Washington Sports Planning Guide 2024

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2024 GUIDE

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WASHINGTON

Site InSpections of Event-Ready Destinations

The Beautiful Game Thrives in Washington

Soccer’s popularity is unmatched in the Evergreen State

WELCOME TO WASHINGTON!

WHEN IT COMES TO NATURAL BEAUTY, few states can match Washington’s array of mountains, forests, and crystal-clear lakes. When it comes to sports fervor, Washington is also virtually unmatched as its fanbase for both professional and amateur sports are among the loudest and most passionate in the nation.

Pair those two things together and you have the perfect state to host your next sporting event.

From professionals to amateurs, Washington is an inclusive state that proudly offers sports for everyone. Washington hospitality goes beyond the sporting venues: Our luxury hotels, awardwinning restaurants and range of leisure activities make for an ideal experience for both locals and visitors attending your event.

Outside of the sport of pickleball, soccer is a favorite for players and spectators. Our communities have wonderful soccer complexes to handle any size soccer tournament. With Seattle being one of the cities hosting the World Cup 2026, we are all excited and ready to encourage soccer participation and create fan excitement within our communities. Not only are we getting ready for the World Cup 2026, but sports are also expanding throughout the state …. from baseball to flag football, wrestling to basketball and many more sports.

Lovers of outdoor activities will also cherish a visit to Washington, as we are home to three national parks, 140 state parks and a multitude of hiking and biking trails amid a picturesque backdrop that will dazzle any lover of the great outdoors.

The people of Washington will be your loyal fans, sponsors, promoters, and hosts. Dedication – It’s how we do things in the State of Washington.

Sincerely, Tammy Dunn Executive Director Snohomish County Sports Commission

Players at the Snohomish Sports Dome Photo courtesy of Jamie at Snohomish Sports Dome

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The Snohomish Sports Dome is an excellent soccer facility.

Photo courtesy of Jamie at Snohomish Sports Dome 176 2

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@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

The Yakima Valley is your

SPORTS EVENT DESTINATION WASHINGTON STATE SEATTLE

SPOKANE

YAKIMA

PORTLAND, OR

200 Miles from SEAttle, WA, Spokane, WA, Portland, OR

CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE YOUR EVENT RICH@YAKIMASPORTS.ORG • YAKIMASPORTS.ORG • 509-594-2742

SOCCER’S POPULARITY

IS UNMATCHED IN THE EVERGREEN STATE The Beautiful Game Thrives in Washington

T

he fact Seattle was chosen to be a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is proof of how popular soccer is in the state of Washington.

The most recent World Cup was the second most viewed sporting event in the world (behind the Tour de France), drawing 3.3 billion viewers, and that number figures to grow when it arrives in Washington in three years.

The World Cup is expected to propel the popularity of the sport in an already soccer-mad state, which features a host of programs dedicated to youth

By Heather Dale and amateur adult players. Here are a few destinations that offer exceptional programs and facilities for soccer players throughout Washington.

SEATTLE SOUTHSIDE

Seattle Southside, which encompasses the cities of SeaTac, Tukwila, and Des Moines, offers a variety of excellent sports facilities.

Starfire Sports Complex, located in Tukwila, is one of the largest soccer facilities in the country. It features 12 outdoor fields, including both

natural grass and artificial turf, and hosts numerous soccer tournaments, leagues, and training programs. The Des Moines Fieldhouse is another versatile indoor facility in the Seattle Southside that offers a range of sports activities. It features basketball courts, volleyball courts, and an indoor turf field. The fieldhouse hosts leagues, tournaments, and recreational programs for various sports.

When not competing, families can visit the Marine Science and Technology Center in Des Moines.

This facility is dedicated to learning

Stocker Fields in Snohomish County is a versatile facility.

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Stocker Fields, in Snohomish, is the home of the Snohomish Youth Soccer Club. With an impressive property boasting up to 17 soccer fields, ample parking, and exceptional facilities, Stocker Fields has been a long-standing venue for various soccer tournaments and sporting events.

