SPORT_187.qxp_Layout 1 11/19/19 3:11 PM Page 187

2020ILLINOISGUIDE Illinois’ Great Outdoors Will Surprise and Excite

Site InSpections The Mother Road of Event-Ready Keeps on Rolling: SPG A Premier Travel Media publication 14Destinations Explore Historic Route 66 www.SportsPlanningGuide.com IL Letter SPG 2020 AAPROVED.qxp_Layout 1 11/17/19 9:58 AM Page 1

Greetings from Illinois! Jan Kemmerling Acting Director Illinois Office of Tourism

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

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

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

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

Best regards,

Jan Kemmerling Acting Director Illinois Office of Tourism

2 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG 2020 State Guide TOCs pp10.qxp_Layout 1 11/17/19 11:21 AM Page 189

ILLINOIS 4 Route 66's Legacy of the Road Lives On 6 Explore Illinois' Great Outdoors © iStock.com/bgblue

8 Aurora, IL 24 Chicago Northwest, IL 10 Bloomington-Normal, IL 26 Quad Cities, IL 12 Chicago Southland, IL 27 Elgin, IL 14 Heritage Corridor, IL 28 Peoria, IL 16 O’Fallon, IL 30 Champaign County, IL 19 Decatur, IL 34 Lake County, IL 20 Rockford, IL ON THE COVER: Effingham, IL 201(Courtesy9 BMW of the ChampionshipWestern Golf Association, at Medinahin partnership Country with Club SI 23 the DuPage Sports Commission; Photo by Charles Cherney).

FINDING THAT THERE’S NO COMPETITION FOR HOSTING A COMPETITION IN ILLINOIS.

ILLINOIS

FIND AN AMAZING VENUE AT SPORTSILLINOIS.COM

SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 3 SPORT_190-193.qxp_Layout 1 11/19/19 10:57 PM Page 190

Heritage Corridor CVB Rout

Randy Mink Illinois Office of Tourism egac 66 h Roa’ L veO The “Main Street of America” now and always is an enshrinement to the American auto legacy

n the early 20th century, the innovation and mass implementation of on Route 66, fueling nostalgia for the heyday of automobile travel and a the automobile took America by storm. From 1910 to 1920 the number yearning for simpler times. It’s all about the romance of the open road. of registered vehicles grew from nearly 200,000 to 17 million, with the Nicknamed the “Mother Road” in John Steinbeck’s classic 1939 novel increase in cars demanding newer, better roadways and systems. From The Grapes of Wrath, U.S. Route 66 was the magic carpet to dreams in Ithose humble roots rose the behemoth that dominated the American the mid-20th century. Symbolizing freedom and mobility, it attracted thoroughfare: Route 66, the “Main Street of America”. vacationers, adventurers, hippies and those searching for a better life. Few journeys in the Midwest can rival a road trip that retraces Forming a linear community that spanned more than 2,000 miles through the path of our nation’s most storied highway. From the Lake Michigan eight states, from Illinois to California, the concrete corridor became shoreline of Chicago to the Mississippi River in Southern Illinois, museums, enshrined in popular culture—in music, art, films and television shows as retro diners, doses of kitsch and other nods to yesteryear drive tourism well as literature—during its lifetime (1926-1977). Everyone knows the song

4 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG SPORT_190-193.qxp_Layout 1 11/22/19 12:10 PM Page 191

refrain “Get Your Kicks on Route 66.” Cozy motels, mom-and-pop cafes, filling stations, neon signs and roadside oddities were all part of its mystique in its heyday, but reminders of Route 66 can be found in a number of Illinois communities, thanks to tourism offices and dedicated individuals who have put time, money and passion into preserving the highway’s heritage and keeping its spirit alive. As many original landmarks have vanished over the years, surviving treasures loom all the more special. Historic Route 66 signs can be spotted traversing the stretch of road from Chicago to St. Louis, and it is there that the history of the automobile and Illinois’ legacy of the drive has been best preserved. About one hour outside of Chicago, the city of Joliet trades on its Route 66 heritage. Start your exploration at Route 66 Park on Broadway, once a leg of the famed roadway. Browse the park’s infor- Joliet Historical Museum mational kiosks and enjoy a cold treat at Rich & Creamy. Atop the Heritage Corridor CVB store are statues of Jake and Elwood Blues, characters in The Blues Brothers movie, which included scenes filmed at the Old Joliet Prison, to their liking at the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum, a shiny visible from the hilltop park. showroom displaying vintage Pontiac-brand cars and some of the Joliet is also Illinois’ racing epicenter, where fans can sate their Pontiac Buggy Company’s high-end Oakland models produced in the need for speed at the Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway, late 1920s and early ’30s. Exhibits include a big oil can collection, old located adjacent to each other. Chicagoland Speedway features a 1.5 gas pumps, model car kits and promotional items mirroring the brand’s mile tri-oval speedway and regularly hosts NASCAR events, including the namesake, Chief Pontiac, a fabled warrior who fought the British in the opening event of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. The venue sees Great Lakes region. major events in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR For a taste of the good old days just southwest of Bloomington- Infinity Series and the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series as well. Normal on I-55, visit Dixie Truck Stop, which opened in 1928 and sold Route 66 Raceway hosts several drag racing events, including the sandwiches to Route 66 travelers. Today it’s a full-fledged restaurant National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), where winners are chosen in with plenty of seating for groups and a decor evoking early car culture. Funny Car, Top Fuel, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle competitive In the spirit of quirky attractions, Railsplitter Covered Wagon in events. The unbelievable speeds are amplified by the roar of the crowd, Lincoln, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the with seating for 30,000 available. world’s largest covered wagon, sits on Old Route 66 in front of the Best In Pontiac, Mother Road enthusiasts flock to the free-admission Western Lincoln Inn. Measuring 40 feet long, 12 feet wide and 25 feet Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, a repository of memorabilia tall and surrounded by a split-rail fence, it features a seated Abraham celebrating the people and businesses that served motorists on the Lincoln fiberglass figure reading a law book. historic highway. Its largest item of interest is the Volkswagen minivan Route 66 in Springfield has several sites that recall the highway’s used by itinerant hippie-era artist Bob Waldmire for traveling up and down golden era. The newest magnet delivering kicks on 66 is Motorheads 66. His 1972 VW was the model for the character Fillmore in the Bar & Grill, a retro-style restaurant that opened in summer of 2018. A Pixar/Disney film Cars. Outdoors, museum visitors pose for photos in front shrine to all things automotive, the cavernous space is festooned with old of the giant Route 66 shield mural emblazoning the back wall of the 1900 grilles, license plates, vintage advertising signs and lots of Route 66 building, once Pontiac’s city hall and fire department. shields. There are even whole cars and motorcycles on display under the Buildings in downtown Pontiac are decorated with 23 other artist- soaring ceiling, which once sheltered a Stuckey’s, one in the chain of designed murals, including four that recall Route 66, one a sunset scene roadside stores famous for their pecan log rolls and teal blue roofs. A showing a bright yellow late ’50s Chevy. Classic car buffs will find much separate museum building has a party room ideal for groups and brims with Route 66 artifacts, many from the collection of the late Bill Shea, a Railsplitter Covered Wagon Springfield icon who operated a gas station-museum. Motorheads serves up hearty fare like patty melts, pizza and Horseshoes, the latter a Spring- field specialty of Texas toast and choice of meat smothered in French fries and cheese sauce. Guarding the eastern entrance to Wilmington stands the 30-foot-tall Gemini Giant, the guardian of the Launching Pad drive-in restaurant. Named after the Gemini space program, the Giant holds a silver rocket ship in his hands, with a welding mask covering its face. The statue weighs an incredible 438 pounds of fiberglass, without counting the rocket ship or concrete base. For out-of-this-world burgers and shakes, head into the Launching Pad, where a slice of Americana is available with every meal. Chicago Style hot dogs, pulled pork and Italian beef sandwiches, meatball subs and classic ice cream desserts will sate your palate. There are many more stops along the country’s most prominent roadway, all begging to be explored. For more information about planning

