MEASURING EVENT ROI

CROSSING THE FINISH LINE WITH THE RIGHT VENUE JUST ADD WATER + AMERICA’S FINEST FACILITIES SPECIAL REPORT > FACILITIES America’s

Finest stone hosted the 2007 NCAA Division II finals and will host the PONY National Championships from 2009- 2011. The stadium will also welcome Facilities athletes from around the globe attend- ing the 2014 Games, which was re- cently awarded to & Akron, . Built in 1925, Firestone offers the In recent years, America’s communities have made lighted Firestone Stadium Main Field, Firestone Pony Field, and Colonial Salt some major investments in their sports facilities, resulting in an im- Field, a convenient warm-up facility. Fire- pressive array of homes for sports events of every kind. From multi- stone seats 2,500 spectators and provides field sportsplexes to beloved historical fields, America’s sports facilities two locker rooms, coaches’ meeting rooms and centrally located scoreboard are state-of-the-art, experienced and ready to host your next event. and professional sound system, both op- erated from the press box. Firestone also FIRESTONE STADIUM, AKRON, OHIO the stadium offers teams an even more has parking for 575 vehicles as well as impressive array of amenities and serv- bus spaces. Steeped in Akron’s historical indus- ices. “Akron has a history of pioneering in- trial era charm, Firestone Stadium re- In addition to the Ohio High School dustry and innovation, and Firestone Sta- mains one of the area’s premier sporting Athletic Association Regional Tourna- dium, built by Harvey Firestone of the venues. After a $3.5 million renovation, ment, held at Firestone since 1998, Fire- Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, is just another example of that heritage,” says Joey Arrietta, general manager, Fire- stone Stadium. “Today we honor that her- itage by executing successful, world-class events.”

SIMPLOT SPORTS COMPLEX, BOISE, IDAHO

Boise is many things. In Idaho’s south- west corner, visitors experience a full range of metropolitan conveniences and nearly any outdoor recreation they could desire. And at Boise’s Simplot Sports Complex, athletes compete in a first-rate facility against the backdrop of the Boise foothills. A 160-acre facility with 20 regulation- size soccer fields and 15 Little League baseball fields, Simplot Sports Complex offers up everything a sports event needs to succeed, including more than 1,600 parking spaces, restroom facilities, a Firestone Stadium – Akron, Ohio – Three-time All-America® City Winner! playground and miles of walking paths,

80 sports DESTINATION MANAGEMENT • May/June 2010 Wake Nation Grand Opening

Easy accessibility, nearby amenities and the quality fields at Simplot Sports Complex make it a favorite among tournament organizers, coaches, players and fans. (Photo by Anne Quinn) all a short drive from Boise’s many at- paved and grass parking, all located orado Springs Youth Sports, Inc. “Our tractions, including the Wahooz Family within minutes of Butler’s many restau- mission at CSYS, Inc., is to provide first- Fun Zone and Roaring Springs Water rants, hotels and attractions. rate sports facilities and opportunities for Park. What’s more, the facility takes an “Wake Nation Cincinnati is the perfect youth participation in sports and recre- eco-minded maintenance approach in- spot to host your next cable water sport ation.” cluding, clipping-fertilized turf irrigated event,” says Stephanie Gigliotti, sports Nine of El Pomar’s fields are devoted by surface water and recycling bins and event sales manager, Butler County to baseball and softball, while the other throughout the facility. CVB, “Whether you’re a first-timer or a nine fields host soccer, lacrosse, field The complex hosts many local, state, seasoned pro, Wake Nation will not only hockey, and football. The newest addition and regional events and tournaments for be challenging; it will be a blast!” to the Park is Kent Olin Field, a champi- youth play, including the yearly Les Bois onship-size artificial turf field built in Invitational Soccer tournament, (5-7 EL POMAR YOUTH SPORTS PARK, 2006. The facility has hosted a variety of states), and the Far West Regional Soc- COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO stand-out events, including the Pride of cer Championship. the Rockies Soccer Tournament, Triple “We’re thrilled to partner with many With 18 playing fields covering 58 Crown Baseball Tournament, Super Se- youth organizations and associations to acres, Colorado Springs’ El Pomar Youth ries Baseball Tournament and the First host events,” says Laurie McConnell, Sports Park is devoted to youth sports Annual Ride to Save a Suicide bike ride. communications manager, Boise CVB. and ensuring youth have top-notch facil- El Pomar Youth Sports Park is located “We provide what many consider the ities on which to compete. within five miles of many restaurants and ‘Best-of-the-West’ fields and facilities the “Colorado Springs Youth Sports, Inc., a large hotels, several of which partner with northwest has to offer.” 501(c)(3) charitable, non-profit organi- the park to offer discounted rates, and just zation, oversees the management of the one mile from the highway, making trans- WAKE NATION, BUTLER, OHIO El Pomar Youth Sports Park,” explains portation to and from the facility easy Lauren Weiner, executive director, Col- and convenient. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 82) Named 2010 Best of Ohio in both Ohio and Cincinnati Magazine, Butler, El Pomar Youth Sports Park, Ohio’s Wake Nation is making serious Colorado Springs, Colorado waves in cable water sports. Wake Nation’s 30-foot-high cable sys- tem allows riders the ability to wake- board, water ski, kneeboard and wake skate without a boat. Wake Nation fea- tures a 10-acre lake, surrounded by an 8- acre park. Designed to provide the ultimate ride to both amateurs and expe- rienced boarders, Wake Nation makes the perfect location for a range of events. The facility was designed with sustainability in mind as well: Wake Nation’s cable sys- tem uses less energy than it takes to run a dishwasher, and the lake liner is made en- tirely of recycled materials. Spectators receive the same special treatment as athletes, with a 4,000 square-foot observation deck and lawn seating. The facility also offers a pro shop, concession stand, restrooms and

