Iowa Sports Planning Guide 2024

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2024

IOWA GUIDE IOWA: The Winning Choice for Hosting Tournaments From wrestling championships to the Field of Dreams game, Iowa is a sports heaven

Unrivaled Iowa Attractions Entice Groups to Come Play Family fun is around every corner at Iowa attractions

www.SportsPlanningGuide.com


Prairie Ridge Sports Complex in Ankeny

WELCOME TO IOWA Centrally located to the United States, Iowa features all four seasons. An easy drive to state with great interstate connectivity, but also major and regional airports nicely spread across the state. Team Iowa invites your organization, teams, and participants to consider Iowa as the host for your next event. The Hawkeye State boasts a diverse array of sports facilities, both large and small, and has a rich history of successfully hosting a wide spectrum of events. Among these notable occasions are the AAU Junior Olympic Games, LPGA Solheim Cup, NCAA DI Men’s Basketball, NAIA Championships, USA Wrestling Olympic Trials, USA Wrestling Folkstyle Nationals, USATF Outdoor Championships, USA Volleyball, USA Gymnastics, and many more. Iowa has also garnered national acclaim for hosting MLB at the iconic Field of Dreams in Dyersville and the thrilling Dew Tour at Lauridsen Skatepark in Des Moines.

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Team Iowa, an integral division of Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP), represents the sole statewide organization in Iowa with an exclusive focus on the sports travel market. Our mission is to attract youth, amateur, and professional sporting events to Iowa, a state where sports tradition and culture are deeply embedded, rendering it an ideal destination for your upcoming event. Our iTIP membership encompasses a consortium of over 100 partners including Iowa sports commissions, convention and visitors bureaus, venues, and lodging partners spread across the state, offering event planners a plethora of hosting options to select from. You can rely on iTIP to assist you in identifying the perfect sports facilities in Iowa. Our services extend beyond venue selection and encompass hotel arrangements, volunteer recruitment, signage, and strategies for boosting attendance.

ON THE COVER: Tennis court in Charles City

Yours in Tourism, Team Iowa

Photo courtesy of Team Iowa

Chelsea Lerud Executive Director, Iowa Travel Industry Partners IowaTravelIndustry.org/team-iowa

Sports Planning Guide

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG


n e d B y r e v E Big Wins at YOUR SPORTING EVENT DESERVES A LOCATION WITH HEART The blossoming community of Siouxland has become the epicenter of a thriving, and diverse food and art scene, and our location on the beautiful Missouri River’s bend has created an amazing destination for all sporting events. Situated at the intersection of Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota, Siouxland is ready to welcome you and your team with a warm smile, unexpected adventures, and hidden gems around every bend in the river.

SPORTS SCENE With six sporting facilities, boasting some of the best amenities in the country, Siouxland is never the underdog. Your next sports event needs more than just a field or court, it deserves a destination that delivers an experience you’ll never forget.

ExploreSiouxCity.org | 712-224-1000


UNIDome in Cedar Falls Photo courtesy of Team Iowa

IOWA :

THE WINNING CHOICE FOR HOSTING TOURNAMENTS

From wrestling championships to the Field of Dreams game, Iowa is a sports heaven

I

By Jason Paha

owa is more than just a pretty state. Underneath its picturesque state parks and scenic natural wonders resides a sports-crazed state with a rich history of athletic accomplishments. Iowa has, in recent years, hosted numerous successful events including the AAU Junior Olympic Games, LPGA Solheim Cup, NCAA DI men’s basketball, NAIA Championships and the USA Wrestling Olympic Trials. The Hawkeye State even gained national recognition for hosting Major League baseball games at the iconic Field of Dreams ballpark in Dyersville and the Dew Tour at Lauridsen Skatepark in Des Moines. Couple these events with a wide range of top-flight sports facilities throughout the state and Iowa has established a reputation as one of the best states in the country to host a tournament.

