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2020WASHINGTONGUIDE Under Construction ’s Sports Scene Adds New and Improved Venues Site InSpections5 of Event-Ready Destinations

The Evergreen Statelives up to its nickname with these SPG A Premier Travel Media publication awesome outdoor sights www.SportsPlanningGuide.com SPORT_110.qxp_Layout 1 11/22/19 2:15 PM Page 110

Ralph L. Morton Executive Director Sports Commission

Within the state of Washington, pairings of professional and amateur sports, seascape and landscape, and arenas and outdoor complexes are uniquely highlighted. Our authentic brand encapsulates an innovative, passionate, sustainable community that embraces its beautiful natural environment and provides an ideal platform for launching new franchises and hosting premiere events.

Award-winning restaurants and hotels provide hospitality to the loudest, most loyal fans in the country, selling out stadiums and enticing season tickets holders. We put the environment at the forefront of our operations, embracing sustainability in our sports complexes, businesses, communities, and way of life. Our stadiums boast incredible waste diversions rates, renewable energy sources, and carbon offsets. Washington is proud to showcase the best of culture as a welcoming, inclusive place with stunning, natural beauty and ever-improving infrastructure.

Washington has a rich history in collegiate athletics, celebrating extraordinary achievements on the field, in the water, and on the court, continuously raising the bar for success at the Division I, II, and III levels. We are proud to add an NHL team as Seattle’s seventh sports franchise as the city seeks its 16th national championship honor, and continue to build a legacy in professional sports. With the start of the renovation of the Seattle Center Arena, the opportunities are endless. Every level of play matters to us because we know the impact sport has on people – We believe in sports and we believe in the continued growth of our local sports communities by solidifying our status as a world-class sports region.

The Seattle Sports Commission is dedicated to bringing the world to Seattle and uniting the region with sports. We embrace and celebrate our successes at both the regional and state levels, and invite you to explore how your event could succeed in the great state of Washington. Whether it be in the counties or cities of Tri-Cities, Olympia, Yakima, Snohomish, Seattle, or Bellingham, our 8,000 lakes, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 3,200 miles of shoreline, Washington can provide what you need.

We, the state of Washington, will be your loyal fans, sponsors, promoters, and hosts. We believe in sports and we believe in what our facilities, our community, and our culture can do for your sporting event.

Sincerely,

Ralph L. Morton Executive Director Seattle Sports Commission WASHINGTON 4 Off the Beaten path 6 Breaking Ground

©iStock.com/bgblue

8 Snohomish, WA 10 Olympia, WA 13 Bellingham-Whatcom County, WA 14 Tri Cities, WA 16 Yakima, WA

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DEDICATION. It’s how we do things. Play PNW Sports.

Find a great selection of sports venues minutes north of Seattle.

Contact Tammy Dunn, CSEE At 888-338-0976, Ext. 102

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Off The BeatenWashington’s natural Path landscape features many hidden gems

he fabled beauty of Washington is legendary, where a diverse array of landscapes adorns a state with two distinctly contrasting climates bisected by the CascadeT Mountain Range. The entire Pacific Northwest region is an outdoor adventure lover’s paradise, with plenty of well-documented hikes and trails awaiting your next trip. From the Mediterranean-like wet west side of the state to the semiarid steppe lands of the east side, Washington has some amazing locales that will serve as backdrops for your next tournament. We’ve compiled a few of the lesser known but equally beautiful places to visit so you can plan your next excursion while you’re there.

CAPE FLATTERY As the furthest northwest tip of the contiguous United States, Cape Flattery is much more than a fun trivia answer. Managed by the Makah Tribe, this surprisingly easy hike is mainly accessible via boardwalk as you traverse coastal cliffs through a mist-drenched forest of Sitka spruce. Three quarters of a mile into the 1.2-mile hike stands a viewing platform, perfect for watching the sunset as you look beyond the light- house located on Tatoosh Island. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the whales in the distance, while other common wildlife includes puffins, guillemots, murres and sea otters.

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DIABLO LAKE TRAIL Even in a state constantly surrounded by natural beauty, the refreshingly vibrant blues of Diablo Lake are simply breathtaking. The Diablo Lake Trail, located in the about 124 miles northeast of Seattle, begins at the flanks of Sourdough Mountain. As you hike along the path you’ll find excellent views from overlooks of Pyramid, Snowfield, Davis and Colonial Peaks before coming to a mesmerizing gorge featuring 700 foot high waterfalls. Continuing on you’ll find an overlook of the Ross Lake Dam, perfect for taking in the immense Cascades surrounding you while still providing great views of Diablo Lake itself.

