Illinois State Guide to Sporting Events 2020

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ILLINOIS GUIDE

2020 Illinois’ Great Outdoors Will Surprise and Excite

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The Mother Road Site InSpections Keeps on Rolling: of Event-Ready Explore Historic Route 66 Destinations

SPG A Premier Travel Media publication www.SportsPlanningGuide.com

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Greetings from Illinois!

Jan Kemmerling Acting Director Illinois Office of Tourism

On behalf of all of us here at the Illinois Office of Tourism, we look forward to welcoming you to the Land of Lincoln for your next sporting event. As a lifelong Illinoisan, I’m no stranger to all of the amazing things there are to see and do in the state. Whether you are a returning visitor coming back to the state for a tournament or you are a first-time visitor, there’s always something to discover when you visit.

We love the opportunity to invite people from all over the world to experience exactly what we have to offer. For many, the first thing that comes to mind when they think of Illinois is Chicago, a world-class city with incredible restaurants, hotels, architecture, museums, and shopping. Illinois is also home to rich presidential history in Springfield and other communities, classic Americana along historic Route 66, great outdoor adventures and scenic beauty in the Shawnee National Forest and our many state parks, more than a hundred wineries and so much more. Illinois offers an amazing experience from the moment you arrive and long after your team finishes up for the day.

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

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

Best regards,

Jan Kemmerling Acting Director Illinois Office of Tourism

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ILLINOIS

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Route 66's Legacy of the Road Lives On Explore Illinois' Great Outdoors Aurora, IL Bloomington-Normal, IL Chicago Southland, IL Heritage Corridor, IL O’Fallon, IL Decatur, IL Rockford, IL Effingham, IL

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Chicago Northwest, IL Quad Cities, IL Elgin, IL Peoria, IL Champaign County, IL Lake County, IL

ON THE COVER: 2019 BMW Championship at Medinah Country Club (Courtesy of the Western Golf Association, in partnership with the DuPage Sports Commission; Photo by Charles Cherney).

F I N D I N G T H AT T H E R E ’ S N O COMPETITION FOR HOSTING A COMPETITION IN ILLINOIS.

ILLINOIS

F I N D A N A M A Z I N G V E N U E AT

SPORTSILLINOIS.COM

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Route

66’s

Heritage Corridor CVB

Randy Mink

Illinois Office of Tourism

legacy of the Road LivesOn The “Main Street of America” now and always is an enshrinement to the American auto legacy n the early 20th century, the innovation and mass implementation of the automobile took America by storm. From 1910 to 1920 the number of registered vehicles grew from nearly 200,000 to 17 million, with the increase in cars demanding newer, better roadways and systems. From those humble roots rose the behemoth that dominated the American thoroughfare: Route 66, the “Main Street of America”.

Few journeys in the Midwest can rival a road trip that retraces the path of our nation’s most storied highway. From the Lake Michigan shoreline of Chicago to the Mississippi River in Southern Illinois, museums, retro diners, doses of kitsch and other nods to yesteryear drive tourism

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on Route 66, fueling nostalgia for the heyday of automobile travel and a yearning for simpler times. It’s all about the romance of the open road.

Nicknamed the “Mother Road” in John Steinbeck’s classic 1939 novel The Grapes of Wrath, U.S. Route 66 was the magic carpet to dreams in the mid-20th century. Symbolizing freedom and mobility, it attracted vacationers, adventurers, hippies and those searching for a better life.

Forming a linear community that spanned more than 2,000 miles through eight states, from Illinois to California, the concrete corridor became enshrined in popular culture—in music, art, films and television shows as well as literature—during its lifetime (1926-1977). Everyone knows the song @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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Heritage Corridor CVB

refrain “Get Your Kicks on Route 66.”

Cozy motels, mom-and-pop cafes, filling stations, neon signs and roadside oddities were all part of its mystique in its heyday, but reminders of Route 66 can be found in a number of Illinois communities, thanks to tourism offices and dedicated individuals who have put time, money and passion into preserving the highway’s heritage and keeping its spirit alive. As many original landmarks have vanished over the years, surviving treasures loom all the more special.

Historic Route 66 signs can be spotted traversing the stretch of road from Chicago to St. Louis, and it is there that the history of the automobile and Illinois’ legacy of the drive has been best preserved.

About one hour outside of Chicago, the city of Joliet trades on its Route 66 heritage. Start your exploration at Route 66 Park on Broadway, once a leg of the famed roadway. Browse the park’s informational kiosks and enjoy a cold treat at Rich & Creamy. Atop the store are statues of Jake and Elwood Blues, characters in The Blues Brothers movie, which included scenes filmed at the Old Joliet Prison, visible from the hilltop park.

Joliet is also Illinois’ racing epicenter, where fans can sate their need for speed at the Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway, located adjacent to each other. Chicagoland Speedway features a 1.5 mile tri-oval speedway and regularly hosts NASCAR events, including the opening event of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. The venue sees major events in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Infinity Series and the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series as well.

Route 66 Raceway hosts several drag racing events, including the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), where winners are chosen in Funny Car, Top Fuel, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle competitive events. The unbelievable speeds are amplified by the roar of the crowd, with seating for 30,000 available.

In Pontiac, Mother Road enthusiasts flock to the free-admission Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, a repository of memorabilia celebrating the people and businesses that served motorists on the historic highway. Its largest item of interest is the Volkswagen minivan used by itinerant hippie-era artist Bob Waldmire for traveling up and down 66. His 1972 VW was the model for the character Fillmore in the Pixar/Disney film Cars. Outdoors, museum visitors pose for photos in front of the giant Route 66 shield mural emblazoning the back wall of the 1900 building, once Pontiac’s city hall and fire department.

Buildings in downtown Pontiac are decorated with 23 other artistdesigned murals, including four that recall Route 66, one a sunset scene showing a bright yellow late ’50s Chevy. Classic car buffs will find much

Randy Mink

Railsplitter Covered Wagon

SportsPlanningGuide.com

Joliet Historical Museum

to their liking at the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum, a shiny showroom displaying vintage Pontiac-brand cars and some of the Pontiac Buggy Company’s high-end Oakland models produced in the late 1920s and early ’30s. Exhibits include a big oil can collection, old gas pumps, model car kits and promotional items mirroring the brand’s namesake, Chief Pontiac, a fabled warrior who fought the British in the Great Lakes region.

For a taste of the good old days just southwest of BloomingtonNormal on I-55, visit Dixie Truck Stop, which opened in 1928 and sold sandwiches to Route 66 travelers. Today it’s a full-fledged restaurant with plenty of seating for groups and a decor evoking early car culture.

In the spirit of quirky attractions, Railsplitter Covered Wagon in Lincoln, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest covered wagon, sits on Old Route 66 in front of the Best Western Lincoln Inn. Measuring 40 feet long, 12 feet wide and 25 feet tall and surrounded by a split-rail fence, it features a seated Abraham Lincoln fiberglass figure reading a law book.

Route 66 in Springfield has several sites that recall the highway’s golden era. The newest magnet delivering kicks on 66 is Motorheads Bar & Grill, a retro-style restaurant that opened in summer of 2018. A shrine to all things automotive, the cavernous space is festooned with old grilles, license plates, vintage advertising signs and lots of Route 66 shields. There are even whole cars and motorcycles on display under the soaring ceiling, which once sheltered a Stuckey’s, one in the chain of roadside stores famous for their pecan log rolls and teal blue roofs. A separate museum building has a party room ideal for groups and brims with Route 66 artifacts, many from the collection of the late Bill Shea, a Springfield icon who operated a gas station-museum. Motorheads serves up hearty fare like patty melts, pizza and Horseshoes, the latter a Springfield specialty of Texas toast and choice of meat smothered in French fries and cheese sauce.