Randy Mink your next trip, visit enjoyillinois.com. SPG

SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 5 SPORT_190-193.qxp_Layout 1 11/17/19 9:50 AM Page 192

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

6 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG SPORT_190-193.qxp_Layout 1 11/17/19 9:48 AM Page 193

ike most of the Midwest region, Illinois’ topography is best MISSISSIPPI PALISADES STATE PARK marked by prairies and flatlands. While not the state’s capital, With the banks of the Mississippi River between northwestern Illinois Chicago is its epicenter for culture, food, finance and trade. With and northeastern Iowa serving as a scenic backdrop, this state park is such a natural draw to the state, a quick trip outside of Chicagoland also a national natural landmark. Lofty stone cliffs can be seen from the Lreveals that there’s so much more to the state than just one of the river, as well as a series of sink holes and limestone caves. Erosion has world’s best cities. masterfully carved out unique rock formations, including the Twin Sisters, Venture out to Illinois’ great outdoors and discover for yourself the which resembles a pair of sisters atop the bluffs. Autumn in this park natural beauty that permeates the countryside, home to 73 state parks, brings a gorgeous change of scenery, with the park’s wooded ravines six state forests and one national forest. From the Driftless Area in north- and cliffs awash in the splendid assortments of fall. western Illinois—an region of unglaciated terrain with higher altitude than the rest of the state—to the natural prairie land where bison and elk roam, PERE MARQUETTE STATE PARK there’s a surprise around every corner of the Prairie State. Nature lovers will revel in the beauty found at Pere Marquette State Whether you’re searching for exotic birds of prey, a wooded trail to Park, where its wealth of activities provides something for everyone hike or run along, or winding rivers and glistening lakes for boating and to do. Limestone formations in designated climbing areas provide an fishing, Illinois has the perfect place to go for outdoor adventures. Here opportunity for rock climbing and rappelling, while hiking, biking and are some locales across the state that will make great backdrops and horseback riding trails are available for those who’d like to stay on the excursions to your tournaments. ground. Bluegill, carp, catfish, drum, largemouth bass and white bass all populate the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, while the Family Fishing Fair CASTLE ROCK STATE PARK in June is held annually. Bird watchers can spot bald eagles lining the Due west of Chicago lies Castle Rock State Park, which covers tree tops along the Illinois River from December to March. 2,000 acres of Ogle County on the banks of the Rock River. Established in 1921, the park is named after its signature highlight, a bluff of exposed STARVED ROCK STATE PARK sandstone with exposed areas of white quartz as well as limonite. The bluff Spectacular natural features are visible at Starved Rock State Park all itself offers hikers scenic views of the river and surrounding countryside. year long, though the springtime is arguably the best. A bevy of waterfalls The park is a favorite among kayakers and canoers, while families will cascade through the park’s impressive canyons and are on best behavior love the ability to bring a picnic and enjoy a nice day outdoors. in the spring months after heavy rainfall. Wind along a series of trails and keep your eyes peeled for deer, colorful birds, squirrels, rabbits and FERNE CLYFFE STATE PARK bald eagles. Spring sees the return of colorful wildflowers to the forest With an abundance of unusual rock formations and rare plant species, floor, while fall brings out all the colors of the spectrum, making for an Ferne Clyffe State Park creates an atmosphere that transports you back excellent backdrop to your picture-taking needs. to the Jurassic period. Located in southern Illinois, Ferne Clyffe provides visitors with a large number of hiking trails to explore, including the 2.1 mile Waterfall Trail. The Lake Trail as well as the Big Rocky Hollow Trail are also local favorites, though the surrounding woods and leafy vistas throughout the park provide a nice way to catch some fresh air and take in a day exploring the great outdoors.

GIANT CITY STATE PARK As part of the greater Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park provides eight hiking trails open to the public from dusk to dawn all year, as well as an additional two trails closed during shotgun deer season. Shawnee National Forest The Red Cedar Backpacking trail is the park’s longest, coming in at 12 miles of rugged terrain, while the park also permits rock climbing and rappelling SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST at heights topping out around 100 feet in the area around the Devil’s Located in the Ozark and Shawnee Hills of Southern Illinois, Shawnee Standtable bluff. Hunting is available in select areas of the park, as is National Forest is a massive area encompassing 280,000 acres of federally fishing, provided you have the correct licenses. managed lands, including seven wilderness areas. Garden of the Gods Wilderness features unusual sandstone formations and lookout points, MIDEWIN NATIONAL TALLGRASS PRAIRIE as well as 5.5 miles of interconnecting trails. Peculiar rock formations Established in 1966 as the country’s first designated tallgrass prairie, have been given appropriate titles, such as Camel Rock, Mushroom Rock Midewin National is a testament to a bygone era. Despite being nicknamed and Anvil Rock. Diverse wildlife can be found within Heron Pond, while the ‘Prairie State’, hardly any of Illinois’ native prairie land remains, so Pomona Bridge is a natural land bridge, and kids and adults alike fill find the complex ecology of the 20,000 acres of farmland here has been joy in Cave in Rock and its majestic scenery along the Ohio River. preserved. Of that allotment, nearly 9,000 acres and 33 miles of trails are open to the public, where bison watching is a hot commodity after the WHITE PINES FOREST STATE PARK species was reintroduced to the preserve in 2015. The size of the preserve Originally known as White Pine Woods, this park finally earned state has helped many endangered or sensitive species survive in a variety of park designation in 1927. Dolomite rock formations and freshwater habitats. streams populate a scenic area filled with moss-covered cliffs, trailing vines and fantastical trees. Wildflowers like bloodroot, blue-eyed grass, spring beauty and hepatica populate the grounds, while visitors can drive SPG over concrete fords that span the creeks.

SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 7 SPORT_194-195.qxp_Layout 1 10/24/19 10:40 PM Page 194

AURORA, IL THE LARGEST CITY IN CHICAGO’S SUBURBS, AURORA, ILLINOIS OFFERS LOCAL SUBURBAN FUN WITH BIG CITY SPORTS FACILITIES JUST PLANNER PERSPECTIVE OUTSIDE THE WINDY CITY “Seminole Sports is thrilled to have established a great relationship with the Fox Valley Park District and Aurora Area Convention & Photo caption Visitors Bureau. The FVPD staff does a great job of communicating Stuart Sports Complex with our tournament directors and ensuring proper maintenance of their pristine fields.”

