Indiana State Guide to Sporting Events 2020

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2020

INDIANA GUIDE Indiana’s Incredible Outdoors are on Full Display, Both in Nature and Urban Areas

GREAT GAMES:

Olympic Hopefuls Aided

by Indiana’s Outstanding Facilities

SPG

A Premier Travel Media publication www.SportsPlanningGuide.com

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Site InSpections of Event-Ready Destinations

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Family Sports Capital of the World

Shannon Sullivan Sports Indiana

Sports Indiana is a statewide effort dedicated to maintaining and strengthening Indiana’s deep sports traditions. The Hoosier State has been referred to as the birthplace of contemporary sport tourism, home to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing and the Amateur Sports Capital of the World. We have hosted hundreds of successful youth, collegiate, Olympic national and international championships across the state, and it would be our honor to host your event in Indiana.

Indiana communities are committed to being the best sports destinations in the country. Our venues span the spectrum from historic to state-of-the-art, so we can find the perfect space to fit your needs. No matter where you go in Indiana, you’ll find consistent, top-notch service from our community members and partners. In addition to experienced professionals, we possess that one invaluable resource – dedicated volunteers who cater to the needs of every participant and fan.

Our state is centrally located, so traveling to Indiana is convenient and affordable. We are within a day’s drive for most of the country, and we have several regional and international airports for those who are farther or prefer to fly. Once you arrive in Indiana, you may be surprised to find the terrain varies greatly across the state, from the beaches along Lake Michigan in the north to the rolling hills in southern Indiana. You’ll discover vibrant cities and quaint towns, boasting plenty of attractions for you to enjoy once the event has concluded.

For more information on the wide variety of sports-friendly communities, please visit sportsindiana.org or contact me directly at 317-237-5025. We are eager to help you in the planning process and look forward to sharing our Hoosier Hospitality with you.

Sincerely,

Shannon Sullivan Sports Indiana

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@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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Olympic Dreams

Indiana’s Incredible Outdoors

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Evansville, IN South Shore, IN Grand Park, IN Terre Haute, IN South Bend, IN Indianapolis, IN Fort Wayne, IN Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN

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OLYMPIC DREAMS THE HOOSIER STATE HAS A PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS ON THE WORLD’S LARGEST STAGES

or 16 days in the summer of 2020, millions of people around the world will collectively fixate their gaze upon Tokyo, home of the 2020 Summer Olympics. Japan’s capital city will become the first in Asia to host the Games twice, while this edition will feature the introduction of several new Summer Olympic sports, including 3x3 basketball, freestyle BMX and Madison cycling. Karate, sport climbing, surfing and skateboarding will all make their Olympic debuts, while baseball and

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Sports Planning Guide

softball—removed from competition for the past two cycles—make triumphant returns.

Sports traditions, a history of excellence, world-class facilities, and talented athletes and coaches have helped cultivate the Olympic movement in Indiana. Whether serving as the training site for Olympic hopefuls or hosting Olympic NGB events, Sports Indiana communities and facilities have been vital to the success of Team USA. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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BLOOMINGTON

As the home of Indiana University, Bloomington is a breeding ground for top competition. The Counsilman Billingley Aquatic Center is the training site for the school’s fantastic swimming and diving programs and has seen athletes like Zach Apple, Michael Brinegar, Lilly King, Vini Lanza, Annie Lazor, Cody Miller, Blake Pieroni, Andrew Capobianco, Amy Cozad Magana, Jessica Parratto and Michael Hixon come through its doors. Diver Ian Finnerty is a Bloomington native.

The Robert C. Haugh Track & Field Complex hosted the 2018 USATF Junior Outdoor Championships and has trained 1,500-meter runner Andy Beyer and reigning Olympic high jump champion Derek Drouin.

EVANSVILLE

Perhaps no woman has been as dominant a swimmer this century than Evansville native and IU product Lilly King, and she’s still just 22 years old.

King could be the first woman to win back-to-back Olympic golds in the 100-meter breaststroke if everything goes her way in Tokyo, and followed up her impressive feats in 2016 by winning four gold medals with four world records at the 2017 World Championships.

Evansville is also home to the Burdette Park BMX, which hosted the 2019 USA BMX North Central Gold Cup Championship. As one of the toprated and fastest BMX tracks in the nation, Burdette Park BMX hosts local racing from April to October, as well as top quality regional and national races.

FORT WAYNE

The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee is one of just four National Olympic Committees in the world that also serves as the National Paralympic Committee for their country.

Fort Wayne leads the way in Indiana, as well as the region, as a hub for adaptive sports. The Turnstone Center for Children & Adults with Disabilities is the home to both the USA Goalball Men’s and Women’s teams. The facility was the home site for the 2018 Adaptive Sports USA Junior Nationals, as well as the 2019 IBSA Goalball & Judo International Qualifier.

HAMILTON COUNTY

Hamilton County is a hotbed for sports action, with tremendous facilities and terrific athletes. Carmel native and 2018 National High School Swimmer of the Year Drew Kibler finished third in the 200-yard freestyle at the 2019 NCAA Division I Championships while competing for the University of Texas.

Carmel native Amy Bilquist was part of three NCAA-winning relay teams 2019 while competing for the University of California, Berkeley.

Soccer player Cam Lindley plays for Orlando City and has represented the U.S. internationally at various youth levels.

Hamilton County is also the home of the Grand Park Sports Campus, which is a prime tournament destination in the Midwest, as well as one of the country’s finest multipurpose facilities. Grand Park hosted the 2018 U.S. National Target Championships.

INDIANAPOLIS

As the home to USA Gymnastics, USA Track and Field, and USA Diving, Indianapolis is naturally home to some top-notch facilities.

The city will host the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials-Diving at the SportsPlanningGuide.com

Indiana University Natatorium, which has also hosted the 2019 USA Diving Senior Nationals, the 2019 USA Swimming Speedo Sectionals and will host the 2020 TYR Pro Swim Series. The Indiana Convention Center hosted both the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships and the 2019 USA Gymnastics Women’s Junior Olympic National Championships in 2019.