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skeet ranges, four lighted trap ranges and a 10-station sporting clay range. The facility offers a variety of rifle and pistol ranges, and its 12 Action Shooting Bays allow for United States Practical Shooting Associa- tion (USPSA) events in action handgun and multi-gun events, as well as Single Ac- tion Shooting Society (SASS) affiliated Cowboy Action Shooting Events. Sustainable Wildlife Areas make up over 50% of the park, allowing for in- credible wildlife viewing, and the facil- ity also offers archery, an activity center, a 50-person meeting/class room, a seven- acre lake for retriever training and youth fishing, and a modern RV park with wa- ter and electrical hookups. Future devel- opments will include up to 25 miles of The South Commons Sports equestrian and pedestrian trails. and Entertainment Complex “We like to say Grand Island is halfway to everyone in the U.S., which THE SOUTH COMMONS SPORTS Harlem Globetrotters, the “World Fa- makes HPSP convenient for shooting AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX, mous” Lipizzaner Stallions and World events of all kinds,” says Bill Starkey, su- COLUMBUS, GEORGIA Entertainment. And the perintendant, HPSP. “And with an army 32,000-square-foot Jonathan Hatcher of staffing available, HPSP has the man- With numerous multi-sport complexes Skateboard Park has hosted the 2009 power to make any shooting event suc- and an Olympic proven Supercenter Georgia Bowl Riders Championship. ceed beyond your wildest expectations.” recreational facility, Columbus, Ga., has a rich tradition of hosting successful local, HEARTLAND PUBLIC SHOOTING JOHN ANKENEY SOCCER COMPLEX, regional, national and international ath- PARK, GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA GREENE COUNTY, OHIO letic events. “The South Commons Sports and En- The largest public shooting facility in In the sporting world, soccer events are tertainment Complex, home to a range of the Midwest is located in the center of some of the biggest around. When you’re sports facilities, is a striking example of Nebraska in Grand Island, Central Ne- coordinating hundreds of players and our sports excellence commitment,” says braska’s Platte River Oasis. their families, having a facility that can Herbert Greene, executive director, Heartland Public Shooting Park (HPSP) handle anything is crucial. Welcome to Columbus Sports Council. The facility’s consists of 420 acres, including six lighted John Ankeney Soccer Complex. softball complex, built in 1995, offering seven fields and a stadium field, hosts Heartland Public Shooting Park - hundreds of annual local events and 2009 National 4-H Shooting Sports dozens of local, state, regional, national Invitational and international softball competitions. Historical Golden Park, originally con- structed in 1906, was completely reno- vated in 1996 to host the first ever Olympic Women’s fast pitch softball event during the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games. The ballpark also hosts such events as the Southeastern Conference college baseball championship. AJ McClung Memorial Stadium, home to the Georgia-Auburn football contest, 1916-1958, now hosts local youth foot- ball and soccer, high school football and decades-old annual college football events. Columbus Civic Center hosts a myriad of concerts, sporting events and family shows including the Original

