2019 SPG's State Guide to Sports in Washington

SPG

2019

WASHINGTON GUIDE

SPORTS WITH SCENERY Facilities offer a superb view of state’s beauty

4

SITE INSPECTIONS

OF EVENT-READY DESTINATIONS AND THEIR TOP VENUES

WASHINGTON IS A NATURAL WONDERLAND

A Premier Travel Media publication • www.SportsPlanningGuide.com

2018 WA Letter pp1.qxp_Layout 1 11/6/18 11:47 AML.Page 96 Ralph Morton Executive Director Seattle Sports Commission

From pros to amateurs, arenas to the outdoors, Washington is an inclusive state that proudly offers sports for everyone.

The geographic diversity and state-of-the-art infrastructure provide an ideal platform to launch new franchises and host Ralph L. at Morton premier events. Snowboarding Crystal Mountain, surfing competitions at Westport, downhill cycling in Port Angeles, Executive Director volleyball tournaments on the shores of Lake Sammamish, and basketball at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena is a small Seattle Sports Commission L. Morton taste of how uniquelyRalph suited the Evergreen State is for your event.

Executive Director Seattle Sports Commission From pros tohospitality amateurs, arenas to thethe outdoors, an inclusive that proudly offers sports forrange everyone.

Washington goes beyond sportingWashington venues: Ourisluxury hotels,state award-winning restaurants, and of leisure activities make for a seamless experience for both locals and visitors attending your event. Our innovative communities are The diversity and state-of-the-art provide anrecord-breaking ideal state platform launchoffers new andsell-out host of passionate about sports.arenas You’ll see thisoutdoors, in ourinfrastructure sold-out stadiums, cheering and franchises our 12-minute Fromgeographic pros to amateurs, to the Washington is anour inclusive thattoproudly sports for everyone. premier events.

Snowboarding at Crystal Mountain, surfing competitions at Westport, downhill cycling in Port Angeles, season tickets for an NHL team that hasn’t been officially launched yet. volleyball tournaments onand the state-of-the-art shores of Lake infrastructure Sammamish, provide and basketball Spokane Memorial Arena a small The geographic diversity an idealatplatform to Veterans launch new franchises andishost taste of how uniquely suitedhistory theatEvergreen State for your competitions event.

Washington’s iconic sports spans from theislegendary Olympics rowing team of downhill 1936 to our Seattle Seawolves’ premier events.

Snowboarding Crystal Mountain, surfing at Westport, cycling in Port Angeles, Major League Rugby championship inaugural season.and Ourbasketball Division I, at II, Spokane and III athletes continuously strive to volleyball tournaments on the shoresinofitsLake Sammamish, Veterans Memorial Arena is raise a small Washington hospitality goes beyond the sporting venues: luxury hotels, award-winning restaurants, and range of leisure the creating unforgettable on State the field, in your theOur water, tastebar, of how uniquely suited themoments Evergreen is for event.and on the court. Washington is currently home to six major activities make for a seamless for both locals and visitors attendinghonors. your event.

Our innovative communities professional franchises and hasexperience earned a collective 14 national championship Every level of play matters to us are passionate You’ll see this our sold-out cheering and our 12-minute because weabout knowsports. the impact sports has on people.

Westadiums, believe inour therecord-breaking continued growth of our local sports communities byof Washington hospitality goes beyond theinsporting venues: Our luxury hotels, award-winning restaurants, and rangesell-out of leisure season tickets for NHL teamexperience that hasn’t been officially launched yet. solidifying our status as a world-class sports region. activities make for an a seamless for both locals and visitors attending your event. Our innovative communities are

passionate about sports. You’ll see this in our sold-out stadiums, our record-breaking cheering and our 12-minute sell-out of Washington’s iconicCommission sports history fromtothe legendaryworld Olympics rowingand team of 1936 our Seattle Seawolves’ The Seattle Sports is spans dedicated bringing Seattle uniting the to region with sports.

We embrace and season tickets for an NHL team that hasn’t been officiallythe launchedtoyet.

Major League Rugby championship in its inaugural season.

Our Division I, II, and III athletes continuously strive to raise celebrate our successes at both the regional and state levels, and invite you to explore how your event could succeed in the the bar, creating unforgettable moments on thethe field, in the multi-sports water, and on the court.

Washington isoutdoors-lovers’ currently home paradise to six major great state of Washington. you prefer the 52-acre complex of Tri-Cities, of Washington’s iconic sports Whether history spans from legendary Olympics rowing team of 1936 tothe our Seattle Seawolves’ professional and has earned collective 14 championship honors.

Every50,000 level ofmiles play matters usstreams, Spokane, thefranchises buzz of championship opportunity in Seattle, or needseason. to national choose one of our 8,000 lakes, of rivers and Major League Rugby in itsa inaugural Ourfrom Division I, II, and III athletes continuously strive toto raise because we know the impact Washington sports has on on people. believe the continued growth of our local sports communities and 3,200 miles of shoreline, can provide you in need. the bar, creating unforgettable moments the field,We inwhat the water, and on the court.

