2019 SPG's State Guide to Sports in Ohio

SPG SportsPlanningGuide.com • 2019

OHIO GUIDE

Sports Industry Trends for 2019

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Site InSpections

of Event-Ready Destinations and Their Top Venues

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Awesome Outings in OHIO

The Buckeye State is awash with entertaining activities

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etween its large cities and more than 5,000 miles of natural trails, Ohio appeals to those who love exploring urban metropolises, taking a spin on exciting thrill rides and embracing nature’s majesty.

Here are attractions that will appeal to athletes of all ages when their tournaments have wound down.

1. Cedar Point

Cedar Point in Sandusky has been branded the Roller Coaster Capital of the World for good reason. The park boasts a world-record 71 rides, including 17 roller coasters, the second-most coasters on the planet behind Six Flags Magic Mountain in California. Cedar Point is the only amusement park featuring six roller coasters taller than 200 feet, and is the most visited seasonal amusement park in the United States with an estimated 3.6 million visitors in 2017. Adjacent to the park is the Cedar Point Shores Water Park, which features 18 acres of adventures, including 12 water slides, five pools, four children’s areas and a lazy river.

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2. Dayton Air Show

Dayton’s motto is the Birthplace of Aviation because Orville and Wilbur Wright built their Wright Flyer, the first successful heavier-than-air powered aircraft, in the Ohio city. Thus, it’s appropriate the city holds one of the top annual air shows in the country, the Vectren Dayton Air Show at the Dayton International Airport. The show takes place on a weekend in late June or mid-July of each year, and draws around 85,000 spectators.

The air show showcases some of the world’s best-known civilian and military pilots, one of which includes the legendary Blue Angels. Other notable performers include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Golden Knights, and the show features wing-walkers, historic planes, parachutists and acres of ground displays.

Attractions like the Soapbox Derby and Hall of Fame Museum in Akron (above) attract sizable crowds. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

3. Hocking Hills State Park

Located in southeastern Ohio, this park has received national and international acclaim as a top park to visit. Stunning in every season, visitors can enjoy views of wildflowers adorning the forest floor in springtime and vibrant foliage in autumn. The park features colossal cliffs, waterfalls and gorges for hikers and local outfitters offer adventure options including canoeing, ziplining and rock climbing. There are about 200 campsites in the park, and the campground is close to all of the hiking trails in the area.

6. Planet Oasis

This amusement park, which is scheduled to open as soon as 2019, will cost around $2 billion, will be built on 350 acres of land in Sunbury, outside of Columbus, and will be about four times the size of Disneyland. Planet Oasis is expected to have 15 to 20 major attractions, including an indoor water park, a wave park for surfing, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, rock walls and virtual reality. The park will also offer sand beaches, snowboarding, BMX racing, skydiving, a salt water lake, retail outlets and a butterfly museum.

7. Pro Football Hall of Fame

Since it first opened its doors in 1963, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton has enshrined 318 of the greatest players, coaches, franchise owners and front office personnel who have made a mark in the sport of football. This renowned museum continually enhances its exhibits and displays to provide guests with an immersive and experiential visit that entertains and informs them about the history of America’s Game. The Hall of Fame currently measures 118,000 square feet and is undergoing an $800 million expansion project that will be completed to coincide with the NFL’s Centennial in 2020.

8. Soapbox Derby and Hall of Fame Museum

The first All-American Soapbox Derby, a youth soapbox car racing program, was held in Dayton in 1934, but since 1935, the championship race has taken place in Akron, near Cleveland. Children between the ages of 7-20 are eligible to race in the program. These competitors, along with a parent or mentor, build a car using a specially designed kit purchased from the International Soap Box Derby, an Akron-based nonprofit organization. The cars are unpowered, relying completely on gravity to move, and tend to reach nearly 30 miles per hour. During the racing season, competitions are held in officially sanctioned locations throughout the United States and even in some foreign countries before culminating at the world championship race at the famous Derby Downs track in Akron. Those who can’t make the race can still visit Akron for the Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame Museum. The museum displays historical cars, plaques of champions, Hall of Fame honorees and memorabilia. SPG

Hocking Hills State Park

Dayton Air Show

4. Kings Island

This 364-acre amusement park in Mason is the largest amusement and waterpark in the Midwest. The park is known for attractions like Flight of Fear, the world’s first linear induction motor launched roller coaster, and The Beast, which has held the record for the world’s longest wooden roller coaster since its opening in 1979. The park’s newest attraction is Mystic Timbers, a wooden roller coaster whose addition enabled Kings Island to tie the record for most wooden roller coasters in the world, with five. Since 1989, Kings Island has also hosted Soak City water park, a 35-acre park that features 36 water slides, five pools and five children’s areas.