82 sports DESTINATION MANAGEMENT • May/June 2010 The John Ankeney Soccer Complex - host playground, two courts, a cov- site for the 2010 US Youth Soccer Midwest ered pool, and a multiuse athletic field. Regional Championship this June “Harlingen is the center for sports ac- tion in the Rio Grande Valley, with state- of-the-art facilities to suit any team,” says Nydia O. Tapia Gonzales, executive di- rector, Harlingen CVB. “Just minutes from the beach and Mexico, our sub-trop- ical climate allows for year-round sports action ranging from softball and soccer to and .”

VIAERO EVENT CENTER, KEARENY, NEBRASKA

In Kearney, Nebraska, there’s an event facility that can handle pretty much any- thing: The Viaero Event Center. Viaero’s 17,000 square feet of arena floor space can accommodate a range of events. If basketball’s your game, Viaero On 65 acres, with up to 35 fields, the and Lloyd Sessions Tennis Pavilion, a re- features a regulation basketball court. But John Ankeney Soccer Complex can host cent addition, is a $1.4 million facility if hockey’s your sport, Viaero’s got that nearly any tournament in one easy-to- housing three covered courts, new locker covered with a 200 ft. by 84 ft. regulation find location. The Complex offers over rooms and bleacher seating for the cov- hockey rink. ? Check. Wrestling? 1,200 parking spaces, two concession ered courts and an observation deck over- Check. And for events that require exhibit stands and an outdoor covered pavilion looking four outdoor courts. or conference space, Viaero offers 54,000 with grills and restrooms. A recent ma- The HEB Tennis Center has hosted the square feet of flexible space. jor capital investment allowed installation Southwest Conference championships and The facility also features several 20-30 of in-ground irrigation throughout the the NCAA Men’s Division I national person suites, many equipped with tele- complex to provide the best year-round championship and annually hosts over 15 phone, fax hook-up and television, that playing surface possible. adult and junior tournaments. Located make ideal dressing rooms or event man- “We’ve got everything you might need within 15 minutes of all of Harlingen’s agement headquarters, as well as a 50 ft. for any event at our facility,” says John many restaurants, hotels and attractions, by 130 ft. VIP room that overlooks the Ankeney, executive director, John these first-class tennis facilities offer more entire arena. Ankeney Soccer Complex. “And after the than just tennis: the HEB Tennis Center The list of amenities goes on and on, game, hungry soccer players won’t have also features a renovated covered pavilion, but includes seating for (CONTINUED ON PAGE 84) to travel a half-hour to find something to eat either. There are over sixty restaurants within eight miles, as well as 1,500 hotel rooms and two major shopping centers.” Besides being a great place to play soccer, the John Ankeney Soccer Com- plex sits right in the middle of all of Greene County’s attractions, including The National Museum of the United States Air Force, the Young’s Jersey Dairy and King’s Island Amusement Park.

HEB TENNIS CENTER, HARLINGEN, TEXAS

In Texas, tennis has a special home, and that home is called the HEB Tennis Center. The HEB Tennis Center boasts 21 lighted, Laykold surface outdoor tennis courts as well as a pro shop, lounge and HEB Tennis Center, full locker room facilities. The Mildred Harlingen, Texas

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“In all, Patriot Park is a beautiful place to visit in the summer months to catch a game or enjoy a positive atmosphere,” says Jeremy Kienitz, recreation director, Michigan City Parks. “Patriot Park is for- tunate to have a well-trained staff in place who are at the park every day and take great pride in the upkeep of the playing fields.” In 2007 & 2009 Patriot Park played host to the week-long, 75-team 12 & under NSA Youth Girls Fast Pitch World Series and in 2010, Patriot Park will host two major USSSA baseball tourna- ments.

