2018 Illinois State Sports Guide

SPG

ILLINOIS GUIDE • 2018

Illinois is Home to

Unique Entertaining Sports

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InSpections of Event-Ready Destinations and Their Top Venues

River Towns Offer Family Fun in a Beautiful Setting A Premier Travel Media publication • www.SportsPlanningGuide.com

Welcome to Illinois!

Cory M. Jobe, Director Illinois Office of Tourism

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

Illinois is a top destination for sports associations and organizations, and with thriving urban centers like Chicago, as well as scenic natural vistas that will take your breath away, there simply is no end to the travel opportunities that await you and your team in Illinois.

The Land of Lincoln has a strong track record of successfully hosting a variety of events, from Olympic trials and PGA tournaments to college and high school competitions. In addition, Illinois offers more than 1,200 sporting venues and state-of-the-art facilities of all kinds across the state, which means we can meet your needs no matter how large or small.

Illinois offers something for everybody. Whether you prefer the world-class culture and dining of the big city, the friendly hospitality of small town America or the serene beauty of our natural wonders, you'll find what you're looking for in Illinois. From professional sporting events to top-notch shopping, it's all here. Our theaters and museums represent thriving centers of culture, while lush forests and scenic parks set the stage for exciting outdoor adventures. You'll find an abundance of charming local restaurants, not to mention our many fine breweries, distilleries and wineries. Of course, there's no shortage of water parks, zoos, amusement parks, and other kid-friendly activities for the whole family.

Illinois is a four season destination. Our winter eagle watching season offers unique views of one of the largest eagle migrations in the nation. Spring and summer offers prime opportunities for families to enjoy Illinois' scenic byways, beaches and parks. Autumn brings with it the fall colors and provides some of the most beautiful hues and landscapes to be found anywhere in the country.

Go to sportillinois.com to learn more about Illinois sports facilities or to book you next sporting event, and visit enjoyillinois.com to start planning your next trip to Illinois.

Your friend in Illinois tourism,

Cory M. Jobe Director Illinois Office of Tourism

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Illinois Has Plenty to Satisfy Sports Fans River Towns Offer Big Family Fun

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SI 8 AURORA AREA, IL 11 EFFINGHAM, IL 12 BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, IL 14 CHICAGO SOUTHLAND, IL 16 ELGIN, IL 17 LAKE COUNTY, IL 20 CHICAGO NORTHWEST, IL 24 ST CHARLES, IL 22 ROCKFORD, IL 25 PEORIA, IL 28 CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, IL 29 QUAD CITIES, IL

IN ILLINOIS

KEEP THE OOHS AND AAHS GOING AFTER THE BIG GAME. DISCOVER MORE THAN 1,200 VENUES for your next sporting event, surrounded by everything from water parks to world-class museums. An expert will help you plan every detail to ensure your team makes memories on and off the field.

FIND THE PERFECT VENUE AT SPORTSILLINOIS.COM

(Illinois State Guide Cover Courtesy Chicago Wolves)

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ILLINOIS HAS PLENTY TO SATISFY SPORTS FANS

From bicycle races to equestrian jumping, the state is full of nontraditional and fun competitions ith six professional teams in five major sports, and an abundance of athletic clubs throughout the state, Illinois has established itself as a sporting paradise.

Those aforementioned professional squads (the Chicago Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox and Fire) all ply their trade in the Chicagoland area, but they are hardly the only games in town. Entertaining sporting competitions unfold in every corner of Illinois, and those seeking an alternative to major team sport competitions can find plenty of unadulterated diversions for little to no cost.

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Here are some lesser-publicized events to look forward to when 2017 winds down and 2018 gears up.

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BICYCLE RACING The Bloomington Criterium is a series of high-speed bicycle races that take place on the streets of historic downtown Bloomington, a city that resides 140 miles south of Chicago. Held each August, this one-day signature event has competed in Bloomington since 2013 and is known among cyclists as “the toughest race in central Illinois.� The race unfolds on a short course and is held on blocked-off city streets. The course is typically less than 5 kilometers and is a closed circuit where riders complete multiple laps. The Criterium attracts hundreds of racers across the country and provides spectators with an up-close look at some of the finest athletes in the sport.

DRAGON BOAT RACING Dragon Boat Racing is an event believed to have originated in China more than 2,500 years ago, but has been celebrated in Illinois for the better part of the past two decades. The sport involves 20 team members paddling in unison to a drummer’s beat in a long, narrow boat decorated at the bow and stern with a dragon’s tail and head.

During the second weekend of June, St. Charles, a city that lies 40 miles west of Chicago, hosts the popular Festival of the Fox, whose centerpiece is the Dragon Boat Racing event that transpires on the Fox River. Each July, Arlington Heights, a village 25 miles northwest of Chicago’s downtown, holds the Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival, a celebration that features 30 Dragon Boat teams from the Midwest competing on Lake Arlington. Blue Island, a city located approximately 16 miles south of Chicago’s Loop, hosts a Dragon Boat Festival in June at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Waterfall Park along the historic Calumet-Sag Channel.

EQUESTRIAN JUMPING Balmoral Park, the former historic harness racing track in Crete, a village 35 miles south of Chicago, re-opened in 2017 as a reinvented, state-of-the-art equestrian show jumping venue. Featuring nine competition rings, with five set up for hunters (a classic form of forward seat riding) and four for jumpers, horses put on a show as they jump over fences with crossbars and maneuver through a number of obstacles. In 2018, visitors will enjoy the show from 4,467- seat grandstand from May until September and watch these magnificent animals entertain.

GRAND NATIONAL TT CHAMPIONSHIP The longest consecutive-running dirt track race in the world, the Grand National TT Championship is considered the Indy 500 of motorcycle flat track racing. Peoria, a city 165 miles southwest of Chicago, has hosted this event for the past 71 years, featuring high-flying action in which riders jump motorcycles as far as 130 feet down the track. The races run throughout summer and fall at the Peoria Motorcycle Club.

Many of the world's best cyclists compete in the Bloomington Criterium.

CORNHOLE Lynwood, a village near the Illinois and Indiana border, will host the 13th season of the American Cornhole Organization’s Chicago Southland Major on May 25 and 26, 2018. Similar to horseshoes, cornhole is a game in which players take turns throwing bags of corn (or bean bags) at a raised platform containing a hole in the far end.

Contestants pitch their bags at the platform until the winner scores 21 points. Onlookers will be astounded with the talent and accuracy cornhole competitors display in their quest for a victory.

DIVISION III ATHLETICS Located 107 miles west of Chicago, Rockford will host three Division III championships in 2018. In March, the city will entertain the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Women’s Basketball Championship, giving patrons the chance to watch talented hoopsters battle for a title.

In May, the 2018 USA Ultimate Division III College Championships will descend upon the area. Originally known as ultimate frisbee, Ultimate is a non-contact team sport played with a flying disc (frisbee). Points are scored by passing the disc to a teammate in the opposing end zone.

The NJCAA Division III Women’s Soccer Championship will hit town in November.

IFC FALL CUP The Dodds Sports Complex in Champaign (135 miles south of Chicago), will host the Illinois Futbol Club Fall Cup, a competition that attracts 225 youth soccer teams from across the country. The cup will feature boys and girls between the ages of 8-18 competing for tournament glory from Sept. 28-30, 2018.

STEAMBOAT CLASSIC For 44 years, runners from around the world have traveled to Peoria every summer for the Steamboat Classic running event. The classic is an equal-opportunity athletic competition, welcoming walkers, joggers and runners of all ages and ability levels. The competition is famous for being one of the world’s fastest four-mile runs while the 15K is regarded as Illinois’ toughest because of the course’s hilly terrain. Participants can also compete in a less rugged two-mile contest.