5. National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Opened in October, 2018, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum is a place where the stories of American veterans, their families and the fallen, across all branches of service and all eras of conflict, are told together. This cultural institution stands as a place of inspiration for all visitors to come together with a common bond and a shared pride in our veterans. NVMM takes visitors on a narrative journey telling individual stories and shared experiences of veterans throughout history through photos, letters, multi-media presentations and interactive exhibits.

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LAKE ERIE SHORES & ISLANDS Soak in the coast with a sports event in Lake Erie Shores & Islands, and experience all America’s Sports & Family Fun Capital has to offer.

Lake Erie Shores & Islands is a sports planner’s heaven.

Located on the northern shore of Ohio, the region offers world-class sports facilities, exciting attractions, convenient lodging and arguably the best venue for water sports: Lake Erie. Hundreds of indoor and outdoor sports events are held here year-round, and there’s plenty to keep athletes and their fans occupied between games. Plus, Lake Erie Shores & Islands provides planners with a convenient location and affordable places to stay, making it easy to accommodate teams from all over the country.

Lake Erie Shores & Islands boasts a long list of amenities to host sporting events, as well as world-class attractions that have been drawing visitors here for decades. Known as the roller coaster capital of the world, Cedar Point Amusement Park is the place to go for adrenaline-soaked thrills.

Located in Sandusky, the amusement park is home to 18 roller coasters, including the brand-new Steel Vengeance, the tallest, fastest and longest hyper-hybrid coaster in the world. Outdoor enthusiasts will feel at home on the Lake Erie Islands. On Kelleys Island, you can hike coastal trails, kayak near cliffs, or visit the Glacial Grooves State Memorial. South Bass Island and its village of Put-in-Bay is iconic to explore. Check out The Boardwalk to enjoy some delicious food, or head to Massie Cliffside Preserve for beautiful views.

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Love animals? Don’t miss African Safari Wildlife Park, the Midwest’s only drive-thru safari. You can feed exotic animals from your car, letting giraffes and zebras munch straight from the food cup in your hand.

Take advantage of the many water activities available here, from fishing and sailing to jet skiing and paddle boarding.

Even when the weather isn’t ideal, visitors can still have a tropical getaway at one of Lake Erie Shores & Islands many indoor waterparks, including Kalahari Resorts and Convention, Great Wolf Lodge and Maui Sands Resort.

How to get to Lake Erie Shores & Islands I-90 is the main highway that runs along Lake Erie and is one of the best ways to reach the Lake Erie Shores & Islands region. Cleveland is a little over an hour away to the east, Toledo is an hour to the west, and Detroit is two hours away. The Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is the closest major airport to Lake Erie Shores & Islands.

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT 1. Lake Erie

Sports: Water sports, triathlons One of the biggest attractions of the region, Lake Erie is an ideal spot to host a sporting event. The lake offers several natural venues for different water sports. The tributary rivers serve as courses for canoe and kayak competitions, while the open water provides a good setting for power boating and sailing events. Several bass and walleye fishing tournaments have been held at the lake every year.

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Planner Perspective “Lake Erie Shores and Islands CVB played a crucial role in launching the Halloween Hustle in Sandusky in 2017 and promoting the Santa Hustle year after year. The entire team has a “can-do” attitude which is a breath of fresh air. The teams dedication to their role in driving traffic to the area is appreciated and without equal. It is a pleasure to work with the entire team. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity, I would highly recommend working with LES&I.” – Aaron Del Mar, CEO, Adrenaline Sports Management

2. Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center

Sports: Baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse This recreational facility, located a few miles from Cedar Point Amusement Park, is the newest addition to the sports scene in Lake Erie Shores & Islands. Sports Force Parks is the first phase of the sports center. It hosts a range of youth sports and events. It includes a championship soccer field, one field dedicated to baseball and softball, seven multi-purpose fields, and an ADAaccessible community use field. Fans attending events can also enjoy an 18-hole miniature golf course, trampoline play structure, a ropes course and playground, concessions and a merchandise shop. The second phase is the Cedar Point Indoor Sports Complex, a 145,000-square-foot facility that will be adjacent to Sports Force Parks. It will host indoor sports events, like basketball, volleyball and wrestling.

3. Erie MetroParks

Sports: Baseball, soccer, softball, cycling, running The Erie MetroParks consist of 12 parks that cater to different recreational events. Osborn MetroPark is home to soccer fields, trails, a tennis court, a pickleball court and a nine-hole disc golf course. Eagle Point is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing and offers several trails for running or walking events.