Guarding the eastern entrance to Wilmington stands the 30-foot-tall Gemini Giant, the guardian of the Launching Pad drive-in restaurant.

Named after the Gemini space program, the Giant holds a silver rocket ship in his hands, with a welding mask covering its face. The statue weighs an incredible 438 pounds of fiberglass, without counting the rocket ship or concrete base. For out-of-this-world burgers and shakes, head into the Launching Pad, where a slice of Americana is available with every meal. Chicago Style hot dogs, pulled pork and Italian beef sandwiches, meatball subs and classic ice cream desserts will sate your palate.

There are many more stops along the country’s most prominent roadway, all begging to be explored. For more information about planning your next trip, visit enjoyillinois.com. SPG Sports Planning Guide

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Explore

ILLINOIS’ Great Outdoors Contrary to popular belief, the Prairie State is home to many topographical features and a wealth of natural wonders

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ike most of the Midwest region, Illinois’ topography is best marked by prairies and flatlands. While not the state’s capital, Chicago is its epicenter for culture, food, finance and trade. With such a natural draw to the state, a quick trip outside of Chicagoland reveals that there’s so much more to the state than just one of the world’s best cities.

Venture out to Illinois’ great outdoors and discover for yourself the natural beauty that permeates the countryside, home to 73 state parks, six state forests and one national forest. From the Driftless Area in northwestern Illinois—an region of unglaciated terrain with higher altitude than the rest of the state—to the natural prairie land where bison and elk roam, there’s a surprise around every corner of the Prairie State.

Whether you’re searching for exotic birds of prey, a wooded trail to hike or run along, or winding rivers and glistening lakes for boating and fishing, Illinois has the perfect place to go for outdoor adventures. Here are some locales across the state that will make great backdrops and excursions to your tournaments.

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CASTLE ROCK STATE PARK Due west of Chicago lies Castle Rock State Park, which covers 2,000 acres of Ogle County on the banks of the Rock River. Established in 1921, the park is named after its signature highlight, a bluff of exposed sandstone with exposed areas of white quartz as well as limonite. The bluff itself offers hikers scenic views of the river and surrounding countryside.

The park is a favorite among kayakers and canoers, while families will love the ability to bring a picnic and enjoy a nice day outdoors.

FERNE CLYFFE STATE PARK With an abundance of unusual rock formations and rare plant species, Ferne Clyffe State Park creates an atmosphere that transports you back to the Jurassic period. Located in southern Illinois, Ferne Clyffe provides visitors with a large number of hiking trails to explore, including the 2.1 mile Waterfall Trail. The Lake Trail as well as the Big Rocky Hollow Trail are also local favorites, though the surrounding woods and leafy vistas throughout the park provide a nice way to catch some fresh air and take in a day exploring the great outdoors.

GIANT CITY STATE PARK As part of the greater Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park provides eight hiking trails open to the public from dusk to dawn all year, as well as an additional two trails closed during shotgun deer season.

The Red Cedar Backpacking trail is the park’s longest, coming in at 12 miles of rugged terrain, while the park also permits rock climbing and rappelling at heights topping out around 100 feet in the area around the Devil’s Standtable bluff. Hunting is available in select areas of the park, as is fishing, provided you have the correct licenses.

MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE Established in 1966 as the country’s first designated tallgrass prairie, Midewin National is a testament to a bygone era. Despite being nicknamed the ‘Prairie State’, hardly any of Illinois’ native prairie land remains, so the complex ecology of the 20,000 acres of farmland here has been preserved. Of that allotment, nearly 9,000 acres and 33 miles of trails are open to the public, where bison watching is a hot commodity after the species was reintroduced to the preserve in 2015. The size of the preserve has helped many endangered or sensitive species survive in a variety of habitats.

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MISSISSIPPI PALISADES STATE PARK With the banks of the Mississippi River between northwestern Illinois and northeastern Iowa serving as a scenic backdrop, this state park is also a national natural landmark. Lofty stone cliffs can be seen from the river, as well as a series of sink holes and limestone caves. Erosion has masterfully carved out unique rock formations, including the Twin Sisters, which resembles a pair of sisters atop the bluffs. Autumn in this park brings a gorgeous change of scenery, with the park’s wooded ravines and cliffs awash in the splendid assortments of fall.

PERE MARQUETTE STATE PARK Nature lovers will revel in the beauty found at Pere Marquette State Park, where its wealth of activities provides something for everyone to do. Limestone formations in designated climbing areas provide an opportunity for rock climbing and rappelling, while hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are available for those who’d like to stay on the ground. Bluegill, carp, catfish, drum, largemouth bass and white bass all populate the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, while the Family Fishing Fair in June is held annually. Bird watchers can spot bald eagles lining the tree tops along the Illinois River from December to March.

STARVED ROCK STATE PARK Spectacular natural features are visible at Starved Rock State Park all year long, though the springtime is arguably the best. A bevy of waterfalls cascade through the park’s impressive canyons and are on best behavior in the spring months after heavy rainfall. Wind along a series of trails and keep your eyes peeled for deer, colorful birds, squirrels, rabbits and bald eagles. Spring sees the return of colorful wildflowers to the forest floor, while fall brings out all the colors of the spectrum, making for an excellent backdrop to your picture-taking needs.

Shawnee National Forest

SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST Located in the Ozark and Shawnee Hills of Southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is a massive area encompassing 280,000 acres of federally managed lands, including seven wilderness areas. Garden of the Gods Wilderness features unusual sandstone formations and lookout points, as well as 5.5 miles of interconnecting trails. Peculiar rock formations have been given appropriate titles, such as Camel Rock, Mushroom Rock and Anvil Rock. Diverse wildlife can be found within Heron Pond, while Pomona Bridge is a natural land bridge, and kids and adults alike fill find joy in Cave in Rock and its majestic scenery along the Ohio River.

WHITE PINES FOREST STATE PARK Originally known as White Pine Woods, this park finally earned state park designation in 1927. Dolomite rock formations and freshwater streams populate a scenic area filled with moss-covered cliffs, trailing vines and fantastical trees. Wildflowers like bloodroot, blue-eyed grass, spring beauty and hepatica populate the grounds, while visitors can drive over concrete fords that span the creeks. SPG Sports Planning Guide

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AURORA, IL THE LARGEST CITY IN CHICAGO’S SUBURBS, AURORA, ILLINOIS OFFERS LOCAL SUBURBAN FUN WITH BIG CITY SPORTS FACILITIES JUST OUTSIDE THE WINDY CITY

Photo caption Stuart Sports Complex

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.”

— John Suvada General Manager, Seminole Sports

Great Lakes Volleyball Center

Supreme Courts

Situated just 40 miles southwest of Chicago makes getting to Aurora a breeze, with a variety of options for traveling teams.

Teams can reach the Aurora area via Interstate 88 and taking the IL-31 exit 117 toward Aurora/Batavia. If driving isn’t a feasible option, Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport serve as a gateway for reaching Aurora.