BETTENDORF/DAVENPORT (QUAD CITIES)

Here are some of the top facilities in Iowa: and I owa has established a reputation as one of the best states

The Burlington Regional RecPlex is a state-of-the-art facility and hub for sports and recreation. It is home to five softball/baseball diamonds with three of the fields sporting 300-foot fences with warning tracks, one combination field with flexible fence distances and one youth-sized field.

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Iowa State’s $13 million Lied Recreation-Athletic Facility gives track athletes first-rate, year-round practice facilities. The indoor facility includes a 300-meter track with eight 42-inch lanes, making it the largest and one of the fastest indoor surfaces in the world. The complex has hosted 12 Big 12 Indoor Track and Field Championships.

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The TBK Bank Sports Complex in Bettendorf is a state-ofthe-art sports and entertainment complex. It spans 75 acres and hosts outdoor fields for baseball, softball and soccer plus food and beverage concessions. Indoors, you will find basketball courts, a soccer turf field, a high-end fitness center and a full-service two-story family entertainment center. Home of the St. Ambrose men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s lacrosse and JV football team, the St. Vincent’s Athletic Complex in Davenport is a recent addition among the SAU Athletic facilities. The complex includes two synthetic turf all-purpose fields with spectator seating and a natural grass softball complex including spectator seating and press box.

BURLINGTON

CEDAR FALLS / WATERLOO

The UNI-Dome is a multipurpose indoor stadium on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls. With a seating

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CEDAR RAPIDS

Prospect Meadows is a new baseball/softball complex that opened in 2019 with eight fields and one Miracle Field for those with disabilities. Phase II is under development to include an additional eight fields as well as seating and lights, sound systems, and scoreboards.

CLEAR LAKE

Clear Lake State Park is a scenic outdoor area that offers opportunities for a wide range of sports and recreational activities. It features a beach area for swimming, picnic areas, hiking trails, and boat rentals for water sports such as boating, fishing and kayaking.

Photo courtesy of Team Iowa

capacity of more than 16,000, it provides an excellent venue for football games, track and field events and more. Iowa’s oldest entertainment arena, The Hippodrome in Waterloo is a large indoor sports and concert venue that has been the home for Midwest entertainment since 1910. This venue is perfect for concerts, craft shows, circuses, horse shows, rodeos and bull riding, gun and knife shows, monster trucks, conventions and more. The arena floor covers 20,000 square feet and has 234 box seats and 5,200 permanent seats. ntertainment arena, The Hippodrome in Waterloo is a large

TBK Bank Sports Complex in Bettendorf.

MASON CITY

The Mid-America Center is a multi-purpose arena that hosts basketball, hockey, wrestling competitions and more. It also serves as a venue for concerts, trade shows, and conventions.

The North Iowa Events Center offers year-round indoor and outdoor activities and events including horse, dog and other competitive animal shows. It is also home of the North Iowa Fair and has year-round indoor and outdoor venues available for rent and can host competitive events, home sports and ag shows, motocross, rodeo, fundraisers, kickboxing, concerts and more. A public golf course with 18 holes, driving range, and practice facilities, the Highland Park Golf Course is comprised of two distinct nines.

DES MOINES

OTTUMWA

COUNCIL BLUFFS

A 17,000-seat arena, the Wells Fargo Arena is part of the Iowa Events Center complex. Each year Wells Fargo Arena hosts the Iowa High School State Wrestling and girls and boys basketball tournaments. Three professional sports teams also call the arena home, including the NBA G-League’s Iowa Wolves, the AHL’s Iowa Wild and the IFL’s Iowa Barnstormers.

DUBUQUE

The ImOn Arena is a 3,200 seat, single sheet ice rink and event space that is home to the five-time Clark Cup champion Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League. It is a top-loading facility with additional amenities including concessions on both the concourse and ground levels, luxury boxes on one side, three press boxes on the other and a full bar.

FORT DODGE

The Harlan & Hazel Rogers Sports Complex is a 100-acre complex with numerous amenities including 11 softball/baseball fields (six with Musco Lighting), three permanent batting cages, 13 soccer fields, 4 permanent concession stands, four permanent restroom facilities, 600+ capacity asphalt parking lot and a Hall of Fame ticket building.