RAILROAD PARK, LEWISVILLE, TEXAS Viaero Event Center, home of the Tri-City Storm (USHL) Texas knows sports, and few sports 4,020, four locker rooms, six full-service Indiana. Patriot Park, a 120-acre youth facilities exhibit that better than concession stands and a Daktronic Score- and adult facility for baseball, softball Lewisville’s new Railroad Park, which board. and soccer events, has won the National opened in October 2009. The 269-acre “Viaero Event Center is a prime loca- Softball Association/Baseball Players Railroad Park athletic complex com- tion for a variety of entertainment and Association “Outstanding Park Award” bines outstanding sports fields and fa- sporting functions,” says Greg Shea, Pres- every year of its existence. And things cilities with a parks department that ident, Viaero Event Center. “The City of are just getting better; since opening in provides top-of-the-line maintenance Kearney is centrally located, making this 2001, the Park has added a fifth base- and personalized on-site support for venue the best choice for traveling fans ball/softball field and expanded its soc- events held at the complex. and competitors, with a variety of motels cer facilities. Railroad Park features eight lighted and restaurants as well as great attractions Michigan City’s multisport gem also soccer fields with championship-qual- just minutes away.” offers a range of features, including four ity hybrid turf and shade-covered fields with professional field lighting, bleacher seating; four football fields PATRIOT PARK, five fields with electronic scoreboards, a with scoreboards; four baseball/softball MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA press box, playground and concessions fields with 400-foot outfield fences; stand. Additionally, green space sur- three concession buildings with covered If you want to see what an award- rounds each field, offering exhibition patios; three man-made lakes; a 1.5- winning facility looks like, head over to space. mile walking trail. “Railroad Park brings a lot of firsts Patriot Park, to Lewisville, including the city’s first Michigan City, Indiana skate park and the city’s first dog park,” says Bob Monaghan, parks and leisure services director, City of Lewisville. “In addition, free WiFi service will be avail- able throughout the park starting May 2010.” The park also offers three concession buildings with covered seating, exterior ceiling fans and full restroom facilities, as well as parking for 1,200 cars. Railroad Park recently hosted the March 2010 Panda Cup International Soccer Tournament with elite youth teams and four college varsity women’s teams, and will host the NCAA Division III league American Southwest Confer- ence’s Women’s Softball Championship tournament in May 2010.

84 sports DESTINATION MANAGEMENT • May/June 2010 Huffhines Sports Complex, Richardson, Texas

Railroad Park, Lewisville, Texas

Mitchel Athletic Complex, Uniondale, NY

able to 10,000, and ground. The Huffhines facility is also part seating for 100 at all of the U.S. Green Building Program’s other fields, Mitchel LEED certification program, featuring Athletic Complex is passive lighting to reduce energy costs ideal for events of and a number of environmentally friendly any size. The stadium design features and building practices. and fields at Mitchel “Event participants will appreciate the are used by college convenient location,” says Chris Cottone, Division 1 lacrosse Richardson Parks and Recreation. teams, Nassau Com- “Huffhines Park puts your event in a con- MITCHEL ATHLETIC COMPLEX, munity College football and baseball venient location, while also giving par- LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK teams and international soccer teams. Lo- ticipants easy access to all of Dallas’ cal high school , football, attractions and amenities, including Sher- Mitchel Athletic Complex is a versa- soccer and lacrosse teams play their tour- rill park Golf Course, the Dallas Zoo, Six tile, 49-acre sports complex that provides naments at Mitchel Athletic Complex as Flags, Eisemann Center for Performing a spectacular, professional setting for a well. Arts, the American Airlines Center and full range of popular sports. the Dallas World Aquarium.” The complex dates back to the ‘70s, HUFFHINES SPORTS COMPLEX, but has gone through several renovations. RICHARDSON, TEXAS SHREVEPORT CONVENTION CENTER, “Most recently, Mitchel received a major SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA renovation in preparation for the 1998 In 2010, Richardson, Texas, revealed Goodwill Games, which drew 1,500 ath- its newest first-class sports facility, Events in Shreveport get the celebrity letes from 60 countries to Nassau Huffhines Sports Complex, a multiuse treatment, especially when they’re County,” says Jennifer Rothman, sales state-of-the-art league and tournament fa- hosted by the Shreveport Convention manager, Long Island CVB. “At the time, cility that offers high quality softball and Center. As Louisiana’s second largest the facility received a $22 million invest- soccer fields ideal for state and national convention center and the largest facility ment, including stadium renovations and tournaments. Located approximately two at the heart of the region that connects construction of a field house and other miles east of Hwy. 75 near numerous ho- Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, the athletic fields.” tels and Dart rail stations that access Shreveport Convention Center is truly Located close to a variety of restau- downtown Dallas, the park offers a cen- the “center” of the Ark-La-Tex: a hub of rants, Nassau County’s 5,555 hotel tral, highly accessible site. professional, medical, recreational and rooms, and opposite the Long Island Offering five lighted softball fields, technological activity. Children’s and Aviation museums, four with scoreboards, and two lighted “The Shreveport Convention center is Mitchel includes eight athletic fields suit- soccer fields, Huffhines Sports Complex truly a first-class home for any event,” able for baseball, football, soccer and provides a range of event-friendly fea- says Erika Fregoso Roberts, director of lacrosse events and a nine-lane track and tures, including seating for 250, ample sales and marketing, Shreveport Conven- field stadium. parking, a pavilion for picnics, restrooms tion Center. “Located just blocks from the With 6,000 permanent seats, expand- for men, women and families, and a play- Center are the dancing (CONTINUED ON PAGE 86)