— John Suvada General Manager, Seminole Sports

Great Lakes Volleyball Center

Supreme Courts

Situated just 40 miles southwest FACILITY SPOTLIGHT amenities throughout the facility, the complex of Chicago makes getting to Stuart Sports Complex features concessions, restrooms, a dog park, Aurora a breeze, with a variety of Ultimate, football, baseball, softball, a playground with a splash pad, garden plots, options for traveling teams. soccer, lacrosse, rugby Jericho Lake and a 1,300 spot parking area. Teams can reach the Aurora One of the largest soccer venues in area via Interstate 88 and the country, Stuart Sports Complex in Great Lakes Volleyball Center taking the IL-31 exit 117 toward Montgomery is suitable for every sport Volleyball Aurora/Batavia. If driving isn’t a imaginable, namely soccer, lacrosse, For all things volleyball, look no further feasible option, Chicago O’Hare Ultimate Frisbee, football, softball and than Great Lakes Volleyball Center in Aurora, International Airport and Midway baseball. Stuart Sports Complex offers their one of the largest volleyball facilities in the International Airport serve as a facilities at affordable prices, including Midwest and home to the Sports Performance gateway for reaching Aurora. tournament rentals for exclusive use of fields Volleyball Club. Offering sports performance for an entire weekend. Jam-packed with and development and competition workshops

8 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG SPORT_194-195.qxp_Layout 1 10/24/19 10:41 PM Page 195

POPULAR ACTIVITIES ▶ Raging Waves Waterpark in for both coaches and players, Great Lakes grade ceiling mounted baskets, whose low- Yorkville is a fan favorite for Volleyball Center is the country’s largest camp profile interwoven subfloor design provides all ages and is Illinois’ largest and clinic program, with over 3,000 participants enhanced acoustic and dynamic uniform ball waterpark. in 2017. Hosting numerous tournaments bounce. Teams can participate in Supreme throughout the year to both boys and girls Courts tournaments year-round with ▶ For a day of shopping, Chicago volleyball teams of all ages, the center’s facilities several benefits, such as low tournament Premium Outlets is an outdoor include eight courts, a full-time retail store, an costs, discounted pricing for minimum mall with all the designer names expansive, full-service weight training facility, a required participation, multiple locations at discounted prices. spacious concession area, an 11,000-square-foot to choose from each weekend, appropriate mezzanine viewing area and more than 500 competition for all levels, high quality venues ▶ Funway is over five acres of available parking spaces. and certified referees. indoor and outdoor activities. Families can enjoy go-karts, Supreme Courts bumper boats, bowling, mini-golf, Basketball roller skating and more. Open 365 Conveniently located five miles from days a year. Interstate 88 near Aurora’s Fox Valley Mall, Supreme Courts features four high school AURORA AREA CVB ▶ BALAXI Play is a unique glow-in- basketball courts with premium wood Pete Garlock, Director of Sales the-dark entertainment center flooring used in 90 percent of NBA courts and 630.256.3194 that offers fun, physical activities top universities. The facility also includes full [email protected] that will keep everyone engaged. climate-controlled courts and 24 collegiate www.auroraareasportsalliance.com Enjoy zip lines, indoor go-karting, rock climbing and a ropes course.

SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 9 SPORT_196-197.qxp_Layout 1 10/16/19 5:15 PM Page 196

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

T

E

E

T

Redbird Arena

Champion Fields Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan University

Travelers heading to FACILITY SPOTLIGHT dugouts, bleacher seating, scoreboards and a Bloomington-Normal by car Champion Fields P.A. system. Each set of four fields also has a will find Interstate 55 to be very Softball concession stand, making this one of the Prairie convenient, which runs right Despite being located in Normal, Champion State’s go-to softball locations. through the area on the drive Fields is anything but ordinary. Considered between Chicago and St. Louis. to be one of the finest softball complexes in Hancock Stadium I-39 and I-74 are nearby as well. the Midwest, this facility boasts eight lighted Football, Multipurpose By air, Central Illinois Regional diamonds in the main area and two lighted Hancock Stadium is a 13,391-seat, Airport is your go-to option, diamonds at Maxwell Park. The host site for multipurpose facility in the heart of Normal. offering free parking, a shuttle 10 ASA/USA National Tournaments in the Home to the Illinois State University football service and access to five rental past two decades, Champions Fields played team, in 1969 Hancock became the first car agencies. home to the 2019 USA Softball 12A National college stadium in Illinois to feature artificial Championship in June. Fields have covered turf, which was replaced in 2010. That same

10 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG SPORT_196-197.qxp_Layout 1 10/16/19 5:15 PM Page 197

POPULAR ACTIVITIES year, a new scoreboard was installed. Other Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan ▶ Red wolves, river otters, a ZooLab amenities include a state-of-the-art press level, University and more await at Miller Park a 5,500-square-foot indoor club, the Redbird Wrestling, Basketball, Volleyball, Track, Zoo, which offers families exciting Team Store and a spacious concourse. Hancock Tennis chances to see a wide variety of Stadium’s advancements enabled it to be The Shirk Center is a multipurpose athletic, exotic animals. chosen to host events at the Special Olympics recreation and wellness complex that Illinois Summer Games in June of 2019. contains facilities for basketball, volleyball, ▶ Touching the exhibits is track and tennis. The facility seats 2,400 with encouraged at Children’s room for an additional 400 spectators. Other Discovery Museum. Multipurpose incredible features include a 200-meter, The crown jewel of Illinois State Athletics, six-lane indoor track, two batting cages and ▶ Explore the rich connections Redbird Arena is used by the men and four courts for basketball, tennis, volleyball the area has to Route 66 and women’s basketball teams as well as the and badminton. Additionally, the complex Abraham Lincoln at the Cruisin’ women’s volleyball team. The multipurpose was selected to host the Midwest Nationals with Lincoln on 66 Visitors facility can hold up to 10,200 enthusiastic fans, Wrestling Tournament, held in July of 2019. Center. making the student section at ISU basketball games especially raucous. The arena has a ▶ Enjoy a night out at the center-hung scoreboard with four-sided HD BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL AREA CVB Bloomington Center for the video boards, making it easy to relax and Matt Hawkins, Marketing Manager Performing Arts, which hosts watch a game no matter where you are in 309-665-0033 more than 500 events every year. the stadium. In February of 2020, it will play [email protected] hostto the IHSA Girls Basketball State Finals. www.visitbn.org ▶ Test your limits at Upper Limits Rock Climbing Gym.

The Action IN BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, IL

BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

VisitBN.org / 800.433.8226

SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 11 SPORT_198-199.qxp_Layout 1 10/24/19 6:55 PM Page 198

ChiCago Southland, IL A DEDICATED TEAM, STATE OF THE ART VENUES AND EYE OPENING ATTRACTIONS MAKE CHICAGO SOUTHLAND THE PLACE TO BE FOR YOUR NEXT SPORTS TOURNAMENT PLANNER PERSPECTIVE “The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau has been amazing to work with, helping us get all of our racers and staff in here, as well as getting all the spectators out here today to enjoy the amazing Spartan Race with our Spartan Stadium Series.”

— Jason Barnes, Race Director Spartan Race

Matteson Community Center

Southland Center SeatGeek Stadium

Chicago Southland is within a FACILITY SPOTLIGHT basketball courts, four volleyball courts and two five hour drive of eight states Southland Center state-of-the-art Desso turf fields are available and is accessible via several Baseball, basketball, cheerleading, dance, from November to March. Updated LED Interstate routes, including I-55, gymnastics, football, lacrosse, martial lighting is visible throughout the facility. When I-57, I-80, I-90, I-94, I-294 and arts, rugby, soccer hosting tournaments, planners have been very I-355. If traveling by plane, there The Southland Center’s recently installed pleased with the quality of the wood flooring, are a couple top notch options 41,000 square feet of portable wood court scoreboards and nets, in addition to the center’s for planners to consider. Midway flooring is available from April to October open-atmosphere, attention to detail, customer Airport is serviced by Southwest, and is the largest continuous portable wood service and cleanliness. Delta, Porter, Sky County and court floor in the Western Hemisphere, as The center includes its own on-site bar and Volaris Airlines while O’Hare well as the second largest in the world. When restaurant, as well as a 17,000-square-foot International Airport is the laid out, this flooring can accommodate special events room. The Southland Center is world’s second busiest airport. 10 basketball or 14 volleyball courts. Four ADA compliant and features more than 1,200

12 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG SPORT_198-199.qxp_Layout 1 10/24/19 6:56 PM Page 199