Washington is currently home to six by major solidifying ourfranchises status as and a world-class sports region. 14 national championship honors. Every level of play matters to us professional has earned a collective short, the of impact Washington beon your loyal We fans, sponsors, hosts.

We local believe in sports and we by In because we people know the sportswill has people. believe in thepromoters, continuedand growth of our sports communities The Seattle Sports dedicatedand to bringing the world to dofor Seattle andsporting uniting event. the region with sports. We embrace and believe in what our Commission facilities, our is landscape, our community can your solidifying our status as a world-class sports region. celebrate our successes at both the regional and state levels, and invite you to explore how your event could succeed in the great state ofSports Washington.

Whether you prefer 52-acre complex Tri-Cities, the outdoors-lovers’ Sincerely, The Seattle Commission is dedicated tothe bringing themulti-sports world to Seattle and of uniting the region with sports. Weparadise embraceofand Spokane, the buzz of opportunity in Seattle, or need to choose from one of our 8,000 lakes, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams, celebrate our successes at both the regional and state levels, and invite you to explore how your event could succeed in the Ralph L. Morton of shoreline, Washington can provide what you need. and 3,200 great statemiles of Washington. Whether you prefer the 52-acre multi-sports complex of Tri-Cities, the outdoors-lovers’ paradise of Executive Director Spokane, the buzz of opportunity in Seattle, or need to choose from one of our 8,000 lakes, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams, In short,Sports the people of Washington will be your loyal fans, sponsors, promoters, and hosts. We believe in sports and we Seattle Commission and 3,200 miles of shoreline, Washington can provide what you need. believe in what our facilities, our landscape, and our community can dofor your sporting event.

WASHINGTON WASHINGTON WASHINGTON

In short, the people of Washington will be your loyal fans, sponsors, promoters, and hosts. We believe in sports and we Sincerely, believe in what our facilities, our landscape, and our community can dofor your sporting event.

Ralph L. Morton Sincerely, Executive Director SeattleL.Sports Commission Ralph Morton Executive Director Seattle Sports Commission

©iStock.com/bgblue

SI SI SI

©iStock.com/bgblue

©iStock.com/bgblue

96

Sports Planning Guide

98 100

Sports with a Scenery A Natural Wonderland

98 4 6 100 98 100 102 104 106 108 3 102 104 8 102 106 10 104 12 108 106 108

Sports with a Scenery A Natural Wonderland Sports with a Scenery A NaturalCounty, Wonderland Snohomish WA Olympia, WA Tri-Cities, WA Seattle Southside, Snohomish County, WA Olympia, WACounty, WA Snohomish Tri-Cities,WA WA Olympia,

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

Seattle Southside, WA Tri-Cities, WA Seattle Southside, WA

2 96

Sports Planning Guide

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

96

Sports Planning Guide

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

1

3

Seattle Southside, WA

Leading sports complexes, family-friendly parks and college level gymnasiums invite planners and teams to partake in unforgettable sporting events at Seattle Southside.

From educational museums and thrill-filled activities to family-friendly parks and entertainment centers, Seattle Southside provides traveling sports teams and families the chance to explore all that Seattle’s backyard has to offer. At the Museum of Flight, visitors can hop in the pilot’s seat and see what it’s like to soar through the sky through surreal and exciting flight simulator rides, or check out and tour the Air Force One, 747s and Original Boeing 727s at the museum’s Aviation Pavilion. An ideal activity for adrenaline junkies, iFLY Indoor Skydiving offers groups the opportunity to attend flight school with one-on-one coaching from an experienced flight instructor and learn a progression of flying skills in an exciting group setting. Tukwila’s Family Fun Center offers discounted prices for large groups, featuring endless exciting group activities such as miniature golf, laser tag, bumper cars, Go-karts and bowling.

How to get to Seattle Southside

For sports teams heading to Seattle Southside from eastern states, head to Interstate I-90 W and take the exit toward SeaTac Airport from WA-518 W. For those traveling from southwest states, take Interstate I-5 N to exit 152. As the primary commercial airport serving the Seattle metropolitan area, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is owned and operated by the Port of Seattle and is the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest.

Planner’s Perspectives

“We have had two reunions in the Seattle Southside area.

The hotels are great to work with, but the outstanding issue is value to our members. For those who drive, they can reach the hotels without dealing with downtown traffic, which can be heavy and confusing to a stranger in town. The hotels are fairly close to anywhere you might want to visit, from Boeing to wine tasting and they’re still within easy reach of the ferry system to Bainbridge and Bremerton. ‘Dollar for dollar’ you can’t beat Southside.”

– Beverly and Jerry King, AE/AOE Sailors Association 108

Sports Planning Guide

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT 1. Starfire Sports

Sports: Soccer, rugby One of the largest synthetic-turf soccer complexes in the nation, Starfire Sports is the home of numerous local soccer and rugby teams, including the practice field of the Seattle Sounders FC and home to Major League Ruby team, Seattle Seawolves, the inaugural season champions. Featuring five grass fields, two indoor FieldTurf fields and seven outdoor FieldTurf fields, the complex’s main stadium also has a capacity of 4,500 spectators.