UNITED STATES BOWLING CONGRESS WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIPS Bowling zealots will have to wait a few years for this event, but in 2021, the United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships will return to Chicago for the first time since 1935. Addison, a city 21 miles west of Chicago, will host the tournament that is expected to welcome more than 32,000 competitors and visitors and will feature some of the nation’s top female bowlers. SPG SportsPlanningGuide.com

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ILLINOIS RIVER TOWNS OFFER BIG FAMILY FUN Enjoy the sights and history of lively communities and placid waters amilies attending amateur sporting events in Illinois are consistently on the lookout for entertainment options when the games come to a close.Those fortunate enough to be visiting a river town during these competitions will not only find a sizable amount of engaging activities, but will do so in a locale awash with striking scenery. Illinois is a state filled with charming municipalities featuring bustling riverfronts. Here are nine cities that provide festive happenings alongside a tranquil river.

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ALTON Located on the Mississippi River about 15 miles north of St. Louis, this city offers hiking and biking trails and ample birdwatching opportunities.

The National Great Rivers Museum is dedicated to Mississippi River life and is an optimal location to observe river traffic and the Clark Bridge, a majestic cable-stayed bridge across the Mississippi that links Alton with West Alton, Missouri. Alton is also home to cultural bastions like the Jacoby Arts Center and the Alton Symphony Orchestra, while the Alton Little Theater has produced plays and musicals since 1934.

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AURORA Aurora is Illinois’ second-largest city, just 37 miles west of Chicago.

Situated on the Fox River, Aurora has an abundance of activities that will keep players and parents engaged. Hikers and bikers can traverse the Fox River trail, which has a lovely view of the river, and the Oakhurst Forest Preserve, which provides wildlife viewing, picnic areas and trails.

Phillips Park Zoo has more than 100 different animals and 41 species of birds, while Abbey Farms offers signature baked goods and fresh produce in an old-fashioned setting. Designed for younger patrons, the SciTech Hands On Museum contains a wealth of interactive exhibits and features more than 150 different activities, while Splash Country Water Park features a 1,100-foot-long lazy river, two water slides and a waterfall.

(Above) Downtown Galena attracts lovers of history and architecture.

(Above, right) Peoria is a big city with a quaint charm and a bustling riverfront.

(Below, right) Colorful fish can be found at the Anderson Japanese Gardens.

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ELGIN Stationed 35 miles northwest of Chicago and residing along the Fox River, Elgin has established itself as a destination for nature devotees thanks to its more than 1,600 acres of parks and 4,000 acres of forest preserves that offer canoeing, fishing and equestrian trails. The Hawthorne Hill Nature Center features 67 acres of woodland habitats where visitors can see indigenous amphibians and birds, while the Trout Park Nature Preserve is known for its freshwater springs, expansive meadows and wetlands. History lovers can take a tour of Elgin’s historic district, a set of 697 buildings that include an art museum, a masonic temple and the Elgin Academy, a college preparatory school that was established in 1839. The Fox River Trolley Museum is home to trolleys and trains once used by the Chicago Transit Authority and offers a fourmile ride on an electric trolley that follows the river.

GALENA Known for its well-preserved 19th century buildings, Galena is a destination that attracts lovers of history and architecture. Located in northwest Illinois on the Mississippi River, kayaking and boating are popular on the river. Among Galena’s highlights include quaint shops and restaurants that dot Main Street; the Ulysses S. Grant Home, the former house of the 18th president of the United States; the P.T. Murphy Magic Theater, a private 24-seat theater that presents a variety of magic shows; and the Old Blacksmith Shop, an authentic blacksmith shop dating back to 1897. The Chestnut Mountain Resort, a popular ski resort spanning 220 acres that overlooks the Mississippi River, is an 85-acre site that offers fabulous views of the Mississippi River bluffs and is a stellar spot for walking, hiking and sightseeing.

MOLINE AND ROCK ISLAND Two of the Quad Cities along with East Moline in Illinois and the cities of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, Moline is situated between the banks of the Mississippi and Rock rivers. Downtown Moline possesses shops, antique stores and an abundance of restaurants and pubs as well as major attractions like the John Deer Pavilion and Store, one of the largest agricultural exhibits in the world. The city also features Lagomarcino’s Soda Fountain Shop, considered by some the best oldfashioned ice cream parlor in the world, and the Celebration Belle riverboat, a 750-passenger paddlewheel boat that takes passengers on sightseeing cruises down the Mississippi River. Rock Island is best known for harboring the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, which is the United States Army’s second-oldest museum. It first opened to the public in 1905 and is nationally recognized for its large and impressive small arms collection. The Quad City Botanical Center is a set of botanical gardens located next to the Mississippi River and includes exotic tropical flowers, a 14-foot waterfall and reflecting pools.

PEORIA The oldest European settlement in Illinois, Peoria sits on the Illinois River in central Illinois. The city is the seventh-most-populated in the state, but possesses a quaint charm belying its size. Peoria has a host of art galleries, specialty shops and restaurants along its riverfront, including the Peoria RiverFront Market that provides local produce, art and music on Saturday mornings from June to September. The Contemporary Art Center of Peoria is a 14,000-square-foot facility that offers art exhibitions, improv comedy, poetry nights and jazz and blues performances. Another notable stop is the Caterpillar Visitors Center, where visitors can see first-hand what it’s like to operate heavy machinery.

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ROCKFORD The third-largest city in Illinois, Rockford is positioned on both banks of the Rock River in northern Illinois and lays claim to some of the finest gardens in the country. The Anderson Japanese Gardens is recognized as one of the premier Japanese gardens in North America and features waterfalls, ponds, streams and rock formations. Located along the Rock River, Sinnissippi Gardens has a rose garden with approximately 2,000 rose plants. Sitting adjacent to Sinnissippi is the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, a year-round exhibition of tropical trees, plants, flowers and changing floral displays. The Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden contains 155 acres of landscaped grounds, wooded trails and a horticulture library while Rock Cut State Park covers 3,092 acres enveloping Pierce Lake and Olson Lake and features hiking trails and camping along the river.

ST. CHARLES During the second weekend of June, St. Charles, a city that lies 40 miles west of Chicago, hosts the popular Festival of the Fox. The fest’s centerpiece is the dragon boat racing event, a 2,500-year-old Chinese sport that involves 20 team members paddling in unison on the Fox River in a long, narrow boat decorated at the bow and stern with a dragon’s head and tail. Another popular festival is the Scarecrow Festival, which began in 1985 and has grown into a nationally recognized fest attracting more than 100,000 over the three-day Columbus Day weekend. St. Charles is also home to the Arcada Theater, a restored vaudeville palace that features live performances; Otter Cove Aquatic Park, a beloved place to float down a lazy river; and the Fox River Trail, a paved path for hikers and bikers that sits along the river. SPG

Peoria Riverfront

Anderson Japanese Gardens

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THE AURORA AREA, IL

Not far from Chicago, the Aurora Area offers big-city facilities with Midwestern hospitality.

Outstanding Facilities Perfect for Your Events 1. Stuart Sports Complex Sports: Soccer, baseball, softball, flag football, lacrosse, rugby, ultimate This is one of the largest sports complexes in the Midwest, encompassing 317 acres. Its 29 full-size soccer fields, two regulation-size baseball fields and six flexible baseball/softball fields make it ideal for hosting your large tournament. And since the complex hosts more than 4,000 athletic contests per year, attracting more than 75,000 participants and 100,000 spectators, you know it can handle a crowd. The parking lot can fit 1,300 vehicles and there are two modern restroom facilities, as well as portable restrooms throughout the complex. Two concession locations ensure that people don’t have to leave the complex, and the on-site walking trail, dog park and playground help keep people entertained between games.

3. Rush-Copley Healthplex Sports: Tennis With eight indoor tennis courts and six outdoor courts, the Rush-Copley Healthplex is one of the finest facilities in the Midwest for a tennis event or tournament. The courts are great for competitors, with indoor courts made of Deco-Turf and outdoor courts made of Har-Tru clay. Participants and spectators alike will enjoy perusing the latest tennis equipment in the pro shop. If spectators want some activities outside of watching tennis, they may be able to visit the 166,000-squarefoot fitness center, complete with rock climbing wall and aquatics center.