POPULAR ACTIVITIES parking spaces, with Wi-Fi available throughout Matteson Community Center ▶ Zip around the tracks on electric the building. It’s also highly accessible since it is Baseball, basketball, football, soccer go-karts or challenge your axe- conveniently located near highways. The Matteson Community Center covers throwing skills at Accelerate 73,000 square feet of multi-purpose rooms. Indoor Speedway & Events in SeatGeek Stadium Here, planners and teams will immerse Mokena. Lacrosse, running events, rugby, soccer themselves in two indoor basketball courts Formerly known as Toyota Park, SeatGeek with wooden bleachers along the wall, as well ▶ Tr y your hand at games of Stadium in Bridgeview is where you’ll find the as baseball fields. The center also houses a bowling or billiards, or get moving National Women’s Soccer League’s Chicago football field equipped with bleachers and on the dance floor at Dave & Red Stars. You will also find a whole range of a soccer field. Matteson hosts numerous Buster’s in Orland Park. sports competitions throughout the year— events to keep the facility busy all season, with USA Rugby challenges, the U.S. Adult Soccer tournaments like the Baylor Youth Basketball ▶ Witness lively outdoor music Association’s National Cups Tournament, the Nike Showdown, Hoop It Up and the MultiGP between the months of May to Spartan Stadium Race, USASA National Cup Drone Racing North Central Regional Final. September at Hollywood Casino Finals, BeerFit Brew Mile, Nitro Circus and more. Amphitheatre in Tinley Park. This gorgeous 20,000 seat stadium features a natural grass, full-size field of 75 by 120 yards. ▶ In the Game at Hollywood Park SeatGeek Stadium houses a 90,000-square- CHICAGO SOUTHLAND CVB in Crestwood provides awesome foot dome that has a full size regulation indoor Joel Koester, Sports Market Manager indoor and outdoor opportunities soccer field. Teams will additionally have access 888-895-3211 for family fun. to two practice fields with their choice of a [email protected] natural or artificial surface. PlayChicagoSouthland.com

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

Contact Joel Koester to plan your next sports event.

888-895-3211 [email protected] PlayChicagoSouthland.com

SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 13 SPORT_200-201.qxp_Layout 1 10/24/19 10:58 PM Page 200

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

Romeoville Athletic & Events Center

Dellwood Disc Golf

Brent Hassert Park

Along the Illinois and Michigan FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Township Park District Administrative Offices. Canal, Route 66 serves as an Brent Hassert Park Whether you’re looking for a practice field or entrance into Heritage Corridor, Baseball, softball, soccer, outdoor a championship venue, this top-notch park is where you can experience sports your go-to place. several flea markets, historical Brent Hassert Park offers 77 acres of open landmarks and other picturesque space, including a soccer field, playground, Romeoville Athletic & Events Center stops. Heritage Corridor is picnic area, trails and splash pad for athletes Basketball, volleyball, football, also accessible via I-55 and and their families to enjoy. The park is easily lacrosse, baseball, softball, soccer IL-53. By air, Chicago Midway accessible and offers several amenities, such This top-tier, 76,000 square-foot facility International Airport and Chicago as bathrooms, parking, drinking fountains, is equipped with turf fields, diamonds and O’Hare International Airport are a spray park and rubberized surfaces. All courts that are perfect for your next indoor approximately 50 minutes away Hassert Park Field use is by permit only, sporting event. Romeoville Athletic & Events from Heritage Corridor. which can be acquired at the Lockport Center is ideal for large athletic games,

14 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG SPORT_200-201.qxp_Layout 1 10/24/19 10:59 PM Page 201

POPULAR ACTIVITIES and also offers spacious meeting rooms, and softball hosts the annual City Softball ▶ Go on an adventure at Starved expo space and party rooms. This award- Tournament as well as several other softball Rock State Park, a breathtaking winning complex is climate-controlled, and tournaments in the fall, spring and summer. wilderness area right along the is furnished with concessions, Wi-Fi, parking banks of the Illinois River. Enjoy and more than enough space for spectators. Dellwood Disc Golf majestic waterfalls, fishing, 13 If you’re looking for a venue for a celebratory Disc golf miles of trails and the natural party after the game or a meeting space to Situated in Lockport, this first-rate disc beauty of the outdoors. discuss game strategies, this first-rate center golf course is part of the Canyons Disc Golf has it all. Course, and has several holes throughout ▶ Beat the heat at Illinois’ largest the charming Dellwood Park. Every hole waterpark, Raging Waves Harlow Lockwood Softball Fields on the 27-basket course is unique in that Waterpark, where you can take Softball, baseball, soccer they incorporate mesmerizing natural a splash at several attractions, This venue includes six outdoor fields, environments. Dellwood Disc Golf also such as the Great Barrier Reef, parking surrounding the fields, a playground features 18 concrete tee pads (white course), Kookaburra Kreek and Tasmanian and a concession area with patio seating. six water areas and a practice sector. Twisters. Each softball field also features an individual scorer’s box and electronic scoreboard. The ▶ Take a tour of the Old Joliet softball complex even has six soccer fields HERITAGE CORRIDOR CVB Prison, which was built in 1858, and play equipment for young spectators. Dan Mulka, Marketing Manager in operation until 2002, and most Throughout the year, this hotspot for baseball 815-216-9963 famous for being featured in the [email protected] film The Blues Brothers and the heritagecorridorcvb.com show Prison Break.

SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 15 SPORT_202-203.qxp_Layout 1 11/14/19 11:11 PM Page 202

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

O’Fallon Family Sports Park

O’Fallon is easily accessible along FACILITY SPOTLIGHT the complex in 2018, while four premium grass Interstate 64, which connects O’Fallon Family Sports Park fields and two all-weather soccer fields were to I-55, I-70, I-255, I-270 and I-57 Baseball, Softball, Soccer added at the same time. in Illinois as well as I-170, I-370 Sitting across 200 acres, O’Fallon Family The facility hosted the NSA South Illinois and I-44 in Missouri. If you’re Sports Complex is an exquisitely designed State Championship for three days in June of flying in, O’Fallon is around 30 baseball and soccer complex located directly 2019, where the competition brought together minutes east of St. Louis Lambert off I-64. Eight lighted baseball fields designed some of the best adult slowpitch softball players International Airport. MidAmerica by the same design team that worked on in the country. O’Fallon Family Sports Park also Airport in Mascoutah, IL is Busch Stadium, as well as eight lighted served as the host venue for the GMB Gold another great option for those all-weather synthetic soccer fields, are just Ring Nationals, also held in June. This baseball flying with Allegiant Airlines. the start here. An all-weather championship tournament hosted an incredible amount of softball field and all-weather synthetic teams across age levels ranging from 7-and- championship baseball field were added to under through to 18U.