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Stuart Sports Complex Ultimate, football, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, rugby One of the largest soccer venues in the country, Stuart Sports Complex in Montgomery is suitable for every sport imaginable, namely soccer, lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee, football, softball and baseball. Stuart Sports Complex offers their facilities at affordable prices, including tournament rentals for exclusive use of fields for an entire weekend. Jam-packed with

amenities throughout the facility, the complex features concessions, restrooms, a dog park, a playground with a splash pad, garden plots, Jericho Lake and a 1,300 spot parking area.

Great Lakes Volleyball Center Volleyball For all things volleyball, look no further than Great Lakes Volleyball Center in Aurora, one of the largest volleyball facilities in the Midwest and home to the Sports Performance Volleyball Club. Offering sports performance and development and competition workshops @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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▶ Raging Waves Waterpark in for both coaches and players, Great Lakes Volleyball Center is the country’s largest camp and clinic program, with over 3,000 participants in 2017. Hosting numerous tournaments throughout the year to both boys and girls volleyball teams of all ages, the center’s facilities include eight courts, a full-time retail store, an expansive, full-service weight training facility, a spacious concession area, an 11,000-square-foot mezzanine viewing area and more than 500 available parking spaces.

grade ceiling mounted baskets, whose lowprofile interwoven subfloor design provides enhanced acoustic and dynamic uniform ball bounce. Teams can participate in Supreme Courts tournaments year-round with several benefits, such as low tournament costs, discounted pricing for minimum required participation, multiple locations to choose from each weekend, appropriate competition for all levels, high quality venues and certified referees.

Yorkville is a fan favorite for all ages and is Illinois’ largest waterpark.

▶ For a day of shopping, Chicago Premium Outlets is an outdoor mall with all the designer names at discounted prices.

▶ Funway is over five acres of indoor and outdoor activities.

Families can enjoy go-karts,

Supreme Courts

bumper boats, bowling, mini-golf,

Basketball Conveniently located five miles from Interstate 88 near Aurora’s Fox Valley Mall, Supreme Courts features four high school basketball courts with premium wood flooring used in 90 percent of NBA courts and top universities. The facility also includes full climate-controlled courts and 24 collegiate

roller skating and more. Open 365 days a year.

AURORA AREA CVB

▶ BALAXI Play is a unique glow-in-

Pete Garlock, Director of Sales

the-dark entertainment center

630.256.3194

that offers fun, physical activities

pete@enjoyaurora.com

that will keep everyone engaged.

www.auroraareasportsalliance.com

Enjoy zip lines, indoor go-karting, rock climbing and a ropes course.

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Bloomington-Normal, IL WITH TOP-NOTCH FACILITIES AND INCREDIBLE ATTRACTIONS, THIS ILLINOIS HOTSPOT MAKES TOURNAMENT-PLANNING EASY.

Redbird Arena

Champion Fields

Travelers heading to Bloomington-Normal by car will find Interstate 55 to be very convenient, which runs right through the area on the drive between Chicago and St. Louis.

I-39 and I-74 are nearby as well.

By air, Central Illinois Regional Airport is your go-to option, offering free parking, a shuttle service and access to five rental car agencies.

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Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan University

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Champion Fields Softball Despite being located in Normal, Champion Fields is anything but ordinary. Considered to be one of the finest softball complexes in the Midwest, this facility boasts eight lighted diamonds in the main area and two lighted diamonds at Maxwell Park. The host site for 10 ASA/USA National Tournaments in the past two decades, Champions Fields played home to the 2019 USA Softball 12A National Championship in June. Fields have covered

dugouts, bleacher seating, scoreboards and a P.A. system. Each set of four fields also has a concession stand, making this one of the Prairie State’s go-to softball locations.

Hancock Stadium Football, Multipurpose Hancock Stadium is a 13,391-seat, multipurpose facility in the heart of Normal.

Home to the Illinois State University football team, in 1969 Hancock became the first college stadium in Illinois to feature artificial turf, which was replaced in 2010. That same @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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POPULAR ACTIVITIES year, a new scoreboard was installed. Other amenities include a state-of-the-art press level, a 5,500-square-foot indoor club, the Redbird Team Store and a spacious concourse. Hancock Stadium’s advancements enabled it to be chosen to host events at the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games in June of 2019.

Redbird Arena Multipurpose The crown jewel of Illinois State Athletics, Redbird Arena is used by the men and women’s basketball teams as well as the women’s volleyball team. The multipurpose facility can hold up to 10,200 enthusiastic fans, making the student section at ISU basketball games especially raucous. The arena has a center-hung scoreboard with four-sided HD video boards, making it easy to relax and watch a game no matter where you are in the stadium. In February of 2020, it will play hostto the IHSA Girls Basketball State Finals.

Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan University Wrestling, Basketball, Volleyball, Track, Tennis The Shirk Center is a multipurpose athletic, recreation and wellness complex that contains facilities for basketball, volleyball, track and tennis. The facility seats 2,400 with room for an additional 400 spectators. Other incredible features include a 200-meter, six-lane indoor track, two batting cages and four courts for basketball, tennis, volleyball and badminton. Additionally, the complex was selected to host the Midwest Nationals Wrestling Tournament, held in July of 2019.

BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL AREA CVB

▶ Red wolves, river otters, a ZooLab and more await at Miller Park Zoo, which offers families exciting chances to see a wide variety of exotic animals.

▶ Touching the exhibits is encouraged at Children’s Discovery Museum.

▶ Explore the rich connections the area has to Route 66 and Abraham Lincoln at the Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center.

▶ Enjoy a night out at the Bloomington Center for the

Matt Hawkins, Marketing Manager

Performing Arts, which hosts

309-665-0033

more than 500 events every year.

matt@visitbn.org www.visitbn.org

▶ Test your limits at Upper Limits Rock Climbing Gym.

The Action

IN BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, IL

BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU VisitBN.org / 800.433.8226 Grossinger Motors Arena

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ChiCago Southland, IL A DEDICATED TEAM, STATE-OF-THE-ART VENUES AND EYE-OPENING ATTRACTIONS MAKE CHICAGO SOUTHLAND THE PLACE TO BE FOR YOUR NEXT SPORTS TOURNAMENT

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE “The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau has been amazing to work with, helping us get all of our racers and staff in here, as well as getting all the spectators out here today to enjoy the amazing Spartan Race with our Spartan Stadium Series.”

— Jason Barnes, Race Director Spartan Race

Matteson Community Center

Southland Center

Chicago Southland is within a five hour drive of eight states and is accessible via several Interstate routes, including I-55, I-57, I-80, I-90, I-94, I-294 and I-355. If traveling by plane, there are a couple top notch options for planners to consider. Midway Airport is serviced by Southwest, Delta, Porter, Sky County and Volaris Airlines while O’Hare International Airport is the world’s second busiest airport.

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SeatGeek Stadium

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Southland Center Baseball, basketball, cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, football, lacrosse, martial arts, rugby, soccer The Southland Center’s recently installed 41,000 square feet of portable wood court flooring is available from April to October and is the largest continuous portable wood court floor in the Western Hemisphere, as well as the second largest in the world. When laid out, this flooring can accommodate 10 basketball or 14 volleyball courts. Four

basketball courts, four volleyball courts and two state-of-the-art Desso turf fields are available from November to March. Updated LED lighting is visible throughout the facility. When hosting tournaments, planners have been very pleased with the quality of the wood flooring, scoreboards and nets, in addition to the center’s open-atmosphere, attention to detail, customer service and cleanliness.

The center includes its own on-site bar and restaurant, as well as a 17,000-square-foot special events room. The Southland Center is ADA compliant and features more than 1,200 @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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POPULAR ACTIVITIES parking spaces, with Wi-Fi available throughout the building. It’s also highly accessible since it is conveniently located near highways.