The Major Taylor Velodrome, named for the eponymous 1899 cycling champion, is home to the Marian University cycling team, while Olympic hopefuls like Chloe Dygert Owen and Coryn Rivera, who has won 72 national titles and rides professionally for Team Sunweb.

Indianapolis additionally is the hometown of some of the state’s premier athletes, including 11-year NBA pro Eric Gordon, NCAA 1-meter diving champion Sarah Bacon and pommel horse specialist and 2014 Youth Olympics bronze medalist Alec Yoder.

LAFAYETTE

As the home of Purdue University athletics, Lafayette is home to the Morgan J. Burke Aquatic Center, which has—through the years—trained the likes of Kaersten Meitz, who won two gold medals at the World University Games, while her time of 4:05.80 in the 400-meter freestyle ranked third in the U.S. in 2019. Four-time Olympic diving medalist David Boudia won an Olympic silver medal with Steele Johnson in 2016 in 10-meter synchro. Diver Brandon Loschiavo placed eighth at Worlds in 2019.

The Rankin Track & Field Complex is home to Purdue’s track and field programs and has trained the likes of Chuk Enekwechi, a gold medalist at the African Championships, as well as Kara Winger, the American record holder in the javelin throw, and Waseem Williams, whose 10.01 100-meter dash time in 2019 is the fastest in Big Ten history.

Holloway Gymnasium is home to Purdue volleyball and has nurtured the game of Annie Drews, who plays opposite for the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team, as well as professionally in Italy. Mackey Arena comes to life for Purdue basketball games and once housed Valparaiso-born Robbie Hummel, who played parts of two seasons in the NBA and has become a top 3x3 player for USA Basketball.

SOUTH BEND-MISHAWAKA

Home to the University of Notre Dame, South Bend has a plethora of fine facilities, including the Loftus Sports Center and Notre Dame Track & Field Stadium, which features a Mondotrack and a turf field. Notre Dame grad Molly Huddle is an Indiana track legend, winning 28 national titles on the track and road.

The Castellan Family Fencing Center is home to Fighting Irish fencing and trained standout Courtney Hurley, who took home a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympic Summer Games as part of the first U.S. Women’s Épée team to ever medal. Fellow Fighting Irish grad and foil fencer Lee Kiefer won nine straight gold medals at the Pan American Games from 2010 through 2018. American sabre fencer Mariel Zagunis is a five-time world champion.

The university’s Compton Family Ice Arena is a fantastic venue for any event that needs to be played on skates, as well as for curling. The arena was the home site for the 2017 USA Curling Arena National Championship, as well as the 2019 USA Hockey 14U Tier II National Championship.

Mishawaka native Bethany Galat won silver medals at the 2017 and 2018 World Championships in the 200 meter breaststroke, as well as the 2019 Pan American Games. SPG Sports Planning Guide

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INDIANA’S INCREDIBLE OUTDOORS Awash in natural beauty, the Hoosier State is a marvel from coast to ridge s one of eight states to make up the Great Lakes Region, Indiana is a multifaceted state which benefits from unique topography in every region. As Lake Michigan’s southern border, northwest Indiana features various ridges and sand dunes, some reaching almost 200 feet in height. Southern Indiana is characterized by valleys and rugged terrain, where bedrock is exposed at the surface level, yielding caves, caverns and quarries. The Central Lowlands and Interior Low Plateaus feature prominently across the Hoosier State as well, where till plains make up most of the northern and central regions.

Whether you’re looking for a hike, bike, swim, leisurely nature walk or the perfect photo, Indiana is the place to go for those who love outdoor adventures, including those with an urban flair. Here are some locales across the state that will make great backdrops and excursions to your tournaments.

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BROWN COUNTY STATE PARK Located around 20 miles due east of Bloomington, the largest state park in the state features an exceptional array of colors in the fall.

Nicknamed the “Little Smokies” with a resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains, nearly 20 miles of tree-lined roads and scenic vistas overlook miles of uninterrupted forest in the park. With 16,000 acres of rugged terrain, hiking and mountain biking trails, a saddle barn for guided horse rides, and a summer pool there’s adventure around every turn.

CATARACT FALLS Collectively and by volume, Cataract Falls is the largest waterfall in the Hoosier State. Located just 35 miles from Terre Haute, visitors will find two sets of cascading waterfalls which drop 86 feet down upon Mill 6

Sports Planning Guide

Creek, yielding great views of the falls from above and below. Further exploration of the area will reveal a covered bridge and the ruins of an old mill near the upper Falls. While Cataract Falls make for a perfect picnic destination in the summer, adventuring in the winter is worth it, too, where visitors can walk a path underneath the frozen falls to get an up close experience.

INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE Located in Porter County and fewer than five miles north of Portage, the country’s 61st national park draws millions of visitors each year to the South Shore of Lake Michigan. World class beaches along 15 miles of coastline and 70 miles of hiking trails across the Dunes are the main calling cards here, though bird watchers, paddlers and fishers will have plenty of fun as well. Since the dunes wind through marshland and forest as well there’s something to look out for everywhere. Walkers and runners can challenge themselves with The 3 Dune Challenge, a 1.5 mile challenge trail with 552 vertical feet to climb where the rewards are the breathtaking views of an epic landscape.

OHIO RIVER GREENWAY Following the banks of the Ohio River and giving safe, green recreational rive access to the historic riverside towns of Jeffersonville, Clarksville and New Albany, the Greenway gives excellent views of the nearby Louisville skyline, as well as of the riverfront. When completed, this 12.5-mile pathway will be open for walkers, joggers and bike riders, while users can picnic along any of the established Greenway project green spaces, trials and paved pathways.

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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Indiana Dunes State Park

Promenade Park

POTATO CREEK STATE PARK Located just southwest of South Bend, Potato Creek offers a number of outdoor initiatives, perfect for every season. From camping along the beach to ice fishing in the winter on the 327-acre Worster Lake, there’s plenty to explore across this park’s mature woodlands, restored prairies and diverse wetlands. Home to protected wildlife, the National Audobon Society and Birdlife International have designated the park an Important Bird Area.