MARSHALLTOWN

Known as The Roundhouse, the iconic Marshalltown High School Roundhouse is home to Marshalltown High School’s basketball and wrestling teams. With a seating capacity of more than 4,000, it has hosted numerous high school and collegelevel sporting events.

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Beach Ottumwa features two sand volleyball courts, an eightlane competitive indoor pool, and a fun outdoor wave pool filled with more than 300,000 gallons of water. It also houses numerous indoor and outdoor water slides including one of the largest slides in the Midwest that plummets more than 100 feet. Indian Hills Community College Athletics has various sports facilities, including a gymnasium for basketball and volleyball, a baseball field, a softball field and a soccer field.

SIOUX CITY

The Miracle League of Sioux City provides recreational facilities designed for individuals with disabilities to enable integrated play. The CNOS Field at the Miracle League is exclusively designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities. It’s a rubber surface, so it’s wheelchair friendly. SCHEELS Field is a new 200 foot all turf field that welcomes youth sports, travel teams and other community programs.

TEAM IOWA IS HERE TO HELP

Team Iowa, a division of Iowa Travel Industry Partners, is the organization that can help you host an event as it is dedicated to attracting youth, amateur and professional sporting events to Iowa. iTIP consists of a consortium of Iowa sports commissions and convention and visitors bureaus, providing planners with a wealth of options from over 100 partners across the state. Whether you are looking for a soccer field or a 17,000seat arena, lean on iTIP to help you find the perfect Iowa sports facilities as well as assist you with hotels, volunteer recruitment, signage and attendance building.

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Photo courtesy of Team Iowa

Knoxville Speedway

UNRIVALED IOWA ATTRACTIONS ENTICE GROUPS TO COME PLAY

Family fun is around every corner at Iowa attractions that not only engage visitors but also inspire young people to appreciate where they come from

N

By Heather Dale

estled in America’s heartland, Iowa is more than just miles of cornfields as far as the eye can see. Beyond the amber waves of grain lie quintessentially Iowa attractions that will captivate visitors both young and young at heart. Only found in the Hawkeye State,

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discover opportunities to connect with nature, amusement parks, adventure and so much more.

IOWA ATTRACTIONS FOR SPORTS FANS If tennis is your game, Iowa is home to a magnificent court that should be on your bucket list. Established on

@SportsPlanGuide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG #SportsPG


the Kuhn family farm in Charles City in 2003, All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club (AILTC) is Iowa’s only lawn tennis court. It was designed by the Kuhn family to replicate Wimbledon’s vintage Centre Court. Today, players can experience an oldfashioned game of tennis on authentic grass by making a court reservation. Racing fans unite at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum in Knoxville. This is the only museum in the world dedicated to preserving the history of sprint car racing. Open seven days a week, you can explore more than 30 sprint cars and open-wheel race cars on display.

POPULAR CULTURE SITE

IOWA AMUSEMENTS

Summertime family fun is waiting at Arnolds Park Amusement Park in Okoboji. Visitors can try their hand at park games and children of all sizes have more than 30 rides and attractions to discover. Parking and admission are f ree, and you only pay for the games and rides you enjoy. There’s always more to explore at Lost Island in Waterloo. Visit the outdoor waterpark or brand new theme park, gokarts and mini golf for unforgettable family fun. Lost Island was voted the No. 3 Best Outdoor Waterpark in the country by USA Today. Adventureland Amusement Park and Adventure Bay Waterpark in Altoona contain over 100 rides, shows, and attractions. New in 2023 are two rides intertwined. Hop on the new Flying Viking roller coaster and soar over, under and around the new log flume Draken Falls. The 110-foot-tall Grain Silo Mural in Fort Dodge is a 360-degree artwork created by Australian artist Guido van Helten that depicts local civic leaders and the history of Fort Dodge’s industrial footprint. It is the tallest mural in Iowa. With so many exciting Iowa attractions to discover, there is certainly no shortage of family fun in the Hawkeye State.