4. Parkside Lanes 2. Great Lakes Volleyball Center Sports: Volleyball, badminton With 12 indoor volleyball courts, the Great Lakes Center has hosted some of the largest camps, clinics and tournaments in the Midwest. At 85,000 square feet, with a full-service weight training facility and training room, the center is an ideal place for your next event. The courts are player-friendly, with three layers of plywood and thousands of pieces of rubber combining to provide one of the softest playing surfaces in the world.

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Sports: Bowling Parkside offers 54 lanes and so much more, including a fullservice pizza and cafe restaurant and billiards for spectators, as well as video gaming for those ages 21 and older. The full-service pro shop will keep bowlers well equipped and the synthetic lane surfaces will ensure that competitors experience the finest game-play possible.

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

5. Wheatland Athletic Association Sports: Soccer The Wheatland Athletic Association’s Sports Center boasts not one but two indoor soccer fields for your event or tournament needs.

The fields are top-of-the-line, with new turf and sand infill. And the facility, with its viewing areas, renovated washrooms and ample parking, is a great place for spectators to cheer on their teams. If fans want to be close to the action, they can stand behind the eight-foot tempered glass dasher boards that surround the fields.

6. Supreme Courts Sports: Basketball, volleyball With the facility’s four high school courts with premium wood floors, full climate control, large mounted scoreboards and professional scorer’s tables, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into a professional arena. The 24 collegiate-grade baskets are ceilingmounted and the flooring meets or exceeds all DIN criteria for ball bounce, shock absorption, deflection and more.

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Plenty to Keep Teams Busy Check out RiverEdge Park and its truly impressive list of summer concerts or head over to the Paramount Theatre to catch a concert or musical. Downtown Aurora has no fewer than 11 art galleries and also hosts First Fridays, a spontaneous art walk at various venues.

If you prefer some adventure, you can canoe, kayak or take a leisurely bike ride along the picturesque Fox River, or go hiking on one of the Aurora Area’s beautiful nature trails. And when you’ve worked up an appetite, the Aurora Area has a restaurant to satisfy almost any craving, from delicious ethnic food and casual pubs to upscale dining.

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How Do I Get to Aurora?

The city is just off of I-88, and major roads like I-90, I-94, I-55 and I-57 will all get you close. Being less than an hour away from both of Chicago’s airports, O’Hare and Midway, is good for the Aurora Area — and convenient for you. Taxi and limousine services can get you to the Aurora area, or you can rent a car and enjoy the region in no time.

Planner Perspective “Seminole Sports is thrilled to have established a great relationship with the Fox Valley Park District and Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. The FVPD staff does a great job of communicating with our tournament directors and ensuring proper maintenance of their pristine fields. We look forward to working with Pete Garlock for years to come in order to continue to bring teams to the Aurora Area and show them all it has to offer.”

— John Suvada, General Manager, Seminole Sports

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AURORA AREA SPORTS ALLIANCE Pete Garlock, Director of Sales 630-256-3194 • pete@enjoyaurora.com AuroraAreaSportsAlliance.com

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

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Let’s Talk Facilities 1. Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex

2. Hendelmeyer Park

Sports: All indoor sports Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex was completed in early 2016. The complex offers a 25-meter, eight-lane swimming pool and indoor, 15,500-square-foot, multi-sport courts. This recreational center offers other amenities too, ranging from rentable party rooms to physical therapy services. The complex will not only offer visiting teams great places to play, but a stellar spot for helping their bodies relax and recuperate from intense activity.

Sports: Baseball, softball, tennis At a respectable 20 acres, the 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. With plenty to enjoy on and off the field, sports planners should be warned that their athletes might not want to leave this idyllic neighborhood refuge.

3. Community Park

EFFINGHAM CVB Jodi Thoele, Director of Tourism 800-772-0750 • jthoele@effinghamil.com VisitEffinghamIL.com

Sports: Baseball, softball, disc golf, tennis, roller hockey, ice skating Community Park is situated on 35 acres in Effingham Park District 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, and four pavilions, shelters and picnic areas.

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.

Natural beauty on TREC Recreation Trails and spots like Ballard Nature Center or Bliss Park make the town ideal for enjoying the great outdoors with a casual stroll through the park or a more adventurous trail hike.

A Truly Central Location Effingham resides on a true crossroads, right in the middle of Illinois, where Interstate 57 meets Interstate 70. Access the town from the interstates or 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, located 66 miles away.

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BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, IL

Two small towns with venues made for the big city.

A Range of Facilities Attracts Tournaments Big and Small 1. Champion Fields

4. Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan University

Sports: Softball For girls' fast-pitch and adult slow-pitch softball, Champion Fields in Normal offer everything you need to host a successful event. Eight lighted fields make up the main complex, along with two more lighted fields just to the south. This venue has played host to the Girls 10U A National Championship and is equipped with covered dugouts, a P.A. system, scoreboards and concession.

Sports: Basketball, volleyball Another quality collegiate facility for basketball and volleyball is the Shirk Center, located on the Illinois Wesleyan University campus in Bloomington. Home to the university’s men’s and women’s teams, the venue is no stranger to large-scale events and convenient to downtown Bloomington and local accommodations.

Inside the 135,344-square-foot facility is seating for 2,680 along with a training room, locker rooms, equipment storage, laundry facilities, full concession and plenty of parking.

2. The Corn Crib Sports: Baseball, softball, soccer The Corn Crib in Normal is the perfect place to enjoy America’s pastime. Spectators can view the game from the foul lines and behind home plate, or pack a picnic meal and take in the excitement from the area around the outfield. The Corn Crib can host soccer in addition to baseball. With plenty of parking, room for 7,000, full concession and a Kids Zone, the amenities are top-notch. Players and fans will feel at home at the stadium that hosts the Frontier League’s Normal CornBelters.

5. Grossinger Motors Arena Sports: Basketball, volleyball, hockey, indoor football Located in the heart of Bloomington, this multi-sport center is home to three professional sports teams and the Illinois State University NCAA hockey team. There is seating for up to 5,600 during hockey and football games, and 7,200 for basketball games.

The Grossinger Motors Arena can host cheer and dance events as well.

3. Redbird Arena Sports: Basketball, volleyball Basketball and volleyball teams will be pleased to know that the state’s second largest collegiate arena is in Normal on the campus of Illinois State University. With seating for 10,500, Redbird Arena hosts the ISU men’s and women’s teams in these two sports and offers locker rooms, training facilities, full concession and parking. This “crown jewel” of ISU facilities, so named because of its glowing Teflon roof, regularly hosts tournaments and NCAA play, making it an excellent choice for your next event.

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6. The Den at Fox Creek Golf Course Sports: Golf This signature Arnold Palmer course in Bloomington offers 18 holes of championship golf and has hosted a number of events including the Illinois High School state tournament. Golfers of all ages and abilities will find unique challenges on this 6,926-yard, links-style course that also features a driving range, practice green, and chipping green to warm up and hone skills.

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What is There to Do in Bloomington-Normal?

How Do We Get to the Bloomington-Normal area?

Just a short walk or drive from the center of Bloomington is the popular Miller Park Zoo, where your group can check out animals from around the world, including the New Guinea singing dog, two-toed sloths, scarlet ibises and Sumatran tigers. Just to the north in Normal is Anderson Park and Aquatic Center, which always promises fun for all ages. With three pools, including two waterslides, a diving board and plenty of water toys, you can easily spend the day there; outside of the pools is an additional 13 acres of ball fields, courts and picnic grounds.

The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts hosts an array of events and performances, so be sure to check out what’s playing when you’re in town. The McLean County Museum of History is a fun way to learn about local history; the first floor’s Route 66 Visitors Center’s “Cruisin’ with Lincoln” exhibit spotlights the “Mother Road” and Abraham Lincoln’s life in his home state.