SeatGeek Stadium Lacrosse, running events, rugby, soccer Formerly known as Toyota Park, SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview is where you’ll find the National Women’s Soccer League’s Chicago Red Stars. You will also find a whole range of sports competitions throughout the year— USA Rugby challenges, the U.S. Adult Soccer Association’s National Cups Tournament, the Spartan Stadium Race, USASA National Cup Finals, BeerFit Brew Mile, Nitro Circus and more.

This gorgeous 20,000 seat stadium features a natural grass, full-size field of 75 by 120 yards.

SeatGeek Stadium houses a 90,000-squarefoot dome that has a full size regulation indoor soccer field. Teams will additionally have access to two practice fields with their choice of a natural or artificial surface.

Matteson Community Center Baseball, basketball, football, soccer The Matteson Community Center covers 73,000 square feet of multi-purpose rooms.

Here, planners and teams will immerse themselves in two indoor basketball courts with wooden bleachers along the wall, as well as baseball fields. The center also houses a football field equipped with bleachers and a soccer field. Matteson hosts numerous events to keep the facility busy all season, with tournaments like the Baylor Youth Basketball Nike Showdown, Hoop It Up and the MultiGP Drone Racing North Central Regional Final.

▶ Zip around the tracks on electric go-karts or challenge your axethrowing skills at Accelerate Indoor Speedway & Events in Mokena.

▶ Try your hand at games of bowling or billiards, or get moving on the dance floor at Dave & Buster’s in Orland Park.

▶ Witness lively outdoor music between the months of May to September at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park.

CHICAGO SOUTHLAND CVB

▶ In the Game at Hollywood Park in Crestwood provides awesome

Joel Koester, Sports Market Manager

indoor and outdoor opportunities

888-895-3211

for family fun.

Sports@VisitChicagoSouthland.com PlayChicagoSouthland.com

Every day, athletes and their families win with our services, affordable and comfortable hotels and family-friendly restaurants and attractions. Chicago Southland provides the perfect space to play.

Contact Joel Koester to plan your next sports event.

888-895-3211 Sports@VisitChicagoSouthland.com PlayChicagoSouthland.com

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Heritage Corridor, IL WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF SPORTS VENUES AND ATTRACTIONS, THE HERITAGE CORRIDOR IN ILLINOIS IS THE DREAM DESTINATION FOR SPORTS PLANNERS, WHO WILL FIND ORGANIZING AN ATHLETIC TRIP TO THE AREA TROUBLE-FREE

Romeoville Athletic & Events Center

Dellwood Disc Golf

Brent Hassert Park

Along the Illinois and Michigan Canal, Route 66 serves as an entrance into Heritage Corridor, where you can experience several flea markets, historical landmarks and other picturesque stops. Heritage Corridor is also accessible via I-55 and IL-53. By air, Chicago Midway International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport are approximately 50 minutes away from Heritage Corridor.

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Brent Hassert Park Baseball, softball, soccer, outdoor sports Brent Hassert Park offers 77 acres of open space, including a soccer field, playground, picnic area, trails and splash pad for athletes and their families to enjoy. The park is easily accessible and offers several amenities, such as bathrooms, parking, drinking fountains, a spray park and rubberized surfaces. All Hassert Park Field use is by permit only, which can be acquired at the Lockport

Township Park District Administrative Offices.

Whether you’re looking for a practice field or a championship venue, this top-notch park is your go-to place.

Romeoville Athletic & Events Center Basketball, volleyball, football, lacrosse, baseball, softball, soccer This top-tier, 76,000 square-foot facility is equipped with turf fields, diamonds and courts that are perfect for your next indoor sporting event. Romeoville Athletic & Events Center is ideal for large athletic games, @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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POPULAR ACTIVITIES and also offers spacious meeting rooms, expo space and party rooms. This awardwinning complex is climate-controlled, and is furnished with concessions, Wi-Fi, parking and more than enough space for spectators.

If you’re looking for a venue for a celebratory party after the game or a meeting space to discuss game strategies, this first-rate center has it all.

Harlow Lockwood Softball Fields Softball, baseball, soccer This venue includes six outdoor fields, parking surrounding the fields, a playground and a concession area with patio seating.

Each softball field also features an individual scorer’s box and electronic scoreboard. The softball complex even has six soccer fields and play equipment for young spectators.

Throughout the year, this hotspot for baseball

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and softball hosts the annual City Softball Tournament as well as several other softball tournaments in the fall, spring and summer.

▶ Go on an adventure at Starved Rock State Park, a breathtaking wilderness area right along the banks of the Illinois River. Enjoy

Dellwood Disc Golf

majestic waterfalls, fishing, 13

Disc golf

miles of trails and the natural

Situated in Lockport, this first-rate disc golf course is part of the Canyons Disc Golf Course, and has several holes throughout the charming Dellwood Park. Every hole on the 27-basket course is unique in that they incorporate mesmerizing natural environments. Dellwood Disc Golf also features 18 concrete tee pads (white course), six water areas and a practice sector.

beauty of the outdoors.

HERITAGE CORRIDOR CVB

▶ Beat the heat at Illinois’ largest waterpark, Raging Waves Waterpark, where you can take a splash at several attractions, such as the Great Barrier Reef, Kookaburra Kreek and Tasmanian Twisters.

▶ Take a tour of the Old Joliet Prison, which was built in 1858,

Dan Mulka, Marketing Manager

in operation until 2002, and most

815-216-9963

famous for being featured in the

dan@hccvbil.com

film The Blues Brothers and the

heritagecorridorcvb.com

show Prison Break.

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O’Fallon, IL UNIQUELY POSITIONED BETWEEN ILLINOIS AND MISSOURI, O’FALLON DRAWS IN COMPETITION FROM FAR AND WIDE WITH TOP-OF-THE-LINE FACILITIES

O’Fallon Family Sports Park

O’Fallon is easily accessible along Interstate 64, which connects to I-55, I-70, I-255, I-270 and I-57 in Illinois as well as I-170, I-370 and I-44 in Missouri. If you’re flying in, O’Fallon is around 30 minutes east of St. Louis Lambert International Airport. MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah, IL is another great option for those flying with Allegiant Airlines.

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Sports Planning Guide

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT O’Fallon Family Sports Park Baseball, Softball, Soccer Sitting across 200 acres, O’Fallon Family Sports Complex is an exquisitely designed baseball and soccer complex located directly off I-64. Eight lighted baseball fields designed by the same design team that worked on Busch Stadium, as well as eight lighted all-weather synthetic soccer fields, are just the start here. An all-weather championship softball field and all-weather synthetic championship baseball field were added to

the complex in 2018, while four premium grass fields and two all-weather soccer fields were added at the same time.

The facility hosted the NSA South Illinois State Championship for three days in June of 2019, where the competition brought together some of the best adult slowpitch softball players in the country. O’Fallon Family Sports Park also served as the host venue for the GMB Gold Ring Nationals, also held in June. This baseball tournament hosted an incredible amount of teams across age levels ranging from 7-andunder through to 18U. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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POPULAR ACTIVITIES The complex additionally features an allweather synthetic playground designed for toddlers as well as a full family playground, 2.1-mile walking and running trail, free Splash Pad and a fishing pond, ensuring there’s plenty for the rest of the family to do during your tournament.

