history, including the original sock monkey. The Burpee Museum of Natural History boasts the most complete juvenile T-Rex skeleton

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ever discovered. Anderson Japanese Gardens offers an exploration of another culture with gardens, a teahouse and gift shop. Rockford Art Deli shows local art and offers visitors authentic Rockford souvenirs.

In the Heart of the Midwest Rockford is readily accessible via Interstates 90 and 39 or U.S. Highway 20. Chicago is only an hour-and-a-half away, Madison, Wisconsin one hour, Milwaukee one-and-a-half-hours, Indianapolis four hours, St. Louis four-and-a-half-hours, and Minneapolis/St. Paul five hours. Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport is an hour’s drive away from Rockford. Chicago Rockford International Airport is within Rockford itself.

Planner Perspective “The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau in conjunction with the Rockford Park District provided a first-class venue and excellent support for our Division III College Championships.

The service provided along with the hospitality shown has made Rockford one of our go-to places for future events.”

— Byron Hicks, USA Ultimate Manager - Events

ROCKFORD AREA CVB

Nick Povalitis, Sports Sales Manager 815-489-1652(direct) • 800-521-0849 (toll-free) npovalitis@gorockford.com GoRockford.com

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BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, IL

Bloomington-Normal, a university community located in the heart of Illinois, offers small-town hospitality and facilities more typical of metropolitan areas.

Facilities with a Pedigree of Hosting Championship Events 1. Champion Fields Sports: Softball The home of ASA/USA Girls 10U A National Championship, the 10-field softball complex offers fields of various sizes for different age groups and abilities. Eight lighted fields make up the main complex along with two more lighted fields just south of the campus.

The fields are set for girls’ fast-pitch or adult slow-pitch softball.

The complex features covered dugouts, a P.A. system and scoreboards. Spectators can take in the games in the bleachers behind home plate and along the foul lines. Parking is available south of the main complex, which offers full concession and restrooms.

2. The Corn Crib Sports: Baseball, soccer Home of the Frontier League’s Normal CornBelters, the Corn Crib accommodates 7,000 spectators. Built in 2010, it is just off Interstate 55 in northern Normal. Spectators can sit in the stadium along the foul lines and behind home plate, or take in the game on the lawn around the outfield or in the picnic area in right field. The stadium features full concession including the Leinenkugel Lodge and Miller Lite Lounge, and also features a Little Jewels Kids Zone. The general parking lot is south of the stadium.

3. Hancock Stadium Sports: Football, soccer Hancock Stadium is home to the Illinois State University Redbirds Division I Football team. Built in 1963, the stadium went through a $26-million renovation in 2013. It was the first collegiate football field in Illinois to feature artificial turf. The stadium seats 13,000 and 80

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offers full concession and restrooms. Spectators and players will appreciate the LED scoreboard and concert-style sound system.

The field also includes the Kaufman Football Building, which houses coaches offices and the ISU football locker room. It also features a large meeting room, training room and storage for equipment. The field is located on the ISU campus on Main Street in Normal.

4. Redbird Arena Sports: Basketball, volleyball Located on the campus of Illinois State University, Redbird Arena is the state’s second largest collegiate arena. Seating 10,500, the stadium is home to both ISU’s men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams. Built in 1989, the facility offers locker rooms and training facilities for players and full concession and restrooms for spectators. The roof of the building is made of Teflon, giving it a glowing look that inspires regulars to refer to it as the “crown jewel” of ISU facilities. The arena has hosted several tournaments along with NCAA play and offers parking on the east side of the building.

5. Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan University Sports: Basketball, volleyball, track & field, wrestling, gymnastics Built in 1994, the Shirk Center is a 135,344-square-foot facility with seating for 2,680 visitors, plus a training room, locker rooms, equipment storage and laundry facilities. The center has been home to the Illinois Wesleyan University men’s and women’s basketball teams and offers full concession and restrooms for guests. It is on the campus of IWU in Bloomington just a few minutes south of Interstate 55. Parking is available on the east side of the facility and across the street to the south. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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6. U.S. Cellular Coliseum Sports: Basketball, volleyball, hockey, indoor football The multi-sports U.S. Cellular Coliseum is home to three professional sports teams and the Illinois State University NCAA hockey team. Along with collegiate hockey, the arena is also home to the Bloomington Thunder professional hockey team, Bloomington Edge indoor football and Bloomington Flex basketball team. Opened in 2006, the facility seats 5,600 for hockey and football, and up to 7,200 for basketball. The arena features five concession stands with a variety of flavors including Italian, Mexican and barbecue. U.S. Cellular Coliseum is located in the heart of Bloomington and offers parking in the garage and surrounding the facility.

Bloomington-Normal Offers Plenty of Free-Time Options Bloomington-Normal has vibrant downtown areas and a variety of things to do. The 1,200-seat Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts hosts more than 400 performances every year in the city’s historical district. For Lincoln enthusiasts, check out the Cruisin’ with Lincoln on Route 66 visitor center, which includes exhibits on the “Mother Road” and how Lincoln lived in his home state.

If your guests hope to get in some shopping in between games, they can visit downtown Bloomington to check out local boutiques housed in historical buildings. The walking tour map features 17 places to eat along with 36 specialty shops. In the

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summer months, visitors can cool off in Normal’s Anderson Park and Aquatic Center. The outdoor water park has three pools, two waterslides, a diving board and a kiddie pool.

A Central Location Makes Getting Here a Breeze Immediately off Interstate 55, the Bloomington-Normal area is accessible from Chicago to the north and St. Louis to the south.

Travelers from the east and west can come in via Interstate 74.

Central Illinois Regional Airport on Bloomington’s east side is served by Allegiant, American and Delta airlines. Other major airports are in Chicago, Peoria and the Quad Cities. Normal also has an Amtrak Station.

Planner Perspective “The BNACVB provided resources that allowed us to put on a very successful race. We are looking forward to partnering with them again.”

—Brandon Beehner, Race Director for the Bloomington Criterium

BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL AREA CVB Matt Hawkins, Sports Marketing Manager 309-665-0033 • matt@visitbn.org VisitBN.org

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CHICAGO SOUTHLAND, IL An Enviable Array of Facilities for Sports of All Kinds

Choose Chicago Southland as your next sports destination to guarantee smooth sailing for athletes, coaches and spectators.

1. Matteson Community Center

4. Standard Bank Stadium

Sports: basketball, swimming, tennis, baseball, football, soccer, dance, track The Matteson Community Center is a 73,000-square-foot facility with a variety of venues, including two indoor basketball courts, two youth baseball diamonds, one soccer field and a football field with seating.

Sports: baseball, softball Host to the Windy City ThunderBolts of the Frontier League, Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood is easily accessible to Interstate 294. Standard Bank Stadium boasts a seating capacity of over 3,000, a brand new multi-use synthetic turf field and a HD LED video scoreboard.

2. Memorial Park Fields

5. Tinley Park Convention Center

Sports: baseball, softball The six-field complex at Memorial Park Fields in Midlothian is in an offset wheel pattern. It features permanent restroom facilities and concessions, 300-foot fencing and plenty of parking.

3. Southland Center Sports: baseball, basketball, football, soccer, martial arts, cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, lacrosse, rugby The newly renovated Southland Center in Lynwood offers up to 100,000 square feet of indoor space plus outdoor baseball facilities. The facility features state-of-the-art Desso Turf, four hardwood basketball courts, a full-service restaurant and a bar with over 1,200 parking spaces.

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Sports: gymnastics, cheerleading, dance, martial arts The Tinley Park Convention Center has 70,000 square feet of event space (58,000 contiguous) with up to 35-foot ceilings.

The size and flexibility of the space make it an ideal venue for many types of sporting events, including the 2016 STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® US Pro & Collegiate Championships, July 15th–16th, to be filmed for ABC and ESPN.