PROMENADE PARK Promenade Park connects Fort Wayne’s three rivers to its thriving urban core in the heart of downtown. This innovative riverfront park features 4.2 acres of experiential elements, including a treetop canopy trail, interactive water feature, accessible playground, dining and beer gardens, and more. As the Midwest’s newest attraction, Promenade Park is a major destination for recreation, arts, and culture.

PROPHETSTOWN STATE PARK Commemorating the Native American village founded by the famous Shawnee warrior Tecumseh, Indiana’s newest state park covers a diverse mix of landscapes including wildflower prairies, wetlands and forests. The best way to experience this natural wonder is on four distinct hiking trails, which offer views of the Wabash River and preserved prairies. Visitors can enjoy living history exhibits such as a replicated Shawnee village and 1920s homestead that offers cooking and canning classes. The park’s aquatic center features a tube slide, lazy river and zero-depth pool, while the visitors center houses interactive exhibits and scheduled animal encounters.

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STRAWTOWN KOTEEWI PARK Located northeast of Indianapolis and Grand Park, Strawtown Koteewi Park is the largest and most scenic park throughout Hamilton County. Stretching along three miles of the White River, the park exhibits a rich biodiversity throughout its woodlands, wetlands and prairie.

Canoeing, boating, fishing, nature trails for hiking or cycling, equestrian trails, an archery center and more can be found throughout the park, which encompasses more than 800 acres.

TURKEY RUN STATE PARK Indulge in Indiana’s natural beauty with a visit to Turkey Run State Park, located about 35 miles north of Terre Haute. Hiking and bridle trails are abundant through a landscape defined by deep canyons resting in the shadows of sandstone cliffs. Walking through the park’s ravines offer a walk through time, where sandstone gorges date back 300 to 600 million years. Turkey Run also houses many historic sites, including Lieber Cabin, Log Church, the Lusk Home and Narrows Covered Bridge. SPG Sports Planning Guide

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Evansville, IN EVANSVILLE IS TEEMING WITH FASCINATING SPORTS HISTORY, STATEOF-THE-ART FACILITIES AND ENDLESS EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES FOR PLAYERS, FAMILIES AND SPECTATORS

Deaconess Sports Park

As a hub for Midwestern travel, Evansville is most commonly reached by U.S. Highway 41 and Interstate 164. The nearest major airport to Evansville is Evansville Regional Airport (EVV), located five miles from the city center and featuring various domestic flights. The nearest international airport is Louisville International Airport (SDF), situated just two hours northeast of Evansville.

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Sports Planning Guide

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Deaconess Sports Park Baseball, softball Deaconess Sports Park is an eight-field complex ideal for girls, women’s and men’s fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball, adult and co-ed softball league play and boys baseball for 12 and under tournaments. These stateof-the-art fields feature Musco Lighting, batting cages, shaded spectator seating, brick-covered dugouts, bullpens, team warmup areas and a Wi-Fi tower for livestreaming games. Further amenities at the fields include

wireless scoreboards, full-service concession stands, tournament director offices and an umpires locker room. For family members and spectators, the park offers a nine-foot wide, mile-long walking path, two playgrounds, a spray park, amphitheater and a large common area.

Goebel Soccer Complex Field hockey, lacrosse, soccer A multipurpose sports facility designed to serve local and regional tournaments and the community at large, Goebel Soccer Complex @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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recently underwent a $2.3 million face-lift. The complex extends 70 acres with 10 different playing fields, including two fescue fields, seven Olympic-size irrigated Bermuda grass fields and one Olympic-size AstroPlay synthetic turf, six of which are lighted. Amenities at this top-notch sports facility include concessions, a training room, on-site restrooms, a visitor’s center, office and ATM machine. Goebel Soccer Complex has hosted the Veterans Invitational Tournament and hosts several other soccer and lacrosse events throughout the year.

Ford Center Arena Basketball, hockey, figure skating As the region’s center for sports and entertainment, Ford Center Arena is a stunning 290,000-square-foot multipurpose facility with the capacity to seat 11,000 spectators.

With 20,000 square feet of usable space, the arena can be modified for basketball, hockey, concerts, conventions, rodeos, expos and any other event imaginable. Home of the NCAA Division I University of Evansville Aces men’s basketball team and the SPHL Evansville

Goebel Soccer Complex

Thunderbolts hockey team, Ford Center Arena has all the necessary amenities a sports facility needs, including wheelchair accessible seating, men’s, women’s and family restrooms, elevators, concessions, assisted listening devices, drinking fountains, first-aid assistance and several nearby hotels.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the USS Landing Ship Tank 325 is a fully operational amphibious vessel designed to land battle-ready tanks, troops and supplies directly onto enemy shores. The ship

George Mason Burdette Park BMX Track BMX Established in 1977, George Mason Burdette Park BMX Track is located on the west side of Evansville and has undergone several changes since its early days. The park was the site of the 2019 USA BMX Gold Cup Finals- North Central and is consistently ranked as one of the best and fastest BMX tracks in the nation. It has also hosted several Indiana State level races. as well as regional and national events.

offers hour-long guided tours for groups and sports teams.

▶ At Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden, players, families and spectators can explore this 45acre zoo situated on rolling hills and featuring over 700 animals from around the globe. Visitors can gaze upon thousands of exotic and regional botanic species as well as animals.

▶ Endless educational experiences

EVANSVILLE CVB Brooke Harmening, Sports &

are waiting for your next visit at

Convention Sales

the Evansville Arts, History and

812-421-2200

Science Museum, the Children’s

bharmening@evansvillecvb.org

Museum of Evansville and

www.visitevansville.com

Evansville Wartime Museum.