2. Des Moines Beach Park

Sports: Basketball, tennis, cross country, fishing With a plethora of walking and running trails, beach access and a marina offering wet and dry moorage for 840 recreational vessels, Des Moines Beach Park has outdoor and indoor space ideal for smaller youth sports teams and events. As part of the Covenant Beach Historical District listed on the Register of Historic Places, Des Moines Beach Park Event Center is an ideal location for basketball tournaments, featuring an indoor field house gym with 4,000 square feet and a capacity of 225 guests; the Des Moines Activity Center extends 5,448 square feet and can seat up to 120 guests.

3. North SeaTac Park

Sports: Softball, baseball, basketball, BMX racing, disc golf With 160 acres and three different baseball and softball fields available for rent from March to October, North SeaTac Park also features an outdoor basketball court, paved and unpaved walking and running trails, a BMX track and a disc golf course.

Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority Meagan McGuire

VP, Sales & Services Phone: 206-575-2691 Email: Sports@SeattleSouthside.com Website: SeattleSouthsideSports.com

SCENERY SPORTS WITH

Washington offers superb facilities in cities with a first-rate view

Steve Seixeiro

4 98

Sports Planning Guide

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

C

onsidering forests cover 52 percent of its land area, it’s no surprise Washington has been nicknamed The Evergreen State.

In fact, one of the state colleges is named Evergreen State University in Olympia.

Millions of trees aren’t all the state has to offer though, as Washington is also renowned for its mountains, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams, 8,000 lakes and 3,200 miles of shoreline. No matter where you take your tournament in Washington, you’ll be welcomed by fresh air and inspiring vistas, not to mention hundreds of wineries and craft breweries.

Olympia, the capital of Washington, possesses a prime location on the southern tip of Puget Sound and is an ideal locale for boating, fishing, hiking and biking events. Olympia is home to the Lacey-Thurston County Regional Athletic Complex, a 100-acre outdoor sports venue featuring six regulation-sized soccer, football and rugby fields, five softball, baseball fields and two miles of walking trails that offer spectacular views of Mount Rainier. This facility features synthetic fields and offers year-round play.

Snohomish County faces Puget Sound, while the eastern part is mountainous and offers spectacular sightlines of the Cascade Mountains. Top facilities include Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, 25 miles north of Seattle. This multi-purpose arena has hosted Skate America (2008 and 2018) and the Pacific Rim Gymnastics (2012 and 2016). On the shores of Lake Tye in Monroe is a 64-acre park that features two baseball and softball fields, a soccer field, an outdoor basketball court and two tennis courts. It has hosted the USA Triathlon Youth & Junior Elite National Qualifier and Nauqitue WWA Wakeboard National Championships.

SportsPlanningGuide.com

Seattle Southside is surrounded by beaches, parks and gardens and is considered the green gateway to Seattle and Tacoma. It is also home to Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, on the banks of the Green River. One of the largest synthetic-turf soccer complexes in the nation, Starfire is home to numerous local soccer and rugby teams, including the Seattle Sounders FC 2 soccer team and the Seattle Seawolves rugby union team. Featuring five grass fields, two indoor FieldTurf fields and seven outdoor FieldTurf fields, the complex’s main stadium also has a capacity of 4,500 spectators.

Tri Cities (Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland) reside at the confluence of the Yakima, Snake and Columbia Rivers on the eastern side of the state. As one of the country’s most fertile wine regions, this arid high desert plateau has sun shine over 300 days a year making it one of the most weather-friendly areas of the country to take a tournament.

Numerous field complexes dot the landscape.

The Pasco Sporting Complex in Pasco and the Southridge Sports & Events Complex in Kennewick are just two of the amazing field complexes where you can take in any number of events including softball, baseball, soccer and lacrosse.

You’ll find even more opportunities spread throughout the state from Seattle to Yakima. The diversity of Washington’s sports offerings share the common bond of nature’s beauty. From Spokane to Bellingham, Wenatchee to Vancouver, you’ll revel in the culture and fresh take on life the people of Washington have to offer your tournament participants and spectators. SPG

Sports Planning Guide

5 99

A NATURAL

WONDERLAND

Washington’s diverse climate will appeal to adventurers of all ages

W

ith a diverse geographical landscape ranging from dense rainforests to arid deserts, Washington is a destination site for lovers of the great outdoors, regardless of their climate preference.

The Evergreen State contains six distinct regions, with the Cascade Mountains dividing the state into two areas: western Washington, featuring a strong oceanic climate and a diversity of habitats, and eastern Washington, which is characterized by a much drier, cooler climate.

Both sides of the state are renowned for their natural allure. Here are some locales across the state that will make great add-ons or backdrops to your tournaments.

Anacortes

About 90 miles north of Seattle resides Anacortes, a small city located on Fidalgo Island. Anacortes offers access to the San Juan Islands and is acclaimed for its outdoor activities that include kayaking, sailing, boating, birding, fishing, crabbing, hiking and biking. The city is also a superb location to spot a variety of whales, including orca, humpback and gray whales.