6. Toyota Park Sports: soccer, football Host of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, Toyota Park in Bridgeview is a 469,000-square-foot venue with 20,000 seats and a regulation-size soccer field. There are also regulation-size, natural-grass and turf fields. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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Teams and Families Will Enjoy Great Attractions, Dining and Shopping Brookfield Zoo has a large spectrum of animals, from big cats to dolphins to amphibians. The Tinley Park Park District’s White Water Canyon Water Park is five acres of water-filled fun, with a lazy river, spray ground and drop slides. Odyssey Fun World in Tinley Park offers laser tag, go-karts, bumper boats and an inflatable park.

Hollywood Park Family Fun Center in Crestwood has a Hollywood-themed speedway, arcade games, a rock wall and Hollywood memorabilia. Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center in Burbank features over 100 games and rides, plus a haunted house and trail in October.

Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center sits on 38 acres of team building atmosphere. With challenges like a high-ropes course, climbing wall and crate climbing, the emphasis is always on overcoming obstacles and developing the values of leadership, team building and problem solving.

With a multitude of railfan sights including double diamonds, Pullman National Monument and one of the only places to see a double wye junction in the country, just minutes away from each other, it is easy to see why railfans love the Chicago Southland.

There’s a restaurant for every craving in Chicago Southland.

From Mexican and Italian to Thai and American, everyone’s taste buds will be satisfied. Glenwood Oaks Rib and Chop House was recently voted best ribs in the Chicago area by Chicago Magazine and has earned many other awards. Siam Marina introduces Chef Pham’s unique Thai sauces and seasonings,

tempting guests to come back for more.

For specialty shopping in Chicago Southland, try Old Orland Antique Shops and Historic Downtown Frankfort, both in 19th century neighborhoods.

In the Very Heart of the Midwest Seven different interstates (I-55, I-57, I-80, I-90, I-94, I-294 and I-355) are woven throughout Chicago Southland, which is only 22 minutes from downtown Chicago. Chicago Southland is 300 miles or less from Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Detroit.

The metro area is served by Midway International and O’Hare International airports.

Planner Perspective “It was a simple process for selecting Tinley Park in Chicago Southland for hosting the 2016 STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® US Pro & Collegiate Championships. They provide the perfect mix of being a great partner, having amazing facilities, and pulling from truly engaged fans around the region. There will be no better home for the Original Extreme Sport in 2016.”

— Brad Sorgen, STIHL, Inc.

CHICAGO SOUTHLAND CVB

Joel Koester, Sports Sales Manager 708-895-8200 • Joel@VisitChicagoSouthland.com PlayChicagoSouthland.com

This could be the perfect place for athletic events of all kinds.

As a matter of fact, it is.

Dozens of sporting facilities of all kinds - from outdoor lighted fields to indoor courts - are here, a straight shot from anywhere in the Midwest, a short distance from either Chicago airport and just 30 minutes from Chicago’s Loop.

Every day, athletes and their families win with our services and incentives, affordable and comfortable hotels and family-friendly restaurants. It’s the perfect place for them - and for you.

Contact Joel Koester 888-895-3211 Sports@VisitChicagoSouthland.com PlayChicagoSouthland.com

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CARBONDALE, IL

With strong collegiate roots and world-class venues, Carbondale in Southern Illinois will punch your next tournament over the goal line.

Fine Facilities Abound in This College Town 1. SuperBlock Multi-Sports Complex Sports: Baseball, softball, soccer This complex has bleacher seating at the Championship Soccer field and all of the baseball and softball fields. It is handicapped-accessible with full concession and restrooms. The complex has played host to Game Day USA youth baseball and the 3v3 Soccer Live soccer Tour. The baseball and softball fields and the championship soccer field are equipped with lighting. The fields are part of the Carbondale High School and Carbondale Park District facilities.