Ford Center Arena

George Mason Burdette Park BMX Track

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South Shore, IN LAKE MICHIGAN’S SOUTHERN EDGE IS IDEALLY POSITIONED TO HOST YOUR NEXT TOURNAMENT

Lake Central High School Aquatics Center

Hammond Sportsplex

Crown Point Sportsplex

With Chicago just a short drive away, it’s not hard to access the South Shore by car or plane.

By car, Interstate 65, Interstate 80/94, Interstate 90, US 41 and US 30 run through the South Shore region. By air, Chicago’s Midway International Airport and O’Hare International Airport are each about an hour from the South Shore.

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Sports Planning Guide

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Crown Point Sportsplex Baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball Crown Point Sportsplex is one of the premier destinations for tournament planners in the area. Ten baseball and softball fields including three with 300 foot fences are ready to play on, while all 10 fields feature lighting and scoreboards with stadiumstyle entry. The complex’s championship field features stadium seating for 750 spectators, a press box, PA systems and an

observation deck. All the baseball and softball fields include adjustable bases and pitchers’ mounds. Additionally, the complex features two synthetic turf multipurpose fields as well as two fully equipped support buildings that include restrooms, concessions and storage.

The facility is a mainstay for Game Day Baseball and hosted the Game Day Baseball Nationals from July 4-7 in 2019. Among other facilities, the Sportsplex will host teams in the National Softball Association “B” World Series from July 22-26 in 2020.

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Beat the summer heat at Deep River Waterpark in Crown Point.

Hammond Sportsplex

Valparaiso University-The ARC

The park features speed, tube and

Basketball, dodgeball, soccer, volleyball

Basketball, billiards, handball, racquetball, running, soccer, swimming, table tennis, tennis

body slides, river rides, play zones

As the area’s newest sports facility, the Hammond Sportsplex opened in the fall of 2018. The 135,000-square-foot complex features 12 volleyball courts, six basketball courts, two regulation-size indoor soccer fields and six batting cages. Concessions, restrooms and an upper level quarter-mile long track are available to the public. Shortly after opening the facility hosted a weekendlong basketball showcase for junior colleges.

The Athletics-Recreation Center on campus at Valparaiso University combines facilities across more than 142,000 square feet of space.

A 5,100-seat arena serves as home court for the university’s basketball and volleyball teams. In March of 2019, the center hosted the Lutheran Basketball National Championships, which has been hosted at Valparaiso University for nearly five decades.

for smaller children, a wave pool and more.

▶ Satisfy your sweet tooth at Albanese Candy in Merrillville where you’ll find World’s Best Gummies and candies.

▶ Visit the Mascot Hall of Fame.

Here, iconic mascot performers, performances and programs are enshrined for educational

Lake Central HS Aquatics Center Swimming and diving This 740,000-gallon pool is one of the only 50-meter Olympic-sized pools within a 100 mile radius. The complex is a haven for swimmers in the area and was the site of the Illinois YMCA State Swim Championships, held in March of 2019.

purposes.

SOUTH SHORE CVA

▶ Explore 15,000 acres and 50 miles

John Lynk, Manager of Sports

of wooded hiking trails, beaches,

Development

rugged sand dunes, mysterious

219-554-2726

wetlands, open field prairies and

jlynk@southshorecva.com

winding rivers at Indiana Dunes

www.southshoresports.org

National Park.

LET OUR TEAM WORK FOR YOU

John Lynk Sports Development Manager 219.554.2726 866.930.laKe Jlynk@Southshorecva.com Southshoresports.org

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Sports Planning Guide

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Westfield, In LOCATED JUST 30 MILES NORTH OF INDIANAPOLIS, GRAND PARK SPORTS CAMPUS IN WESTFIELD, INDIANA IS A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR SPORTS PLANNERS SEEKING WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES

Grand Park’s Field Sports Facilities

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE “We recently completed the 2018 U.S. Youth Soccer Midwest Regional Championships at Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana, and had an outstanding experience. For years, I’ve been telling people that Grand Park has the absolute best soccer park in the country. Sure, there are other parks that have high-quality fields and there are other parks that have a lot of fields, but Grand Park combines both quantity with quality in one pristine property.”

— Jonathan Meersman, Chair, U.S. Youth Midwest Regional Championship

Grand Park Events Center

State route 31 connects Grand Park to I-465 from the south, while state routes 38 and 32 will get you there as well. If you’re flying in, Indianapolis International Airport is around a 40 minute drive from the southwest and offers flights through American Airlines, Delta, Southwest and United, among others.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers indoor and outdoor experiences as well as live shows.

▶ Two levels of interactive exhibits adorn the NCAA Hall of Champions.

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Sports Planning Guide

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Grand Park’s Field Sports Facilities Soccer, lacrosse, football, rugby, ultimate disc Grand Park’s Field Sports Facilities serves as home for Indianapolis Colts Training Camp.

It features 24 Kentucky Bluegrass fields and seven synthetic fields with eight lighted fields, including one championship field, all of which are outdoors. These 31 multipurpose full-size fields are surrounded by seven concession stands, each equipped with a second level that contains a 360-degree view of the fields. This area is also used for bookkeeping, meetings and scouting.

Serving as the centerpiece for the 400-acre Grand Park Sports Campus, the Grand Park Events Center is a 377,000 square-foot facility that features three full-size professional turf fields, four locker rooms, full-service restaurant and bar, as well as office space.

This space offers indoor refuge for field sports and space for meetings and events.

Grand Park’s Diamond Sports Facilities Baseball, softball The Diamond Sports Facilities feature 26 baseball/softball diamonds, including 18 with synthetic infields and grass outfields, four fullsize synthetic diamonds and four junior-size synthetic diamonds. Eight of these diamonds have dimensions that are 330 feet down the lines and 400 feet to center. Seven other fields have dimensions that are 320 feet down the lines and 390 feet to center.

Six of these diamonds offer skinned infields and portable mounds, which can be used at various fields.