McKendree Metro Rec Plex Hockey, Swimming, Water Polo, Group and Personal Training Built in 2017 as the premier indoor sports and fitness hub in the St. Louis metro-east area, the McKendree Metro Rec Plex is a state-of-the-art facility with something for everyone to enjoy.

A pair of NHL-sized ice rinks and an aquatic center outfitted with a 10-lane championship swimming pool are the main draws, while a recreational pool, weight center, elevated walking track and cardio center, fitness studios and more round out the facility.

While the Rec Plex was designed for the whole family and is great for younger kids, it’s got something for adults as well and serves as the home of the McKendree University hockey, swim and water polo teams. Additionally, the Southern Illinois Ice Hawks youth hockey

McKendree Metro Rec Plex

team and the Seahawks competitive youth swim team are core tenants. The McKendree University hockey season runs from September to February and the facility hosts an annual game between McKendree University and the St. Louis Blues alumni in September to kick off the start of hockey season.

The complex also hosted the Midwest Swim Conference Meet in July 2019, as well as several youth and adult hockey tournaments.

The Rec Plex additionally is outfitted to host multiple conferences, expos and other events throughout the year including Trunk or Treat and Skate with Santa. The Halloween-focused Trunk or Treat was paired with a Division II hockey game between McKendree and SIUE in 2019. Contact the facility at 618-589-3800. (metrorecplex.com)

▶ Live life in the fast lane with a visit to the World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, home to both NASCAR and IndyCar races.

▶ Eckert’s Orchards features two farms, a restaurant, farmer’s market, grocery store and more.

▶ Saturday mornings at the Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station are a must, where visitors take home fresh produce, handmade gifts and artisan items from May through October.

▶ Catch a future big league star with the Gateway Grizzlies, one of the Frontier League’s most notable franchises.

ILLINOISOUTH TOURISM

▶ Centerfield Park is your go-to

Andy Waterman, Sales & Marketing

place for birthday parties, with

Manager

bumper boats, go-karts, batting

618-257-1488

cages and more.

awaterman@illinoisouth.org www.illinoisouth.org

O’Fallon Family Sports Park

McKendree Metro Rec Plex

SportsPlanningGuide.com

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Decatur, IL SURROUNDED BY A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES, DECATUR CONTINUES TO THRIVE IN THE SPORTS WORLD, WHERE ITS HISTORIC ROOTS HAVE BERTHED VAST TOURNAMENTS

Millikin University

Positioned between Springfield to the west and Champaign to the east, Decatur is easily accessible via Interstate 72, as well as U.S. Route 51 from north and south. If flying in, Decatur Airport offers flights from Chicago and St. Louis via Cape Air.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES ▶ Spend your morning at the Scovill

Rotary Park

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Rotary Park Softball, baseball, volleyball Equipped with five 300-foot fenced softball/ baseball diamonds, Rotary Park is home to two major ASA state softball tournaments, an NSA slow-pitch tournament and a Special Olympics competition. The 2019 Girls 16U Illinois State B Fastpitch Softball Tournament took place in July, followed up by the 2019 Men’s State D & E Slow-pitch Softball Tournament later that month. Additionally, the park has four regulation-sized sand volleyball courts, a concession stand with pavilion and picnic-table seating, restrooms and a playground.

a four-lane, 200 meter track with a six-lane sprint straightaway, a jumping pit and vaulting area, basketball and volleyball courts and an indoor golf center. The facility hosted the 2019 Northern Illinois Pickleball tournament in April.

Millikin University Softball, football, soccer, track and field, wrestling, volleyball, basketball Millikin University offers a multitude of tournament-ready facilities, including the Workman Family Softball Field, Decatur Indoor Sports Center, Fairview Park Tennis Complex, Frank M. Lindsay Field, Millikin Wrestling Facility, Griswold Center, and Sunnyside Park.

Zoo to see nearly 500 animals in residence from six continents.

▶ Take a trip over to the Children’s Museum of Illinois, located on the shores of Lake Decatur in Scovill Park.

SportsPlanningGuide.com

The Decatur Indoor Sports Center Baseball, softball, pickleball, soccer, track, basketball, volleyball, golf This 87,000-square-foot space offers a one-of-a-kind indoor climbing wall, batting/ throwing cages with four different speeds for baseball and softball, an indoor soccer field,

DECATUR AREA CVB Lynne Durham, Director of Meetings & Sports 217-423-7000 lynne@decaturcvb.com www.decaturcvb.com

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LOCATED ON THE BANKS OF THE MESMERIZING ROCK RIVER IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS, THE CITY OF ROCKFORD GUARANTEES A MULTITUDE OF ATHLETIC VENUES AND THINGS TO DO FOR YOUR NEXT SPORTS TRIP

UW Health Sports Factory

Rockford is connected to many areas of Illinois, Wisconsin (Madison, Milwaukee) and Iowa (Dubuque) by highway.

U.S. Route 20 passes through Rockford twice, and provides connections to Freeport, Galena and Dubuque. Interstate 90 connects Rockford to Madison, Milwaukee and the northwest Chicago suburbs. Interstate 39 directly links Rockford to Bloomington-Normal.

20

Sports Planning Guide

UW Health Sports Factory Basketball, cheerleading, dance, dodgeball, pickleball, volleyball, wrestling This multi-purpose indoor sports facility spotlights 108,000 square-feet (96,000 square feet of hard court surface) of space for your upcoming tournament. One of the largest facilities in the Midwest, the venue is comprised of eight basketball courts that convert to 16 volleyball courts, 16 wrestling mats and accommodations for other indoor

sports. With a maximum capacity of 3,700 spectators, UW Health Sports Factory spotlights north and south courts, and a champions court with seating for up to 400 people. Spacious outdoor areas overlook the Rock River with a south patio area. A full-service sports restaurant with a dazzling 180-degree view of the river and north and south courts seats 160 guests, ideal for downtime in between games. Comfortable meeting spaces provide ample room for visitors, with the lower meeting room seating up to 50 people, while the upper meeting room seats up to 14 people. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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▶ Visit Laurent House Museum, Mercyhealth Sportscore Two Baseball, football, pickleball, rugby, soccer, softball, volleyball, golf, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, adapted wheelchair sports This state-of-the-art sports facility will be sure to impress with 180 acres of courts, fields, concessions and other favorable amenities.

The expansive complex features 26 outdoor soccer fields including seven turf/lighted fields, three sand volleyball courts, a playground, a 4,500-square-foot outdoor concession/ restroom building, a tournament staging area for pictures and onsite parking with more than 2,000 spaces. The Indoor Sports Center is a multi-sport complex consisting of 200,000 square-feet of multi-purpose courts and fields, anchored a full-size (120-by-80-yards, equal to four indoor soccer fields) turf field with 70-foot ceilings, locker rooms, a sports equipment store and Skybox dining overlooking the fields. The existing indoor sports center has plans to convert to turf on both sides. The vast Wedgbury Stadium seats up to 2,500 spectators, and has been refurbished to include a new synthetic turf field, NCAA professional

lighting, restroom buildings, improved pathways and upgrades to bleachers and a press box.

designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and famously known as the only home in Illinois designed by the architect for a person with a

Mercyhealth Sportscore One Soccer, softball, baseball, volleyball (sand), kickball, wiffleball, golf (indoor), ultimate frisbee Nationally recognized as a premier host of soccer, softball, baseball, Ultimate frisbee and other sports tournaments, this first-rate sports establishment is an excellent option for athletes to duel it out in a nail-biting competition. Spanning 147 acres, the venue includes 18 soccer fields, eight lighted baseball/ softball diamonds, an indoor soccer building, two playgrounds, a fishing pond, a boat ramp, a recreation path and concessions.

disability.