ENCHANTED VALLEY TRAIL Located along the Quinault River in the southwest corridor of Olympic National Park, the Enchanted Valley Trail lives up to its name as you weave through sheer cliff faces and hundreds of waterfalls. Walk through time amongst three species of old growth trees as the trail leads you Timothy Meinberg Timothy through a dense forest before reaching the Quinault River Bridge. The stunning valley yields views of Chimney Peak, Mount Anderson and MOUNT SKUKSAN White Mountain, and continuing on the path through the valley lays the Located in the North Cascades National Park, is largest recorded western hemlock. just east of Mount Baker and is nearly 12 miles south of the Canada- U.S. border. The mountain’s highest point, known as Summit Pyramid, THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL has an elevation of 9,131 feet. Five waterfalls, including Sulphide Creek Not to be mistaken for the Enchanted Valley Trail, The Enchantments Falls—one of the tallest waterfalls in North America—tumble off the Trail is a 23.6 mile point to point trek best suited for experienced mountain as well as neighboring Jagged Ridge and Seahpo Peak. adventurers, who will wind through the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This trail is mainly used for hiking, rock climbing, camping and NISQUALLY VISTA LOOP backpacking. The hike will take you through soft tundra meadows, Beautiful wildflowers and stunning views of Mount Rainier in every glacial-cirque lakes, impossible granite formations and crystal clear season make the Nisqually Vista Loop trail one you need to see. A streams, and you can enter from either the Snow Lake or Colchuck moderately easy, flat trail sees hikers gain 400 feet of elevation during Lake side. this 2.2 mile long loop. Seasons of late-melting snow yield different types of wildflowers in each season, with avalanche and glacier lilies, GRANITE MOUNTAIN Western pasqueflowers and rosy spirea in abundance. A popular summer route, Granite Mountain is a challenging hike that richly rewards those who reach its summit with stunning views Mount PALOUSE HILLS Rainier, Kaleetan Peak, Crystal Lake and the skyline to the south. As one of the seven wonders of Washington state, the Palouse Located within the Snoqualmie Pass, the Granite Mountain Trail is an Region is serene, pastoral, and very much unlike the topography of its 8.1 mile long out-and-back trail where you gain 3,730 feet of elevation on western counterparts. Gentle rolling hills covered with wheat fields have the way up to the lookout cabin. formed semiarid steppe in the southwest, seen from the summit of the 3,612 foot high Steptoe Butte. Vineyards are popular in this region, HALL OF MOSSES TRAIL IN THE HOH RAINFOREST which has the same latitude as the Bordeaux wine growing region of The magic of the Hoh Rainforest is palpable as soon as you venture France. SPG down the path on this trail, which winds its way through Olympic National Park. This trail offers an excellent chance to see some of the Palouse Hills Park’s wildlife, including Roosevelt elk and banana slugs, while being a great hike for all age groups after coming in at less than one mile roundtrip. Everything in the rainforest is covered in moss, which makes it a great spot for dreamlike photos that look like something out of a science fiction novel.

MARMOT AND JADE LAKES This pair of alpine lakes feature gorgeous azure waters caused by runoff from Lynch Glacier into Jade Lake, though the views here come with a cost thanks to the long distance required to traverse; the out-and- back trail is around 20 miles round-trip. Off-trail hiking, steep inclines and multiple river crossings await you after a relatively moderate stroll through the woodlands, but those who stick it out with have some

incredible photo opportunities. Caleb Riston

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The tremendous growth within the Pacific Northwest has spurred renovations and new construction of sports facilities throughout Washington.

If you build it, they will come. In July 2019 the city of Tacoma discussed the You’ll forgive the moderate modification to results of a feasibility study that would see a $300 the classic quote from 1989’s Field of Dreams, New venues, million project to create a soccer stadium, sports but the same logic can be applied when looking complex and additional recreational fields on at the sport facility landscape in the state of renovations the property near , to be named Washington. In recent years growth has been the Heidelberg Sports Complex. The proposed rampant and the Evergreen State has taken to and upgraded complex would feature a 72,000-square-foot, 5,500- the forefront in developing new facilities-- as well seat soccer stadium, a mixed use sports village as renovating its existing ones--to provide and eight additional multipurpose fields throughout top-notch venues for athletes and fans. facilities the complex. Reign FC—formerly known as Seattle Reign Up the road from Tacoma in Seattle there’s FC and Seattle’s professional women’s soccer have pushed plenty of buzz surrounding the city’s top flight team—moved to Cheney Stadium in Tacoma facilities, which will soon include Seattle Center in 2019, where they joined fellow tenants the Washington’s Arena. With an estimated 17,000-19,100 seats up , the of the for grabs and 750,000 square feet of space to play Seattle Sounders. The stadium seats 6,500 and with, the arena—more new building than renova- also houses the of the Pacific sports scene tion—will be on the site of the old Key Arena, with Coast League, the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle a redesigned interior and the same iconic roof. Mariners. The move made sense for both Reign to the top The new arena will cost somewhere between a FC and the Tacoma Defiance, but Cheney Stadium reported $900 million and $930 million and will won’t be a permanent home for either of them. be home to the WNBA’s , Seattle