16 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG SPORT_202-203.qxp_Layout 1 11/14/19 11:11 PM Page 203

POPULAR ACTIVITIES The complex additionally features an all- team and the Seahawks competitive youth ▶ Live life in the fast lane with a visit weather synthetic playground designed for swim team are core tenants. The McKendree to the World Wide Technology toddlers as well as a full family playground, University hockey season runs from September Raceway at Gateway, home to 2.1-mile walking and running trail, free Splash to February and the facility hosts an annual both NASCAR and IndyCar races. Pad and a fishing pond, ensuring there’s plenty game between McKendree University and the for the rest of the family to do during your St. Louis Blues alumni in September to kick off ▶ Eckert’s Orchards features two tournament. the start of hockey season. farms, a restaurant, farmer’s The complex also hosted the Midwest market, grocery store and more. McKendree Metro Rec Plex Swim Conference Meet in July 2019, as well as Hockey, Swimming, Water Polo, Group several youth and adult hockey tournaments. ▶ Saturday mornings at the Vine and Personal Training The Rec Plex additionally is outfitted to host Street Market at O’Fallon Station Built in 2017 as the premier indoor sports and multiple conferences, expos and other events are a must, where visitors take fitness hub in the St. Louis metro-east area, the throughout the year including Trunk or Treat home fresh produce, handmade McKendree Metro Rec Plex is a state-of-the-art and Skate with Santa. The Halloween-focused gifts and artisan items from May facility with something for everyone to enjoy. Trunk or Treat was paired with a Division II through October. A pair of NHL-sized ice rinks and an aquatic hockey game between McKendree and SIUE center outfitted with a 10-lane championship in 2019. Contact the facility at 618-589-3800. ▶ Catch a future big league star with swimming pool are the main draws, while (metrorecplex.com) the Gateway Grizzlies, one of the a recreational pool, weight center, elevated Frontier League’s most notable walking track and cardio center, fitness studios franchises. and more round out the facility. While the Rec Plex was designed for the ILLINOISOUTH TOURISM ▶ Centerfield Park is your go-to whole family and is great for younger kids, it’s Andy Waterman, Sales & Marketing place for birthday parties, with got something for adults as well and serves as Manager bumper boats, go-karts, batting the home of the McKendree University hockey, 618-257-1488 cages and more. swim and water polo teams. Additionally, [email protected] the Southern Illinois Ice Hawks youth hockey www.illinoisouth.org

McKendree Metro Rec PlexO’Fallon Family Sports Park

McKendree Metro Rec Plex

SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 17 SPORT_204.qxp_Layout 1 11/16/19 7:18 PM Page 204 SPORT_205.qxp_Layout 1 10/24/19 6:35 PM Page 205

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

Millikin University Rotary Park

Positioned between Springfield FACILITY SPOTLIGHT a four-lane, 200 meter track with a six-lane to the west and Champaign Rotary Park sprint straightaway, a jumping pit and vaulting to the east, Decatur is easily Softball, baseball, volleyball area, basketball and volleyball courts and an accessible via Interstate 72, Equipped with five 300-foot fenced softball/ indoor golf center. The facility hosted the 2019 as well as U.S. Route 51 from baseball diamonds, Rotary Park is home to Northern Illinois Pickleball tournament in April. north and south. If flying in, two major ASA state softball tournaments, Decatur Airport offers flights an NSA slow-pitch tournament and a Special Millikin University from Chicago and St. Louis via Olympics competition. The 2019 Girls 16U Illinois Softball, football, soccer, track and field, Cape Air. State B Fastpitch Softball Tournament took wrestling, volleyball, basketball place in July, followed up by the 2019 Men’s Millikin University offers a multitude of State D & E Slow-pitch Softball Tournament tournament-ready facilities, including the later that month. Additionally, the park has Workman Family Softball Field, Decatur Indoor POPULAR ACTIVITIES four regulation-sized sand volleyball courts, a Sports Center, Fairview Park Tennis Complex, concession stand with pavilion and picnic-table Frank M. Lindsay Field, Millikin Wrestling ▶ Spend your morning at the Scovill seating, restrooms and a playground. Facility, Griswold Center, and Sunnyside Park. Zoo to see nearly 500 animals in residence from six continents. The Decatur Indoor Sports Center Baseball, softball, pickleball, soccer, track, DECATUR AREA CVB ▶ Take a trip over to the Children’s basketball, volleyball, golf Lynne Durham, Director of Meetings Museum of Illinois, located on the This 87,000-square-foot space offers a & Sports shores of Lake Decatur in Scovill one-of-a-kind indoor climbing wall, batting/ 217-423-7000 Park. throwing cages with four different speeds for [email protected] baseball and softball, an indoor soccer field, www.decaturcvb.com

SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 19 SPORT_206-207.qxp_Layout 1 11/13/19 12:12 PM Page 206

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

UW Health Sports Factory

Rockford is connected to many sports. With a maximum capacity of 3,700 areas of Illinois, Wisconsin UW Health Sports Factory spectators, UW Health Sports Factory spotlights (Madison, Milwaukee) and Basketball, cheerleading, dance, north and south courts, and a champions court Iowa (Dubuque) by highway. dodgeball, pickleball, volleyball, with seating for up to 400 people. Spacious U.S. Route 20 passes through wrestling outdoor areas overlook the Rock River with a Rockford twice, and provides This multi-purpose indoor sports facility south patio area. A full-service sports restaurant connections to Freeport, Galena spotlights 108,000 square-feet (96,000 with a dazzling 180-degree view of the river and and Dubuque. Interstate 90 square feet of hard court surface) of space north and south courts seats 160 guests, ideal connects Rockford to Madison, for your upcoming tournament. One of the for downtime in between games. Comfortable Milwaukee and the northwest largest facilities in the Midwest, the venue meeting spaces provide ample room for visitors, Chicago suburbs. Interstate is comprised of eight basketball courts that with the lower meeting room seating up to 50 39 directly links Rockford to convert to 16 volleyball courts, 16 wrestling people, while the upper meeting room seats up Bloomington-Normal. mats and accommodations for other indoor to 14 people.

20 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG SPORT_206-207.qxp_Layout 1 11/13/19 12:11 PM Page 207

▶ Visit Laurent House Museum, Mercyhealth Sportscore Two lighting, restroom buildings, improved designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Baseball, football, pickleball, rugby, pathways and upgrades to bleachers and a and famously known as the only soccer, softball, volleyball, golf, press box. home in Illinois designed by the lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, adapted architect for a person with a wheelchair sports Mercyhealth Sportscore One disability. This state-of-the-art sports facility will be Soccer, softball, baseball, volleyball sure to impress with 180 acres of courts, fields, (sand), kickball, wiffleball, golf ▶ Enjoy the natural beauty of concessions and other favorable amenities. (indoor), ultimate frisbee the city by touring the calming The expansive complex features 26 outdoor Nationally recognized as a premier host Anderson Japanese Gardens, soccer fields including seven turf/lighted fields, of soccer, softball, baseball, Ultimate frisbee composed of flowing waterfalls, three sand volleyball courts, a playground, and other sports tournaments, this first-rate tranquil streams and beautiful a 4,500-square-foot outdoor concession/ sports establishment is an excellent option gardens. restroom building, a tournament staging area for athletes to duel it out in a nail-biting for pictures and onsite parking with more competition. Spanning 147 acres, the venue ▶ Continue your nature walk than 2,000 spaces. The Indoor Sports Center includes 18 soccer fields, eight lighted baseball/ in the captivating Nicholas is a multi-sport complex consisting of 200,000 softball diamonds, an indoor soccer building, Conservatory and Gardens, square-feet of multi-purpose courts and fields, two playgrounds, a fishing pond, a boat ramp, a simulating the gorgeous tropics anchored a full-size (120-by-80-yards, equal to recreation path and concessions. with special water features four indoor soccer fields) turf field with 70-foot and sculptures right along the ceilings, locker rooms, a sports equipment breathtaking Rock River. store and Skybox dining overlooking the fields. The existing indoor sports center has Lindsay Arellano, Vice President of ▶ Children will appreciate the plans to convert to turf on both sides. The Sales and Servicing chance to explore the Discovery vast Wedgbury Stadium seats up to 2,500 815-489-1653 Center Museum, featuring more spectators, and has been refurbished to include [email protected] than 250 interactive art and a new synthetic turf field, NCAA professional www.gorockford.com/sports science exhibits.

Mercyhealth Sportscore Two

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau in conjunction with the Rockford Park District provided a first-class venue and excellent support for our Division III College Championships. The service provided along with the hospitality shown has made Rockford one of our go-to places for future events.