Conveniently located in the Midwest, Bloomington-Normal is a great meeting place for athletes from across the country.

The Bloomington-Normal area is accessible from Chicago to the north and St. Louis to the south by taking Interstate 55. Travelers from the east and west can come in via Interstate 74. The 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.

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

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Planner Perspective “The Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission are valuable assets to the planning and coordination of the Illinois High School Association Girls Basketball State Finals. This tremendous support from the volunteers and Bloomington-Normal communities helps to forge unforgettable memories on and off the court for the competing teams, their fans, and school administrators.”

— Beth Sauser, Assistant Executive Director, Illinois High School Association

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CHICAGO SOUTHLAND, IL Top-Notch Facilities Abound 1. Matteson Community Center Sports: Basketball, baseball, soccer, football Two hardwood basketball courts and a football field, both with bleacher seating, highlight this 73,000-square-foot facility.

But don’t forget about the swimming pools, tennis courts, youth baseball fields, indoor and outdoor tracks, soccer field and long jump area.

2. Memorial Park Fields Sports: Softball This six-field softball complex in Midlothian offers a wide variety of age-appropriate fields. Three fields accommodate up to 70-foot bases, two fields accommodate up to 80-foot bases and one field accommodates up to 90-foot bases, with the primary field being regulation size with real grass turf infield and outfield. All fields feature lighting and 300-foot fencing. Permanent on-site concessions and restrooms are there for your convenience in addition to ample parking.

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1 Few places in the country offer more quality sports venues than Chicago Southland.

3. Southland Center Sports: Basketball, soccer, baseball, martial arts, volleyball, cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, lacrosse, football, rugby Southland Center in Lynwood has been named a top 10 sports complex in Illinois, and with the wide array of facility options it is easy to see why. Four hardwood basketball courts, two of which are shortened to 84 feet for younger players and each with adjustable goal heights, are the main attraction. Bleacher seating that sits over 700 spectators will leave your teams with plenty of room to spread out and watch. Two Desso turf soccer fields measuring 223’ x 185’, two indoor baseball fields measuring 111’ x 185’ with six batting cages total, and four IHSA-regulated volleyball courts round out the state-of-the-art facilities at Southland Center.

4. Standard Bank Stadium Sports: Baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse Get all the atmosphere of a major league park without the big bucks. Standard Bank Stadium in Crestwood is the home of the Windy City ThunderBolts, a professional baseball team that plays in the Frontier League. It seats upwards of 3,000 people and is a perfect destination for a major championship game at @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

any level of baseball. Nearly every seat in the house is a major league-style seatback chair and there’s even an upper deck along the third base line. A full range of concessions is available.

5. Tinley Park Convention Center Sports: Timbersports, gymnastics, dance, cheerleading, martial arts Let your imagination run wild at Tinley Park Convention Center.

It was the home of the 2016 STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series events. This 70,000-square-foot convention center can host a wide variety of athletic competitions. The massive indoor areas have played host to martial arts competitions, gymnastics and dance competitions and even boxing and MMA matches. Up to 6,000 spectators can be accommodated.

and theater, zoos, world-class shopping) in an easy drive north, but it’s got plenty of its own charm and charisma. Hollywood Park Family Fun Center in Crestwood is the go-to spot for guaranteed good times. Go-karts, rock climbing, two 18-hole putt putt courses, an arcade center and bumper cars highlight this fun factory. More fun awaits at Odyssey Fun World in Tinley Park and Haunted Trails Family Amusement Park in Burbank. The area’s vast green space lends itself to outdoor activities like golfing, hiking and fishing.

Planner Perspective “It has been an absolute pleasure working with Joel Koester and the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau. They helped every step of the way to ensure the US Log Rolling Open was a success.” — Katie Rick, KRICK, LLC.

6. Toyota Park Sports: Soccer, lacrosse, rugby, running events Located 12 miles southwest of the city, this soccer-specific stadium is home to the Chicago Fire Soccer Club. The massive 469,000-square-foot stadium seats 20,000 people. More than a soccer field, it routinely hosts concerts and other shows. But if you’ve got a soccer tournament that you know will draw a crowd, then give your players a thrill of a lifetime by playing in a professional stadium. This beautiful facility will leave players and spectators with sights and sounds they won’t soon forget. A new 90,000 square foot dome has been added to the site and features a full-size indoor regulation soccer field.

Activities to Fill Your Downtime The area is an exceptional option because you can reach the endless entertainment of Chicago (professional sports venues, art

In the Very Heart of the Midwest Situated just south of the big city, Chicago Southland combines easy access to attractions in the Windy City with the charm of suburban life. Chicago Southland is a four- or five-hour drive from cities like Detroit, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and St. Louis. Interstates 55, 57, 80, 94, 294 and 355 serve the Chicago Southland so it is easily reachable no matter what direction you are coming from. Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport serve the metro area, offering flights from every major U.S. city.

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

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ELGIN, IL

Less than an hour away from Chicago, Elgin, Illinois is the ultimate sports destination!

Athletic Facilities for Every Sport 1. Lifezone 360 Sports: Basketball, soccer, lacrosse Lifezone 360 (LZ360) is a 130,000-square-foot sports complex with two large indoor soccer fields, two basketball/futsal courts with the ability to put down five basketball courts, a fitness area and multi-sport practice fields. LZ360 can also provide climate-controlled rental spaces and great food – think fresh salad, wood-fired brick oven pizza and homemade ice cream for private events.

2. Elgin Sports Complex Sports: Softball, T-ball, volleyball, soccer, BMX biking Elgin Sports Complex features tons of championship-level competition spaces all in one location. This 107-acre venue comprises 10 full-size soccer fields (four of which are lit), 10 fully-lit softball fields, two sand volleyball courts, hard-surface paths, a playground and The Hill, which is known as Chicago’s best BMX track. The sports complex is a pet-friendly facility and is wheelchair-accessible.

3. Leaf’s Ice Center Sports: Figure skating, hockey Kick up the ice at Leaf’s Ice Center, a state-of-the-art indoor skating rink. Train and compete on any one of three NHL-size rinks, complete with access to Jerry’s Pro Shops for the newest gear.

Stop by the Blue Line Bar and Grill for a hot meal and craft beer.

Leaf’s recently renovated its space to include large-screen televisions, a patio, tables and fire places.

4. Intra Sports Complex Sports: Soccer, football, softball This newly-renovated, 40,000-square-foot sports complex three outdoor and three indoor fields, complete with bleachers and a concession stand. Rent any one of the facilities and host events in rooms that seat up to 85 people. All participants must bring turf shoes to play indoors.

ELGIN, IL Wendi Howard, Sales Manager 847-695-7540 • sales@northernfoxrivervalley.com ExploreElginArea.com 16

Sports Planning Guide

Affordable Sports Facilities Close to Chicago If you’ve ever planned a sports tournament, you know how costly it can be. From the hotels to the dining expenses, down to the chosen complexes where your event will be, it isn’t hard to break your budget. If you’re in the heart of a major city, you can expect that your trip will be especially costly. But fortunately, you can experience big-city fun at reasonable prices in smaller urban areas — and Elgin is one of them. Elgin offers the perfect mix of visitor attractions and sports facilities. Fun awaits athletes of all ages and levels. They will be able to train and compete in premier venues that host a variety of sports, from soccer to BMX biking.

Reason to Adventure to the Elgin Area Besides its abundance of sports facilities, this city encompassing Cook and Kane counties and located along the Fox River is filled with affordable lodging and local attractions. Stay comfortably at the Holiday Inn Elgin, Comfort Suites Elgin, Quality Inn Elgin, TownePlace Suites by Marriot, Hampton Inn Chicago Elgin, Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Candlewood Suites Elgin NWChicago or Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Elgin/West Dundee.