4. Kalahari Resorts and Conventions

Sports: wrestling, cheerleading, gymnastics

Lake Erie Shores & Islands CVB Amanda Smith Rasnick, CMP

Director of Group Sales Phone: 419.625.2984 Email: Amanda@shoresandislands.com Website: www.shoresandislands.com/groups/sports/

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Located in Sandusky, Ohio, this versatile sports venue is the area’s largest convention center.

The Kalahari Resort features 215,000 square feet of flexible space, with spaces ranging from executive boardrooms to an expansive ballroom.

Each space has state-of-the-art A/V and communications technology, wireless internet, varied lighting, house sound and background music.

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Greater Akron, OH

In Greater Akron you’ll experience the best of innovation and industry while feeling the warmth of Midwestern hospitality at every turn.

Holding a tournament in a big sports town often feels like an unattainable dream. Many destinations are home to so many famous sports names that you may feel like it’s impossible to find family-friendly facilities and affordable lodging. Fortunately, planners everywhere can turn that dream into a reality by booking their next sports tournaments in Akron, Ohio. Though known as the birthplace of LeBron James and Stephen Curry, Akron is a charming city that offers amazing opportunities for athletes of all levels.

Things to do in Greater Akron When you bring your sports group to Greater Akron you’ll notice a small-town feel mixed with the benefits of big-city entertainment. The city has plenty to offer for everyone from nature lovers to foodies, so you can maximize your free time and make memories to last long after you return home.

Athletes need to stay powered, and what better way than to experience the local cuisine of Summit County? No need to worry about a food shortage here – there are hundreds of eateries to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. For unique experiences that will surely make memories on your trip, check out the car-side service at Swenson’s Drive-in or satisfy your sweet tooth at Chill Ice Cream.

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We already know sports is a hot topic among your group, so why not spend your downtime watching some of the local Akron athletes at their best? The Akron RubberDucks at Canal Park and The University of Akron Zips sports teams will leave you cheering and provide that extra bit of off-the-field inspiration.

How to Get to Greater Akron Ohio has a multitude of large cities, giving your group plenty of options when planning a trip to Akron. By car, take I-76, I-77 and the Ohio Turnpike By air, the AkronCanton Airport is just 15 miles south of the city.

Planner Perspective Working with Brittany was the best experience. She truly was a godsend. It was a great experience working with the Sports Alliance of Greater Akron. We look forward to continuing this relationship.

– Jennifer S., Firestone Akron Swim Team for USA Swimming’s 2018 Central Zone Speedo Championship Series

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT 1. Copley Road Soccer Complex Sports: Soccer

With nine gorgeous grass fields, Copley Road Soccer Complex offers plenty of opportunities for youth teams to compete.

Located in West Akron, each field comes netted and lined; spectators may set up chairs behind the lines to cheer on their teams. The Akron Inner City Soccer Club of the Greater Akron Amateur Soccer Association (GAASA) league has hosted youth camps at the complex since 1999 and offers free training for Akron residents. The facility’s most notable even is its Annual Akron Unity Soccer Tournament.

2. Firestone Stadium

Sports: Baseball, kickball, softball Firestone Stadium works hard to cement itself as a premier venue for the sport. Until 1988 it was owned by the Firestone tire company, but later gifted to the city of Akron. The 4,576seat stadium began a $1.5-million renovation in June 2015 that will improve softball facilities and add a new concession area, two-story team clubhouse, picnic area and training facilities.

3. Goodyear Hall

Sports: Basketball, futsal/soccer, volleyball

back to the early 1900s. As part of 5.5 million-square-foot of buildings, this hall houses a gymnasium, auditorium, offices, classrooms and numerous other first-class amenities. Designed

by Walker and Walker, Goodyear Hall embodies a Gothic Revival style, while the Ohio Savings and Trust inside mimics Neo-Classical Revival architecture. Goodyear has a maximum capacity of 3,500 people and accommodates guests with special needs. The building is conveniently located near the newly renovated Goodyear Theater, which seats 1,458 people.

4. Louis & Freda Stile Athletics Field House (The University of Akron) Sports: Field sports, track & field, wrestling

The University of Akron welcomed the $13.8 million Louis and Freda Stile Field Athletics House in 2004. This beautiful complex, once included in American School & University Magazine for Outstanding Designs, features a 100-yard varsity football training field with turf surfaces.