6 100

Sports Planning Guide

Channeled Scablands

One of the seven wonders of Washington state, this barren desert, which extends from the area around Spokane, is made up of peculiar rock formations, deep ravines, and towering dry waterfalls. These lands were created after a series of floods during the last ice age 10,000 to 20,000 years ago, repeatedly drained and swept across the area.

Residing in the central scablands is Dry Falls, a 3.5-mile wide barren waterfall with a drop of 400 feet – 10 times the size of Niagara Falls - that was once the largest waterfall in the world.

Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area

Carved by Ice Age floods 1,200 feet deep, the Columbia Gorge is a unique feature of the Pacific Northwest landscape. With cliffs and overlooks of Washington to the north and Oregon’s mountains and waterfalls to the south, the gorge offers incredible views from all angles. Located in the gorge is Beacon Rock State Park, which covers 5,100 acres and is home to Beacon Rock, an 848-foot basalt volcanic plug that is one of the largest monoliths in the world.

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

Mount Rainier National Park

Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as a majestic vision on the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States as it contains 26 glaciers which total some 35 square miles. Within the park boundaries, visitors can find temperate rain forests, alpine meadows, rocky tundra, forested valleys, glaciers, hot springs, lakes rivers and wildflowers. The park encompasses 236,381 acres including all of Mount Rainier.

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Mount St. Helens continues to recover from its 1980 eruption that transformed one of the country’s most arresting peaks into a scarred landscape of fallen trees and fields of ash. The 110,000-acre National Volcanic Monument resides between Portland and Seattle and its environment continues to recover from the massive disturbance. Visitors who want to see Mount St. Helens from a close vantage point can drive to Windy Ridge, four miles northeast of the crater. There, the public can witness the remnants of the volcano’s destruction as well as the recovery of the land as revegetation unfolds and wildlife frolics.

North Cascades National Park Complex

Comprised of one national park and two national recreation areas, this rugged and remote region that spans the border between Washington and British Columbia features numerous peaks and glaciers for explorers to peruse. Visitors can hike backcountry routes and explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. The complex also sports tranquil waters, forested valleys and is home to a diverse array of plants and animals.

Channeled Scablands

Olympia

Explorers can travel by land or boat to Olympia’s waterfront. The c apital of Washington, 60 miles southwest of Seattle, Olympia enables visitors to observe boat launches or take a walk on East Bay Trail to eyeball local birds. The area’s viewing tower provides 360-degree views of the seaport, Olympic Mountains, Capital Lake and Mount Rainier. Guests can also explore a natural resource at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, which is located where the Nisqually River meets Puget Sound, creating a biologically-rich and diverse habitat. The refuge has been designated as a National Natural Landmark, due to its significance as a coastal salt marsh. Olympia is also home to Tumwater Falls Park, which houses a one-half mile scenic loop that features three cascading waterfalls. Built in 1906, the park is also the locale of an assortment of native plants and the Washington Salish Native Plant Garden, which contains more than 56 indigenous plant species.

Olympic National Park

Encompassing nearly a million acres, Olympic National Park contains a multitude of ecosystems, including glacier-capped mountains, rain forests and miles of wild coastline. Within the park are three distinct ecosystems: wildflower meadows, temperate rain forests (featuring the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the largest temperate rain forests in the United States) and the Pacific Shore (a 60-mile rugged sandy beach containing unbroken stretches of wilderness ranging from 10 to 20 miles). Because of the park’s relatively unspoiled condition and outstanding scenery, the United Nations has declared Olympic both an international biosphere reserve and a World Heritage site.

Palouse Falls State Park

Located about 103 miles south of Spokane in eastern Washington, Palouse Falls is among the last active waterfalls on the Ice Age floods path. This 105-acre camping park offers a view of one of the state’s more stunning waterfalls, Palouse Falls, which drops from a height of almost 200 feet.

San Juan Islands

Four islands (San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw), located in the northwest corner of the United States between the U.S. mainland and Vancouver Island, are accessible by passenger ferry. These islands provide visitors with a magnificent view of forested mountains rising above the waters of the Puget Sound and offer sea kayaking and whale watching options on the Sound. Guests can also hike across the islands’ stunning shorelines, visit seaside towns or visit old-growth forests. SPG

With a diverse landscape ranging from dense rainforests to arid deserts, Washington is a destination site for lovers of the great outdoors.

SportsPlanningGuide.com

Sports Planning Guide

7 101

Snohomish County, WA Situated in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Snohomish County has an extensive resume as a host for some of the nation’s major sporting events.

Choosing Snohomish County for your next sports event gives you access to all the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Year round, the temperate climate allows visitors to take part in their favorite outdoor adventures, whether it be kayaking on the glistening waters of Puget Sound, heading east to the North Mountain Bike Skills area in Darrington, or packing up the beach chairs for a day of relaxation on Jetty Island. Great shopping opportunities can be found at the Seattle Premium Outlets and Alderwood Mall, and antique lovers will love strolling the quaint streets of Snohomish, fondly known as the “Antique Capital of the Northwest.”