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Seattle Center Arena Bellingham Phillips Soccer Park

University teams and the 32nd NHL franchise, which A new sports complex in Yakima will be one of the largest indoor presently hasn’t chosen a moniker beyond NHL Seattle. The venue sports facilities in Washington, with a projected opening of 2021. The plans on hosting more than 140 events per year and will have seating Sozo Arena will hold up to four futsal courts, six basketball courts and charts of 17,300 for hockey as well as 18,600 for basketball. The city eight volleyball courts and has an interior of 80,000 square feet to hopes that the new building will bring an NBA franchise back to Seattle. work with. Staying in Seattle, T-Mobile Park has made some changes since In July 2019 the city of Bellingham received a $350,000 state T-Mobile entered a 25-year deal to brand the ballpark in 2019. The ball- grant to build a new athletic field at Squalicum Creek Park, which will park upgraded its access to high-speed charging stations and now fea- be used to build the fourth phase of the upcoming complex set there. tures 19 places throughout the stadium for fans to charge their phones. The project will begin construction in 2020, with a completion date Additionally, the ballpark added new features like the Tech Experience sometime in 2021. Meanwhile, the Bellingham Sportsplex plans to Home Run Challenge and a signature cocktail, the Magenta Mojo. make renovations and improvements, including a new roof, insulation, Change is coming to the Tri-Cities area, where Pasco is renovating bleachers, a sports bar on the second floor, an elevator and deigns to its boat launch at Schlagel Park on the Columbia River. The current establish a sealed barrier between the ice side and the soccer side of boat launch was built in the 1950s and hasn’t been upgraded since the the facility. 1970s. The renovated boat launch is estimated to be complete by 2022. From Olympia to Snohomish County to Spokane, you’ll find great The city also plans to build the A Street Sports Complex in east Pasco, opportunities and facilities spread throughout the state to encompass all which is estimated to be completed by July of 2021. The first phase of of your sports tournament needs. Come revel in the culture of lake and the project will see the construction of three natural turf multipurpose hiking life while attending a great sports event or tournament at any of fields, which can support soccer, lacrosse, rugby and Frisbee. Washington’s top-notch facilities. SPG

Hockey will play a major part of Washington’s future, with Seattle bringing in an NHL expansion franchise before the 2021-22 season.

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

Angel of the Winds Arena

Located just north of Seattle, FACILITY SPOTLIGHT that can be arranged into a number of different Snohomish County is directly Angel of the Winds Arena configurations. The Angel of the Winds Arena connected to I-5. New in 2019, Basketball, cheerleading, dance, was awarded the 2012 International Association Paine Field Everett, just 10 miles Endurocross, figure skating, of Venue Managers (IAVM) prestigious Venue from downtown Everett, has gymnastics, martial arts, , Excellence Award. In October 2018, Skate commercial air service with basketball, volleyball America was held at the venue. Alaska and United Airlines This 10,000-seat multipurpose arena offering 13 daily flights to features two NHL-ice sheets that can be Meadowdale Playfields Sports eight cities. Seattle-Tacoma converted into a 57,000-square-foot space Complex International Airport Airlines is for hosting trade shows and special events. Soccer, softball, lacrosse, Ultimate just 45-miles south of Snohomish The Edward D. Hansen Conference Center is Frisbee, County. equipped with three 900-square-foot meeting Meadowdale Playfields Sports Complex plays rooms and an 11,000-square-foot ballroom home to many USSSA Adult Softball, Baseball