Akron/Summit CVB Brittany Wigman

Sports Development Strategist Phone: 800-245-4254 Email: bwigman@visitakron-summit.org Website: www.playakron.com

Hold your next indoor tournament at Goodyear Hall, situated on Goodyear Tire’s sprawling 400-acre campus that dates

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Canton, OH As the cradle of American professional football, Canton, Ohio is a leading destination for cutting-edge sports facilities and Midwestern hospitality.

Beyond its interesting sports history, Canton allows visitors to uncover local and national history at its museums and national historic sites. With a vibrant arts and music culture, Canton has an energetic nightlife and a downtown with various galleries, studios, unique shops, theaters, concerts and festivals.

Visitors can gaze upon 1900 campaign memorabilia, McKinley’s piano, furnishing and rocking chair.

Adrenaline junkies will love Clay’s Park Resort Adventure Waterpark and Sluggers and Putters Amusement Park.

At Clay’s Park, guests are invited to partake in outdoor camping and water park rides for memories that will last a lifetime. Sluggers and Putters has all the essential amusement park attractions, including laser tag, Go-karts and water bumper boats.

Things to do in Canton

How to Get to Canton

Best known as the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton is brimming with remarkable sports history.

With four distinct seasons year-round, Canton has a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities for players, families and spectators to indulge in when off the fields and stands. As the cradle of professional American football, Canton’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum offers guests the opportunity to get an insider’s tour of the museum by exploring exhibits with experienced docents, all at discounted prices for groups.

Canton can be easily accessed primarily by I-77, with connection to Akron and Cleveland in the north, New Philadelphia and Marietta in Southern Ohio and through West Virginia and the Carolinas. Canton’s two nearest airports are Akron-Canton Regional Airport (CAK) and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). AkronCanton lies just ten minutes outside of the city, where Cleveland Hopkins is situated approximately one hour from Canton.

At William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, the permanent exhibit chronicles the life and career of the nation’s 25th president from his birth to tragic death.

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT 1. Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium Sports: Football

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Dedicated to world-class hospitality and providing guests unique catering and Hall of Fame service, Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium features 28,000 square feet of stadium space, 23,000 seats, an NFL caliber press box and was recently profiled as one of the “13 Game-Changing NFL Stadiums” by Forbes. This state-of-the-art facility is known for hosting the annual Hall of Fame Game, along with several high school and college football games. Exciting upcoming sporting events at the stadium include the OHSAA Football State Championships, the NCAA Stagg Bowl DIII Football Championship and the NFL Pre-Season game during Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week powered by Johnson Controls.

2. National Football and Youth Sports Complex Sports: Football, lacrosse, soccer

3 Planner Perspective “The Stark County Convention and Visitors Bureau has been very supportive of our lacrosse tournaments. We started 9 years ago with only 10 teams and have grown to over 300 teams with their collaborative effort and support. They care deeply about the people, events, and the value to the community. The CVB is a true partner in the growth of our lacrosse tournaments.”

– Jennifer and Jim Davis, Big Dog Lacrosse

Visit Canton Mary Vlahos

Vice President of Sales Phone: 800-552-6051 Email: maryv@visitcanton.com Website: www.visitcanton.com

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Football, lacrosse and soccer teams from across the nation are flocking to the National Football and Youth Sports Complex for its state-of-the-art multi-purpose turf fields and championship grass field. These lighted fields come fully-equipped with the latest technology and video capabilities.

With the first phase of an eight-field project complete, the complex’s amenities include Pro Football Hall of Fame admission, dinner banquets, character development camps and Gold Jacket appearances. In 2017, the facility hosted more than 30 events and 100,000 athletes and visitors, accommodating a variety of local and national teams, tournaments and leagues.

3. C.T. Branin Natatorium Sports: Swimming

Expected to host the 2019 OHSAA Swimming and Diving State Championships, C.T. Branin Natatorium has hosted several other noteworthy events, including USA and Masters swimming and diving championships and championships for the Ohio High School Athletic Association, NAIA and NCAA, deeming it the Midwest’s premier swimming facility. Amenities at this top-notch swimming facility include wave breaker lanes, a Colorado timing system, new touch pads, seating for 2,400 spectators, scoreboards, two varsity lockers rooms, two instructor locker rooms, two general public locker rooms and a full-service concession stand. The pool itself features eight 50-meter lanes and a diving well with two onemeter boards and one three-meter board.

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Miami County, OH

A hub for youth sporting events, Miami County features several parks and arenas ideal for state-of-the-art group sports outings in the Buckeye State.

With a temperate climate and four distinct seasons, Miami County has year-round indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy when visiting the Buckeye State.

At Winans Chocolates and Coffee, large groups can take a tour with a coffee and chocolate sampling. For nature lovers, Brukner Nature Center promotes the appreciation and understanding of wildlife conservation, offering visitors a plethora of hiking trails and bird watching opportunities.