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Antique Archaeology is tucked away in the historic Mississippi River town of LeClaire. It’s the birthplace of the famous bison hunter and showman Buffalo Bill. The two-story former fabrication shop is the home base for the American Pickers Show on History Channel. It now houses some of their best picks and a new merchandise store. “Go the distance” and visit the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville. This family farm with a baseball diamond carved into its heart is the original site where the famous movie was filmed. From tours of the inside of the iconic Field of Dreams Farm House to a retail store and concessions stand, there is plenty to do at the place dreams come true. Tours of the house are available daily. The 30-minute, live guided tour will take visitors through the first floor of the home, which has been restored to look just like it did in the movie and features movie artifacts.

through serene landscapes showcasing impressive religious statues. Discover a towering Sacred Heart of Jesus statue and an equally spectacular Immaculate Heart of Mary Queen of Peace effigy.

of

HISTORICALLY IOWA

rt es y

LEFT: Dunning’s Spring Park in Decorah

FAMILY FUN IN NATURE

Pack a lunch and take a scenic walk to a stunning 200-foot waterfall in Dunning’s Spring Park in Decorah. Breathe in the fresh air and marvel at beautiful limestone cliffs while spending a relaxing day in nature. Be sure to explore the stone bridge and scenic overlook for perfect picture-taking opportunities.

PEACEFUL PLACES IN IOWA

Go big or go home at Sioux City’s Trinity Heights Queen of Peace Shrine. This tranquil 16-acre expanse is the ultimate peaceful venue for reflection and prayer. Take a walk

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Photo courtesy of Team Iowa

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A unique edifice built in 1885, the Historic Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail is one of three still existing. In fact, only 18 in total were ever constructed. The rare rotary cell jail provides insight into early prisoner life in Iowa. Ascertain the jail’s history, the reasoning behind the unusual rotating design, and how it came to be retired in 1969. Head to the Wells Visitors Center & Ice Cream Parlor in Le Mars. Dating back more than 100 years, the Wells family has been producing creamy sweet treats for customers near and far.

Arnolds Park Amusement Park in Okoboji.

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Sioux City, IA

Scan to discover more of what Explore Sioux City offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

UNIQUELY LOCATED IN A BEAUTIFUL TRI-STATE AREA, SIOUX CITY IS AN ENCHANTING CITY WITH PLENTY OF ATTRACTIONS

Tyson Events Center

Sioux City is nestled along the Missouri River and is home to unique attractions, local restaurants, 70 miles of recreational trails, art and music festivals, concerts, live theater, and major sporting events. This enchanting city holds a wealth of opportunities for sports lovers as it features huge facilities like United Sports Academy and the Tyson Events Center.

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

United Sports Academy

The Arena Sports Academy

This 56,000-square-foot multi-sport training and competition space features a 20,000 squarefoot turf area that is perfect for football. It also features three batting cages, two HitTrax hitting simulators, four college basketball courts, eight youth basketball courts, four college volleyball courts, eight youth volleyball courts, and four pickleball courts. It also plays host to THRIVE Fitness, a health club that offers fitness classes.

This facility is home to a wide range of sports including basketball, volleyball, baseball, dance and wrestling. It features five full-size basketball/ volleyball courts, 18 basketball hoops with height control and individual training and club seasons available for both sports. It also features brand new top-tier equipment and a certified performance coach. The Arena Wrestling Academy also offers state-of-the-art equipment

Baseball, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, softball, football

Basketball, volleyball, baseball, dance, wrestling

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG


and hosts tournaments and matches of all ages. The Arena Dance Academy also sports a beautiful hardwood dance studio.