GRAND PARK SPORTS CAMPUS TJ Land, Business Development Manager 317-804-3010 tjland@grandpark.org www.grandpark.org @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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In the heart of the Midwest, Terre Haute

PLAN YOUR NEXT EVENT FOR: Baseball •

is conveniently located within driving

Basketball • Competive Biking • Cross-Country •

distance of seven major cities in Indiana

Racing • Soccer • Softball • Swimming •

and surrounding states — we are the

Track & Field • And Much More

place to be when it comes to sports event planning. World-class facilities and a great community offer participants and visitors a competitive and friendly atmosphere. Come see for yourself!

5353 Margaret Drive, Terre Haute, Indiana • www.terrehaute.com • 800-366-3043

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Terre Haute, In ELEVATE YOUR EVENT TO THE NEXT LEVEL IN TERRE HAUTE

LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course

Near the Illinois-Indiana border, Terre Haute is conveniently located off Interstate 70, with access via U.S. Highways 40 and 41 as well. The largest commercial airport nearby is Indianapolis International Airport.

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Sports Planning Guide

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course Cross-country Indiana State University hosts its home meets at LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course for a good reason. The course has an external 3 kilometer loop — which, coupled with four inner rings of various lengths — allows for a variety of events. LaVern Gibson has played host to high school meets and national championships. In late 2019 it hosted the 13th NXR Nike Cross Regionals, the

16th IHSAA State Championship Finals and the 13th NCAA Division I National Championships.

It has accommodations to maximize spectator views as well as concessions, a press box and restrooms. This natural grass course is ready for whatever you can throw at it.

Gibson Track (Indiana State University) Track & field Gibson Track on the campus of Indiana State University is equipped with everything it needs to handle any NCAA track and field event. The @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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POPULAR ACTIVITIES complex holds a 400-meter track, nine fourfoot lanes, two 110-meter straightaways, two high-jump zones, four vaulting runway spots along with numerous throwing areas. It has a three-story-tall press box facility for maximum coverage, coupled with a Daktronics video board, while bigger events warrant the addition of multiple video boards. Built in 2015, this facility’s fresh, professional look lends itself to any event.

Springhill Soccer Complex Swimming, diving With 45 soccer fields available, the possibilities are endless at Springhill Soccer Complex. The fields range for ages 4-13, while the complex is where the Vigo County Youth Soccer Association holds games and practices.

The complex has previously held the Midwest Soccer Classic, a true testament to its potential.

and with all they have to offer it’s hard to argue they aren’t succeeding. This 300-acre park has more than 20 miles of trails catered to all skill levels. The park has 10 national-level racing and competition venues and is open to the public when it’s not being used for competitive purposes.

▶ Beautiful scenery is the standard when hiking or picnicking around the lake at Fowler Park.

▶ Deming Park is home to basketball and tennis courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, a public pool and a playground, making it a key

Terre Haute Quarter Midgets Track Quarter Midget Racing Unique sports require unique locations, and Terre Haute’s brand new Quarter Midgets Track is certainly one. The 30-acre racing track is located right off I-70 and was built in 2017 to replace an older track nearby. The 1/20-mile track comes with concessions, meeting rooms and video monitors.

summer destination.

▶ Learn about Terre Haute’s historic claim to fame as the home of the Coca-Cola Bottle and search for all of the Terre Haute Coke Bottles around town when you explore the famous bottle design’s origins.

▶ Find everything from antiques to jewelry to modern décor across 22,000 square feet of space at

TERRE HAUTE CVB

Glendy’s Antique Mall.

Griffin Bike Park

David Patterson, Executive Director

Biking, triathlon

812-234-5555

Part of the Griffin Bike Park’s mission is to “Provide a venue for world-class races, competitions and special events programming,”

david@terrehaute.com

Terre Haute, the Terre Haute

www.terrehaute.com

Children’s Museum helps kids stay

▶ Centrally located in downtown active with exhibits like “Fit Gym”.

Griffin Bike Park

Terre Haute Quarter Midgets Track

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Springhill Soccer Complex

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South Bend, IN THIS MIDWESTERN SPORTS HUB IS WHAT TOURNAMENT PLANNERS CRAVE: EXCEPTIONAL FACILITIES, TOP-NOTCH AMENITIES AND LOTS TO DO BETWEEN GAMES

Compton Family Ice Arena

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE “The South Bend Mishawaka area has been a vital location to the success of our events for a number of years now. The facilities, hotels and surrounding atmosphere in the area have attracted teams from around the country to the tournaments we host locally.

South Bend Mishawaka is one of the top two or three locations we focus on nationally!”

— Tony Prpic Hockey Time Productions

Byers Softball Complex

South Bend’s central location means it’s conveniently accessed by all reaches of the country. Teams coming from the east or west can utilize U.S. Route 20 or Interstate I-80/I-90.The recently expanded South Bend International Airport provides travel to and from the area with flights through Allegiant, American, Delta and United Airlines.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Get your feet wet at the East Race

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Compton Family Ice Arena Hockey, figure skating, ice skating Opened in 2011, Compton Family Ice Arena is the home of the University of Notre Dame hockey team. The team regularly attracts more than 5,000 fans and provides a wide range of activities including sled hockey, figure skating and public skating. The arena also boasts a four-sided, center-hung scoreboard, 36-seat press area, eight public restrooms, four concession stands and a merchandise shop. This top-of-the-line venue hosted the 2019 USA Hockey Tier II 14U National Championship in April of 2019.

Waterway, where visitors can go

Byers Softball Complex

rafting or kayaking on the first

Baseball, softball

artificial white-water course in

Byers Softball Complex features electronic scoreboards, a PA system, team dugouts, bleacher seating and a full-service concession stand. The complex has hosted the U.S. Women’s Olympic softball team and multiple USA Softball Association national championships; it has

North America.

▶ Satisfy your sweet tooth with a tour of the South Bend Chocolate Factory and Museum.

16

Sports Planning Guide

also been awarded the James Farrell Award of Excellence a staggering 15 times.