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POPULAR ACTIVITIES and Fastpitch tournaments throughout Gymnastics XCEL Gold, Platinum and Diamond ▶ Visit Funko Headquarters in the year. The softball complex was one of State Championships in April. downtown Everett, one of the the locations for the 2019 NSA Northwest leading innovators of licensed pop Girls Fastpitch World Series on July 26-28. Lake Tye Park culture products you can expect The complex features three lighted adult/ Baseball, football, lacrosse, to see vinyl figures, action and youth softball/baseball fields and two lighted skateboard, soccer, softball, triathlon, plush toys, apparel and more. multipurpose turf fields which are lined for wakeboard soccer, lacrosse and fastpitch/baseball, the Located on the shores of Lake Tye in ▶ Spend your afternoon shopping facility is equipped with concession stands, Monroe, this community park covers 64 at Seattle Premium Outlets a .67-mile walking trail, basketball court, play acres and a 42-acre recreational lake. This in Tulalip, where an upscale structure, picnic facilities, pond, restrooms and beautiful multipurpose space features two collection of more than 130 parking. baseball/softball fields, a full-sized soccer field, designer names awaits your every concessions, a serene beach area, picnic area, need. Walt Price Fitness Center at Everett restrooms, a 1.5-mile walking/biking loop, Community College pedestrian boat launches, a children’s play area, ▶ Spend a day at Arena Sports Mill Basketball, gymnastics, martial arts, skatepark and a parking lot for approximately Creek bowling, playing arcade volleyball 200 vehicles. games, laser tag, mini bowling, This 49,000-square-foot fitness center offers jumping in the inflatable fun zone a gym with a basketball court and retractable and playing virtual reality games. bleacher seating for up to 2,250 spectators, SNOHOMISH COUNTY SPORTS four team locker rooms, two coaches meeting COMMISSION ▶ Dive into the history of the rooms, concession area and a multipurpose Tammy Dunn, CSEE Tulalip Tribes by taking a trip to room. The college has over 1,600 parking spaces Executive Director the Hibulb Cultural Center. This available. Upcoming tournaments include 425-309-2744 center is approximately 23,000 the 2020 NWAC Men and Women Basketball [email protected] square feet and features a 50-acre Championships in March and the 2020 USA www.snocosports.org natural history preserve.

Walt Price Fitness Center

Meadowdale Playfields Sports Complex

Hibulb Cultural Center

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THE OLYMPIA REGION’S ELITE SPORTS FACILITIES, STUNNING NATURAL BEAUTY, EXCITING ATTRACTIONS AND A PASSIONATE SPORTS SCENE MAKE IT AN IDEAL SPORTS DESTINATION

Lacey-Thurston County Regional Athletic Complex

Olympia region’s central The Evergreen State College location in Washington provides Lacey-Thurston County Regional Soccer, basketball, track & field, reasonable driving distances Athletic Complex volleyball, swimming from several major cities. Seattle, Baseball, softball, soccer, football, Home of Geoducks athletics, The Evergreen Portland, and Vancouver are all rugby lacrosse, ultimate frisbee State College has several facilities that can be less than a two-hour drive away; A premier outdoor sports venue, the 100- used for your sports event. while places like Spokane and acre Lacey-Thurston County Regional Athletic Yakima are between a 3-5-hour Complex can accommodate a number of Saint Martin’s University drive. There are two airports sports events, large and small. The facility Basketball, baseball, volleyball, tennis, serving the Olympia region. features five softball/baseball fields and six track & field Seattle-Tacoma Airport offers regulation-size soccer/football/rugby fields. Located just east of Olympia in Lacey, Saint daily flights from national and There are also two miles of walking trails and Martin’s University boasts top sports venues international destinations. splendid views of Mount Rainier. that have hosted a range of events over the

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years. It has welcomed the GNAC Basketball fields, three baseball/softball fields, four tennis ▶ Visit the magnificent Olympia Championships, the NWAC Cross Country courts, four pickleball courts, three sand volleyball Waterfront. Stroll around the Championships, and the GNAC Softball courts, a basketball court and a skate park. Swantown Marina to see boat Championships. Sports planners can rent the launches out to the sea or take Marcus Pavilion & TwinStar Court for basketball LBA Park a walk on East Bay Trail to get and volleyball tournaments, the SMU Baseball Baseball, softball, tennis, running a view of some of the local bird field and the SMU Softball Field for baseball and Little Baseball Association Park was wildlife. softball events, and the SMU Soccer Field and developed for youth sports games. Its athletic SMU Track & Field Complex for soccer and track fields are now used for baseball events of all ▶ Check out the Olympia Farmers & field competitions. ages and skill levels. Market, the second largest farmers market in Washington. South Puget Sound Community Yauger Park College Baseball, softball, soccer, track, ▶ Experience natural beauty at Basketball, volleyball skating, horseshoes Tumwater Falls Park, where the South Puget Sound Community College, Developed in 1982, Yauger Park resides on Deschutes River ends its journey home to Clippers athletics, is available to 40 acres and offers a wide range of recreation tumbling into Capitol Lake. Take host basketball and volleyball events at its experiences as it features four ballfields (three a one-half mile walk on the trails Gymnasium. lighted) that convert to three soccer fields. to admire the cascading falls and reflective pools of the park. Rainier Vista Community Park Soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, sand ▶ Get a glimpse of the Washington volleyball, basketball, football, rugby, Jeff Bowe, Director of Sales political scene with a visit to the pickleball, ultimate frisbee 360-704-7544 State Capitol Building. Take a Rainier Vista Community Park welcomes all [email protected] free guided tour of the Legislative kinds of athletic activities throughout the year. www.OlympiaSportsCommission.com Building or wander the campus to The 46-acre park features three football/soccer view the memorials and gardens.