For more than 25 years, it has proudly hosted the Snohomish Bigfoot Soccer Tournament, Kla Ha Ya Adult Soccer Tournaments, and served as the chosen location for the 2021 and 2022 US Club Soccer Northwest Cup Regionals.

Beyond soccer, Stocker Fields is a versatile facility capable of accommodating a range of other sports and activities. It is equipped to host flag football, Ultimate Frisbee, archery, lacrosse, and outdoor drone racing, providing a diverse and exciting venue for athletes and enthusiasts alike.

Notably, the Snohomish Youth Soccer Club annually organizes the renowned Snohomish United Bigfoot Soccer Tournament and the Kla Ha Ya Adult Soccer Tournament, both of which draw significant participation f rom across Washington state. With more than 300 teams competing over four days, the Snohomish Youth Soccer Club’s tournament stands as one of the largest youth soccer events in Western Washington. Open to both boys and girls, teams ranging from u8 to u19 showcase their skills and passion for the sport in this highly anticipated competition.

Born from a need for a safe space where families and children could spend quality time together, Imagine Children’s Museum was created in 1991.

Today, groups can experience lots of free and guided play through interactive exhibits, role-playing, experimenting,

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SNOHOMISH COUNTY

Photo courtesy of Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority

about the Puget Sound and its ecosystem and teaching future generations about their findings. The 2,500-square-foot facility offers public space including an aquarium. Two touch tanks and more than 15 other tanks totaling approximately 3,000 gallons of flow-through seawater showcase over 250 native marine species in the aquarium.

(Above): Starfire Sports Complex, located in Tukwila, is one of the largest soccer facilities in the country.

(Right): Youth soccer is booming in Washington. creating and having fun. They offer three levels of amazing indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits for kids ages 1 to 12.

TRI-CITIES

The Road 68 Soccer Complex in Pasco is one of the finest youth soccer facilities in the Pacific Northwest.

Featuring 15 soccer fields on 45 acres, the complex can host any tournament.

It features one tournament field with grass seating for 2,000, concessions, a picnic area and a playground area.

The Tri-Cities also has incredible watersports and recreation spots available, particularly around the confluence of the Columbia River, Snake River and Yakima River. This part of the Tri-Cities offers spectacular views to go along with watersports like boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and more. The Columbia River is also host to the HAPO Columbia Cup, which in 2022 celebrated the 56th time Unlimited Hydroplanes have raced on the river’s 2.5-mile course.

The legacy of Sacajawea and the pioneers of the Lewis & Clark Expedition can be found at Sacajawea Historical State Park. Explore 267 acres and discover the Seven Story Circle installations created by world-renowned artist Maya Lin. Visit the Sacajawea Interpretive Center for museum exhibits that tell the story of how a Shoshone woman became instrumental in the Corps of Discovery’s successful expedition.

YAKIMA VALLEY

The U.S. Soccer Foundation, along with the Social Innovation Fund, has created an initiative called Soccer for Success provided by the Washington Youth Soccer Foundation.

Schools throughout Yakima, Tacoma, Kent and Auburn are provided with three 90-minute after-school sessions for two 12-week seasons during the fall and spring.

Yakima Valley is also home to a variety of excellent facilities that can host any tournament. Sozo Sports Complex offers a wide range of outdoor and indoor sports activities. One of its standout features is the Sozo Arena, a 90,000-square-foot indoor facility that can accommodate up to eight basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, and four futsal courts. Not only does the state-of-the-art arena provide various options for indoor sports, but the complex itself also boasts 13 multipurpose outdoor fields suitable for soccer, football, lacrosse, and more.

When not playing soccer, families can visit the Yakima Family Fun Center for epic playtime. Fly around in Go Karts on a 600-foot lighted concrete track. Play a round of putt-putt on the 18-hole mini golf course featuring ponds and fun obstacles. Take a swing at the batting cages or try your luck at the arcade with more than 45 exciting games.

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Yakima Valley, WA

Scan to discover more of what the Yakima Valley Sports Commission offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

WASHINGTON’S WINE COUNTRY HAS YIELDED AN INCREDIBLE CROP OF TOURNAMENT-READY SPORTS FACILITIES AND EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YAKIMA VALLEY

Yakima Valley SunDome

The Yakima Valley is mainly accessible from north and south via Interstate 82. If you’re flying in, Alaska Airlines offers connecting flights from Seattle/ Tacoma to the Yakima Air Terminal. The Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco, 86 miles away, is the next closest to offer domestic flights.

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Yakima Valley SunDome Multipurpose

Located on the grounds of State Fair Park & Event Center, the SunDome annually hosts WIAA State Championships in volleyball, basketball, and dance/drill. This multipurpose indoor facility is an ideal venue for planners, where 8,000 spectators can attend tournaments, events, and conferences. Recently renovated, the SunDome now is outfitted with state-of-the-art video scoreboards, LED lighting, and new permanent seats.

Sozo Sports Complex

Soccer, futsal, multipurpose indoor and outdoor, basketball, lacrosse, running, football The Sozo Sports Complex saw its seventh year of development in 2023, when it continued to make progress on the Sozo Arena, a 120,000-square-foot indoor facility that will hold up to four futsal courts, six basketball courts or 12 volleyball courts. The complex is home to 13 multipurpose outdoor fields as well, making it a powerhouse for any competition throughout the Pacific @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

Northwest. Sozo hosted tourneys and events in several sports this year including soccer, football, lacrosse, pickleball, basketball and running, as well as two major festivals.

Gateway Sports Complex Baseball, softball

With a professional staff dedicated to taking care of your tournament needs, the Gateway Sports Complex has you covered.

This state-of-the-art complex features eight softball fields, each with first-class Musco lighting, professional infield mix, electronic scoreboards and more. A PA system reverberates through the park, which also has a basketball court, volleyball court, two picnic shelters, a skate park, three playgrounds, a multipurpose field, and coach/umpire rooms.

The complex is the host site for several WIAA State Softball Championships each year.

Carlon Park Girls Fastpitch Complex Baseball, softball

This newly remodeled complex features four girls’ tournament-quality fastpitch fields with permanent 200-foot fences and stateof-the-art lighting systems on each field.

The complex hosted the 2023 WIAA 2A State Softball Championships and numerous USA Softball of Washington tourneys.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

Yakima Tennis Club Tennis

This well-maintained and visually striking tennis club is a hotspot for tournament action, seeing competition f rom the high school, collegiate and adult levels on an annual basis. The facility maintains 13 outdoor courts, eight indoor courts (at a separate facility), a renovated swimming pool with a children’s play area, a clubhouse with locker rooms, a catered snack bar and a pro shop. The club hosted several USTA tennis tournaments in 2023, as well as the WIAA State Tennis Championships.

▶ More than 40 organic commercial crops are grown throughout the Yakima Valley, so a trip to leaf through some of the valley’s farms and produce is sure to be a hit.

▶ The Yakima Valley’s celebrated arts scene is on display with tasting

rooms, museums, local galleries and more found throughout the valley.

▶ Bring the whole family to cool off at the Rotary YMCA Aquatic Center.

Apple Tree Golf Course Golf

Carved from the natural rolling terrain of 100-year-old apple orchards, Apple Tree is one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier golf destinations. Over 6,900 yards of championship course features a variety of scenic challenges, including its signature 17th apple green.

YAKIMA VALLEY SPORTS COMMISSION Rich Austin, Director of Sports Development 509-594-2742 rich@yakimasports.org YakimaSports.org

Sozo Sports Complex

Yakima Tennis Club

Apple Tree Golf Course

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Yakima Tennis Club

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Vancouver, Wa

Scan to discover more of what Visit Vancouver WA offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

SPORTS FACILITIES IN VANCOUVER OFFER BOTH POPULAR AND NONTRADITIONAL SPORTING OPPORTUNITIES, INCLUDING MMA, ROWING AND EQUESTRIAN EVENTS

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

Naydenov Rock N’Roll Classic at Clark County Event Center

“The event in Vancouver was fantastic. I cannot emphasize enough how invaluable the resources you provided were to them. Our partnership with Visit Vancouver is genuinely appreciated.”