Jr. Irish Soccer Complex Soccer, lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee This sprawling complex is a favorite amongst soccer event planners. Located on Nimtz Parkway near the South Bend International Airport, the Jr. Irish Soccer Complex contains 12 full-size soccer fields. While this venue is home to the Jr. Irish Soccer Club, it also hosts the famous Memorial Day Invitational and more than 250 games every year. With ample parking, this facility is exactly what tourney directors desire.

VISIT SOUTH BEND MISHAWAKA Nick Kleva, Sports Market Development Manager 574-400-4021 nkleva@visitsouthbend.com www.visitsouthbend.com @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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Indianapolis, IN A MAJOR HUB FOR U.S. PROFESSIONAL SPORTS, THIS MIDWESTERN CITY WELCOMES ATHLETES WITH A WEALTH OF INCREDIBLE VENUE OPTIONS

Lucas Oil Stadium

IU Natatorium

Serviced on all sides via major interstates in I-65, I-69, I-70 and I-74, Indianapolis is readily accessible by car. If you’re flying into town, Indianapolis International Airport offers domestic and international flights and is located 15 minutes away from the downtown.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Leisurely stroll along the waterway, rent your own boat or take a gondola along the Canal Walk.

▶ Take in the skyline views and enjoy a game at White River State Park.

▶ Don’t miss the new Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center at the Indianapolis Zoo.

SportsPlanningGuide.com

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Lucas Oil Stadium Football, soccer, basketball Recognized on a national scale as the host of Super Bowl XLVI and home to both the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts and the USL’s Indy Eleven, this is a venue with a reputation for quality at the highest level. Situated in the heart of downtown and with incredible city views, this state-of-the-art facility offers seating for around 70,000, including 139 executive suites for added luxury, and seven locker rooms.

Bankers Life Fieldhouse

IU Natatorium Swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming For nearly 40 years the IU Natatorium has been an important part of the swimming and diving community at the local and regional levels. The center has been a host venue for major events like the NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships, NCAA Water Polo Championship, U.S. Olympic Team Trials for diving, USA Swimming Olympic Trials, USA Swimming Arena Pro Series and the High School Swimming State Championships in the past.

Basketball, gymnastics, ice hockey, wrestling This arena is home to the NBA’s Indiana Pacers and the WNBA’s Indiana Fever. It’s also played host to major events such as the Big Ten Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments, the NCAA Women’s Final Four and the USA Gymnastics P&G Championships, so sports planners know it has a reputation you can count on.

INDIANA SPORTS CORP Melissa Thompson, Chief Community Officer 317-237-5093 MThompson@IndianaSportsCorp.org

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Fort Wayne, IN IN THE HEART OF THE MIDWEST, FORT WAYNE OFFERS COUNTLESS STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES SURROUNDED BY ACTIVITIES FOR ALL

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE “We host events all over the nation and Fort Wayne is our favorite by far! Fort Wayne’s welcoming community and outstanding facilities are second to none.”

— Todd Hensley, Gym Rats

Allen County War Memorial Coliseum

SportONE Parkview Icehouse

Turnstone Plassman Athletic Center

Located eight miles southwest of downtown, Fort Wayne International Airport serves travelers via Allegient Air, American Eagle, Delta and United Express. For those traveling by car, Fort Wayne is located within a two-day drive from more than half the continental United States, with easy access to I-80/I-90 to the north and I-75 to the east.

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Sports Planning Guide

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Turnstone Plassman Athletic Center Wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, power soccer, adaptive golf, sled hockey, goalball, quad rugby, boccia Offering both recreational and competitive opportunities, the Turnstone Plassman Athletic Center stands as the fourth largest Paralympic Sports Club in the nation. As a leading adaptive sports facility for children and adults with disabilities, they’ve hosted the Adaptive Sports USA 2018 Junior Nationals and the International Blind Sports Federation 2019 Goalball and Judo

International Qualifier. The facility features a 75,000-square-foot fieldhouse, a 230 meter track, four collegiate basketball courts and a 9,100-square-foot warm pool. Additionally, the facility provides 13,000 square feet for storage, personal training, therapy facilities and exercise classes.

Allen County War Memorial Coliseum Basketball, hockey, wrestling, volleyball With the capability to hold 11,000 spectators for basketball games and 10,480 for hockey, @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

SPORT_244-245.qxp_Layout 1 10/26/19 2:23 PM Page 245

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Experience rides, animals and unique hands-on experiences at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo,

this massive arena has hosted the 1955 and 1956 NBA Finals and the 2010 NCAA Men’s DI Ice Hockey Tournament for the Midwest Region. Initially authorized in 1946 to be constructed into a memorial for the nation’s war veterans, the arena now serves the Fort Wayne Komets, Fort Wayne Mad Ants and Fort Wayne Derby Girls. Upcoming tournaments include the 2020 NCAA DI Women’s Basketball Regionals as well as the 2021 and 2022 NCAA DIII Men’s Basketball Championship.

SportONE Parkview Icehouse

Komets of the EHCL. The Icehouse has hosted many large tournaments, including the 2019 Midwestern Sectional Figure Skating Championships.

▶ Watch the TinCaps battle it out on the diamond at Parkview Field, then run the bases after the game

SportONE Parkview Fieldhouse

concludes.

Basketball, volleyball, futsal, pickleball This 80,000-square-foot multipurpose facility is a premier destination for indoor competitions, with its 10 hardwood volleyball courts which can transition into eight high school regulation basketball courts. It also features the Parkview OrthoExpress Walk-In Clinic.

Hockey, sled hockey, ice skating, curling, roller hockey With three NHL-sized ice surfaces, SportONE Parkview Icehouse is the only three-sheet facility in Indiana. Parkview has partnerships with Fort Wayne Amateur Hockey Association, Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club, and the Indiana Tech Hockey teams. It is also the practice facility for the Fort Wayne

one of the top zoos in the nation.

▶ Check out more than 200 exhibits at Science Central.

▶ Submerge into an oasis of natural wonders at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, where you can traverse luscious gardens before finding a cascading waterfall.