“The Northwest Athletic Conference has worked with multiple sports commissions throughout the Pacific Northwest on our championship events. Experience Olympia sports commission’s service, hospitality, and regard for our events is second to none. It is because of Experience Olympia Sports Commission we continue to look at future NWAC events coming to the Olympia area.”

—-Marco Azurdia, Northwest Athletic Conference Facilities

Ranier Vista Community Park

Evergreen State College South Puget Sound Community College

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here, we play it different. From traditional to decidedly different sports—we’ve got you covered with a sports complex, manicured fields, nt an array of courts, championship golf courses and trails perfect for dewy morning marathons. re Genuine, helpful and part of your team. ffe

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Bellingham, WA WITH A SCENIC LOCATION NEAR THE CANADA U.S. BORDER, BELLINGHAM AND SURROUNDING WHATCOM COUNTY TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THEIR REGION’S ABILITY TO HOST TOP NOTCH TOURNAMENTS

Civic Athletic Complex

Western Washington University

Interstate 5 runs right through FACILITY SPOTLIGHT 11 regulation soccer fields, including nine grass central Bellingham on the road Civic Athletic Complex fields and two turf fields with lights. south to Seattle. If you’re flying Multipurpose into the region, Bellingham The crown jewel of Bellingham’s facility Western Washington University International Airport (BLI) is scene, the Civic Athletic Complex is comprised Multipurpose the third-largest commercial of a Sportsplex, Civic Stadium, Joe Martin Field, The university’s Carver Gym complex airport in Washington and the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center, Bellingham features five regulation courts, incuding a offers flights through Alaska Skate Park and Frank Geri Softball Fields. championship court for volleyball with a video Airlines, American Airlines and Civic Stadium has covered seating for up to replay scoreboard and seating for 2,500. Carver Allegiant Air to major West 4,000 fans. Joe Martin Field has permanent hosted the 2019 Men’s and Women’s GNAC Coast destinations. seating for 1,600 fans and room for more on the Basketball Championships in March. The surrounding lawns. The Civic Athletic Complex volleyball matches are played on a convertible POPULAR ACTIVITIES has indoor space in the Sportsplex. It features SportCourt. Harrington Field is a lighted ▶ Bellingham is serviced by dozens of NHL regulation-sized sheet of ice and can multipurpose AstroTurf option with seating for forested, interurban and waterfront support indoor soccer, ultimate frisbee, flag 500, while Viking Field hosts softball games parks, including hundreds of miles football, wrestling, hockey and figure skating. with a capacity for 300 seated spectators. of easily accessible hiking and biking trails. Phillips 66 Soccer Park BELLINGHAM WHATCOM COUNTY Soccer, lacrosse, ultimate Frisbee, flag TOURISM ▶ The SPARK Museum of Electrical football Eric Rainaud-Hinds Invention is a science and With spectacular views of Mount Baker in the 360-671-3990, ext. 211 history museum full of hands-on background, this soccer complex is a must- [email protected] interactive exhibits. schedule for tournament planners. Featuring www.bellingham.org

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Visit Tri-Cities, WA FUN IN THE SUN IS THE WAY OF LIFE IN THIS GROWING METROPOLITAN AREA IN SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON

Toyota Center PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

Joe Nicora “The Tri-Cities is a very hospitable and welcoming community. The facility and lodging staffs are easy to work with and everyone rallies around the tournament to make it a successful event.”