Looking for ways to entertain your team during your stay in Elgin?

Natural beauty abounds in Fox River Shores Forest Preserve and Tyler Creek Forest Preserve. Take the kids to Randall Oaks Zoo, where they’ll be able to pet animals while touring the park. During the winter, get into the holiday spirit by skiing at Villa Olivia in Bartlett.

All year round, families can experience the Santa-themed rides, live shows and petting zoos at Santa’s Village Azoosment Park in East Dundee. Spend an afternoon golfing at the award-winning Highlands of Elgin or Bowes Creek Country Club. Check out State Street Market Shops for antiques and locally made trinkets and gifts. Elgin’s diverse dining scene features over 100 restaurants to choose from.

Easy Access to the Elgin Area Elgin is located on Interstate 90 about 42 miles from downtown Chicago, 53 miles from Rockford and 103 miles from Milwaukee.

Fly into Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (approx. 30 miles) or Midway International Airport (approx. 50 miles). Most major carriers service O’Hare, while Southwest and Delta airlines service Midway. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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LAKE COUNTY, IL Facilities to Know 1. Libertyville Sports Complex Sports: Basketball, soccer, volleyball, football, lacrosse, baseball/softball, floor hockey, futsal, rock climbing, golf The Libertyville Sports Complex is home to two indoor artificial-surface fields, eight multipurpose courts, a driving range, a softball field, climbing wall, a fitness center and a conference room. The two multipurpose fields are home to the Greater Libertyville Soccer Association and can host events for soccer, lacrosse, football and futsal. The courts have hosted multiple sporting events, graduation ceremonies, the annual Chicago Blackhawks Roadwatch Party, school fairs and fundraising events.

The driving range is open every day of the year and offers 30 doubledecker weather-protected tee stations, 50 outdoor matted tees and full lighting. The 29-foot climbing wall is the largest in the region and provides 360 degrees of climbing. The conference rooms can hold up to 120 people, and there is a fitness center.

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With 11 sports venues, Lake County, Illinois is crushing the event-planning competition.

2. Waukegan Fieldhouse Sports: Basketball, volleyball, rock climbing, swimming, running The Waukegan Fieldhouse is a state-of-the-art facility that includes the Waukegan Aquatic Center, a 14,000-square-foot fitness center, a three-story climbing wall, six hardwood courts and seventh-mile indoor track. The fieldhouse also has locker rooms and meeting rooms.

3. Greater Libertyville Soccer Association Sports: Soccer The Greater Libertyville Soccer Association hosts events at two facilities. The Libertyville Township Soccer Complex has 20 fields on 110 acres of countryside. There are multiple onsite parking areas and an onsite concession stand. The Libertyville Sports Complex has two indoor artificial turf soccer fields. The Greater Libertyville Soccer Association hosts multiple programs for children and adults and has hosted tournaments such as the Octoberfest Classic and the Libertyville Cup. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

4. Vernon Hills Sports Complex Sports: Baseball/softball, football, soccer, lacrosse, tennis The Vernon Hills Sports Complex is home to 27 fields. There are 10 baseball/softball fields, 14 multipurpose fields and three tennis courts. There are multiple onsite parking lots and a concession stand.

5. Waukegan Outdoor Sports Park Sports: Softball/baseball, football, soccer The Waukegan Outdoor Sports Park has 138.3 acres that are home to four fully lighted baseball diamonds and 14 soccer fields, 13 of which are natural grass and one artificial turf. The park also has two concession stands and parking for up to 665 vehicles. Equipment can be rented from the park for your sporting needs.

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6. Lake County Fairgrounds and Expo Center Sports: Volleyball, basketball, soccer, flag football The 65,000-square-foot Expo Center has a 36-foot-high ceiling and a seating capacity of 5,540. It has multiple meeting rooms with a total of 1,620 square feet. The Fairgrounds include 100-plus acres of property and 12 acres of paved surface. The show barn (200 by 100 feet with a 24-foot ceiling), has been used to host music festivals, fundraisers and dances.

What to do in Lake County For thrill seekers in the group, Six Flags Great America theme park and its Hurricane Harbor water park have roller coasters and slippery slides to get your heart pumping. If you are looking for something unique, visit Ravinia Festival, the oldest music festival in North America that is lauded for presenting world-class music in an inviting, natural environment. The festival attracts over 600,000 listeners to some 120 to 150 events that span all genres including classical, chamber music, jazz, rock, world, music theater, dance and kids programming every summer from June-September. Experience the largest corn maze in the world at Richardson Adventure Farm and Corn Maze. Car-lovers in the groups will like the Volo Auto Museum and see famous cars such as the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine or the Batmobile. Whatever your interests, Lake County has it.

How to Get to Lake County Located only 41 miles from Chicago and 53 miles from Milwaukee, Lake County is an easy drive. Interstate 94, which links Chicago and Milwaukee, runs straight through Lake County, making it the ideal highway to use from either direction. Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, less than 15 miles from Lake County, is served by Delta, American, United and most other major airlines. Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport is less than 40 miles away and served by Delta, Southwest, American, United and other airlines.

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LAKE COUNTY CVB Teresa Lewis, Sports Event Specialist 847-662-2700 • Teresa@Lakecounty.org VisitLakeCounty.org

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CHICAGO NORTHWEST, IL Sports Facilities that fit Your Needs 1. Olympic Park Sports: Soccer, softball, baseball, football, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby Opened in 1995, Olympic Park has hosted thousands of soccer and baseball games. The 72-acre sports venue features eight lighted synthetic-turf soccer fields and two natural-grass fields.

The turf fields consist of a polyethylene infill system designed for fields that experience extremely high levels of use. Some of the turf fields have been marked to be used for football games, too.

In addition, the venue offers five softball fields, all of which are available for practice, games and tournaments. Guests will also find two full-size outdoor basketball courts and a 15,000-squarefoot skate park.

2. Schaumburg Convention Center Sports: Cheerleading, gymnastics, soccer, basketball, volleyball, wrestling The Schaumburg Convention Center features nearly 100,000 square feet of flexible space that can be used to accommodate a wide range of sports events. The convention center can be configured into multiple floor plans to suit the event it is hosting.

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Looking for a convenient spot for a sports event?

Chicago Northwest offers all the amenities of a big city with the comfort and affordability of a small town.

3. Harper College Sports: Soccer, cross country/track and field, volleyball, wrestling, basketball, baseball, softball, tennis Harper College is home to the Harper Hawks intercollegiate sports teams. The campus features the Sports and Wellness Center, equipped with a gymnasium that can host basketball games and volleyball matches. The college recently broke ground on a major renovation and expansion of the Sports and Wellness Center, which will add new exercise rooms and upgrade training facilities and fitness spaces.

4. Melas Park Athletic Complex Sports: Football, soccer, baseball, softball Melas Park, located in Arlington Heights, is a premier sports venue that plays host to a range of sports events. It includes four lighted softball fields and one soccer field. The softball fields were updated a few years ago with synthetic turf, making for a safer playing surface.

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

5. Odeum Expo Center

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Sports: Indoor soccer, inline hockey, boxing, wrestling, karate, baseball, softball, basketball, lacrosse, gymnastics, tennis, volleyball, cheerleading, skateboarding Odeum Expo Center is a 130,000-square-foot multipurpose venue. It can be converted into a variety of playing surfaces to fit a specific event’s needs. The center features three complete fields for indoor soccer or inline hockey, lighted and automatic scoreboards, and clear plexiglass boards.

Things to Do in Chicago Northwest Chicago Northwest is filled with some of the region’s most well-known attractions, and offers plenty of activities to keep both athletes and their families entertained.

Get a glimpse at the Amur tigers, American bison and red pandas at Brookfield Zoo, or see who has better aim with a driver at Topgolf. At LEGOLAND Discovery Center, you can see a replica of downtown Chicago made completely out of Legos, or hop aboard a chariot in the Kingdom Quest ride. Watch epic battles, thrilling jousts and graceful horsemanship at Medieval Times, where your show is accompanied by a plate of food fit for royalty.