VISIT FORT WAYNE

▶ Travel back to the 19th century

Stephanie Coleman, Sales

with a visit to the Fort Wayne

Manager, Sports

Museum of Art. Analyze cross-

260-424-3700

cultural connections between

stephanie@visitfortwayne.com

artists from diverse ethnic and

Visitfortwayne.com/sports-events

national backgrounds.

More Wins.

Big Grins.

Score Big in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

You’ll score more wins and grins from your players and parents when you plan your next tournament in Fort Wayne – Indiana’s second largest city.

With a wide selection of premier sports venues, first-rate hotels, family-friendly entertainment and restaurants, Fort Wayne can host tournaments of all sizes and skill levels.

SportsPlanningGuide.com

Learn MORE about how we can make your next event a big win! Contact Stephanie Coleman at Stephanie@VisitFort Wayne.com to get started. ®

VisitFortWayne.com 1-800-767-7752

Sports Planning Guide

19

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Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN WITH ITS WORLD-CLASS GOLF COURSES AND OTHER SPORTING FACILITIES, LAFAYETTE-WEST LAFAYETTE PUTS ITS COMPETITION TO SHAME

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE “We hosted our National Collegiate Club Golf Association’s Championship at the Birck Boilermaker Complex. With over 300 golfers traveling from across the country to West Lafayette, the Kampen and Ackerman courses couldn’t have been in better shape for a great challenge. This was the second time the championship was hosted here and we will be sure to come back in the future.”

Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex

— Matt Weinberger-Director, Nextgengolf Operations

Mike Aulby’s Arrowhead Bowl

Legacy Sports Club

Indianapolis International Airport is an hour away from LafayetteWest Lafayette, where you can rent a car or take a shuttle through Lafayette Limo and Reindeer Shuttle. When driving, I-65 runs through Lafayette-West Lafayette on the way south from Chicago to Indianapolis.

20

Sports Planning Guide

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex Golf Nowhere else can visitors enjoy the Purdue golf experience outside of the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex.

The complex features two 18-hole championship golf courses as well as a state-of-the-art training facility and driving range. The two courses, Ackerman-Allen and Kampen, each offer their own benefits and experience. Kampen has been rated one of the top collegiate courses in

the nation and awarded 4.5 stars on Golf Digest’s “Places to Play”. The complex most recently hosted the National Collegiate Club Golf Association 2018 National Championship, and has also held the 2008 NCAA Men’s Championship and the 2003 NCAA Women’s Championship.

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

SPORT_246-247.qxp_Layout 1 11/13/19 11:06 AM Page 247

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Visit any of the three districts in Downtown Lafayette-

Mike Aulby’s Arrowhead Bowl Bowling Bowling is truly America’s pastime, and no place knows that better than Mike Aulby’s Arrowhead Bowl. Family-owned since it opened in 1989, this bowling center isn’t some smalltown hole in the wall; it offers 36 lanes of play and is more than ready to host competitive tournaments, like the Indiana State USBC Open Tournament in 2019. Billiards, an arcade and snack and sports bars make certain there’s something for all ages.

Coyote Crossing Golf Course Golf The award-winning Coyote Crossing Golf Course is a serious choice for any tournament consideration. The course features everything one might expect: a driving range, short game area and putting green, as well as a restaurant, scenic clubhouse, grill room and veranda with a full bar for a full day experience. The stunning Hale Irwin design course features unique

topography that helps it challenge golfers of every skill level.

West Lafayette, where a slew of restaurants, shops and entertainment options await.

Legacy Sports Club Flag football, adult & youth softball, lacrosse, adult football, soccer, rugby, quidditch A true jack-of-all-trades, Legacy Sports Club is ready for any sport thrown, kicked or hit its way.

The facility is home to the F.C. Indiana Men’s and Women’s teams, regional teams in the National Premier Soccer League, as well as their academy teams. The two-building complex has hosted 12 United States Fastpitch Association tournaments at its location.

▶ The arts and culture scene around Lafayette and West Lafayette offers some of the best art galleries around the Midwest.

▶ Columbian Park has an innovative playground for kids, amusement rides, a zoo, aquatic center and more.

▶ Visit The Farm at Prophetstown to learn about sustainable practices, homesteading and

VISIT LAFAYETTE-WEST LAFAYETTE Emily Weisenberger, Sports Marketing Manager

farm-to-table cooking.

▶ Experience the vision of one of

765-447-9999

America’s most famous architects

eweisenberger@homeofpurdue.com

when you visit the Frank Lloyd

www.homeofpurdue.com

Wright designed SAMARA house.

A great place to play!

Located between Indianapolis and Chicago, we are the perfect home for your next spor ng event. Visit Lafaye e-West Lafaye e o ers free spor ng event planning services to ensure your event is a success. Our goal is to make you a winner!

SportsPlanningGuide.com

Sports Planning Guide

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JON SCHMIEDER

Sports Industry Trends for 2020 I

t is that time of year to chime in on the

teams/athletes participating. There are several

true with golf courses and aquatics facilities

top trends we are seeing out in the sports

new sports that will be contested next year in

that are owned by municipalities. If a venue

tourism trenches. The arms race in our indus-

Tokyo that bear watching. We think freestyle

has a negative cash flow, cities and counties

try is at an all-time high and the competition

BMX and skateboarding are naturals to gain

are looking to get those assets off their

has never been greater. From larger markets

momentum.

balance sheets one way or another.

battling to host high-profile mega events to the smaller markets investing significantly in tourism-driving facilities, there doesn’t seem to

2

Tourism-Driving Facilities – More tourism related dollars are being

4

Non-Traditional CEOs – More and more tourism organizations today are

invested into venue development than ever

being led by people with entrepreneurial busi-

tinations are laser focused and allocate their

before. Communities are allocating bed-tax

ness backgrounds than those with experience

resources efficiently to compete. If there ever

money, restaurant taxes and tourism-improve-

in the hospitality sector. This not only applies

was a time to recalibrate what your organiza-

ment-district funds directly into facilities that

to convention & visitor bureaus (CVBs) but

tion has always done, now is that time.

be an end in sight. The top sports tourism des-

will drive economic development back to their

also sports organizations. New leaders at

Since this is a look ahead to 2020, it only

destinations. Unlike years past, if you are not

USA Swimming, USA Cycling and USA Gym-

goes to reason that we would offer up a vision

leading the discussion on planning and fund-

nastics all come from the private sector. Max

for the future, a crystal ball if you will. We hope

ing tourism-driving sports facilities in your

Siegel at USA Track and Field came from

you enjoy this year’s list.

destination, you are in the minority today.