— USA Ultimate: Byron Hicks (Events Manager)

Mercyhealth Sportscore One Rock River

SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 21 SPORT_208.qxp_Layout 1 11/17/19 10:15 PM Page 208

Fred VanVleet NBA Champion Rockford, IL Native

DEDICATION Growing up in Rockford, Illinois, NBA champion Fred VanVleet honed his game at hardcourt venues across the city. His dedication, determination and desire were on display on the court and in the community. These same values are hallmarks of VanVleet’s success today, and are synonymous with the Rockford region’s commitment to excellence as a sports event destination. To nd out rst-hand, Bring Your Game 2 Rockford. gorockford.com SPORT_209.qxp_Layout 1 10/24/19 6:26 PM Page 209

Effingham, IL EVERY DAY, EFFINGHAM BECOMES AN EVEN BETTER DESTINATION FOR SPORT EVENTS, FROM SWIMMING TO PLANNER PERSPECTIVE “I would say that the advantage for SOFTBALL AND BEYOND. choosing Effingham, besides being so centrally located, is the community really gets behind and supports the Hendelmeyer Park events. We have such a variety of restaurants and hotels for people to choose from, and our shopping choices continue to expand. I feel fortunate to be able to host the event for its businesses and community.”

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

Hendelmeyer Park

Effingham County Memorial FACILITY SPOTLIGHT lighted, fast-pitch diamond—all with natural Airport and Shelby County Richard E. Workman Sports and grass—plus four lighted tennis courts. The park Airport are reasonable options Wellness Complex is rounded out with playground areas, a gazebo, for those flying in, while All indoor sports concession stand and skate park. Effingham’s central location The Richard E. Workman Sports and within Illinois affords easy Wellness Complex was completed in early Evergreen Hollow Park access for drivers via the 2016. The complex offers a 25-meter, eight-lane Softball, baseball, tennis, soccer, crossroads of I-57 and I-70. swimming pool and indoor 15,500-square- swimming foot, multi-sport courts. This recreational Evergreen Hollow Park spans 42 acres and center offers other amenities too, ranging comprises of two lighted softball diamonds, one POPULAR ACTIVITIES from rentable party rooms to physical therapy lighted baseball diamond, four lighted tennis ▶ Let your cares drift away as you services. The complex will not only offer visiting courts and soccer fields. On the west side of float down the lazy river at the teams great places to play, but a stellar spot for the park sits Kluthe Memorial Pool, an outdoor Richard E. Workman Sports & helping their bodies relax and recuperate from swimming pool with a lap pool, water slide and Wellness Center. intense activity. children’s pool area.

▶ You’ll always find fresh produce Hendelmeyer Park and large rooms for group outings Baseball, softball, tennis CITY OF EFFINGHAM CONVENTION & at Firefly Grill. If you’re looking for outdoor sports, look no VISITORS BUREAU further than Hendelmeyer Park. This spot is a Jodi Thoele, Director of Tourism ▶ Home-made creations and charming local park with expansive outdoor 217-342-5310 authentic Italian vibes abound at fields. At a respectable 20 acres, the park holds jthoele@effinghamil.com Tuscan Hills Winery. two lighted, slow-pitch diamonds and one www.visiteffinghamil.com

SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 23 SPORT_210-211.qxp_Layout 1 10/26/19 2:13 PM Page 210

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

Schaumburg Convention Center

By air, Chicago Northwest is USA Karate National Championships and Team accessible from anywhere in the Schaumburg Convention Center Trials in July of 2019. continental United States in four Cheerleading, gymnastics, soccer, hours or less, thanks to Chicago’s basketball, volleyball, wrestling Olympic Park O’Hare International Airport. By This 100,000-square-foot convention center Soccer, softball, baseball, football, car, the area is easily accessible has the capability to configure into multiple lacrosse, field hockey, rugby due to major Interstates in I-294 floor plans to accommodate a wide range This 72-acre sports venue features five and I-90/I-94. of sporting events. Located 12 miles from softball fields, two full-size basketball courts, O’Hare International Airport, the convention a 15,000-square-foot skate park, eight lighted center offers free on-site parking and is synthetic turf sports fields with a polyethylene connected to 500 guest rooms and suites at infill system designed for fields that experience the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention extremely high levels of use, two natural grass Center Hotel. The facility recently hosted the sports fields, and up to 17 available soccer fields

24 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG SPORT_210-211.qxp_Layout 1 10/26/19 2:14 PM Page 211

for tournament play. Having hosted thousands Melas Park Athletic Complex ▶ Woodfield Mall is Illinois’ largest of sports tournaments including the Nike Football, soccer, baseball, softball shopping destination with nearly Fall Classic in 2017 and the Common Goals In 2012 Melas Park upgraded their four 300 shops, restaurants and Memorial Day Soccer Challenge in May of 2019, lighted softball/baseball fields to synthetic turf. family-friendly amenities. Olympic Park is equipped with two concession The complex hosted the 2019 Arlington Turf stands and 700 available parking spots. Classic for 9U-14U baseball, held in April. The ▶ Shareable foods, multiplayer complex is also equipped with one soccer field, games and nostalgic throwbacks Harper College two sand volleyball courts, a picnic area and are the norm at ‘80s arcade Soccer, cross country, track and field, concession stand, and a 1.3-mile walking path PAC-Man Entertainment. volleyball, wrestling, basketball, around the vicinity. baseball, softball, tennis, martial arts, ▶ Six competing knights battle gymnastics, cheer/dance The Sport Center it out in a two-hour jousting Located in Palatine, Harper College offers a Badminton, basketball, volleyball, tournament at Medieval Times fitness center, field house, aquatics center, and martial arts, wrestling, pickleball, Dinner and Tournament. more. The 10,000-square-foot Fitness Center gymnastics, cheer/dance underwent a complete transformation and now This 110,000 square-foot building includes ▶ Younger spectators will love features more than 35 cardio machines, free four basketball courts, six volleyball courts, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, weights, a Life Fitness Synrgy360 multipurpose two soccer fields (convertible to one softball/ where you can navigate around training hub and more. The Field House is baseball field) and a gymnastic center. the city of Chicago, made entirely equipped with four courts for basketball, from LEGOs. pickleball, volleyball, or badminton and a suspended one-eighth of a mile jogging track. ▶ Visit the paddock, pick up a The Aquatics Center features six ADA accessible Melinda Garritano, CSEE program and bet on the races at lanes with two pool lifts. 847-278-3445 Arlington International [email protected] Racecourse. www.chicagonorthwest.com

Olympic Park

The Sport Center

Melas Park Athletic Complex

SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 25 SPORT_222.qxp_Layout 1 10/26/19 10:14 AM Page 222

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

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE TaxSlayer Center “The Missouri Valley Conference teams and fans loved being in the Quad Cities for the MVC Women’s Basketball Tournament. Everything about it is top notch.”