For shoppers in the group, Woodfield Mall is a retail paradise.

The largest shopping mall in the state of Illinois features close to 300 stores. Spend an afternoon in Downtown Arlington Heights, checking out local shops and boutiques, or visiting the historical museum. No matter what your interest, Chicago Northwest has something for everyone.

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Chicago Northwest is Easily Accessible Chicago Northwest is within a day’s drive of most major Midwest cities, including Milwaukee and Indianapolis. The area sits along the intersection of highways I-90 and 290, which connect to a range of roadways. Chicago Northwest is served by O’Hare International Airport, a major hub for American Airlines and United Airlines.

Planner Perspective “Meet Chicago Northwest is amazing. Melinda and her team are a fantastic help in all aspects of the event-contracting process.

They are available and eager to help from the earliest stages, and are a great resource for sending out our RFP, consolidating hotel responses, following up when needed and helping to pull all of the final details together. They are personal and informative and put a lot of heartfelt effort into making sure the event attendees are both familiar with the area and have a great time while they are in town. We are so happy to be regularly working with their team and truly love handling events in the Chicago Northwest area.”

—April Laframboise, Team Travel Source

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CHICAGO NORTHWEST Melinda Garritano, CSEE, Senior Account Executive 847-278-3445 • mgarritano@chicagonorthwest.com ChicagoNorthwest.com

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ROCKFORD, IL Parks and Complexes Fit Your Facility Needs 1. Mercyhealth Sportscore One Sports: Soccer, softball, baseball, lacrosse, ultimate, 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 and other events. Recreational activities such as running, biking, boating and fishing can all be enjoyed at Sportscore One.

2. Mercyhealth Sportscore Two Sports: Soccer, volleyball, rugby, pickleball, ultimate, football, adapted wheelchair sports Covering 180 acres in Loves Park, Sportscore Two is designed to host tournaments and events year round, with indoor and outdoor multi-sport surfaces. Sportscore Two’s Wedgbury Stadium/Indoor Sports Center 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. Indoor Sports Center at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two 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. Recent enhancements include six new turf and multi-purpose lighted fields.

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Bring your game to Rockford, a city that offers high-quality, versatile facilities.

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

3. UW Health Sports Factory Sports: Basketball, volleyball, dance, cheerleading Rockford's new premier multi-use riverfront indoor sports venue opened June 1, 2016. This 105,000-square-foot indoor amateur sports complex houses flexible floor space for eight regulation-size basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts with two championship courts and 16 wrestling mats. This venue also accommodates other sports such as dance and cheerleading. It includes seating for 3,700 with portable bleachers, five meeting rooms, riverfront boardwalk, full restaurant and concessions onsite.

4. Rock River Sports: Water sports The Rock River links 11 counties in Wisconsin and Illinois over a course of 320 miles. 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. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

5. BMO Harris Bank Center Sports: Indoor sports Located in downtown Rockford, BMO Harris Bank Center has 33,000 square feet of concrete floor space. Equipped with convenient parking, concessions, executive suites, club boxes and club seats, the arena hosts a variety of entertainment, including concerts, motor sports and family shows. Just about any indoor sport can be accommodated in the space, including hockey and other ice events.

6. Searls Park BMX Race Course Sports: BMX racing Searls Park has prided itself as the premier BMX race facility in Northern Illinois for 20 years. Clinics and programs headed by professional BMX riders cater to beginners. The award-winning track hosts the USA BMX Midwest Nationals. Transworld BMX magazine rated Searls the No. 8 BMX track in the US.

Rockford’s Finest Attractions Rivets Stadium, home to collegiate baseball’s Rockford Rivets, a member of the Northwoods league, 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.

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 ever discovered.

Anderson Japanese Gardens, one of the top-rated Japanese gardens in North America, offers an exploration of another culture with gardens, a teahouse and gift shop.

Getting Here and Getting Around Rockford is only 90 minutes from Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison, four hours from Indianapolis, four-and-a-half-hours from St. Louis and five hours from Minneapolis-St. Paul. Rockford is readily accessible via Interstates 90 and 39 or U.S. Highway 20. The largest nearby airport is O’Hare International Airport, an hour’s drive away. Chicago Rockford International Airport is in Rockford.

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 • npovalitis@gorockford.com GoRockford.com

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ST. CHARLES, IL Greater St. Charles, Illinois offers all the amenities, venues and attractions you need in a central location.

Facilities for Everything from Soccer to Horse Shows 1. East Side Sports Complex Sports: Softball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, basketball Located on the east side of St. Charles, this 102-acre park features a multi-sport complex that accommodates athletic events of all kinds. The park is home to the Baseball Association and is the site of the annual Comet Classic softball tournament. It features eight lighted softball and baseball fields, three lighted soccer fields, 10 multi-purpose play fields, four lighted sand volleyball courts, a lighted skate park, two lighted tennis courts and two lighted basketball courts.

2. Fox Valley Ice Arena Sports: Hockey, ice skating Hockey and ice skating events will find their home at Fox Valley Ice Arena. The venue features an NHL arena with seating for 3,000 and an international arena that seats 500. It has hosted numerous youth, USA Hockey and Figure Skating national and regional championships. It’s home to the Cyclones Youth Hockey AA Club, Aurora University D3 Men’s Hockey team and Chicago Steel USHL team. The arena also boasts a restaurant, fitness center, skate rental and a pro shop.

3. Lamplight Equestrian Center Sports: Equestrian A premier horse show facility, Lamplight Equestrian Center is a beautiful venue that provides competitors with a great experience.

Lamplight hosts between 20-25 competitions every show season, including dressage shows and hunter/jumper shows. The 56-acre facility features eight competition dressage rings, warm-up rings, stabling for 1,200 horses, shaded viewing pavilions and bleacher seating for 750 spectators.

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Downtime Options Abound in Greater St. Charles When it comes to live entertainment, see it, do it, live it in Greater St. Charles. The authentic 1920s Arcada Theatre, with 900 up-close seats, is considered by many to be the Midwest’s No. 1 concert venue.

Musical acts such as Vince Neil, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, and Air Supply headline the fall 2017 calendar. While there, be sure to hit up Club Arcada speakeasy, too. Located on the third floor of the Arcada Theater, the new Club Arcada is an exclusive entertainment experience in the Midwest with a secret door, flapper girls, live music and true-to-time-period décor bringing Chicago’s Roaring Twenties to life. Howie Mandel will also headline at the Arcada this fall, or you can find more laughs at Zanies Comedy Club at Pheasant Run where Emo Philips, Gilbert Gottfried and Sinbad have all brought down the house. Plus, there’s more! Catch a play at the Steel Beam Theatre, watch a movie or experience 9D virtual Reality at XD Adventures.

The Fox River is an attraction in itself. Stroll along the banks and take in the scenery, or hop aboard a St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboat for a picturesque cruise.

Visit St. Charles Municipal Building, an 84-foot-tall Arte Modern structure built in 1940 and constructed with black granite and white Georgian marble. Car fanatics will love the Baltria Vintage Auto Gallery, which features classic and exotic automobiles from the last 100 years. In addition to the miles of trails, nature lovers will appreciate the exhibits on display at the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, which houses some of Fox Valley’s natural treasures, including a wetland exhibit, live animal displays and an indoor turtle pond. Then head over to Garfield Farm and Inn Museum to discover what life was like on an 1840s farm.

Easily Accessible from the Midwest Located less than 50 miles from Chicago, the Greater St. Charles area is easy to reach from anywhere in the Midwest. It is served by a number of major highways, including I-90 and I-88, making it convenient for teams who are driving. The Greater St. Charles area is also close to two major airports, Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport, both of which are served by most major carriers.