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Shreveport Convention Center, for any sporting event INTRUST Bank Arena, Shreveport, Louisiana as well as a conven- Wichita, Kansas ient downtown loca- Photo by Gavin Peters tion for walkable access to everything event goers might need. “With one million square feet of sub- water fountains in River View Park. dividable space on a Nearby on the riverfront is the Sci-Port 13-acre site, DeVos Discovery Center, and outdoor recre- Place is capable of ational opportunities abound from golf- hosting events large ing and jogging to boating and fishing.” and small,” says Mike The Shreveport Convention Center Gusweiler, executive features 350,000-plus square feet of flex- director, West Michi- ible meeting space, 96,000 square feet of gan Sports Commission. “DeVos Place is has the facility and the expertise to make column-free exhibit hall—perfect for connected to three downtown hotels via any event truly spectacular. events that require unlimited lines of enclosed, elevated skywalk, and it’s just sight— an 18,000 square foot ballroom around the corner from more than 75 INTRUST BANK ARENA, and 36,000 square feet of meeting room restaurants, nightclubs, museums and WICHITA, KANSAS space. other entertainment options.” Located three hours east of Dallas and Consumers Energy, May 2009, named INTRUST Bank Arena is a state-of- west of Jackson, Miss., where I-20 and I- Grand Rapids its Green Generation the-art facility in the heart of downtown 49 intersect, the Shreveport Convention Customer of the Year, and DeVos Place Wichita. Featuring 22 suites, 2 party Center is close to more than 1,000 hotel is just another reason why. The Conven- suites, 40 loge boxes and over 300 pre- rooms within blocks of the facility, in- tion Center reduces energy costs and mium seats, the Arena can seat more than cluding four-star casino hotels and the water use by 40 percent with automated 15,000 guests for a variety of events. IN- 313-room Hilton Hotel. faucets and flushing systems and has a TRUST Bank Arena is owned by Sedg- membrane style roof that reflects heat wick County Government and managed DEVOS PLACE CONVENTION CENTER, away from building. DeVos Place’s sin- by SMG, the world leader in venue man- GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN gle-stream recycling program ensures agement, marketing and development. that the facility produces minimal “INTRUST Bank Arena is the premier DeVos Place is downtown Grand waste, as well. arena in the Midwest,” says Scott Neal, Rapids’ premier convention center. Nes- Home to a variety of events, including assistant general manager, INTRUST tled beside the Grand River, the pictur- the USA Judo President’s Cup and the Bank Arena. “A modern, state-of-the-art esque setting offers the perfect backdrop USA US Open, DeVos Place sports and entertainment venue, IN- TRUST Bank Arena is the perfect home DeVos Place Convention Center – Grand for any event, from concerts and family Rapids, MI. (Photo courtesy GRCVB) shows to sporting events, rodeos and con- ventions.” INTRUST features 14 concession stands, a press interview room, pre-func- tion room, and the Cox Lounge, as well as an LED High-Resolution Scoreboard, LED Scoring/Advertising, LED Ribbon board and LED Marquee. Home of the Wichita Thunder hockey team, INTRUST Bank Arena has also hosted the Harlem Globetrotters, and the Kansas State High School Activities As- sociation 5A-6A State Wrestling Tour- nament. In May 2010, it will host a Professional Bull Riders tour event, and the facility has been selected for first and second round games for the 2011 NCAA Women’s Division I Basketball Championship.