Nike and NASCAR. The USOC’s new CEO came from a golf and media background.

New Olympic Sports – Nearly every

Retrofit Projects – Golf courses turned

One of the founding father sports commis-

into soccer complexes. Big-box retail

sions in our country is led by a person with a

program, that sport sees a significant bump in

stores becoming hardwood sports venues.

background in politics. In addition, several

exposure. That interest usually manifests itself

Tennis courts converted to pickleball. Pools

CVBs have tapped into the sports profession

in more kids wanting to try that sport, which

retrofitted into skate parks. If there is a facility

to lead their organizations – Monroe, Tulsa,

leads to more membership with the National

that isn’t pulling its financial weight, it is ripe

Quad Cities, Butler County and Cleveland, to

Governing Body (NGB), and often times more

for a change. We are finding this especially

name only a few.

1

3

Freebird7977/Bigstock.com

time a new sport debuts on the Olympic

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Sports Planning Guide

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

SPORT_389-390.qxp_Layout 1 11/16/19 1:23 PM Page 390

5

Measurement – We are often asked, “How do you keep score beyond room

nights and economic impact?” It is a good

T 8

he last few trends for 2020 are holdovers from last year that are worth monitoring.

10

Oversight – Non-profit organizations are being looked upon more

and more scrupulously on how they operate,

Expanding Roles – One trend from last

and specifically, how they spend the funds

year that we are keeping our eye on is

that are given to them. This includes conven-

Tourism Index™. We surveyed the top event

the expanding of mission and purpose of

tion and visitor bureaus, sports commissions,

professionals in our industry to ask them

many sports tourism organizations across the

NGBs and others in our industry. Whoever

what was important to them in a host desti-

country. The skill it takes to successfully exe-

manages the various funding pipelines to your

nation. These leaders helped us shape a

cute a sporting event is quite similar to the skill

organization are becoming more interested in

measurement tool that numerically evaluates

it would take to produce a music festival,

how those funds are allocated. With C-level

a host destination across four areas including

Harley rally or chicken festival (yes, you read

professionals having lost their jobs over

1,900 different metrics. Add to this the in-

that right, we have a client that runs a chicken

spending practices, today’s leaders need to

creased focus on primary research by our

festival). Many of our clients are adding spe-

be overly transparent in this area.

national association, and it’s evident that an

cial events to their sports staff’s plate. If it uses

added emphasis on identifying and measur-

the same event production skills and drives

ing success is critical for our industry going

overnight stays, why not expand from just

forward.

sports to sports and events?

question and one that we are addressing with a tool we created called the Sports

6

Participation (or lack thereof) – Research by the Aspen Institute, the driv-

ers of Project Play, indicates that a majority of youth stop playing sports at age 11. Three years ago the average age was 14. This trend is not only bad for sports tourism, it is bad for our nation. Sedentary kids playing video games all day is not a pathway to success on several fronts. Sports teaches kids so many valuable life lessons that a video game console cannot. We are losing this battle and if the tide doesn’t turn, the sports tourism industry will take the brunt of the hit in the future.

“If you are not intentionally leading the charge in building relationship bridges with your stakeholders, sustainable success will be a challenge.”

11

Safety – A closely related issue to

oversight, athlete safety continues

to serve as a high-profile issue on multiple fronts. The discussion on football concussions has escalated to the highest levels, and additional sports are joining the fray.

Athlete safety in several Olympic sports has spawned the creation of Safe Sport, an independent investigative organization created to protect athletes and those involved in the Olympic movement. Safe Sport, and in some cases full background checks, are now mandated by numerous sports organizations across the country, and it doesn’t stop with coaches. Officials, board members, event volunteers and others are now very likely to be required to complete a background check and the Safe Sport training program. Where the merry-go-round stops,

Relationships – More and more, our

7

9

destinations, but to also referee relationship

team at the Huddle Up Group is asked

Creating Owned Events – Another

nobody knows.

repeat from years past, our destination

Leaders in our industry have a lot of hard

clients are more and more opting to invest

work ahead of them. While these challenges

their resources in created events. This is now

may seem daunting, that is what we love about

issues between CVBs/sports commissions

especially true in small and mid-tier markets

our industry. Every day we get the chance to

and their local stakeholders. Specifically, the

that don’t have the resources to compete with

lace ‘em up and go out into the sports tourism

issue nearly always includes a rift between

the big boys. If you can create an event with

and events market and compete. No matter

our client and the local parks and recreation

your local partners (or enhance/replicate

how challenging the tasks that lie in front of us,

department and/or elected officials. As in most

ones that already exist), those are assets that

we are all blessed to go to work every day and

industries, relationships are key in opening up

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

call sports our profession. SPG

doors for success. No matter your position, if

funded competitors. This doesn’t just apply to

you are not intentionally leading the charge in

the traditional sports either. CVBs and sports

building relationship bridges with your stake-

commissions across the country are devel-

holders, sustainable success will be a chal-

oping new events in many of the emerging

lenge.

sports noted above.

to not only consult on strategic planning for

SportsPlanningGuide.com

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

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A

Competitive Faces, Playful Places.

Deaconess Sports Park & Goebel Soccer Complex Image A

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden with Amazonia Image B

USS LST–325 Ship Memorial Visit Evansville, Indiana and play your heart out.

Where you can steal first base or birdie on ten.

Image C

Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville

Where the games begin but the fun never ends.

Visit Evansville and discover your new home court.

Image D

B

C

D

proud to support

VisitEvansville.com 1 (800) 433-3025 #VisitEvansville