GREATER ST. CHARLES CVB Nick Bacik, Sports Tourism Development Manager 630-377-6161 • nick@visitstcharles.com VisitStCharles.com

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PEORIA, IL

Located halfway between Chicago and St. Louis, Peoria provides everything needed to plan an outstanding sporting event.

World-Class Athletics in Peoria 1. Peoria Civic Center

3. Dozer Park

Sports: Basketball, hockey, indoor football, wrestling Conveniently located in downtown Peoria, the Peoria Civic Center is home to the Bradley Braves, Bradley University’s NCAA Division I basketball team, and the Peoria Rivermen professional hockey team. The Peoria Civic Center includes Carver Arena, host to the Illinois High School Association Boys’ Basketball state finals every March. This 29,000-square-foot arena seats 9,919 for hockey and indoor football, 11,433 for basketball and is also equipped for wrestling matches. The arena has several concessions, restrooms and parking lots and is handicap-accessible.

Peoria Civic Center also offers 110,000 square feet of exhibition space, a 27,000- square-foot ballroom and theater that seats 2,100 that can be used for a wide variety of sports and events.

Sports: Baseball, softball Home to the Peoria Chiefs, the Midwest League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, Dozer Park’s Class A stadium is an ideal location for baseball and softball teams. The 7,500-seat stadium is equipped with sod containing an eight-inch-deep root zone of sand and Dakota peat for nutrition and a pitcher’s mound made up of mostly clay for wear resistance. Amenities include restrooms, parking, five fixed concession stands, a press box, a game operations room, 20 luxury boxes and two party decks.

2. Louisville Slugger Sports Complex Sports: Baseball, softball As the only Louisville Slugger facility in the United States, this 125,000-square-foot, dome-style building has all the amenities necessary for your next sporting event. The complex contains 10 outdoor fields with live streaming and 100% synthetic turf, MLB-style walk-out dugouts, bullpens, electronic scoreboards, two indoor baseball/softball fields and multi-purpose hard courts.

The facility includes clubhouses that host weeklong baseball, fast-pitch and training events.

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4. Mossville Soccer Complex Sports: Soccer, lacrosse Home to one of Central Illinois’ premier soccer clubs, FC Peoria, Mossville Soccer Complex attracts world-class athletics with its recently upgraded facility. As one of the largest indoor/outdoor facilities between Chicago and St. Louis, Mossville Soccer Complex recently completed a $100,000 renovation, to replace the indoor turf with 100% recyclable Greenfield turf and reconfigure the indoor fields for supreme training opportunities. As the only FIFA-endorsed turf in Peoria, the facility hosts tournaments such as the FC Peoria Spring and Fall Shootout. Amenities include free parking, porta potties, concessions and vendors.

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

5. Bradley University Renaissance Coliseum Sports: Baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, golf, cross country, tennis Bradley University has some of the best college facilities. Home to the university’s volleyball and women’s basketball teams, the newly established Renaissance Coliseum is the largest building on campus and seats 4,200. The $50-million facility includes a Basketball Performance Center practice facility, an athletics museum, strength and conditioning rooms, athletic medicine facilities, two studentathlete academic centers and 12 locker rooms. The building features 16 basketball hoops, six basketball courts and six volleyball courts.

Constructed with a Plexipave acrylic tennis court surfacing system, David Markin Tennis Courts hosted the 2004 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Tennis Team Championship and 2005 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Tennis Championship.

Other university facilities include Detweiller Park for cross country runners and Laura Bradley Park with recent renovations featuring a new softball playing surface, batting cages, modern dugouts and a multi-purpose press box.

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Adventure Awaits Peoria Riverfront Museum, a museum filled with art, science and culture, will entertain your group with a planetarium, theater and fascinating exhibits. Experience the Caterpillar Visitors Center, where your group can explore the center on a self-guided tour with interactive displays and exhibits. The Spirit of Peoria paddlewheeler offers sightseeing cruises, private charters and overnight excursions to Starved Rock State Park and the St. Louis riverfront. For Peoria’s best live entertainment, check out Limelight Eventplex for local, regional, national and global touring acts. Offering 30-minute, one-hour and two-hour tours, World on Wheels Segway tours are a great way to explore Peoria when time is limited due to games and practices. Visit Kartville, an amusement park featuring go-karting, ATVs, bumper boats, mini golf and batting cages for a day of fun and excitement.

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Making Your Way to Peoria As a link between Chicago and St. Louis, Peoria’s interstate highways and international airport make getting there easy and accessible.

Peoria can be reached by I-74, which connects Indianapolis to the Quad Cities. Just a 15-minute drive from the city center, General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA) offers daily flights to and from major cities such as Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Charlotte, Detroit, Tampa, Phoenix-Mesa, Las Vegas, Orlando, Punta Gordo and Destin

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Planner Perspective “The community’s ‘can-do’ spirit, first-class hotels, a recently renovated downtown, multi-purpose arena, a new riverfront museum, Caterpillar Visitors Center and various dining options all within walking distance of one another all make Peoria a winning choice for any group.

Choosing Peoria to play host to a number of our high school state final events is one of the best decisions we’ve ever made!”

— Kurt Gibson, Illinois High School Association (IHSA), Assistant Executive Director

PEORIA AREA CVB Joni Staley, Director of Sales 309-282-3280 • jstaley@peoria.org EnjoyPeoria.com

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Win or Lose, What Else is There to Do? Whether it’s bowling at Old Orchard Lanes, appreciating the creativity at Krannert Art Museum or tackling the beautiful natural world that permeates the entire region, your team is sure to enjoy themselves. Once they’ve worked up an appetite and are hankering for some hearty Midwestern food, the dining options are almost endless. Grab breakfast at The Original Pancake House, classic American cuisine at Seven Saints or a slightly more upscale dinner at Big Grove Tavern.

How Do I Get the Team There?

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CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, IL Tucked away in the heart of Illinois, Champaign County has been quickly making strides as a sports capital of the Midwest.

Champaign County Has the Facilities You Need

If your teams decide to make a road trip to Champaign County, I-57, I-72 and I-74 run through the region. Midwestern cities that are six or fewer hours away from Champaign County include Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Detroit and Cleveland. For teams who’d rather fly, Willard Airport (CMI) is located right near the University of Illinois and is serviced by American Airlines. Another option is for teams to fly into Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport or Midway International Airport and then drive two-and-a-half hours to Champaign County.

VISIT CHAMPAIGN COUNTY Ryan Reid, Assistant Director of Sales 217-351-4133 • ryanr@visitchampaigncounty.org VisitChampaignCounty.org

1. Recreation Center (ARC) at the University of Illinois Sports: Basketball, volleyball, swimming, cheerleading, racquetball The ARC, with an impressive 340,000 square feet, is one of the country’s largest on-campus recreation centers. The facility features four gyms (13 basketball/17 volleyball courts), 12 racquetball courts, two pools, nine multi-use spaces and a 150-seat auditorium.

2. Atkins Tennis Center/Khan Outdoor Complex Sports: Tennis Home to the 2013 NCAA Tennis Championships, Atkins Tennis Center/Khan Outdoor Complex features eight championship courts with built-in bleachers and lights, an indoor facility with six courts, pro shop, locker rooms and lounge areas. In addition to the championship courts, there are 12 lighted and newly refinished courts on-site, with access to 11 additional courts blocks away.

3. State Farm Center Sports: Basketball, gymnastics, wrestling The State Farm Center, with a $170 million renovation completed in fall 2016, is home to Fighting Illini Basketball. The arena sits 16,000 in seats, bleachers and premium club seating. The dome-shaped building opened in 1963 and was only one of two edge-supported domes in the world.

The iconic space hosts multitudes of events, from basketball to gymnastics to wrestling and much more.