▶ Enjoy the natural beauty of the city by touring the calming Anderson Japanese Gardens, composed of flowing waterfalls, tranquil streams and beautiful gardens.

▶ Continue your nature walk in the captivating Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, simulating the gorgeous tropics with special water features and sculptures right along the breathtaking Rock River.

Lindsay Arellano, Vice President of

▶ Children will appreciate the

Sales and Servicing

chance to explore the Discovery

815-489-1653

Center Museum, featuring more

larellano@gorockford.com

than 250 interactive art and

www.gorockford.com/sports

science exhibits.

Mercyhealth Sportscore Two

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.

— USA Ultimate: Byron Hicks (Events Manager)

Mercyhealth Sportscore One

SportsPlanningGuide.com

Rock River

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Fred VanVleet NBA Champion Rockford, IL Native

DEDICATION Growing up in Rockford, Illinois, NBA champion Fred VanVleet honed his game at hardcourt venues across the city.

His dedication, determination and desire were on display on the court and in the community. These same values are hallmarks of VanVleet’s success today, and are synonymous with the Rockford region’s commitment to excellence as a sports event destination. To nd out rst-hand, Bring Your Game 2 Rockford.

gorockford.com

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Effingham, IL EVERY DAY, EFFINGHAM BECOMES AN EVEN BETTER DESTINATION FOR SPORT EVENTS, FROM SWIMMING TO SOFTBALL AND BEYOND.

Hendelmeyer Park

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

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

Hendelmeyer Park

Effingham County Memorial Airport and Shelby County Airport are reasonable options for those flying in, while Effingham’s central location within Illinois affords easy access for drivers via the crossroads of I-57 and I-70.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Let your cares drift away as you float down the lazy river at the Richard E. Workman Sports & Wellness Center.

▶ You’ll always find fresh produce

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex All indoor sports The 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-squarefoot, 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.

Hendelmeyer Park

and large rooms for group outings

Baseball, softball, tennis

at Firefly Grill.

If you’re looking for outdoor sports, look no further than Hendelmeyer Park. This spot is a charming local park with expansive outdoor fields. At a respectable 20 acres, the park holds two lighted, slow-pitch diamonds and one

▶ Home-made creations and authentic Italian vibes abound at Tuscan Hills Winery.

SportsPlanningGuide.com

lighted, fast-pitch diamond—all with natural grass—plus four lighted tennis courts. The park is rounded out with playground areas, a gazebo, concession stand and skate park.

Evergreen Hollow Park Softball, baseball, tennis, soccer, swimming Evergreen Hollow Park spans 42 acres and comprises of two lighted softball diamonds, one lighted baseball diamond, four lighted tennis courts and soccer fields. On the west side of the park sits Kluthe Memorial Pool, an outdoor swimming pool with a lap pool, water slide and children’s pool area.

CITY OF EFFINGHAM CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Jodi Thoele, Director of Tourism 217-342-5310 jthoele@effinghamil.com www.visiteffinghamil.com

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STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE NORTHWESTERN SUBURBS OF CHICAGO ARE LOCATED JUST MILES FROM O’HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Schaumburg Convention Center

By air, Chicago Northwest is accessible from anywhere in the continental United States in four hours or less, thanks to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. By car, the area is easily accessible due to major Interstates in I-294 and I-90/I-94.

24

Sports Planning Guide

Schaumburg Convention Center

USA Karate National Championships and Team Trials in July of 2019.

Cheerleading, gymnastics, soccer, basketball, volleyball, wrestling

Olympic Park

This 100,000-square-foot convention center has the capability to configure into multiple floor plans to accommodate a wide range of sporting events. Located 12 miles from O’Hare International Airport, the convention center offers free on-site parking and is connected to 500 guest rooms and suites at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. The facility recently hosted the

Soccer, softball, baseball, football, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby This 72-acre sports venue features five softball fields, two full-size basketball courts, a 15,000-square-foot skate park, eight lighted synthetic turf sports fields with a polyethylene infill system designed for fields that experience extremely high levels of use, two natural grass sports fields, and up to 17 available soccer fields @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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for tournament play. Having hosted thousands of sports tournaments including the Nike Fall Classic in 2017 and the Common Goals Memorial Day Soccer Challenge in May of 2019, Olympic Park is equipped with two concession stands and 700 available parking spots.

Harper College Soccer, cross country, track and field, volleyball, wrestling, basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, martial arts, gymnastics, cheer/dance Located in Palatine, Harper College offers a fitness center, field house, aquatics center, and more. The 10,000-square-foot Fitness Center underwent a complete transformation and now features more than 35 cardio machines, free weights, a Life Fitness Synrgy360 multipurpose training hub and more. The Field House is equipped with four courts for basketball, pickleball, volleyball, or badminton and a suspended one-eighth of a mile jogging track.

The Aquatics Center features six ADA accessible lanes with two pool lifts.

Melas Park Athletic Complex

▶ Woodfield Mall is Illinois’ largest

Football, soccer, baseball, softball

shopping destination with nearly

In 2012 Melas Park upgraded their four lighted softball/baseball fields to synthetic turf.

The complex hosted the 2019 Arlington Turf Classic for 9U-14U baseball, held in April. The complex is also equipped with one soccer field, two sand volleyball courts, a picnic area and concession stand, and a 1.3-mile walking path around the vicinity.

300 shops, restaurants and family-friendly amenities.

▶ Shareable foods, multiplayer games and nostalgic throwbacks are the norm at ‘80s arcade PAC-Man Entertainment.

▶ Six competing knights battle The Sport Center

it out in a two-hour jousting

Badminton, basketball, volleyball, martial arts, wrestling, pickleball, gymnastics, cheer/dance

tournament at Medieval Times

This 110,000 square-foot building includes four basketball courts, six volleyball courts, two soccer fields (convertible to one softball/ baseball field) and a gymnastic center.

Dinner and Tournament.

▶ Younger spectators will love LEGOLAND Discovery Center, where you can navigate around the city of Chicago, made entirely from LEGOs.

▶ Visit the paddock, pick up a Melinda Garritano, CSEE

program and bet on the races at

847-278-3445

Arlington International

mgarritano@chicagonorthwest.com

Racecourse.

www.chicagonorthwest.com

Olympic Park

The Sport Center

Melas Park Athletic Complex

SportsPlanningGuide.com

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Quad Cities, IL POSITIONED ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, THE QUAD CITIES WELCOMES TEAMS TO EXPERIENCE A PREMIER COMMUNITY AND A TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS WHO STAND READY TO DELIVER

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE TaxSlayer Center

“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, Senior Associate Commissioner, Missouri Valley Conference

TPC Deere Run

Located at the intersection of Interstates 74, 80 and 88, the Quad Cities represent the largest metropolitan area on the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and St. Louis. The Quad City International Airport has dozens of daily nonstop flights to 11 cities, as well as hundreds of connecting flights from major hubs.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Popular activities include

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT TaxSlayer Center Basketball, ice hockey, figure skating, gymnastics, rodeos, boxing, volleyball, cheer & dance, wrestling, weightlifting This 31,000 plus square-foot arena with seating for 11,000+ offers ample parking, four locker rooms, six production room offices and conference center. Regulation size court, full size hockey and figure skating rink, sky boxes, automatic video scoreboards with replay capabilities and PA system. Home of the Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Championship and professional hockey.

entertainment centers with laser

TPC Deere Run

tag, bowling, arcades, go-karts

Golf

and escape rooms. You’ll also

A nationally ranked golf destination, TPC Deere Run golf course is home to the John Deere Classic on the PGA TOUR, NAIA Golf Championships, CCIW Men’s Golf Championship and the America Supports You charity fundraiser. The 18-hole course

enjoy trampoline parks, Niabi Zoo, numerous museums, John Deere attractions and fantastic trail systems. There is plenty to keep the entire family entertained.