Snohomish County is also home to the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour, a must-see when visiting the area. The center offers the chance to tour a commercial jet assembly plant, and on The Boeing Tour, visitors can see Boeing 747, 777, and 787 Dreamliners assembled in the largest building in the world by volume.

8 102

Sports Planning Guide

1

Don’t forget to check out some of the major national sporting events that may be taking place when you’re in town. Snohomish County is set to host the 2018 Nautique WWA Wakeboard National Championships (July) and 2018 Skate America (October).

Connecting to Snohomish County Located just north of Seattle, Snohomish County is directly connected to I-5. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, recently ranked as the 15th-busiest airport in the U.S. and a hub for Alaska Airlines, is just 45-miles south of Snohomish County. In early 2019, Paine Field, just 10 miles from downtown Everett, will have commercial air service with Alaska Airlines offering 13 daily flights to eight cities.

United Airlines will be flying direct to Denver and San Francisco from Paine Field and Southwest Airlines will be offering air service with five daily flights.

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT 1. ANGEL OF THE WINDS ARENA

Sports: Hockey, figure skating, martial arts, gymnastics, EnduroCross, roller derby This impressive multi-purpose arena in the bustling port city of Everett can hold between 8,00010,000, and has hosted quite the impressive list of guests. The Harlem Globetrotters, Disney on Ice, and the Pacific Rim Gymnastic Championships have all put on displays under the arena’s giant roof.

2. Walt Price Fitness Center at Everett Community College Sports: Basketball, gymnastics, martial arts

2

This 49,000 square foot fitness center offers sports planners access to a premier facility with a basketball court and retractable bleacher seating for 2,250. There is also access to an indoor track and fitness center, as well as a climbing wall.

3. Meadowdale Athletic Playfields

Sports: Soccer, softball, lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee, baseball

5

4

Just up the road from the glorious waters of Puget Sound in Lynnwood, these outdoor, lighted fields are perfect for a variety of sports. Take your pick from three competition softball fields and two soccer fields, all of which have seen renovations in 2018 and feature all-weather surfacing. In addition to the updated playing fields you will find picnic facilities, playground equipment, and a 2/3-mile walking trail so that players and fans alike have plenty of space to spread out and stretch their legs.

4. Harbour Pointe Badminton Club Sports: Badminton

Planner Perspective “The Snohomish County Sports Commission was instrumental in the ability of the Harbour Pointe badminton club to host the US Junior Nationals. Harbour Pointe is a new facility and we were not familiar with Snohomish County at all. The sports commission helped us establish hotel, restaurant and banquet facilities in a very organize method that worked seamlessly with our web page. Without their help we would not have been nearly as organized as we ended up being. The feedback from the participants has been excellent and we have been awarded another national event this coming spring.”

– Geoff Stensland, Harbour Pointe Badminton Club Owner, Tournament Director of USA Badminton 2016 Junior Nationals

Tammy Dunn, CSEE

Sports Development Director Phone: 425-348-5802 x102 Email: tammy@snohomish.org Website: www.snocosports.org

SportsPlanningGuide.com

Planning a badminton tournament or event? Look no further than the Harbour Pointe Badminton Club (HPBC), one of the premier badminton clubs not just in Snohomish County, but also in the entire United States. HPBC club’s prestigious reputation and outstanding facilities led to its selection as host of the 2018 Adult National Championships, and it is an important part of the growth of badminton in Snohomish County.

The facility offers 12 courts, a pro shop, a TV and lounge area, and a convenient location just 35 minutes north of Seattle near the shores of Puget Sound in Mukilteo.

5. Lake Tye Park

Sports: Baseball, football, soccer, softball, triathlon, wakeboard On the shores of Lake Tye in Monroe is a great multi-purpose space offering facilities for a variety of team sports. Choose from two baseball/softball fields, a soccer field, an outdoor basketball court, or two tennis courts and enjoy additional access to concessions, a serene beach area, picnic area, restrooms, and a walking trail.

Sports Planning Guide

9 103

4

Olympia, WA

Elite sports facilities, stunning natural beauty, exciting attractions and a passionate sports scene make the Olympia region an ideal sports destination.

The Olympia region and its surrounding areas offer sports planners everything they could possibly need to host a successful sports event. Organizers will find plenty of elite indoor and outdoor sports facilities, from manicured fields to shining courts. The Olympia region is also equipped with over 2,000 hotel rooms, world-class attractions and an experienced team ready to help with anything planners might need.

Things to do in Olympia and Beyond In the Olympia region, there’s so much to do, sports planners will never hear the phrase “I’m bored.” When the action on the field ends, athletes and spectators will find it hard not to be busy.

The first place athletes should visit is the magnificent Olympia Waterfront. Stroll around the Swantown Marina to see boats launching out to sea or take a walk on East Bay Trail to get a view of some of the local bird wildlife.

Head up the Viewing Tower for 360-degree views of the seaport, Olympic Mountains, Capitol Lake and Mount Rainier.