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QUAD CITIES, IL Sports venues with plenty to offer 1. iWireless Center – Moline, Ill. Sports: Multi-use, including basketball, hockey and figure skating The architecturally beautiful iWireless Center in downtown Moline stands out as the region’s prominent multi-purpose arena with a history of hosting big events ranging from sports to concerts – and more. With a seating capacity of 11,000, the 31,000-square-foot arena features a regulation NBA/NCAA basketball-size court; an 85-by-197-foot hockey rink that can also be used for figure skating; and the flexibility to welcome rodeos, arena football, monster trucks and more. The arena’s video scoreboards provides replay capabilities to add to the professional presentation of your event.

2. TPC Deere Run – East Moline, Ill. Sport: Golf Home of the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic, TPC Deere Run presents a 7,258-yard, Par 71 course that has also hosted the NAIA Golf Championships. Beyond the course itself, Deere Run also gives you access to a full practice area with driving, putting and sand; locker rooms; full dining services; on-course beverage cart; the Midway Grill concession stand after the 9th hole; and parking capacity of 160 spaces.

3. Green Valley Sports Complex – Moline, Ill. Sports: Baseball, Softball, Soccer The Green Valley Sports Complex’s multiple soccer field and baseball/softball diamonds make it an ideal place to host tournaments – and the facility is only getting better with recent upgrades to its four concession facilities, restrooms and with a Musco lighting system. The complex and its eight ball fields have been the home to the ISC Men’s Fast Pitch World Tournament and ASA national tournaments, among other notable competitions.

With spacious arenas and multipurpose complexes, the Quad Cities area of Illinois boasts a multitude of choices for all your sports event planning needs. the ISC Men’s Fast Pitch World Tournament, the Campbell Sports Complex’s four lighted fields can also accommodate youth baseball and softball from the ages 6 and older.

5. Augustana College/PepsiCo Center – Rock Island, Ill. Sports: Multi-use indoor/outdoor, including basketball, volleyball, football and more Augustana College’s scenic setting and multiple facilities, both indoor and outdoor, create seemingly endless possibilities for hosting a wide-range of sporting events in the Rock Island area. The PepsiCo Center offers basketball and volleyball with seating for 750. Head over to the Carver Physical Education Center with its three basketball/volleyball courts; three racquetball courts; indoor pool; and a 3,500-seating capacity.

Activities in the Quad Cities Spend a few hours bowling and playing laser tag while you grab a bite of pizza at QC Family Entertainment. The John Deere Pavilion provides a taste of Midwestern essence and a glimpse at farming history. No matter the season, the Quad Cities gives you plenty of reasons to get outside for some fun on more than 100 miles of biking and hiking trails, at local lakes and pools or on the slopes for skiing or tubing at Ski Snowstar Winter Sports Park. With a thriving nightlife scene, the 21-and-over crowd can enjoy themselves at one of the area’s several casinos, craft breweries or bars and restaurants.

Planner Perspective

4. Campbell Sports Complex – Rock Island, Ill.

The Missouri Valley Conference teams and fans loved being in the Quad Cities for the MVC Women’s Basketball Tournament. Everything about it is top notch.

—Patty Viverito, Missouri Valley Conference Senior Associate Commissioner

Sports: Baseball, Softball In addition to playing host to numerous ASA competitions and

How do I get to the Quad Cities?

QUAD CITIES, IL Lyn Hunt, Vice President Sales/CMP 800-747-780 ext. 823 • lhunt@visitquadcities.com VisitQuadCities.com

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Located on the Illinois-Iowa border, the Quad Cities are less than a day’s drive from several major cities, including Chicago, Minneapolis-St. Paul, St. Louis and Madison, Wisconsin. Major Interstates 80 and 74 encircle the area, while Interstate 88 connects to the region from the east. Quad Cities International Airport boasts dozens of daily flights to and from key cities around the country.

Sports Planning Guide

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JON SCHMIEDER

10 Sports Industry Trends for 2018 I

n an era where the Cubs win a World

chicken festival (yes, we have two clients that

versus who is truly an “employee” of an event.

Series, the Cavaliers an NBA Finals, and the

run chicken festivals). Many CVBs are adding

This outcome could drastically change the

Super Bowl is played outdoors in a northern

special events to their sports staff’s plate. If it

way events are run…Stay tuned.

climate, it seems that anything in sports is pos-

uses the same event production skills and

sible. Our industry has seen unprecedented

drives overnight stays, why not expand?

growth, and with it, a great deal of change. As we look ahead, the organizations and leaders that can anticipate (or create) these market shifts will be set up for long-term success.

4

8

Stakeholder Engagement – There is more scrutiny in today’s digital media

Emerging Sports – Who would have

world than ever before. With this added

thought that quidditch, ultimate and

responsibility to be transparent in all areas of

pickleball would all have national sanctioning

operation of your sports organization comes

Each year at this time our team sits down

bodies running championships across the

with it a great opportunity to engage your local

to take stock of the past 12 months and tries

country? These are some of the fastest grow-

influencers at every turn. Consistent commu-

to predict what market changes are on the

ing sports events in America. What might be

nication to key stakeholders of your organiza-

horizon. With the element of change in mind,

next?

tion will aid you in times of need should an issue surface in the future.

below are our top 10 sports events industry trends to look for in 2018.

1

Creating Owned Events – From

5

Non-Traditional Partnerships – The University of South Florida’s marketing

rights are held by an NHL team. U.S. Ski

9

Technology – Who is responsible for your organization’s digital footprint? If

award-winning E-sports in places like

and Snowboard’s rights are controlled by the

Tulsa, to “Boarder War” high school show-

Sacramento Kings. One of the industry’s rising

who is authorized to respond? If your organi-

downs, to college football games at NASCAR

sports commissions is housed within a uni-

zation goes through a public scandal, how will

tracks, created events are becoming more

versity, not a CVB, city or chamber. In today’s

you address the media? Develop a multi-plat-

common. Creating “owned” properties is

entrepreneurial marketplace, there are more

form media and stakeholder communication

something CVBs and sports commissions

opportunities to collaborate “outside the box”

game plan today.

rarely tried to tackle in years past. The long-

than in the past.

term benefit to the host community is a great deal of control over the event’s outcome.

2

6

Bricks and Mortar – The use of bed and/or food and beverage taxes to build

something goes south at one of your events,

10

Relationships – Business is all about relationships, always has

been, always will be. Business decisions are

Sports Service – The most successful

tourism-driving sports venues is at an all-time

not made by companies or organizations, they

host destinations are experts at serv-

high. The facilities arms race seems to have

are made by a person, just like you and me.

icing sports groups. These CVBs and sports

no saturation point as communities continue

Build personal relationships and your sphere

commissions provide support to the event

to build large multi-sport complexes. By using

of influence is sure to grow.

operator in a way that allows them to focus on

tourism-related taxes to build tourism-related

There is growing competition for the sports

their championships, and little else. They also

sports venues, CVBs and sports commissions

tourism dollar. Successful sports organizations

provide a superior athlete and fan experience,

can take control over the venue assets to drive

will build solid internal infrastructures that

presenting their community as a desirable

overnight stays first, and offer enhanced

include adequate human and financial capital,

place. We often coach our clients to focus on

places for local teams to play, second.

and arm their team with event knowledge

everything “outside the lines” so their event partners can concentrate on the championship at hand (inside the lines).

and a strong “tool kit” of assets to move the

7

Volunteers – The industry continues

to monitor a lawsuit about the use of

volunteers. Liebesman v. Competitor Group,

3

Sports AND Events – The skills it

Inc. is making its way through the courts and

takes to successfully execute a sporting

should come to judgment in late 2017 or early

event are quite similar to the skills it would

2018. The matter at hand could decide the re-

take to produce a music festival, Harley rally or

quirements on how we classify “volunteers”

30

Sports Planning Guide

company forward.

As the price of poker continues to rise, is your organization ready to play the game? ■ ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jon Schmieder is the founder + CEO of the Huddle Up Group LLC, a sports tourism, events, and venue consulting firm based in Phoenix, Arizona. Jon can be reached at Jon@huddleupgroup.com.

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG