2026 SPG Guide for Central New York

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2026 GUIDE

CENTRAL NEW YORK

Top-tier Fields, Courts and Trails Central New York is the ideal place to host your next tournament

5 Fabulous Destinations

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I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.

Photo courtesy of Oneida County Tourism

WELCOME TO CENTRAL NEW YORK!

I

f you’re looking for a destination that delivers more than just a place to play— somewhere that combines competition with character, action with atmosphere—then it’s time to take a closer look at Central New York.

Spanning Broome, Madison, Oneida, Otsego, and Schoharie counties, Central New York is where sports meet spirit. This is a region that doesn’t just host tournaments—it elevates them. Whether you’re planning a youth baseball series, golf championship, or team getaway, you’ll find facilities built for performance and communities built for hospitality.

Our venues range from high-capacity complexes and world-class universities to scenic, small-town gems—each offering the flexibility and professionalism you expect, plus a memorable setting that keeps teams and families coming back year after year. With an authentic sports culture woven into the fabric of the region, your players will compete where the love of the game truly lives—home to icons like the National Baseball Hall of Fame and high-quality venues that host regional, state, and national events.

The real magic of Central New York lies beyond the scoreboard. Between games, your teams and fans can discover a world of off-the-field experiences. Think: team-bonding hikes to waterfalls, group visits to sites steeped in fascinating history, or evening outings in walkable downtowns filled with local eateries, shops, and entertainment. Whether it’s a zipline adventure, a paddle down a calm river, or a group photo in front of a Hall of Fame exhibit, these are the moments that turn a tournament into a true getaway.

Getting here is as easy as planning the event itself. Located within a half-day drive of major Northeast cities and serviced by regional airports in Syracuse, Binghamton and Albany, Central New York is both accessible and affordable. Once on the ground, your teams will appreciate the stress-free logistics: short commutes, ample parking, group-friendly accommodations, and a network of welcoming partners ready to help with everything from venue coordination to customized itineraries.

In Central New York, your tournament doesn’t just fill a schedule—it creates an experience.

It’s a place where sports are celebrated, visitors are embraced, and every event feels like a win, on and off the field.

So, when you’re scouting your next great location, we invite you to consider Central New York—a region where game time and getaway go hand in hand.

Game on. We’ll see you here.

Scan to discover more of what Central New York offers sports planners at SportsPlanningGuide.com

ON THE COVER: Oneida County Tourism Photo courtesy of Oneida County Tourism

Warm regards, Your Central New York Team

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BROOME COUNTY, NEW YORK Built by historic innovators and fueled by a new class of creative visionaries, Greater Binghamton communities are filled with rich history and unique experiences. Broome County is not just a destination, it’s a perfect place for groups to explore.

Among Broome County’s many popular attractions is the Carousel Circuit. As the Carousel Capital of the World, Binghamton’s collection of antique merry-go-rounds will surely transport you to yesteryear. Take a step – or spin, rather – back to a simpler time on six of Binghamton’s most unique features, which take residence in tri-city parks that are just as beautiful as these lovingly restored, wood-carved relics of recreation. Take the time to travel the circuit Memorial through Labor Day. All of the carousels are free and have been so for more than 80 years.

Chenango Valley State Park is home to two kettle lakes, Lily and Chenango, which were created when the last glacier retreated and left behind huge chunks of buried ice which melted to form the lakes and bog. Birdwatchers may glimpse woodpeckers, nut hatches, warblers and thrushes along woodland trails and herons, ducks and kingfishers lakeside. Fishermen will find trout, bass, perch and bullhead in Chenango Lake. Campers can choose from among 184 campsites and 24 cabins.

VISIONS VETERANS MEMORIAL ARENA

Sports: Hockey, Basketball, Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Wrestling This 5,000-seat multipurpose arena holds eight luxury suites and is a longtime home to minor league hockey’s Binghamton Black Bears of the Federal Prospects Hockey League. The arena can also hold tournaments for basketball, cheerleading, gymnastics, wrestling and weightlifting. Among its amenities include a bar, concessions, locker rooms, retractable hoops and it is ADA accessible.

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GREENLIGHT NETWORKS GRAND SLAM PARK

Sports: Softball Residing amid the scenic beauty of Binghamton, this dynamic four-field softball complex is where champions are made and memories are forged. Following a $4 million renovation, the four new, allturf multipurpose fields, and brand-new lights are ready to welcome local teams, along with players and coaches from across the country. It also has concessions, lights, bleachers and parking.

By Beyond The Print

VISIT BINGHAMTON Lisbeth Koch (607) 296-2103 lisbeth@visitbinghamton.org visitbinghamton.org

SUNY BROOME ICE CENTER

Sports: Hockey, Roller Sports, Wrestling This 758-seat hockey arena can host ice hockey tournaments, roller sports and wrestling. Among its amenities include a café, events room and hockey pro-shop.

There is also parking. Among the notable events that have been held at the center include: AHL preseason games, Empire State Games, NJCAA Hockey Nationals, USA Hockey NY State High School Championships and more.

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