If you’re at the waterfront, be sure to check out the Olympia Farmers Market, the second largest farmers market in Washington. The market offers fresh regional produce, meats, breads, and seafood.

Experience a sensitive natural resource at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is located where freshwater of the Nisqually River meets the 10 104

Sports Planning Guide

saltwater of Puget Sound, creating a biologically-rich and diverse habitat. It’s been designated as a National Natural Landmark, due to its significance as a coastal salt marsh, one of the best in the North Pacific.

Experience the Olympia region’s natural beauty at Tumwater Falls Park, where the Deschutes River ends its journey tumbling into Capitol Lake. Take a one-half mile walk on the trails to admire the cascading falls and reflective pools of the park.

How to get to the Olympia Region The Olympia region’s central location in Washington provides reasonable driving distances from several major cities. Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver are all less than a two-hour drive away; while places like Spokane and Yakima are between a 3-5-hour drive. There are two airports serving the Olympia region.

Planner Perspective “Olympia submitted a bid for this event and we were really excited about it because this is a really central location for the Pacific Northwest area, and also the facility here is just fantastic. They’ve done everything we asked for and more.

From helping us get amazing local coverage, to helping us source vendors, to chasing after a UPS truck when a package went missing, the staff between Experience Olympia and also the Lacey Regional Athletic Complex have just been a dream to work with.”

– Mary Kimball, U.S. Quidditch @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT 3. South Puget Sound Community College

1. Lacey-Thurston County Regional Athletic Complex

Sports: Basketball, volleyball

Sports: Baseball, softball, soccer, football, rugby A premier outdoor sports venue, the 100-acre Lacey-Thurston County Regional Athletic Complex can accommodate a number of sports events, large and small. The facility features five softball/baseball fields and six regulation-size soccer/ football/rugby fields.

South Puget Sound Community College, home to Clippers athletics, is available to host basketball and volleyball events at its Gymnasium. The gym is equipped with plenty of spectator seating and concessions.

4. Rainier Vista Community Park

Sports: Soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, sand volleyball, basketball, football, rugby, pickleball

Sports: Basketball, baseball, volleyball, tennis, track & field Located just east of Olympia in Lacey, Saint Martin’s University boasts top sports venues that have hosted a range of events over the years. It has welcomed the GNAC Basketball Championships, the NWAC Cross Country Championships, and the GNAC Softball Championships. Sports planners can rent the Marcus Pavilion & TwinStar Court for basketball and volleyball tournaments, the SMU Baseball field and the SMU Softball Field for baseball and softball events, and the SMU Soccer Field and SMU Track & Field Complex for soccer and track & field competitions.

Rainier Vista Community Park welcomes all kinds of athletic activities throughout the year. The 46-acre park features three football/soccer fields, three baseball/softball fields, four tennis courts, four pickleball courts, three sand volleyball courts, a basketball court and a skate park.

Olympia & Beyond Sports Commission Jeff Bowe

Director of Sales Phone: 360-704-7544 Email: Jeff@ExperienceOlympia.com Website: www.OlympiaSportsCommission.com

er en t

2. Saint Martin’s University

pl

di

ay

Genuine, helpful and part of your team.

it

From traditional to decidedly different sports—we’ve got you covered with a sports complex, manicured fields, an array of courts, championship golf courses and trails perfect for dewy morning marathons.

ff

here, we play it different.

SportsPlanningGuide.com

Olympiasportscommission.com Sports Planning Guide

11 105

1

4

Tri-Cities, WA

Fun in the sun is the way of life in this growing metropolitan area in southeast Washington.

With 300 sun-filled days offering visitors a year-round paradise, the Tri-Cities are one of the most popular spots for Washington vacations. Consisting of three closely tied cities – Kennewick, Pasco and Richland - and located at the confluence of the Yakima, Snake and Columbia Rivers, the Tri-Cities appeal to recreation and sports enthusiasts as they can bike, hunt, swim, fish, golf and water ski while also playing any sport you can name.

Things to do in Tri-Cities With so many cloudless days each year, outdoor activities are embraced in the Tri-Cities. The mighty Columbia River stretches across seven states and flows through the region enabling visitors to soak in its majesty by taking boat cruises, renting kayaks or paddleboards, bicycling alongside the river or simply taking a relaxing nature walk beside its waters. The Gesa Carousel of Dreams in Kennewick is a treasured work of quality art and is quickly becoming a destination for locals and visitors.

Hand carved in 1910, the carousel horses have been fully restored and are ready to take your family for a ride in a picturesque location. The REACH Museum in Richland is a dedicated institution, promoting education for all ages.

Visitors can experience the geological impact of the Ice Age floods and basalt lava flows and also learn about the Manhattan Project and its continuous influence on the region.

12 106

Sports Planning Guide

How to Get to the Tri-Cities The Tri-Cities is centrally located among all of the metropolitan areas of the Pacific Northwest including Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Spokane in Washington; Portland, Oregon and Boise, Idaho. The average drive time from the aforementioned cities to the Tri-Cities is 3.5 hours by car. The Tri-Cities are also accessible by bus and train.

The Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco offers dozens of flights daily.

Commercial airlines offer direct flights from Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, San Francisco, Phoenix/Mesa, Arizona, Minneapolis and Las Vegas.

Planner Perspective “The Tri-Cities is a very hospitable and welcoming community. The facility and lodging staffs are easy to work with and everyone rallies around the tournament to make it a successful event.”

– Steve Jensen, National Softball Association of WA

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

4. Toyota Center

1. Columbia Playfield

This multi-purpose arena in Kennewick opened in 1988 and is home to the Western Hockey League’s Tri-City Americans hockey team. Comfortably seating 5,000 to 7,000 people in six configurations, the Toyota Center, is superbly suited for sports, entertainment, trade shows and meetings. The facility’s concourse provides access to concessions and amenities, and private suites have exclusive viewing for VIP attendees.

Sports: Baseball, softball Located in Richland, the Columbia Playfield stretches across nearly 29 acres and is located in the heart of the city. A new $150,000 grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board will provide some new fixtures to the park, giving it updated LED lights and aluminum bleachers with fabric covers.

2. Pasco Sporting Complex Sports: Baseball, softball

This complex, located in Pasco, was designed to host baseball and softball tournaments and contains six softball fields, two sand volleyball courts, a playground area, a water play area and a concession building with restrooms. It can be easily accessed off I-182.

3. Southridge Sports & Events Complex

Sports: Baseball, softball, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, futsal, pole vaulting This 52-acre multi-sports development in Kennewick offers a variety of sporting, recreation and event amenities to enjoy.

It offers baseball and softball fields, an indoor sports pavilion, multi-use fields and the Gesa Carousel of Dreams, a worldclass piece of art the whole family can touch and ride. The complex houses the only indoor sports pavilion in the region, which can be used for both sporting activities and events.

Sports: Hockey, figure skating, basketball, volleyball, rodeo, wrestling, cheerleading, gymnastics

5. TRAC Center

Sports: Equestrian, rodeo, motocross, wrestling, cheerleading, gymnastics, volleyball, martial arts The TRAC Center in Pasco offers a versatility few event venues can offer to both promoters and the public. The complex features a 38,184-square-foot Exposition Hall and an approximate 40,000-square-foot indoor concrete floor arena supported by a spacious Atrium and three conference rooms.

More than 88,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibit space is available, making the TRAC Center one of the largest event venues in Washington.

Visit TRI-CITIES, WA

Phone: 800-254-5824 Email: Sales@VisitTRI-CITIES.com Website: www.VisitTRI-CITIES.com

S

SportsPlanningGuide.com

Sports Planning Guide

13 107

JON SCHMIEDER

10 Sports Industry Trends for 2019 I

’m guessing that years from now, our industry will look back on 2018 and say,

1

Emerging Sports – On our list again

this year, non-traditional sports are

2

Creating Owned Events – Another repeat from years past, our destination

“Man, what a year that was.” From the sexual

taking hold all across the country. The mem-

clients are more and more opting to invest

abuse scandals to the oval office chiming in

bership of USA Pickleball has grown seven-

their resources in created events. This is

on NFL player conduct. From the rise of

fold over the past five years to over 28,000

especially true in small and mid-tier markets

Esports to nationwide legalized gambling. No

members. Colleges are offering scholar-

that don’t have the resources to compete with

one will ever be able to say 2018 was a boring

ships for E-gaming. Drone racing has its own

the big boys. If you can create an event with

time period in our industry, that is for sure.

national league system. BMX racing is the

your local partners (or enhance/replicate ones

The key for sports tourism and event pro-

fastest growing sport in America according

that already exist), those are assets that you

fessionals will be to sort out how these story

to the Sports and Fitness Industry Associa-

don’t have to bid for against your well-funded

lines will affect our growing industry and

tion. Long considered international sports,

competitors. This doesn’t just apply to the tra-

course correct where appropriate.

cricket and Aussie Rules Football have

ditional sports either. CVBs and sports com-

Traditionally at this time, our team sits

opened offices here looking to build an in-

missions across the country are developing

down to takes a look ahead to develop a list of

frastructure in the United States (also look up

new events in many of the emerging sports

10 industry trends for the coming year. With

KUBB, another growing sport domestically

note above. In addition, destinations are look-

the high level of turbulence over the past 12

that you may hear about in the coming years).

ing at special events like music festivals and

months, and the continued proliferation of a

Ultimate and quidditch are both growing. Will

motorcycle rallies to fill their tourism calendars.

handful of trends from our past predications,

the day come where kids will replace bat and

The skills it takes to execute these special

we offer you our outlook for 2019.

ball sports with League of Legends or Scripps

events is very similar to sports.

There are three incumbents and seven new members that make up our list of 10 this

than we think.

The key for sports tourism and event professionals will be to sort out how certain storylines will affect our growing industry.

igor stevanovic/Bigstock.com

year. Enjoy…..