86 sports DESTINATION MANAGEMENT • May/June 2010 In the heart of downtown, the Knoxville nine truck bays and Tiger Athletic Complex, Convention Center hosts numerous stand-out drive-on floor access. Bentonville, Arkansas events each month, ranging from taekwondo Having been trans- to to gymnastics and more. formed into every- thing from soccer fields to bowling al- leys, the Center hosts numerous stand-out events, including Flip Fest Invitational, an annual 2,700-athlete gymnastics competi- tion, as well as the sports events,” says Fredia Brady, SMG 2007 AAU Junior senior director of sales and marketing, Sa- Olympics. vannah International Trade & Convention Center. “And to top that off, we also have KNOXVILLE CONVENTION CENTER, SAVANNAH INTERNATIONAL the beauty and excitement of Savannah, KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE TRADE & CONVENTION CENTER, one of Travel+Leisure’s Top Ten Places to SAVANNAH, GEORGIA Visit in North America.” With 500,000 square feet of flexible event space and several hotel properties You might think a convention center is TIGER ATHLETIC COMPLEX, less than three blocks from the facility, just a convention center, but not when it’s BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS the Knoxville Convention Center offers Savannah’s award-winning International the perfect foundation to make any event Trade & Convention Center, an architec- Tiger Athletic Complex is a state-of-the- a huge success. turally stunning 330,000 square-foot wa- art, college-like sports complex featuring Conveniently located within walking terfront complex on the historic Savannah a 7000-seat football stadium with press box distance to over 60 restaurants, the Con- River. and jumbotron, a 2000-seat Soccer Field vention Center is also in close proximity The Savannah International Trade & and Track stadium, as well as an 82,000 to attractions such as Volunteer Landing, Convention Center is multi-purpose facility square-foot indoor multi-purpose facility the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and that allows for a diverse array of events. featuring an 80 by 60 yard indoor turf World’s Fair Park. The Center features 100,000 square feet of room, four locker rooms, 1,500 square-foot “The city of Knoxville, just minutes divisible exhibit space, 50,000 square feet staff development room, athletic training away from the Great Smoky Mountains, is of prime meeting space, including 13 meet- room and weight room. undoubtedly one of the country’s most ing rooms, four executive board rooms, a Host of the Primetime Sports Basketball beautiful areas, and our Convention Center 25,000 square-foot grand ballroom and a Tournament, Tiger Athletic Complex also is the perfect location for your next event,” state-of-the-art 367-seat auditorium. Close houses baseball and softball stadiums, a says Jennifer Morris, sports sales manager to the airport and located within a gracious, basketball arena as well as volleyball and of the Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corpo- easily maneuverable city landscape, the Sa- basketball courts. ration. “Not only will attendees and com- vannah International Trade & Convention “TAC, as it’s frequently called, gives petitors experience a premier venue located Center puts guests in close proximity to a high school and youth athletes the oppor- in the heart of downtown Knoxville, but diverse range of dining options for every tunity to play in a stadium that rivals re- they’ll also encounter numerous activities price and palate and more than 2,000 hotel gional college facilities,” says Blair around every corner.” rooms with flexible packages and rates. Cromwell, vice president of sales, Ben- The Convention Center offers a PA “The International Trade & Convention tonville Convention and Visitors Bureau. system throughout and 120,000 square Center offers exceptional functionality and “That’s what makes TAC a favorite of feet of continuous space in a dividable service, which definitely gives us an ad- many youth athletic competitions every hall and features a loading dock with vantage in the southeast for attracting year.” Featured in ESPN’s Outside the Lines in Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, 2006, TAC enables event owners to adapt Savannah, Georgia Photo courtesy of Savannah Area these indoor and outdoor facilities to a Convention & Visitors Bureau multitude of traditional and non-traditional sporting events. The facilities are all within walking distance of each other and less that one mile from Bentonville’s “hotel row,” where Bentonville’s many hoteliers offer special events and offerings for visiting sports teams, such as movie nights and spe- cial laundry services. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 88)