— Patty Viverito, Senior Associate Commissioner, Missouri Valley Conference

TPC Deere Run

Located at the intersection FACILITY SPOTLIGHT is a beautiful 7,258-yard, Par-71 course, and of Interstates 74, 80 and 88, TaxSlayer Center features a full practice green, 14,000-square- the Quad Cities represent the Basketball, ice hockey, figure skating, foot clubhouse, dining services, pro shop, locker largest metropolitan area on gymnastics, rodeos, boxing, volleyball, rooms and 160 parking spaces. the Mississippi River between cheer & dance, wrestling, weightlifting Minneapolis and St. Louis. The This 31,000 plus square-foot arena with Green Valley Sports Complex Quad City International Airport seating for 11,000+ offers ample parking, four Baseball, Ssoftball, soccer, cricket has dozens of daily nonstop locker rooms, six production room offices The Green Valley Sports Complex plays host flights to 11 cities, as well as and conference center. Regulation size court, to several sporting events throughout the year. hundreds of connecting flights full size hockey and figure skating rink, sky The complex features eight lighted softball from major hubs. boxes, automatic video scoreboards with fields and is host to International Softball replay capabilities and PA system. Home of the Congress world tournaments. It also features Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Basketball nine soccer fields, one cricket field, concession POPULAR ACTIVITIES Championship and professional hockey. stands and two covered picnic shelters. It seats ▶ Popular activities include 800 spectators and has 750 parking spots. entertainment centers with laser TPC Deere Run tag, bowling, arcades, go-karts Golf and escape rooms. You’ll also A nationally ranked golf destination, VISIT QUAD CITIES enjoy trampoline parks, Niabi TPC Deere Run golf course is home to the Joan Kranovich, Director of Sports & Zoo, numerous museums, John John Deere Classic on the PGA TOUR, NAIA Business Growth Deere attractions and fantastic trail Golf Championships, CCIW Men’s Golf 800-747-7800 ext. 831 systems. There is plenty to keep the Championship and the America Supports [email protected] entire family entertained. You charity fundraiser. The 18-hole course www.visitquadcities.com

26 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG SPORT_213.qxp_Layout 1 11/14/19 4:13 PM Page 213

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

Lifezone 360

Elgin Sports Complex

Elgin is located on Interstate 90 FACILITY SPOTLIGHT high-definition LED screens are available for about 42 miles from downtown Elgin Sports Complex viewing parties and conferences, as well as a Chicago. It’s also 53 miles from Softball, T-ball, volleyball, soccer, BMX full A/V system, drop-down volleyball netting for Rockford and 103 miles from biking up to 10 courts, bubbleball and a ninja course. Milwaukee. Fly into Chicago’s Elgin Sports Complex features tons of Lifezone also encompasses a full restaurant and O’Hare International Airport or championship-level competition spaces all in bar, has private party suites available and a wide Midway International Airport, one location. This 107-acre venue comprises 10 range of in-house catering options. where a network of roadways full-size soccer fields (four of which are lit), 10 will quickly connect you. fully-lit softball fields, two sand volleyball courts, Canlan ICE Sports hard-surface paths, a playground and The Hill, Figure skating, hockey POPULAR ACTIVITIES which is known as Chicago’s best BMX track. Train and compete on any one of three ▶ Natural beauty and outdoor fun state-of-the-art NHL-size rinks, complete with abounds in Fox River Shores Lifezone 360 access to Jerry’s Pro Shops for the newest gear. Forest Preserve and Tyler Creek Basketball, soccer, lacrosse, team Canlan’s recently renovated its space to include Forest Preserve. handball, futsal, gymnastics, large-screen televisions, a patio, tables and cheerleading fireplaces. ▶ Experience the Santa-themed Lifezone 360 (LZ360) is a highly versatile rides, live shows and petting zoos 130,000-square-foot sports complex and at Santa’s Village Azoosment Park. tournament/meet destination. The facility EXPLORE ELGIN AREA includes three full-time IHSA wood basketball Krisilee Murphy ▶ Check out State Street Market courts — which can be converted into 847-695-7540 Shops for antiques and locally volleyball courts — as well as additional room [email protected] made trinkets and gifts. to accommodate eight courts total. A pair of www.exploreelginarea.com

SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 27 SPORT_214-215.qxp_Layout 1 10/26/19 10:08 AM Page 214

Peoria, Il PLANNER PERSPECTIVE NESTLED HALFWAY BETWEEN CHICAGO AND ST. LOUIS, “Partnering with Enjoy Peoria provides PEORIA PROVIDES WORLD CLASS ATHLETICS FOR PLANNING a first-class experience for all of our UNFORGETTABLE SPORTS EVENTS coaches, athletes, officials and fans that visit East Peoria. The online housing process makes it easy and efficient for teams to book their hotels. The fans enjoy all of the new development and restaurants in the East Peoria area. The Eastside Centre provides outstanding service and attention to the fields throughout the entire weekend making them an excellent playing surface for all the competing teams!”

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

Louisville Slugger Sports Complex

EastSide Centre

Daily flights are available at FACILITY SPOTLIGHT 29,000-square-foot arena seats 9,919 for hockey General Wayne A. Downing Peoria Peoria Civic Center and indoor football, 11,433 for basketball and is International Airport via Chicago, Basketball, hockey, indoor football, also equipped for wrestling matches. The arena Atlanta, Dallas, Minneapolis, wrestling, cheer, dance, ice skating, has several concessions, restrooms, parking lots Las Vegas, Phoenix, Charlotte cornhole, boxing and is handicap-accessible. and Orlando, while larger Conveniently located in downtown Peoria, airports in Chicago, St. Louis and the Peoria Civic Center is home to the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex Indianapolis are a few hours away , ’s NCAA Baseball, softball, volleyball, flag by car. I-74 runs through the Division I basketball team, and the Peoria football heart of the city. Peoria can also Rivermen professional hockey team. The This state-of-the-art sports complex is an be approached from I-55, which convention center includes Carver Arena, ideal destination for baseball and softball connects Chicago to St. Louis. host to the Illinois High School Association events. As the only Louisville Slugger facility Boys’ Basketball state finals every March. This in the United States, the 125,000-square-foot

28 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG SPORT_214-215.qxp_Layout 1 10/26/19 10:09 AM Page 215

POPULAR ACTIVITIES dome-style building has all the amenities softball fields, indoor and outdoor soccer ▶ Experience exciting interactive necessary for your next sporting event. The and football fields and indoor and outdoor exhibits at the Peoria Riverfront complex contains 10 outdoor fields all with live running tracks. EastSide Centre has hosted the Museum before checking out the streaming and 100 percent synthetic turf, MLB- Illinois High School Association State Softball planetarium and theater. style walk-out dugouts, bullpens, electronic Championships for more than a decade. scoreboards, two indoor baseball and softball ▶ Climb behind the wheel of fields and multipurpose hard courts. The Peoria FC United Soccer Complex actual mining equipment at the facility includes clubhouses that host weeklong Soccer, lacrosse Caterpillar Visitors Center. baseball, fast-pitch and training events. It is Home to one of Central Illinois’ premier located just eight miles from General Wayne soccer clubs, Peoria FC United soccer complex ▶ Kartville features go-karting, A. Downing International Airport and is near attracts world-class athletics with its recently naturally, but you’ll also find ATVs, several major Peoria hotels. upgraded facility. As the only FIFA-endorsed bumper boats, mini golf, batting turf in Peoria, the facility hosts tournaments cages and more. EastSide Centre such as the Mid-America Spring Invite and the Baseball, softball, soccer, football, Mid-America Shootout. ▶ Catch a Peoria Chiefs minor track, volleyball league baseball game at Dozer For world-class athletics, EastSide Centre Park in downtown Peoria. provides facilities for up to collegiate-level sports and has hosted tournaments on national, PEORIA AREA CVB ▶ The Spirit of Peoria paddle regional and local levels. It is home to East Danielle Bensing, Convention and wheeler offers sightseeing cruises, Peoria youth sports, East Peoria Community Sports Sales Manager private charters and overnight High School baseball, soccer, football and 309-282-3283 excursions to hotspots like track and Robert Morris University football [email protected] Starved Rock State Park and the and baseball. The center offers baseball and www.peoria.org St. Louis Riverfront.

SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 29 SPORT_216-217.qxp_Layout 1 10/24/19 7:01 PM Page 216

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

State Farm Center

Willard Airport, six miles south of FACILITY SPOTLIGHT of the extensive workout equipment and spaces Champaign, features American Activities & Recreation Center along with its 35-foot climbing wall and one- Airlines flights daily to and (ARC) at the University of Illinois fifth mile indoor track. It houses both an indoor from Chicago, Charlotte and Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming, and outdoor pool, with diving wells perfect for Dallas/Ft. Worth. If traveling by Diving, Squash, Wrestling, Martial competitions and a sauna and café great to car, I-74 connects Peoria and Arts enjoy afterward. Bloomington from the west to The ARC is a 340,000-square-foot on- Indianapolis in the east, while campus rec center with the capacity to host Dodds Park I-57 connects Champaign County nearly any indoor sport with its versatile Softball, Soccer, Disc-Golf through Chicago. spaces. The space has four gymnasiums that Located at Parkland College, Dodds Park can be converted into 12 basketball courts, has seven premier tournament quality softball 16 volleyball courts, three squash courts or 12 fields, in a 3-plex and 4-plex structure. The site racquetball courts. Teams can take advantage also has 11 top quality soccer fields that have

30 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG SPORT_216-217.qxp_Layout 1 10/24/19 7:02 PM Page 217

hosted the Illinois Futbol Club Spring and Fall Illinois High School Individual Wrestling State POPULAR ACTIVITIES Invites, as well as an 18-hole disc golf course. Championships, and much more. The center ▶ Pick your own apples at Curtis recently renovated its backstage area so Orchard & Pumpkin Patch and Atkins Tennis Center & Khan that any event can take full advantage of its stick around for the corn maze Outdoor Complex expansive full-service kitchen, catering/dining and putt-putt golf. Tennis services and locker rooms. Recognized in 1992 by the USTA as the ▶ Hang out with 16 friendly animals country’s “Most Outstanding Tennis Facility”, Leonhard Center at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch, Atkins Tennis Center & Khan Outdoor Complex Basketball, Volleyball where you can feast on Texas- has only gotten better since then. After When scouting out the best facilities in style brisket and beans. an expansion in 2009, the complex boasts Champaign County, don’t be quick to overlook 20 outdoor and six indoor courts, with six Leonhard Center. The main gym has the ability ▶ Catch a film or have a bite in courts containing individual scoreboards and to transform its normally two full-sized IHSA one of the locally owned spectator seating. The complex can hold up to basketball courts into four volleyball regulation- restaurants throughout 3,800 spectators and has indoor restrooms, a sized courts. An indoor walking track, weight Downtown Champaign’s pro shop and a sound system. room, cardio room and an indoor playground Entertainment District. for kids to enjoy are also available throughout the facility. For the more environmentally aware, ▶ The University of Illinois campus Basketball, Wrestling, WWE, it might be interesting to know the center is has something for everyone, Gymnastics geothermally powered. depending on the season, but the No stranger to large events, the State Farm cherry blossoms in bloom are a Center has 15,500 permanent seats, with a special treat. max capacity of 16,500 spectators. Its flexible VISIT CHAMPAIGN COUNTY floor space means it’s just as ready to have Ryan Reid ▶ Champaign-Urbana Adventures a Broadway show or rock concert as it is a Director of Sports & Special Events in Time and Space escape Fighting Illini basketball game. The arena 217-351-4133 rooms build teamwork through has hosted the 2019 National Intercollegiate [email protected] challenging, film-inspired Wheelchair Basketball tournaments, the Champaignplays.com experiences.

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

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

Activities & Atkins Tennis Center Recreation Center

SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 31 SPORT_218.qxp_Layout 1 11/15/19 1:05 AM Page 218

When athletes play among the legends that came before them.

BIG TEN NATIONAL DOZENS 4,200 HUNDREDS Championship Regional, and State of Sports Capable Area Hotel of Local Restaurants and Facilities Tournaments of Hosting Rooms Entertainment Options

Champaign County, home to the University of Illinois, a premier Big Ten Institution, offers state-of-the-art facilities capable of hosting any sport. Schedule a site visit and receive a free Illini t-shirt! 800.369.6151 :: [email protected] champaignplays.com SPORT_219.qxp_Layout 1 11/17/19 10:11 PM Page 219 SPORT_220-221.qxp_Layout 1 11/13/19 11:09 AM Page 220

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

Libertyville Sports Complex

Lake County is easily accessible climbing mountain and conference rooms by car by hopping on I-94, which Libertyville Sports Complex capable of holding up to 120 people. follows Lake Michigan to connect Soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, Chicago with Milwaukee. By football, basketball, volleyball Greater Libertyville Soccer air, Lake County is surrounded When it comes to premier sporting event Association by three international and facilities in Lake County, the Libertyville Sports Soccer numerous regional airports. Complex is no exception. The complex spans Soccer players and their devoted friends O’Hare International Airport and 160,000 square feet and includes a lighted and family who travel to support them will be Midway International Airport, softball field, an award-winning driving pleased with their time spent cheering their both in Chicago, are under an range and a fitness center in addition to its superstars on at Libertyville Township Soccer hour’s drive away. Indoor Event Center. This center houses eight Complex. The outdoor complex’s 20 fields over multi-purpose courts, two turf fields, a 29-foot 110 acres mean the location is equipped to host

34 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG SPORT_220-221.qxp_Layout 1 11/13/19 11:10 AM Page 221

sizable events without waiting for available field drinks, chips, candy, nachos, hot dogs and space. The complex also has a parking capacity grilled items for larger events as well as vending ▶ Find plenty of chills and thrills at of over 1,200, bleacher seating for 100 and on- machines. Six Flags Great America and its site concessions. waterpark, Hurricane Harbor, in Waukegan Fieldhouse Gurnee. Glacier Ice Arena in Vernon Hills Indoor, multi-purpose Hockey, figure skating, broomball The impressive and modern Field House ▶ Gurnee Mills shopping mall has all Stay cool while working up a sweat at Vernon Sports and Fitness Center in Waukegan’s the great factory and outlet stores Hill’s Glacier Ice Arena’s two NHL-sized ice Hinkston Park is a great place to visit when you’re looking for at reasonable rinks. Each rink features 350 heated seats so planners are looking for a venue to host any prices. your supporters can cheer on their favorite type of event. Between its six hardwood courts, team or skater in comfort. And for the players eight-lane lap pool and two-story fitness center, ▶ Grab a bite to eat at any of the themselves, the facility is equipped with 12 locker this 80,000-square-foot site has all the space and hundreds of family-friendly rooms, study rooms, meeting rooms, a video equipment necessary to make sure your sports restaurants throughout Lake game room and a snack bar for all to enjoy. tournament goes off without a hitch. Other County. exciting amenities include a three-story climbing Vernon Hills Athletic Complex wall, an indoor batting cage, a sauna and a both ▶ Explore more than 31,000 acres Tennis, baseball, softball, football, an outdoor and an indoor suspended walking/ of outdoor fun and go swimming, soccer, lacrosse jogging track. boating, hiking, fishing or pack a Vernon Hills Athletic Complex is an picnic at the Lake County Forest exceptional venue that can host a variety of Preserves. sporting events. Able to accommodate a range of competitive outdoor sports, the complex’s ▶ Pacify your aquatic thrills with a 41 acres covers 27 different fields, including Teresa Lewis, Sports Event Specialist tremendous indoor waterpark 11 diamonds, three tennis courts and a full 847-662-2700 when you book at stay at Great stadium. No fan will go hungry here either, as [email protected] Wolf Lodge in Gurnee. this location has a concession stand serving www.visitlakecounty.org

Waukegan Outdoor Sports Park

Waukegan Fieldhouse

Vernon Hills Athletic Complex

SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 35 SPORT_212.qxp_Layout 1 11/18/19 11:11 PM Page 212