Tyson Events Center

Hockey, indoor football Located inside the Fleet Farm Arena, this 190,000-square-foot multipurpose arena is located in downtown Sioux City. Opened in 2003, the venue features a horseshoe-shaped seating bowl with an end court upper balcony. It houses 10,000 seats and 28 luxury suites. The area is home to the Sioux City Musketeers hockey team, a Tier 1 junior ice hockey team playing in the West Division of the United States Hockey League (USHL), and the Sioux City Bandits arena football team. So many other great events have taken place here like hosting the NAIA Women’s Division II Basketball National Championship and NAIA Volleyball Championship. The center hosts more than 140 different events each year.

has 1,125 square feet of conference space, 3,822 square feet of banquet and meeting space and has access to more than 12 miles of walking and biking trails. The turf is ideal for soccer, softball or baseball tournaments. This center also offers a versatile arena that holds 14 volleyball courts and 12 basketball courts.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ The LaunchPAD Children’s Museum is an educational museum with hands-on exhibits for children to have fun while learning. Current exhibitions are Agriculture, Performing Arts, and Rocket. Exciting and new exhibitions are on

Sioux City Convention Center

Wrestling, boxing, billiards, dance Hosting more than 200 events each year, the Sioux City Convention Center offers a flexible event setup with easy traffic flow, making the location ideal for everything from small to large events. This 40,000-square-foot convention center is both modern and versatile and can host such sports as wrestling, boxing, billiards tournaments, dart tournaments and dance competitions. Its newly renovated galleries feature a complete audio system upgrade along with updated lighting.

the way at the LaunchPAD.

▶ The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center is a museum with interactive and animated exhibitions on Lewis & Clark’s well-recounted expedition. Take a trip into early September 1804 and journey the Sioux City area with them.

▶ Sioux City Public Museum concentrates on educating visitors and locals on Sioux City’s culture and history. Find historic

Seaboard Triumph Foods Expo Center Soccer, softball/baseball, basketball, volleyball

Boasting 80,000 square feet of arena space with MidAmerican Arena and 55,000 square feet of indoor turf with Great Southern Bank Field, the Seaboard Triumph Foods Expo Center is massive. It features space for 400 vendor booths,

artifacts, photographs, and vintage

EXPLORE SIOUX CITY Ward Franz

memorabilia.

▶ Want candy? Then visit Palmer’s

ward@exploresiouxcity.org

Old Tyme Candy Shoppe for some

712-224-1000

of your favorite sweets. The Palmer

exploresiouxcity.org

family has been making candy together since 1878.

United Sports Academy

Sioux City Convention Center

The Arena Sports Academy

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Quad Cities, IA WITH VERSATILE VENUES, AN ACCESSIBLE LOCATION RIGHT ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND AFFORDABLE AMENITIES, THE QUAD CITIES REGIONAL DESTINATION IS THE IDEAL SPOT FOR A SPORTS EVENT

TBK Bank Sports Complex

Scan to discover more of what Visit Quad Cities offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Working with the Sports QC team was a very enjoyable experience for me. In hosting our NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship, the QC team was on top of everything. They are a great team to work with and really care about the events they are a partner in, which shows through their work.” — Anthony Goetz, Championship Events Manager, NAIA

Modern Woodmen Park

St. Ambrose University

Made up of multiple destinations to provide a combined power of sports tourism, the Quad Cities features versatile facilities for all sports and events. Modern, state-of-the-art facilities like TBK Bank Sports Complex continue to dominate and expand to meet demand, while classic stadiums like Modern Woodmen Park bring a different vibe for amazing experiences along the Mississippi River. 138 10

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

TBK Bank Sports Complex

Soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, football, lacrosse, tumbling, gymnastics, cheer & dance, wrestling, bowling Conveniently located off I-80 in Bettendorf, Iowa, the TBK Bank Sports Complex is a state-of-the-art, multi-use facility that serves a range of sports events. The 75-acre, 280,000-square-foot indoor complex and its accompanying outdoor sports venue can accommodate all kinds of events and

tournaments. The indoor facility features a turf 11 v 11 soccer/football/lacrosse field, eight regulation-sized basketball and volleyball courts, four sand volleyball courts along with a team training area, fitness center, batting cages, and food vendors. Outside, athletes will find two lighted turf soccer fields, 10 lighted turf baseball/softball fields, and five sand volleyball courts. There are also concessions and 1,571 parking spaces. The family entertainment center has a fullservice restaurant, 32 bowling lanes, 65 arcade games, two escape rooms, virtual reality, @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG


golf simulator, a sports bar and restaurant, banquet and meeting space and a two-story laser tag game. In addition, there is an inhouse physical therapy center. Level II Fitness, a full-service, high-end fitness center provides members a top-level fitness experience and has the finest in trainers and equipment. The complex is a great place to host events f rom big to small.