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TD Bank Ballpark, fans to watch games The Pointe, Bridgewater, New Jersey outdoors. Fort Mill, South Carolina Designed to be a multi-use facility, TD Bank Ballpark hosts 70 Somerset Patriots home games each year, as well as serv- ing as the site for high school baseball cham- pionships, college tees, greens and fairways in a warm sea- baseball championship son climate, which is unique, and the Ken- tournaments. The field tucky bluegrass rough is healthy and dense. has also been used for The course is in championship condition Women’s Professional every day with normal green speeds in ex- TD BANK BALLPARK, Soccer, Major League Lacrosse, and Pro- cess of 12. The facility has excellent BRIDGEWATER, NEW JERSEY fessional Cricket. gallery viewing throughout with ample space for staging, concessions, bleachers, TD Bank Ballpark, “The Jewel of The THE CLUB AT OLDE STONE, etc. Atlantic League,” opened its gates on BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY June 7, 1999. Home of the five-time At- THE POINTE, lantic League champion Somerset Patri- Ranked on Golfweek’s 2010 Top 100 FORT MILL, SOUTH CAROLINA ots, TD Bank Ballpark is a conveniently Modern Courses, Olde Stone is truly a located, exceptional facility that’s a fa- unique and dramatic golf venue and is be- The place to go for small to medium vorite of fans and athletes alike. fitting of many types of events. sporting events, Fort Mill’s new performing “Over the past ten years, the Somerset “There are no gimmicky holes or unfair arts and recreation center, The Pointe, has Patriots have helped TD Bank Ballpark obstacles – the course lays out in front of hosted concerts, theatre, high school grad- become one of Central New Jersey’s pre- the player and all of the inherent strategies uations, a dance competition, banquets, mier family and community destina- are reinforced with the top-level condi- fundraisers, Upward sports outreach, con- tions,” says Marc Russinoff, vice tioning,” says Julie Denton, director of signment sales, weddings, college and high president of public relations, Somerset sales and marketing, The Club at Olde school basketball and volleyball games, Patriots. Stone. “The holes are well balanced with competitions with more than TD Bank Ballpark is a 6,100-seat fa- varied tee shot angles, approach lengths 4,000 in attendance, and seminars, includ- cility with one of the most well-kept Ma- and recovery opportunities.” ing an appearance by John Eldredge with jor League-caliber fields in all of baseball. Designed by internationally acclaimed over 1,700 guests. The park features seats with backs and golf architect Arthur Hills, Olde Stone was “We have the flexibility to host virtually cup holders, offering fans every comfort created with a deep respect for the land. any kind of event, from national athletic when enjoying an event from the Pre- Hills was given free reign to create a mas- completions to everyday practice sessions, mium Field Box, Field Box and Upper terpiece on terrain that he describes as “one wrestling tournaments to chess tourna- Box seating areas. Additional amenities of the absolute best sites we’ve worked on.” ments,” says Craig Cox of The Pointe’s ad- include the Picnic Area, the Executive Olde Stone has an ample length of 7,333 ministrative staff. “The Pointe is a unique Party Deck, and the facility’s twenty lux- yards, course rating of 75.8 and slope of state-of-the-art facility where participants ury suites, which offer balcony seating for 139. Cool season bentgrass is found on and fans can play, watch and enjoy.” The Pointe features a 10-person con- ference room, two 30-40 person meeting rooms, two large meeting rooms with 300 seats each and 27,000 square feet of ex- hibit space. Additionally, The Pointe of- fers a backstage green room with bathrooms, along with four locker rooms for larger productions. It also has four large concession stands run profession- ally by Chef Herb Productions. Conve- niently located near more than 20 hotels and a variety of dining options, The Pointe is just one exit south of Carowinds The 18th Green and Amusement Park and next to the Char- Club House at Olde Stone lotte Knights Baseball Stadium. SDM

88 sports DESTINATION MANAGEMENT • May/June 2010