— Steve Jensen, National Softball Association of WA

Columbia Playfield

HAPO Center

Centrally located within the FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Pasco Sporting Complex Pacific Northwest, the Tri- Columbia Playfield Baseball, softball Cities of Kennewick, Pasco Softball This complex, located in Pasco, was designed to host and Richland are connected Located in Richland, the Columbia baseball and softball tournaments and contains six through Interstate 182 from Playfield stretches across nearly 29 acres softball fields, two sand volleyball courts, a playground east to west. By air, the Tri- and is located in the heart of the city. A area, a water play area and a concession building with Cities Airport in Pasco offers recent $150,000 grant from the Washington restrooms. It can be easily accessed off I-182. direct flights from Seattle, State Recreation and Conservation Funding as well as destinations like Board has provided new fixtures to the Southridge Sports & Events Complex Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Los park, giving it updated LED lights and Baseball, softball, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, Angeles and Phoenix/Mesa. aluminum bleachers with fabric covers. volleyball, gymnastics, futsal, pole vaulting This 52-acre multisports development in Kennewick offers a variety of sporting, recreation

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POPULAR ACTIVITIES ▶ The Columbia River snakes through and event amenities to enjoy. It offers baseball banquets, ice shows, circuses, trade shows the region, enabling visitors to take it and softball fields, an indoor sports pavilion, and WWE professional wrestling events. in via boat, kayak or paddleboard. multiuse fields and the Gesa Carousel of Dreams, a world-class piece of art the whole HAPO Center ▶ Hand-carved in 1910, the Gesa family can touch and ride. The complex Equestrian, rodeo, motocross, Carousel of Dreams is a treasured houses the Numerica Pavilion, the only indoor wrestling, cheerleading, gymnastics, work of quality art in Kennewick. sports pavilion in the region. The venue is also volleyball, martial arts home to a 30-foot 6,000-pound steel column The HAPO Center in Pasco offers the ▶ The REACH Museum in Richland lets recovered from the World Trade Center Twin versatility few event venues can offer to visitors experience the geological Towers which is part of a WTC Memorial. both promoters and the public. The complex impact of the Ice Age floods. features a 38,850-square-foot Exposition Hall Toyota Center and a 43,472-square-foot indoor concrete ▶ Manhattan Project National Hockey, football, figure skating, floor arena supported by a spacious Atrium Historical Park commemorates the basketball, volleyball, rodeo, wrestling, and three meeting rooms. More than 88,000 top-secret Manhattan Project in a cheerleading, gymnastics square feet of exhibit space is available. park run by the National Park Service This multipurpose arena in Kennewick is and Department of Energy. home to the ’s Tri-City Americans hockey team and the American ▶ Lifelike high-definition imagery and West Football Conference’s Tri-Cities Fire VISIT TRI-CITIES sounds are produced within a one- professional indoor football team. The center 800-254-5824 of-a-kind projection simulation at seats 7,715 for concerts, 6,000 for hockey and [email protected] the Bechtel National Planetarium at 2,099 for theater shows. It is also utilized for www.VisitTRI-CITIES.com Columbia Basin College. BE MORE COOL Venues that will have everyone getting their game face on. Yeah, we’ve got that. We’ve got more cool. VisitTri-Cities.com

Supported by our partner

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

Yakima Valley SunDome Sozo Sports Complex

Yakima Tennis Club

The Yakima Valley is mainly FACILITY SPOTLIGHT accessible from north and Yakima Valley SunDome Sozo Sports Complex south via Interstate 82. If you’re Multipurpose Basketball, futsal, multipurpose indoor flying in, Alaska Airlines offers With a convenient location in Central and outdoor, soccer, lacrosse connecting flights from Seattle/ Washington, the Yakima Valley SunDome is The Sozo Sports Complex saw the third year Tacoma to the Yakima Air easily accessible from essentially anywhere in of its development in 2019, when it continued Terminal. The Tri-Cities Airport in the state and in the greater Pacific Northwest. to make progress on the Sozo Arena, an Pasco 86 miles away is the next This multipurpose indoor facility is an ideal 80,000-square-foot indoor facility that can closest to offer domestic flights. venue for tournament planners, where 8,000 hold up to four futsal courts, eight basketball spectators can attend tournaments, events courts or 16 volleyball courts. The complex is and concerts. The Dome hosted the 2019 home to 13 multipurpose outdoor fields as well, WIAA 1B, 2B, 1A, 3A and 4A State Volleyball making it a powerhouse for any competition Championships, all held throughout November. throughout the region. Sozo hosted the 2019