Modern Woodmen Park Baseball, softball

Located in Davenport, Iowa, Modern Woodmen Park sits right on the banks of the Mississippi River. The stadium is home to the Quad Cities River Bandits, a High-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The ballpark has also played host to many collegiate and high school tournaments and events. The facility features 4,000 permanent seats and 2,000 additional seats on the grass and in the picnic area. There is versatile meeting and event space with spectacular views. Families can also enjoy a variety of amusement rides at the park including a Ferris wheel, the Genesis Kidz Koaster, the River Rocker and a Carousel.

St. Ambrose University

Track and field, soccer, volleyball, football, baseball, softball, cheer, dance St. Ambrose University features an 80,000-square-foot Wellness Center with a 56,000-square-foot field house. Sports events have use of a 200-meter, six-lane track, pole vault areas, long and triple jump pits and four basketball/volley ball courts. The Lee Lohman Arena has a Collegiate regulation size basketball court with seating for 2,000. St. Vincent Athletic Campus features a fullsize field for football, soccer, and lacrosse. Two synthetic turf all-purpose fields with spectator seating, press box, and concessions are also part of the St. Vincent Athletic Campus. St. Ambrose University is located close to shopping, dining, hotels, and entertainment.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶Explore Quad Cities Museums, family entertainment, river cruises, outdoor adventures, and live music venues.

▶ QC Ale Trail is popular among craft beer enthusiasts. Quad Cities brewing history goes back as far as 1847 when the first brewery opened in Rock Island, Illinois. Today, new crafters have hit the market to create a scene that is vibrant and continues to grow to all corners of our bi-state region. Blaze a trail through the QC Ale Trail.

▶ Head to a baseball game right along the Mississippi River at Modern

VISIT QUAD CITIES Joan Kranovich, Vice President of Business Growth & Director, Sports QC - CTA

Woodmen Park and watch the High-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals go to bat.

▶ Catch a hockey game with the

800-747-7800 ext. 831

Quad City Storm or Arena Football

jkranovich@visitquadcities.com

with the Quad City Steamwheelers.

www.visitquadcities.com

hERE

CHAMPIONS ARE MADE

qUAD CitiES

START PLANNING:VISITQUADCITIES.COM

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Cedar Rapids, IA

Scan to discover more of what Cedar Rapids Tourism offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

CEDAR RAPIDS IS KNOWN AS AN ARTS AND CULTURAL HUB WITH GREAT THEATER, LIVE MUSIC AND MUSEUMS. IT ALSO FEATURES A VARIETY OF FAMILYFRIENDLY SPORTS EVENTS AND EXCELLENT FACILITIES

Alliant Energy PowerHouse

ImOn Ice Arena

Veterans Memorial Stadium

With a plethora of options for venues and sporting events, it is quite clear why Cedar Rapids was one of the recipients of the SportsEvents Media Group’s Readers’ Choice Award. As the second largest city in the state of Iowa, there is a wide variety of facilities ranging from Alliant Energy PowerHouse to ImOn Ice Arena. Cedar Rapids and its stateof-the-art facilities are sure to satisfy all of your sporting needs. 140 12

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Alliant Energy PowerHouse

Wrestling, basketball, volleyball, indoor multi-purpose The 37,550-square-foot arena floor at this complex consists of an arena, convention center, 267-room hotel and two attached parking structures right in the heart of Cedar Rapids. With the size and luxury that the Alliant Energy PowerHouse provides, it is no surprise that the complex has played host to multiple Division II National Wrestling Championships, Division II Women’s Volleyball championship,

as well as Division III National Championships for volleyball and wrestling. Alliant Energy PowerHouse hosts the best of the best and is the perfect spot for indoor sports of all kinds.