WACO Air Museum and Aviation Learning Center is an exciting educational experience for all ages, dedicated to preserving the past and inspiring the future. Teammates and family members can join in on a unique experience for the chance to partake in a 30-minute biplane ride, or take a guided tour and gaze upon various aircrafts, glider noses and a display of Hartzell propellers. A great outdoor activity Bestplayers knownand as the home of the Pro Football Hallwarmer of Fame, for family members visiting during Canton is with remarkable sports history. months is brimming a canal boat ride at Johnston Farm in Piqua.

Canton, OH

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT 1. Hobart Arena Sports: Basketball, skating, floor events, youth hockey In 1950, the vision of the Hobart brothers to create an expanded recreational program for the City of Troy became a reality.

Hobart Arena has expanded and become one of the leading arenas in Miami County, hosting innumerable sporting events, trade shows, conferences and concerts. The arena’s facilities include 3,782 seats, 50 of which are handicapped, a Robbins All-Star Plus Portable basketball court, four locker rooms, two referee rooms, 800 parking spaces and five permanent concession stands. With several nearby hotels and restaurants, Hobart Arena and its surrounding area provide all the amenities Visitors can upon 1900 campaign necessary for gaze an ideal group sporting event memorabilia, and a series of McKinley’s piano, furnishing and rocking chair. mountain/fat bike trails located on the west side of the park

As the cradle of American professional football, Canton, Ohio is a leading destination for cutting-edge sports facilities and Midwestern hospitality.

Getting tointeresting Miami County Beyond its sports history, Canton allows visitors

If or south, the way and to tocoming uncoverfrom localthe andnorth national history at quickest its museums reach Miami County car aisvibrant through Interstate Highway national historic sites.by With arts and music culture, 75.

To reach Tipp City, groups canand take exits 68 and 69. For Canton has an energetic nightlife a downtown with Troy, take exits 73, 74 or 78; and Piqua can be reached by various galleries, studios, unique shops, theaters, concerts exits 78, 82 or 83. If coming from out of state and traveling and festivals. by air, the closest airport to Miami County is James M. Cox Dayton International Airport in Dayton.

Things to do in Canton

With fourPerspective distinct seasons year-round, Canton has a Planner

plethora of indoor and outdoor for and players, “It is a pleasure working with theactivities City of Troy the families and spectators to indulge in Tour whendeoff the fields Miami County Visitors Bureau on the Donut bicycle challenge. are cradle great to with andAmerican are always open and stands.They As the ofwork professional to new ideas.

TheyPro built a musicHall festival around the Tour football, Canton’s Football of Fame Museum de Donut to enhance the eventto and a fun, energetic offers guests the opportunity getcreate an insider’s tour experience for our We exhibits had our with best experienced year ever in 2017, of the museum by riders. exploring and we’reall looking forward to many years of success in docents, at discounted prices formore groups.

Miami County.”

– Roger Bowersock, Head Donut Tour de Donut At William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, Bicycle Challenge the permanent exhibit chronicles the life and career of the nation’s 25th president from his birth to tragic death.

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Adrenaline junkies will love Clay’s Park Resort Adventure Waterpark and Sluggers and Putters Amusement Park.

2. Duke Park At Clay’s Park, guests are invited to partake outdoor Sports: Baseball, basketball, football, soccer,intennis, camping volleyballand water park rides for memories that will last a lifetime. Sluggers and Putters has all the essential Home to the local Trojans Soccer Club, Duke Park in Troy amusement attractions, including laser tag, Go-karts features sevenpark soccer fields, all equipped with top-notch and water bumper boats. amenities. Facilities at Duke Park include five baseball and softball fields, a basketball court, football field, four tennis

How Get shelter, to Canton courts,to a picnic playground, parking lot and restrooms.

For family members and team fansprimarily looking for Canton can be easily accessed bysomething I-77, with to do during long practices, Park features and a half miles connection to AkronDuke and Cleveland in two the north, New of recreationaland walking trails,in perfect for aOhio leisurely or bike Philadelphia Marietta Southern andstroll through ride during the warmer months of the year.

West Virginia and the Carolinas. Canton’s two nearest airports are Akron-Canton Regional Airport (CAK) and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). AkronLeiann Stewart Canton lies just ten minutes outside of the city, where Group Sales Manager Cleveland Hopkins is situated approximately one hour Phone: 937-339-1044 or 800-348-8993 from Canton.

Email: lstewart@homegrowngreat.com Website: www.homegrowngreat.com

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG Sports Planning Guide 183