— Elece Fiocchi, Managing Director of Provider Services, US Tennis Association – Pacific Northwest

US Rowing Junior District Championships at Vancouver Lake

Situated on the north bank of the Columbia River in Clark County, Vancouver, Washington provides exceptional sports facilities nestled among outstanding and serene natural amenities.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ A central hub for events and activities, the Vancouver Waterfront is a

prime location to access everything.

Anchored by the Grant Street Pier, you can enjoy riverfront views along walking and biking trails, retail and boutique shopping, and a water feature and playground for the kids to enjoy. Upscale cuisine is complete with waterfront outdoor seating at a number of delicious restaurants.

Numerous wineries and incredible hotels make the perfect overnight retreat in the center of it all.

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Clark County Event Center

Equestrian, canine, MMA, gymnastics, wrestling Situated in the heart of the 106-acre Clark County Fairgrounds is a 100,000-squarefoot sports facility boasting six event spaces.

The Clark County Event Center includes an enclosed equestrian arena and numerous commercial buildings adding flexibility and diversity to what they provide. Past events include the Mt. Hood Doberman Agility competition, kennel club shows, live MMA matches and dog obedience classes.

Harmony Sports Complex

Softball, baseball, soccer, Ultimate f risbee The Harmony Sports Complex in Vancouver, Washington, is one of the top sports facilities offering multiple fields for youth sports games and practices. Leased by the Harmony Sports Association, the complex is home to the

Columbia Premier Soccer Club and Cascade Little League players. Multiple fields provide diverse playing options with three lighted turf fields, six grass and six baseball fields.

Vancouver Lake / Columbia River

Sand volleyball, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, rowing Vancouver Lake is a 190-acre park that hugs 2.5 miles of the western shoreline offering a playground for water sports and volleyball enthusiasts. The park comprises 35 acres of developed land, providing the perfect conditions for a game of volleyball or calm water activities.

VISIT VANCOUVER WA Tanya Minor 564-544-5438 tminor@visitvancouverwa.com www.visitvancouverwa.com/sports

@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

Seattle Southside

Scan to discover more of what Explore Seattle Southside offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

FABULOUS SPORTS COMPLEXES, FAMILY-FRIENDLY PARKS AND COLLEGE-LEVEL GYMNASIUMS INVITE PLANNERS AND TEAMS TO ENJOY UNFORGETTABLE SPORTING EVENTS

Starfire Sports

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

“Seattle Southside helped us tremendously so that we didn’t have to go around and find 150 rooms for all of our families. It was really helpful just to have a one stop shop.”

— Jaime Montoya, NWSC Academy Registrar

North SeaTac Park

From world-class sports facilities to thrill-filled activities, Seattle Southside provides traveling sports teams the chance to explore the best of the Pacific Northwest. Not only is Seattle Southside a beautiful locale that will appeal to anyone, it has plenty to do for family members of all ages.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ At The Museum of Flight, visitors can hop in the pilot’s seat and see what it’s like to soar through the sky through surreal and exciting flight simulator rides.

▶ iFLY Indoor Skydiving makes the dream of flight a reality with indoor skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel. iFLY is safe for kids, challenging for adults, exciting for teens, and realistic for skydivers.

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Starfire Sports

Soccer, rugby One of the largest synthetic-turf soccer complexes in the nation, Starfire Sports is the home of numerous soccer and rugby teams, including the practice field of the Seattle Sounders FC and home to Major League Ruby team, Seattle Seawolves.

Featuring five grass fields, two indoor FieldTurf fields and seven outdoor FieldTurf fields, the complex’s main stadium also has a capacity of 4,500 spectators.

City of Des Moines

Basketball, volleyball, tennis, cross country, fishing, water sports With a plethora of walking and running trails, beach access and a marina offering wet and dry moorage for 840 recreational vessels, Des Moines Beach Park has outdoor and indoor space ideal for smaller youth sports teams and events. Listed on the Register

of Historic Places, Des Moines Field House is an ideal location for basketball tournaments, featuring a gym with 4,000 square feet and a capacity of 225 guests.

North SeaTac Park

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

EXPLORE SEATTLE SOUTHSIDE Cydney Marks-Nicholes Cydney@SeattleSouthside.com 206-686-7261 seattlesouthside.com

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Snohomish County, WA

Scan to discover more of what Snohomish County Sports Commission offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

EXPLORE SNOHOMISH COUNTY’S DIVERSE LANDSCAPE AND HISTORY TO FIND THE PERFECT FACILITY FOR YOUR UPCOMING TOURNAMENT

Angel Of The Winds Arena

Located just north of Seattle, Snohomish County is directly connected to Interstate 5.

Seattle Paine Field International Airport, just 10 miles from downtown Everett and 7 miles from Lynnwood, has commercial air service with Alaska Airlines. SeattleTacoma International Airport is just 45 miles south of Snohomish County.

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Angel Of The Winds Arena

Basketball, cheerleading, dance, endurocross, figure skating, gymnastics, hockey, martial arts, volleyball This 10,000-seat multipurpose arena features two NHL-ice sheets that can be converted into a 57,000-square-foot space for hosting trade shows and special events. The Edward D. Hansen Conference Center is equipped with three 900-square-foot meeting rooms and an 11,000-square-foot ballroom that can be arranged into a number of different

configurations. The Angel Of The Winds Arena is home to the Everett Silvertips, a Western Hockey League team. Past events include 2018 Skate America, 2020 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Qualifier, and 2022 SLS Seattle.

Meadowdale Playfields

Baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, Ultimate Frisbee Meadowdale Playfields plays home to many Adult Softball, Youth Baseball and Fastpitch tournaments throughout the year.

The athletic complex is one of the locations @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

for Perfect Game Northwest baseball tournaments each year. The complex features three lighted adult/youth softball/baseball fields and two lighted multipurpose turf fields which are lined for soccer, lacrosse and fastpitch/baseball. The facility is equipped with concession stands, a .67-mile walking trail, basketball court, play structure, picnic facilities, pond, restrooms and parking.

Walt Price Fitness Center at Everett Community College

Kayak Disc Golf Resort Disc golf, meetings

Kayak Disc Golf Resort is a former golf course and now is designed for disc golf.

The resort offers three courses, a pitch & putt course, and a practice area. The disc golf courses vary in difficulty level.

Play on old golf fairways, through the woods or around the clubhouse with natural obstacles. A disc golf pro shop and restaurant. The disc golf resort hosts PDGAsanctioned tournaments.

Basketball, gymnastics, martial arts, volleyball

This 49,000-square-foot fitness center offers a gym with a basketball court and retractable bleacher seating for up to 2,250 spectators, four team locker rooms, two coaches meeting rooms, concession area and a multipurpose room. The college has over 1,600 parking spaces available. The venue has hosted the NWAC Men & Women Basketball Championships and have hosted multiple USA Gymnastics Washington State Championships and Regional Championships.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

▶ Visit Funko Headquarters in downtown Everett, one of the leading innovators of licensed pop culture products with vinyl figures, action figures, plush toys, apparel and more.

▶ Enjoy an afternoon shopping at

Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip, where an upscale collection of more than 130 designer names awaits.

▶ Spend a day at High Trek Adventures.

Hook up to the rope course and finish by zipping down the zipline, try the miniature golf course, or play laser tag with your teammates.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY SPORTS COMMISSION

▶ Stroll along the streets of Historic

Downtown Snohomish. Walk along

Tammy Dunn, STS

the Snohomish River, enjoy a cup of

Executive Director

coffee and muffin, have lunch at

425-309-2744

one of the unique restaurants, or

tammy@snocosports.org

explore the various boutique and

www.snocosports.org

antique shops.

Meadowdale Athletic Complex

Walt Price Fitness Center

Lake Tye Park

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