ImOn Ice Arena

Hockey, figure skating, curling With two sheets of ice, including: an NHL arena (200 x 85 ft) and Olympic rink (100 x 200 ft), ImOn Ice Arena is the perfect spot in the Midwest for all ice skaters. The NHL arena seats 3,800 while the Olympic rink seats 200, making this somewhere all friends and family @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG


can come and watch. The ImOn Ice Arena has hosted events to the likes of the USA curling men’s and women’s National Championship, National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association Championships, and U.S Figure Skating Upper Great Lakes Regional Championships. From hockey players to figure skaters alike, ImOn Ice Arena provides a great experience in an ideal location.

Veterans Memorial Stadium Baseball

Seating 5,300 people, parking for 1,200, and eight suites with seating for up to 25, Veterans Memorial Stadium is the pinnacle of stadiums for hosting baseball tournaments. Play on the same gorgeous baseball diamond that is home to the Cedar Rapids Kernels, Class A affiliate of the MLB’s Minnesota Twins. Veterans Memorial Stadium provides indoor batting cages as well for elite training purposes. Veterans Memorial Stadium has hosted the American Legion World Series as well as the NCAA Division III Baseball Championships four times. Luxurious play is ready for your next baseball tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa!

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Tuma Soccer & Sports Complex Soccer

Tuma Soccer Complex has 22 full size soccer fields that can be set to any specifications you may need. Impress when hosting your next soccer tournament at this gigantic, luxurious complex. On top of the soccer fields, there are two youth football fields for use. Need to get some shade with the family during the tournament? Tuma Soccer Complex boasts a 5,600-square-foot pavilion with restrooms, concessions, and a covered seating area that seats 325 as well as an open patio area that seats 320. A complex that has hosted multiple different USA Ultimate tournaments, Tuma Soccer Complex is the perfect spot to host your next tournament.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ For those who love history and culture, the National Czech &

Slovak Museum & Library has a multitude of different activities and exhibits for both adults and children.

▶ Take the family to see a Cedar Rapids RoughRiders Hockey game at ImOn Ice Arena, or in the summertime spend the day watching a Cedar Rapids Kernels Minor League baseball game.

▶ Visit Czech Village & New Bohemia for fun shopping, delicious dining, a thriving theater scene, local breweries and live music.

CEDAR RAPIDS TOURISM

▶ Looking to go on a nature walk?

Jay Fanta

Look no further than the Indian

319-731-4556

Creek Nature Center located right in

j.fanta@tourismcedarrapids.com

Cedar Rapids.

www.tourismcedarrapids.com/ sports-planners

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FunCity Courts, Greater Burlington, IA

Scan to discover more of what Greater Burlington Area Sports Facilities offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

THESE COURTS PROVIDE THE ULTIMATE FAN EXPERIENCE

FunCity Courts

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Perfect Game Softball has developed a great partnership with GBASF, their dedication to our events is evident in all aspects as we work well during our PG events. We appreciate their attention to details with helping us run a great event every weekend.” — Chris Johnson, Perfect Game Softball National Event Manager

FunCity Courts in Burlington, Iowa was developed by the Greater Burlington Area Sports Facilities nonprofit corporation in partnership with Great River Entertainment, LLC and its various subsidiaries. FunCity Courts is a great place for fans to gather and athletes to compete.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ For those seeking the thrill of chance and luck, the Catfish

Bend Casino at FunCity Resort awaits. Test your luck at various games, from slots to card tables, and experience the electrifying atmosphere of the gaming floor. 142 14