2. Southern Illinois University Athletics Sports: All Home of the Division I Salukis, SIU competes in the competitive Missouri Valley Conference for a chance at national glory every year. Itchy Jones Stadium is the artificial-turf home of the SIU base-

CARBONDALE TOURISM

Cinnamon Wheeles-Smith, Executive Director 800-526-1500 • cinnamon@carbondaletourism.org CarbondaleTourism.org

2 ball team. Concrete bowl seating offers fans an angle from behind home plate, and there is picnic seating around the field. At Charlotte West Stadium, lighted for nighttime play, more than 500 fans can take in softball action from bleachers behind home plate. SIU Arena is home to the men’s and women’s basketball teams with stadium seating for more than 8,000. The Saluki Swim Club competes at the Natatorium, a 16-lane pool with seating for 500. Track and field events take place at the Lew Hartzog Complex, which includes a 400-meter track.

3. Southern Illinois Rec Sports Complex Sports: Rugby, soccer, flag football, lacrosse, softball, quidditch The recreation center on the campus of Southern Illinois University hosts intramurals and is equipped with lighting and a scoreboard.

Jean Stehr Field has hosted international soccer championships.

There’s Plenty to Do in Carbondale After the Buzzer Sounds Little Grassy Fish Hatchery hatches a variety of fish, offering a hands-on experience your guests won’t forget. Giant City State Park is right down the road and provides scenic bluffs as well as miles of trails for all hikers. For history buffs in your group, the area boasts one of the famous debate sites of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas.

Located a few miles south of Carbondale in Jonesboro, a monument marks the third debate between our 16th president and his familiar foe from 1856.

Carbondale offers dozens of places to eat, with fare ranging from barbeque to Mexican and Thai. After grabbing a bite, stroll past the shops in the downtown district. Check out the Science Center of Southern Illinois and its interactive exhibits.

A Heartland Location in Southern Illinois If you are coming from St. Louis, you might come south on Route 3, the Great River Road. You might want to travel east on Interstate 64, and head south on Route 127. If you are coming from the north or south, you're probably planning to arrive via Interstate 57, so just jump off at Exit 54 for Carbondale. Many people arrive in Carbondale via Amtrak aboard our very own Saluki Express.

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@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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What Can We Do Before and After the Game?

Champaign’s downtown offers 40 places to eat and drink, plus 18 specialty shops. In the Museum of the Grand Prairie in Mahomet, visitors can check out the exhibit Champaign County’s Lincoln, which details the president’s life while he practiced law in the region. Visitors also can see what the University of Illinois has to offer athletically, artistically and academically, along with wineries and microbreweries for the adults in your group.

Getting to Champaign County is a Breeze

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, IL Champaign County has historic roots in football, basketball and baseball with the University of Illinois, and the vacation starts when the clock reads 0:00.

Tournament-Ready University Facilities

Interstates 57, 74 and 72 meet in Champaign County, making it an easy destination from all four directions. Willard Airport is just south of the university campus. General Wayne Downing Airport in Peoria, an hour away, is served by Delta, American, United and Allegiant airlines. Indianapolis International Airport is two hours away.

VISIT CHAMPAIGN COUNTY

Leah Longueville, Director of Sales 217-351-4133 • leahl@visitchampaigncounty.org VisitChampaignCounty.org

1. Activities & Recreation Center Sports: Basketball, volleyball, racquetball, swimming One of the largest on-campus recreational centers in the country, the Activities & Recreation Center at the University of Illinois, nicknamed ARC, boasts 340,000 square feet of competitive space with its four gyms holding 13 basketball courts and 17 volleyball courts. The center also features 12 racquetball courts, two pools, nine multi-use spaces and a 150-seat auditorium.

2. Atkins Tennis Center & Khan Outdoor Complex Sports: Tennis Home of the Fighting Illini tennis team and site of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men's and Women’s Tennis Championships, the Atkins Tennis Center & Khan Outdoor Complex features eight championship courts with bleacher seating and lighting along with six indoor courts and a pro shop.