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Sports Planning Guide

is a beautiful 7,258-yard, Par-71 course, and features a full practice green, 14,000-squarefoot clubhouse, dining services, pro shop, locker rooms and 160 parking spaces.

Green Valley Sports Complex Baseball, Ssoftball, soccer, cricket The Green Valley Sports Complex plays host to several sporting events throughout the year.

The complex features eight lighted softball fields and is host to International Softball Congress world tournaments. It also features nine soccer fields, one cricket field, concession stands and two covered picnic shelters. It seats 800 spectators and has 750 parking spots.

VISIT QUAD CITIES Joan Kranovich, Director of Sports & Business Growth 800-747-7800 ext. 831 jkranovich@visitquadcities.com www.visitquadcities.com @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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Elgin Area, IL ELGIN, LESS THAN AN HOUR AWAY FROM CHICAGO, OFFERS THE PERFECT MIX OF VISITOR ATTRACTIONS AND SPORTS FACILITIES

Lifezone 360

Elgin Sports Complex

Elgin is located on Interstate 90 about 42 miles from downtown Chicago. It’s also 53 miles from Rockford and 103 miles from Milwaukee. Fly into Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport or Midway International Airport, where a network of roadways will quickly connect you.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Natural beauty and outdoor fun

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Elgin Sports Complex 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.

abounds in Fox River Shores

Lifezone 360

Forest Preserve and Tyler Creek

Basketball, soccer, lacrosse, team handball, futsal, gymnastics, cheerleading

Forest Preserve.

▶ Experience the Santa-themed rides, live shows and petting zoos at Santa’s Village Azoosment Park.

▶ Check out State Street Market Shops for antiques and locally made trinkets and gifts.

SportsPlanningGuide.com

Lifezone 360 (LZ360) is a highly versatile 130,000-square-foot sports complex and tournament/meet destination. The facility includes three full-time IHSA wood basketball courts — which can be converted into volleyball courts — as well as additional room to accommodate eight courts total. A pair of

high-definition LED screens are available for viewing parties and conferences, as well as a full A/V system, drop-down volleyball netting for up to 10 courts, bubbleball and a ninja course.

Lifezone also encompasses a full restaurant and bar, has private party suites available and a wide range of in-house catering options.

Canlan ICE Sports Figure skating, hockey Train and compete on any one of three state-of-the-art NHL-size rinks, complete with access to Jerry’s Pro Shops for the newest gear.

Canlan’s recently renovated its space to include large-screen televisions, a patio, tables and fireplaces.

EXPLORE ELGIN AREA Krisilee Murphy 847-695-7540 krisilee@exploreelginarea.com www.exploreelginarea.com

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Peoria, Il NESTLED HALFWAY BETWEEN CHICAGO AND ST. LOUIS, PEORIA PROVIDES WORLD-CLASS ATHLETICS FOR PLANNING UNFORGETTABLE SPORTS EVENTS

Peoria Civic Center

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE “Partnering with Enjoy Peoria provides a first-class experience for all of our coaches, athletes, officials and fans that visit East Peoria. The online housing process makes it easy and efficient for teams to book their hotels. The fans enjoy all of the new development and restaurants in the East Peoria area. The Eastside Centre provides outstanding service and attention to the fields throughout the entire weekend making them an excellent playing surface for all the competing teams!”

— Tracie Henry- IHSA Girls’ Softball State Finals- Assistant Executive Director

Louisville Slugger Sports Complex

EastSide Centre

Daily flights are available at General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport via Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Charlotte and Orlando, while larger airports in Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis are a few hours away by car. I-74 runs through the heart of the city. Peoria can also be approached from I-55, which connects Chicago to St. Louis.

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Sports Planning Guide

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Peoria Civic Center Basketball, hockey, indoor football, wrestling, cheer, dance, ice skating, cornhole, boxing 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 convention 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, parking lots and is handicap-accessible.

Louisville Slugger Sports Complex Baseball, softball, volleyball, flag football This state-of-the-art sports complex is an ideal destination for baseball and softball events. As the only Louisville Slugger facility in the United States, the 125,000-square-foot @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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POPULAR ACTIVITIES dome-style building has all the amenities necessary for your next sporting event. The complex contains 10 outdoor fields all with live streaming and 100 percent synthetic turf, MLBstyle walk-out dugouts, bullpens, electronic scoreboards, two indoor baseball and softball fields and multipurpose hard courts. The facility includes clubhouses that host weeklong baseball, fast-pitch and training events. It is located just eight miles from General Wayne A. Downing International Airport and is near several major Peoria hotels.

EastSide Centre Baseball, softball, soccer, football, track, volleyball For world-class athletics, EastSide Centre provides facilities for up to collegiate-level sports and has hosted tournaments on national, regional and local levels. It is home to East Peoria youth sports, East Peoria Community High School baseball, soccer, football and track and Robert Morris University football and baseball. The center offers baseball and

SportsPlanningGuide.com

softball fields, indoor and outdoor soccer and football fields and indoor and outdoor running tracks. EastSide Centre has hosted the Illinois High School Association State Softball Championships for more than a decade.

▶ Experience exciting interactive exhibits at the Peoria Riverfront Museum before checking out the planetarium and theater.

▶ Climb behind the wheel of Peoria FC United Soccer Complex

actual mining equipment at the

Soccer, lacrosse

Caterpillar Visitors Center.

Home to one of Central Illinois’ premier soccer clubs, Peoria FC United soccer complex attracts world-class athletics with its recently upgraded facility. As the only FIFA-endorsed turf in Peoria, the facility hosts tournaments such as the Mid-America Spring Invite and the Mid-America Shootout.

▶ Kartville features go-karting, naturally, but you’ll also find ATVs, bumper boats, mini golf, batting cages and more.

▶ Catch a Peoria Chiefs minor league baseball game at Dozer Park in downtown Peoria.

PEORIA AREA CVB

▶ The Spirit of Peoria paddle

Danielle Bensing, Convention and

wheeler offers sightseeing cruises,

Sports Sales Manager

private charters and overnight

309-282-3283

excursions to hotspots like

dbensing@peoria.org

Starved Rock State Park and the

www.peoria.org

St. Louis Riverfront.

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Champaign County, IL A FACILITY FOR EVERY SPORT AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL AGES SETS CHAMPAIGN COUNTY APART

State Farm Center

Willard Airport, six miles south of Champaign, features American Airlines flights daily to and from Chicago, Charlotte and Dallas/Ft. Worth. If traveling by car, I-74 connects Peoria and Bloomington from the west to Indianapolis in the east, while I-57 connects Champaign County through Chicago.