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT FunCity Courts

Basketball, pickleball, volleyball The Courts feature three full-size collegiate basketball courts, four pickleball courts, can easily convert to volleyball and offers plenty of spectator seating. One of the highlights of FunCity Courts is its seamless connection to the FunCity Resort. Visitors can enjoy easy access to three luxurious hotels, each providing a unique and comfortable experience for guests. Whether it’s a family vacation or a weekend getaway, the resort’s accommodations cater to all needs. The dining options at the resort are equally impressive, offering a diverse range of culinary delights. Casual eateries, guests can relish mouthwatering dishes from around the world. For the young and young at heart, the resort’s arcade, go cart track, and bowling alley are havens of enjoyment. Engage in f riendly competitions, challenge your f riends to exciting games, and make memories that

will last a lifetime. Courtside is a delightful and convenient spot nestled between the vibrant FunCity courts and the sprawling resort complex, catering to those seeking a brief respite during their sporting endeavors. As a haven for sports enthusiasts, it offers an array of quick snacks and refreshing drinks, ensuring visitors can recharge and refuel before diving back into the action. The atmosphere is alive with the excitement of ongoing games and the camaraderie of likeminded individuals sharing a passion for sports. Be sure to check out the massive video screen to enjoy your favorite game while you wait for the next game at FunCity Courts.

GREATER BURLINGTON AREA SPORTS FACILITIES Andrew Ryerson 319-671-7189 info@greaterburlingtonsports.com www.greaterburlingtonsports.com @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG


Fort Dodge, IA WHETHER YOU’RE IN FORT DODGE AS AN IOWA SPORTS SPECTATOR OR A TEAM PLAYER, WEBSTER COUNTY OFFERS THE GAMUT OF EXCITING FAMILY ACTIVITIES ON AND OFF THE FIELD

Scan to discover more of what Visit Fort Dodge offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union is proud to call Rogers Sports Complex in Fort Dodge the home of the Iowa Girls State Softball Tournament for over 50 years. The city of Fort Dodge and the Rogers Park staff have been providing high school girls an amazing athletic experience in one of the top softball venues in the United States. ”

Harlan & Hazel Rogers Sports Complex

— Jason Eslinger, Associate Director, Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union

Lizard Creek Mountain Bike Trails

Visitors to Fort Dodge for Iowa sports will be pleasantly surprised by the added outdoor adventures that await them. Not only does the community tout a lakeside golf course, but it also offers exceptional mountain biking trails, and baseball, softball and soccer possibilities.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ One place to keep cool in the

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Harlan & Hazel Rogers Sports Complex Softball, baseball, soccer

Enjoy 100 acres of recreational opportunities for Iowa sports including baseball, softball and soccer at the Harlan & Hazel Rogers Sports Complex. The site is home to 11 baseball/softball fields with six of those fields equipped with Musco lighting. Amenities include three batting cages, four concession stands, 13 soccer fields, scoreboards, restrooms and parking for over 600 vehicles.

Mountain biking

Rapids Aquatic Center providing

Traverse 10 miles on the Lizard Creek Mountain Bike Trails situated along the Des Moines River Valley. The trail system has three sections offering each skill level a chance to ride through the Fort Dodge wilderness. Beginners to pro mountain bikers can choose from Lower, Middle or Upper Lizard or the recently made Phinney Loop.

numerous water slides. Another great escape from the Fort Dodge heat is at Oleson Park + Splash Pad. Open between Memorial Day and Labor Day, kids can cool off in the many water fountains and streaming jets. SportsPlanningGuide.com

Golf

Play a round at the Lakeside Municipal Golf Course on 18 attractively manicured holes. The first nine are long and straight while the back nine are short and narrow. A driving range, clubhouse, pro shop, and deck with concessions are also available. The golf course hosts tournaments and numerous golf leagues along with high school state cross country.

Lizard Creek Mountain Bike Trails

summertime is at the Rosedale over 30 water features, a lazy river and

Lakeside Municipal Golf Course

VISIT FORT DODGE Tiffany Conrad 515-573-4282 ext. 1016 tconrad@fortdodgeiowa.org www.DodgeTheOrdinary.com

Sports Planning Guide

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