There are also 12 additional newly refinished courts with lighting. For bigger tournaments, another 11 courts are just blocks away. The surfaces are hard courts.

3. Outdoor Center Fields Sports: Football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis This facility is home to intramural activities at the University of Illinois, featuring four football fields, two soccer fields, three sand volleyball courts, six basketball courts and six tennis courts, all of which are equipped with lighting for play after dark.

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EFFINGHAM, IL Every day, Effingham, Illinois becomes an even better destination for sport events, from swimming to softball and beyond.

Let’s Talk Facilities 1. Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex Sports: All indoor sports The brand new Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex offers a 25-meter, eight-lane swimming pool and indoor, 15,500-square-foot, multi-sport courts. It also will offer other amenities, from rentable party rooms to physical therapy services.

2. Hendelmeyer Park Sports: Baseball, softball, tennis The 20-acre park holds two lighted, slow-pitch diamonds and one lighted, fast-pitch diamond—all with natural grass—plus four lighted tennis courts. That’s not even touching upon the more leisurely park features, such as the playground areas, a gazebo, concession stand and skate park.

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Jodi Thoele, Director of Tourism 678-297-2811 • thoelej@ci.effingham.il.us VisitEffinghamIL.com

1 3. Community Park Sports: Baseball, softball, disc golf, tennis, roller hockey, ice skating Community Park is situated on 35 acres and features four lighted baseball/softball diamonds, one unlighted baseball/softball diamond, an 18-hole disc golf course that winds through hills and trees, four lighted tennis courts, a roller hockey rink and an outdoor ice skating rink. Other amenities include a sand volleyball court, three outdoor basketball courts, two concession stands, three playground areas, two restrooms, four pavilions and four picnic areas.

A Truly Central Location Effingham resides on a true crossroads, right in the middle of Illinois, where Interstate 57 meets Interstate 70. Access is also available via Routes 45, 40 or 32. Regional airports include Effingham County Memorial Airport and Shelby County Airport in Shelbyville, 33 miles away. The nearest major airport is in Decatur, 66 miles away.

What Can You Do in Effingham?

Effingham Performance Center has seen visits from well-known performers ranging from the Doobie Brothers to Bob Saget. For automobile enthusiasts, Mid America Motor Works & MY Garage Museum showcases a 1910 gas station, plenty of vintage Corvettes and Corvette memorabilia. TREC Recreation Trails and spots like Ballard Nature Center or Bliss Park lure outdoor enthusiasts.

Firefly Grill is a favorite eatery devoted to locally grown ingredients and eco-friendly practices. Your group can find classic country cooking with fresh, delicious tastes all over town, from Iron Skillet to Country Pride Restaurant.

Planner Perspective “I would say that the advantage for choosing Effingham, besides being so centrally located, is the community really gets behind and supports the events. We have such a variety of restaurants and hotels for people to choose from, and our shopping choices continue to expand. I feel fortunate to be able to host the event for its businesses and community”.

— Jeff Schafer, Effingham High School Girls Basketball, Southern Illinois Basketball Circuit Director (SIBC) 86

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McHENRY COUNTY, IL Find Fabulous Facilities for Your Big Event 1. Crystal Ice House Sports: Hockey, skating, curling, broomball This ice rink, located in the town of Crystal Lake, hosts leagues and programs for hockey and figure skating, like the Crystal Lake Stingers and Yellowjackets. Three sheets of ice (one NHL-sized), locker rooms, concessions and a pro shop are among the amenities.

2. The Quarry Cable Park Sports: Wakeboarding This Crystal Lake park takes its name from its original function as a gravel mine. The former quarry was filled with water and turned into a park with an extensive cable course for wakeboarding that will open in the spring of 2016. The 32-acre lake has jumps and other features that make for a complete wakeboard course. In addition to competitions, the Quarry offers lessons in wakeboarding and tours of its cutting-edge facilities. The Quarry also has a volleyball court and the Bar and Grille restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining areas.