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Hot Shots 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament and the Yak Attack 5v5 Soccer Tournament. POPULAR ACTIVITIES ▶ More than 40 organic ▶ The Yakima Valley’s ▶ Bring the whole family to Gateway Sports Complex commercial crops are grown celebrated arts scene is on cool off at the Rotary YMCA Baseball, softball throughout the Yakima Valley, display with tasting rooms, Aquatic Center. With a professional staff dedicated to so a trip to leaf through some museums, local galleries and taking care of your tournament needs, the of the valley’s farms and more found throughout the Gateway Sports Complex has you covered. produce is sure to be a hit. valley. This state-of-the-art complex features seven softball fields, each with first-class Musco lighting, professional infield mix, electronic scoreboards and more. A PA system reverberates throughout the park, which also has a basketball court, volleyball court, two picnic shelters, a skate park, restroom facilities, a souvenir stand, three playgrounds, multipurpose field and coach/ umpire rooms for privacy. The complex was BRING YOUR the host site for the 2019 WIAA State Slowpitch Championships in early November 2019. TOURNAMENT Carlon Park Girls Fastpitch Complex Baseball, softball This newly remodeled complex features four girls tournament-quality fastpitch fields with TOSOZO SPORTS COMPLEX SOZO! permanent 200-foot fences and state-of-the- YAKIMA, WA art lighting systems on each field. The City of Selah in cooperation with the Greater Yakima Girls Softball Association funded the $1.3 million renovation. The complex hosted the 2019 WIAA 2A State Softball Championships among numerous events.

Yakima Tennis Club Tennis •CENTRAL This well-maintained and visually striking LOCATION tennis club is a hotspot for tournament action, seeing competition from the • AMPLE ON-SITE PARKING collegiate, high school and adult levels on a • 13 PLAYING FIELDS (9 GRASS & 4 TURF) yearly basis. The facility maintains 13 outdoor courts, eight indoor courts (which can be • INDOOR FIELDHOUSE divided into two sections of four), a newly • SUPPORTIVE LODGING COMMUNITY renovated swimming pool with a children’s • ENGAGED SPORTS COMMISSION play area, a clubhouse with locker rooms and a catered snack bar and a pro shop with Yakima Tennis Club gear and merchandise. The club hosted the 2019 USTA 40+ Mixed CONTACT US Tennis Tournament in October 2019. TO SCHEDULE YOUR EVENT! YAKIMA VALLEY SPORTS COMMISSION Rich Austin, Director of Sports SOZOSPORTS.NET • 1-888-978-7696 Development 509-573-3090 2200 S 36th Ave, Yakima, WA 98903 [email protected] YakimaSports.org

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JON SCHMIEDER Sports Industry Trends for 2020

t is that time of year to chime in on the teams/athletes participating. There are several true with golf courses and aquatics facilities I top trends we are seeing out in the sports new sports that will be contested next year in that are owned by municipalities. If a venue tourism trenches. The arms race in our indus- Tokyo that bear watching. We think freestyle has a negative cash flow, cities and counties try is at an all-time high and the competition BMX and skateboarding are naturals to gain are looking to get those assets off their has never been greater. From larger markets momentum. balance sheets one way or another. battling to host high-profile mega events to the smaller markets investing significantly in Tourism-Driving Facilities – More Non-Traditional CEOs – More and tourism-driving facilities, there doesn’t seem to 2 tourism related dollars are being 4more tourism organizations today are be an end in sight. The top sports tourism des- invested into venue development than ever being led by people with entrepreneurial busi- tinations are laser focused and allocate their before. Communities are allocating bed-tax ness backgrounds than those with experience resources efficiently to compete. If there ever money, restaurant taxes and tourism-improve- in the hospitality sector. This not only applies was a time to recalibrate what your organiza- ment-district funds directly into facilities that to convention & visitor bureaus (CVBs) but tion has always done, now is that time. will drive economic development back to their also sports organizations. New leaders at Since this is a look ahead to 2020, it only destinations. Unlike years past, if you are not USA Swimming, USA Cycling and USA Gym- goes to reason that we would offer up a vision leading the discussion on planning and fund- nastics all come from the private sector. Max for the future, a crystal ball if you will. We hope ing tourism-driving sports facilities in your Siegel at USA Track and Field came from you enjoy this year’s list. destination, you are in the minority today. Nike and NASCAR. The USOC’s new CEO came from a golf and media background. New Olympic Sports – Nearly every Retrofit Projects – Golf courses turned One of the founding father sports commis- 1time a new sport debuts on the Olympic 3into soccer complexes. Big-box retail sions in our country is led by a person with a program, that sport sees a significant bump in stores becoming hardwood sports venues. background in politics. In addition, several exposure. That interest usually manifests itself Tennis courts converted to pickleball. Pools CVBs have tapped into the sports profession in more kids wanting to try that sport, which retrofitted into skate parks. If there is a facility to lead their organizations – Monroe, Tulsa, leads to more membership with the National that isn’t pulling its financial weight, it is ripe Quad Cities, Butler County and Cleveland, to Governing Body (NGB), and often times more for a change. We are finding this especially name only a few. Freebird7977/Bigstock.com