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Sports Planning Guide

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Activities & Recreation Center (ARC) at the University of Illinois Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming, Diving, Squash, Wrestling, Martial Arts The ARC is a 340,000-square-foot oncampus rec center with the capacity to host nearly any indoor sport with its versatile spaces. The space has four gymnasiums that can be converted into 12 basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, three squash courts or 12 racquetball courts. Teams can take advantage

of the extensive workout equipment and spaces along with its 35-foot climbing wall and onefifth mile indoor track. It houses both an indoor and outdoor pool, with diving wells perfect for competitions and a sauna and cafĂŠ great to enjoy afterward.

Dodds Park Softball, Soccer, Disc-Golf Located at Parkland College, Dodds Park has seven premier tournament quality softball fields, in a 3-plex and 4-plex structure. The site also has 11 top quality soccer fields that have @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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hosted the Illinois Futbol Club Spring and Fall Invites, as well as an 18-hole disc golf course.

Atkins Tennis Center & Khan Outdoor Complex Tennis Recognized in 1992 by the USTA as the country’s “Most Outstanding Tennis Facility”, Atkins Tennis Center & Khan Outdoor Complex has only gotten better since then. After an expansion in 2009, the complex boasts 20 outdoor and six indoor courts, with six courts containing individual scoreboards and spectator seating. The complex can hold up to 3,800 spectators and has indoor restrooms, a pro shop and a sound system.

State Farm Center Basketball, Wrestling, WWE, Gymnastics No stranger to large events, the State Farm Center has 15,500 permanent seats, with a max capacity of 16,500 spectators. Its flexible floor space means it’s just as ready to have a Broadway show or rock concert as it is a Fighting Illini basketball game. The arena has hosted the 2019 National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball tournaments, the

Illinois High School Individual Wrestling State Championships, and much more. The center recently renovated its backstage area so that any event can take full advantage of its expansive full-service kitchen, catering/dining services and locker rooms.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Pick your own apples at Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch and stick around for the corn maze and putt-putt golf.

▶ Hang out with 16 friendly animals Leonhard Center

at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch,

Basketball, Volleyball

where you can feast on Texas-

When scouting out the best facilities in Champaign County, don’t be quick to overlook Leonhard Center. The main gym has the ability to transform its normally two full-sized IHSA basketball courts into four volleyball regulationsized courts. An indoor walking track, weight room, cardio room and an indoor playground for kids to enjoy are also available throughout the facility. For the more environmentally aware, it might be interesting to know the center is geothermally powered.

style brisket and beans.

▶ Catch a film or have a bite in one of the locally owned restaurants throughout Downtown Champaign’s Entertainment District.

▶ The University of Illinois campus has something for everyone, depending on the season, but the cherry blossoms in bloom are a special treat.

VISIT CHAMPAIGN COUNTY

▶ Champaign-Urbana Adventures

Ryan Reid Director of Sports & Special Events

in Time and Space escape

217-351-4133

rooms build teamwork through

ryanr@visitchampaigncounty.org

challenging, film-inspired

Champaignplays.com

experiences.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE “I have always had great support from the staff at State Farm Center. Their attention to detail in preparation for and management of my events continues to be outstanding. The updates have enhanced the great atmosphere our event has enjoyed for years. We look forward to our annual return to State Farm Center as we know we will be supported at all levels including Visit Champaign County and the great staff at State Farm Center.”

Dodds Park

Atkins Tennis Center

SportsPlanningGuide.com

—Craig Anderson, Executive Director, Illinois High School Association, referring to IHSA Individual State Wrestling Championships

Activities & Recreation Center

Sports Planning Guide

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When athletes play among the legends that came before them.

BIG TEN

Championship Facilities

NATIONAL

Regional, and State Tournaments

DOZENS

of Sports Capable of Hosting

4,200

Area Hotel Rooms

Champaign County, home to the University of Illinois, a premier Big Ten Institution, offers state-of-the-art facilities capable of hosting any sport.

Schedule a site visit and receive a free Illini t-shirt!

800.369.6151 :: marketing@visitchampaigncounty.org

champaignplays.com

HUNDREDS

of Local Restaurants and Entertainment Options

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THE CHARMING, SCENIC TOWNS OF LAKE COUNTY OFFER ONLY STATEOF-THE-ART FACILITIES WITH PRISTINE COURTS AND IMMACULATE FIELD COMPLEXES

Libertyville Sports Complex

Lake County is easily accessible by car by hopping on I-94, which follows Lake Michigan to connect Chicago with Milwaukee. By air, Lake County is surrounded by three international and numerous regional airports.

O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport, both in Chicago, are under an hour’s drive away.

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Sports Planning Guide

Libertyville Sports Complex Soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, football, basketball, volleyball When it comes to premier sporting event facilities in Lake County, the Libertyville Sports Complex is no exception. The complex spans 160,000 square feet and includes a lighted softball field, an award-winning driving range and a fitness center in addition to its Indoor Event Center. This center houses eight multi-purpose courts, two turf fields, a 29-foot

climbing mountain and conference rooms capable of holding up to 120 people.

Greater Libertyville Soccer Association Soccer Soccer players and their devoted friends and family who travel to support them will be pleased with their time spent cheering their superstars on at Libertyville Township Soccer Complex. The outdoor complex’s 20 fields over 110 acres mean the location is equipped to host

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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sizable events without waiting for available field space. The complex also has a parking capacity of over 1,200, bleacher seating for 100 and onsite concessions.

drinks, chips, candy, nachos, hot dogs and grilled items for larger events as well as vending machines.

Gurnee.

Glacier Ice Arena in Vernon Hills

Indoor, multi-purpose

Hockey, figure skating, broomball

The impressive and modern Field House Sports and Fitness Center in Waukegan’s Hinkston Park is a great place to visit when planners are looking for a venue to host any type of event. Between its six hardwood courts, eight-lane lap pool and two-story fitness center, this 80,000-square-foot site has all the space and equipment necessary to make sure your sports tournament goes off without a hitch. Other exciting amenities include a three-story climbing wall, an indoor batting cage, a sauna and a both an outdoor and an indoor suspended walking/ jogging track.

Vernon Hills Athletic Complex Tennis, baseball, softball, football, soccer, lacrosse Vernon Hills Athletic Complex is an exceptional venue that can host a variety of sporting events. Able to accommodate a range of competitive outdoor sports, the complex’s 41 acres covers 27 different fields, including 11 diamonds, three tennis courts and a full stadium. No fan will go hungry here either, as this location has a concession stand serving

Six Flags Great America and its waterpark, Hurricane Harbor, in

Waukegan Fieldhouse

Stay cool while working up a sweat at Vernon Hill’s Glacier Ice Arena’s two NHL-sized ice rinks. Each rink features 350 heated seats so your supporters can cheer on their favorite team or skater in comfort. And for the players themselves, the facility is equipped with 12 locker rooms, study rooms, meeting rooms, a video game room and a snack bar for all to enjoy.

▶ Find plenty of chills and thrills at

▶ Gurnee Mills shopping mall has all the great factory and outlet stores you’re looking for at reasonable prices.

▶ Grab a bite to eat at any of the hundreds of family-friendly restaurants throughout Lake County.

▶ Explore more than 31,000 acres of outdoor fun and go swimming, boating, hiking, fishing or pack a picnic at the Lake County Forest Preserves.

▶ Pacify your aquatic thrills with a Teresa Lewis, Sports Event Specialist

tremendous indoor waterpark

847-662-2700

when you book at stay at Great

teresa@lakecounty.org

Wolf Lodge in Gurnee.

www.visitlakecounty.org

Waukegan Outdoor Sports Park

Waukegan Fieldhouse

Vernon Hills Athletic Complex

SportsPlanningGuide.com

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