Spelling Bee? That time may get here sooner

14 388

Sports Planning Guide

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

3

Bricks and Mortar – Our last repeat from 2018, the list of communities that

are using tourism related taxes (bed tax

6

Oversight – Nonprofit organizations are being looked upon more and more

9

Legalized Gambling – We are not sure what the impact will be long-term

scrupulously on how they spend the funds

on the grass roots sports tourism industry, but

and/or food and beverage taxes) to build

that are given to them. This includes con-

there WILL be an impact. This is something

tourism driving sports venues is at an all-

vention and visitors bureaus, sports com-

to keep an eye on.

time high, and we believe this practice is

missions, National Governing Bodies (NGBs)

here to stay. The facilities arms race seems to

and others in our industry. Governing entities

have no saturation point in sight as communi-

that oversee the various funding pipelines to

ties continue to build large multi-sport com-

these organizations are becoming more

plexes. By using tourism related taxes to build

involved in how those funds are allocated. The

tourism related sports venues, CVBs and

end result is C-level professionals have lost

sports commissions can take control of their

their jobs over spending practices within their

venue assets to drive overnight stays first, and

organizations. Industry leaders need to be

offer enhanced places for local teams to play,

over cautious in this area to maintain their

second.

organization’s, and their professional integrity.

4

7

Facility Revamps –Traditional retail is dying (call it the Amazon factor), which

Safety – Closely related to oversight, athlete safety continues to serve as

DESTINATIONS ARE LOOKING AT SPECIAL EVENTS LIKE MUSIC FESTIVALS AND MOTORCYCLE RALLIES TO FILL THEIR TOURISM CALENDARS

will continue to create more empty big box

a high-profile issue on multiple fronts. The

retail locations and opportunities for sports

discussion on football concussions has esca-

organizations looking for affordable/free space

lated to the highest levels, and additional

to run tournaments and local programs. In

sports are joining the fray. Athlete safety in

addition, participation in golf has been flat for

several Olympic sports has spawned the

several years, and the profitability of municipal

creation of Safe Sport, an independent inves-

courses has been challenged to the point that

tigative organization created to protect

some cities have chosen to repurpose golf

athletes and those involved in the Olympic

in sports at every turn, and there will be more

real estate into multi-purpose sports com-

movement. Safe Sport, and in some cases

impacts felt down the road. Regardless of

plexes that can serve local groups and also

full background checks, are now mandated by

your political stance, it is hard to deny the

attract tourism driving tournaments. With the

numerous sports organizations across the

impact government actions are having on our

growth of pickleball, many parks and recre-

country, and it doesn’t stop with coaches.

industry. Consider the fact that we have a

ation departments are converting tennis

Officials, board members, event volunteers,

trade agreement with Mexico and Canada

courts into smaller, more utilized pickleball

and others are now very likely to be required

that is in flux, while we also have a partner-

layout. Everything is open for debate, including

to complete a background check and the Safe

ship with both countries to host a future World

the long-standing mantra of providing facilities

Sport training program. Where the merry-go-

Cup, and it’s hard to ignore the fact that poli-

for classic (fading) sports like golf and tennis.

round stops, nobody knows.

tics can and will impact the sports industry.

5

Tourism Improvement Districts (TIDs)

8

10

Politics – Similar to legalized gambling, politics is now ingrained

Leaders in our industry have a lot of hard Relocations – Over the past year,

work ahead of them. While these challenges

USA Badminton, USA BMX, and

may seem daunting, that is what we love about

been a tool for driving economic development

USSSA have moved or are planning a move.

our industry. Every day we get the chance to

in communities both large and small. More

Additional rights holders and NGBs currently

lace ‘em up and go out into the market and

recently, these districts have been created for

looking for a new home. Most of these relo-

compete.

the sole purpose of attracting tourism dollars

cations are tied to economic development,

through sports. While numerous municipal-

including new jobs for the host community

ities have had this tool in their arsenal for

and more events to fill hotel rooms and

years, some big players like Oklahoma and

restaurants, all contractually obligated in

Texas have recently opened the door for

the formal agreements tied to the move. We

implementing TIDs. Wisconsin and Illinois

may be at the tipping point of this trend. Is

are looking at this opportunity as well. The

your community equipped to compete in this

competition continues to escalate.

space?

– Improvement districts have long

SportsPlanningGuide.com

Best of luck to you and your organizations in 2019 and beyond. SPG ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jon Schmieder is the Founder + CEO of the Huddle Up Group LLC, an award winning sports tourism industry consulting firm based in Phoenix, AZ. Jon can be reached at Jon@HuddleUpGroup.com. For weekly best practice articles, sign up for the Monday Morning Huddle Up at www.tinyletter.com/JonSchmieder.

Sports Planning Guide

15 389

photo: Rod Mar 2018

WE BELIEVE IN SPORTS.

photo: Marco Catini Photography 2018

From pros to amateurs, arenas to the outdoors, Seattle is ready for your next sporting event.

seattlesports.org

photo: Special Olympics 2018 USA Games

@SeattleSportsPage @SeattleSC @seattlesportscommission