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Measurement – We are often asked, he last few trends for 2020 are holdovers Oversight – Non-profit organiza- 5 “How do you keep score beyond room Tfrom last year that are worth monitoring. 10 tions are being looked upon more nights and economic impact?” It is a good and more scrupulously on how they operate, question and one that we are addressing Expanding Roles – One trend from last and specifically, how they spend the funds with a tool we created called the Sports 8year that we are keeping our eye on is that are given to them. This includes conven- Tourism Index™. We surveyed the top event the expanding of mission and purpose of tion and visitor bureaus, sports commissions, professionals in our industry to ask them many sports tourism organizations across the NGBs and others in our industry. Whoever what was important to them in a host desti- country. The skill it takes to successfully exe- manages the various funding pipelines to your nation. These leaders helped us shape a cute a sporting event is quite similar to the skill organization are becoming more interested in measurement tool that numerically evaluates it would take to produce a music festival, how those funds are allocated. With C-level a host destination across four areas including Harley rally or chicken festival (yes, you read professionals having lost their jobs over 1,900 different metrics. Add to this the in- that right, we have a client that runs a chicken spending practices, today’s leaders need to creased focus on primary research by our festival). Many of our clients are adding spe- be overly transparent in this area. national association, and it’s evident that an cial events to their sports staff’s plate. If it uses added emphasis on identifying and measur- the same event production skills and drives Safety – A closely related issue to ing success is critical for our industry going overnight stays, why not expand from just 11 oversight, athlete safety continues forward. sports to sports and events? to serve as a high-profile issue on multiple fronts. The discussion on football concus- Participation (or lack thereof) – Re- sions has escalated to the highest levels, 6 search by the Aspen Institute, the driv- and additional sports are joining the fray. ers of Project Play, indicates that a majority “If you are not Athlete safety in several Olympic sports has of youth stop playing sports at age 11. Three intentionally spawned the creation of Safe Sport, an years ago the average age was 14. This trend independent investigative organization cre- is not only bad for sports tourism, it is bad leading the charge ated to protect athletes and those involved for our nation. Sedentary kids playing video in building relationship in the Olympic movement. Safe Sport, and games all day is not a pathway to success in some cases full background checks, are on several fronts. Sports teaches kids so bridges with your now mandated by numerous sports organi- many valuable life lessons that a video game stakeholders, zations across the country, and it doesn’t console cannot. We are losing this battle and stop with coaches. Officials, board mem- if the tide doesn’t turn, the sports tourism sustainable success bers, event volunteers and others are now industry will take the brunt of the hit in the will be a challenge.” very likely to be required to complete a back- future. ground check and the Safe Sport training program. Where the merry-go-round stops, Relationships – More and more, our Creating Owned Events – Another nobody knows. 7team at the Huddle Up Group is asked 9 repeat from years past, our destination Leaders in our industry have a lot of hard to not only consult on strategic planning for clients are more and more opting to invest work ahead of them. While these challenges destinations, but to also referee relationship their resources in created events. This is now may seem daunting, that is what we love about issues between CVBs/sports commissions especially true in small and mid-tier markets our industry. Every day we get the chance to and their local stakeholders. Specifically, the that don’t have the resources to compete with lace ‘em up and go out into the sports tourism issue nearly always includes a rift between the big boys. If you can create an event with and events market and compete. No matter our client and the local parks and recreation your local partners (or enhance/replicate how challenging the tasks that lie in front of us, department and/or elected officials. As in most ones that already exist), those are assets that we are all blessed to go to work every day and industries, relationships are key in opening up you don’t have to bid for against your well- call sports our profession. SPG doors for success. No matter your position, if funded competitors. This doesn’t just apply to you are not intentionally leading the charge in the traditional sports either. CVBs and sports ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

building relationship bridges with your stake- commissions across the country are devel- Jon Schmieder is the Founder + CEO of the Huddle Up Group LLC, an award-winning sports tourism industry consulting firm based in holders, sustainable success will be a chal- oping new events in many of the emerging Phoenix, AZ. Jon can be reached at [email protected]. For weekly best practice articles, sign up for the Monday Morning Huddle lenge. sports noted above. Up at www.tinyletter.com/JonSchmieder.

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