3. McHenry County Fairgrounds Sports: Indoor and outdoor sports When these Woodstock fairgrounds aren’t hosting the county fair or other festivals, they are available for rent by event planners.

The grounds cover 65 acres with outdoor grandstand seating for 1,300 and 9,600 square feet of multipurpose, climate-controlled indoor space. Both indoor and outdoor spaces can be used for diverse purposes, from BMX racing to polo to dog shows.

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Stellar services and facilities make McHenry County, Illinois the go-to place for sport events.

Leisure Activities for Every Taste McHenry County residents are proud of their many attractions and welcome visitors to a wide variety of venues. The McHenry County Fairgrounds host the county fair for one week in August and other festivals, including a holiday celebration in winter.

Richardson’s Adventure Farm boasts the largest corn maze in the world, a zip line and other attractions. On the calmer side, visitors can enjoy the natural bounty of Royal Oak Farm Orchard and Gardens of Woodstock. Or delve into history at Dole Mansion at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, Illinois Railway Museum and Volo Auto Museum. On the idyllic town square in Woodstock, enjoy Jazz on the Square performances, world-class artists at the Woodstock Opera House or the one-of-a-kind shops.

Just a Short Trip from Chicago McHenry County is located about 60 miles northwest of Chicago. Major roadways that go through McHenry County include I-90, Illinois 23, US 14, US 12 and US 120. McHenry County is about 50 miles from O’Hare and Midway airports in Chicago, 67 miles from Milwaukee’s George Mitchell International Airport.

VISIT MCHENRY COUNTY

Tammy Townsend Kise, Sales and Marketing Manager 815-893-6280 • tammy@visitmchenrycounty.com VisitMcHenryCounty.com

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Fabulous Facilities for Quality Competition 1. Crab Orchard Golf Club Sports: Golf Named in Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play, Crab Orchard in Carterville is a scenic, par-70 golf course featuring lush fairways winding through stands of mature oak trees. Water hazards come into play on half of the holes and the small greens have subtle breaks, which can make them difficult to read. The course is quite formidable from the championship tees, but the forward and middle tees make it approachable for all skill levels.

1 WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL Planning your next big golf tournament? Look no further than this Southern Illinois sporting haven.

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Shannon Johnson, CEO 800-433-7399 • sjohnson@V isitSI.com VisitSI.com

2. The Links at Kokopelli Golf Club Sports: Golf Golf Week magazine in 2014 rated the 18-hole course in Marion as one of the best in Illinois. It features 7,154 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 72.2, with a slope rating of 132. There are five sets of tees and 96 sprawling bunkers. Amenities include a pro shop, restaurant, and a bar and grill.

3. Pine Lakes Golf Club Sports: Golf Pine Lakes Golf Club in Herrin is an 18-hole course featuring 5,889 yards from the longest tees for a par of 67. Recent enhancements were made to the tee boxes, while greens were enlarged or reshaped and more sand traps added. The course rating is 67, with a slope rating of 107. A clubhouse features a snack bar, full-service bar, game room, shuffleboard and big-screen TVs.

Fun Things for Your Free Time Being located in a rural area, it’s no surprise that many of Williamson County’s attractions involve enjoying Mother Nature. Arrowhead Lake Nature Trail and Campground offers peaceful hikes; leisurely strolls also can be had at Cannon Park and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. After working up an appetite from all that hiking, enjoy a hearty meal at places like the 20’s Hideout Steakhouse, Bennie’s Italian Food, Burger Nook and Casa Vieja. The Southern Illinois Miners, a Frontier League baseball team, plays at Marion’s Rent One Park.

Getting There is a Breeze IL 13 crosses Williamson County east to west, and Interstate 57 cuts right through Marion, going north and south. Route 24, south of Williamson, merges with 57 at the county border. The nearest airport is Williamson County Regional Airport in Marion. Barkley Regional Airport in Paducah, Kentucky is 58 miles away.

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