Sports Planning Guide

Get ready for the next edition of Where2Play: Soccer & Lacrosse. Coming July 2026!

SPG Where2Play: Soccer & Lacrosse Guide Coming July 2026 #Shorts #SportsFacilities Get ready for the next Where2Play (W2P) guide from Sports Planning ...

From the shores of Lake Michigan to the banks of the Ohio River, Indiana offers outdoor experiences that go far beyond the expected.

In our latest feature, Discover Indiana's Great Outdoors, we explore destinations where groups can paddle scenic waterways, bike nationally recognized trail systems, hike through restored prairies, and experience some of the Midwest's most remarkable natural landscapes.

Highlights include...
🌿 Indiana Dunes National Park's year-round outdoor adventures
🚴 Terre Haute's nationally recognized Griffin Bike Park
🛶 White River paddling experiences in Hamilton County, Indiana
🌊 South Bend's East Race Waterway, the first man-made whitewater rafting course in North America
🚶 Kokomo's connected trail network and scenic pathways
🏞️ Historic and cultural outdoor attractions from Evansville to Lafayette-West Lafayette

For sports event planners, group tour operators, and destination leaders, these outdoor assets showcase how Indiana combines recreation, accessibility, and memorable experiences that keep visitors engaged beyond the event venue.

Discover why Indiana's natural landscapes continue to attract groups seeking adventure, connection, and authentic experiences.

Discover Indiana’s Great Outdoors Discover Indiana’s Great Outdoors Indiana’s diverse landscapes invite groups to paddle, hike, bike, and explore year-round   By Madelyn Bugai  From dense woodlands to sandy lakeside beaches, Indiana offers a wide variety of outdoor experiences that blend adventure, relaxation and natural beau...

Along the banks of the Rio Grande, Laredo stands as a vibrant testament to the blending of cultures, histories, traditions, and sports.

For sports enthusiasts, there's a lot on offer. From golf at Max A. Mandel Municipal Golf Course, which features over 270 acres of scenic terrain with century-old mesquite trees, to the impressive new Buena Vista Sports Complex for baseball, soccer, and more.

For leisure, San Agustin Cathedral began as a hut on the corner of Zaragoza and San Agustin in the days of Laredo’s founding in 1755. Its second constitution in 1789 was a small stone, the third is the present structure.

The Villa de San Agustin Border Heritage Museum resides along the banks of the Rio Grande within Laredo’s San Agustin Historic District. It is housed within a meticulously restored two-story brick Italianate residence dating back to the early 20th century.

There's plenty more to learn about Laredo, Texas, and we can't wait to show you. Check out the link in the first comment!

From soccer tournaments at McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch to tennis at the courts of McKinney Tennis Center, McKinney, Texas, stands out as a top place to host sporting events.

But what does the city and its surrounding area have to offer families to stay a little longer?

McKinney has one of the oldest, most lovingly preserved and largest historic districts in Texas. The downtown area draws people from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to its nostalgic setting and its more than 170 unique shops, including art galleries, antiques, gifts, home décor shops, and apparel and accessory boutiques as well as other specialty shops.

Pop into unique, locally owned spots like The Groovy Coop (a retro-style store with books, clothes, and more) and Habitat Plants + Coffee, which sells houseplants and delicious coffee.

For foodies, the Michelin-recommended Harvest at The Masonic stands out, offering a true farm-to-table experience in a beautifully restored historic setting that embodies McKinney’s charm and commitment to local flavor.

For more info on McKinney, check out the link in the first comment below!

Big news out in Pennsylvania!

PA Sports announced today that Cumberland Valley has become the 15th member of the leading agency for sports tourism in Pennsylvania.

Per a press release, Cumberland Valley is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state and offers a unique combination of accessibility, outdoor recreation, and vibrant communities. The destination is home to the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail, providing iconic outdoor experiences, along with nationally recognized car shows, scenic landscapes, and walkable downtowns that enhance the visitor experience.

From a sports tourism perspective, Cumberland Valley serves as a highly convenient hub for events and tournaments, with easy access from major metropolitan areas and a strong collection of facilities and outdoor assets. The region is also home to six colleges and universities, contributing to a dynamic atmosphere and additional venue opportunities for competitions and events of all sizes. Its blend of proven event success, authentic experiences, and accessibility makes it an ideal destination for event planners and participants alike.

“We’re thrilled to join PA Sports, as the opening of the Carlisle YMCA Aquatic Center in late 2025, increased interest from our schools and parks, and continued growth in sports tourism made this the right time to become a member," said Patrick Bourque, Destination Sales Manager for Visit Cumberland Valley. "Knowing how strong PA Sports is as a group and the close manner in which the members work together, we’re ready to hit the ground running to show Cumberland Valley belongs in such a highly respected group."

The SPG team is excited to see Visit Cumberland Valley grow with PA Sports!

From National Beach Wrestling and USA Weightlifting to soccer and cheer competitions, Wilmington, NC, and its island beaches have hosted many diverse events filled with good times and record-breaking participation.

Venues like nCino Sports Park, which stands as one of coastal North Carolina’s premier outdoor athletic complexes, and Althea Gibson Tennis Center, offering 24 lighted courts and quality programs, are a taste of what Wilmington and its beaches have to offer.

With the area's welcoming year-round weather, breathtaking beaches, and bustling riverfront, there’s something for every athlete and outdoor enthusiast here to turn ordinary sporting events into memorable, transformative experiences.

Learn more about Wilmington, NC and Beaches at SPG!

🔗 https://sportsplanningguide.com/wilmington-nc-and-island-beaches-sports-facilities/

Wilmington, NC Sports Facilities Wilmington and its island beaches have become a sought-after destination for sports planners thanks to a variety of venues and plenty to see and do before and after the event

Greenville, NC, is widely recognized as the thriving cultural, educational, economic, and medical hub of Eastern North Carolina, with exciting events throughout like at Greenville Convention Center and East Carolina University (ECU), home of the Pirates.

The Hilton Garden Inn in the heart of the city offers easy access to experience the vibrant art, live music, and culinary scene of walkable Downtown Greenville and Dickinson Avenue Districts.

Wildwood Park, a 364-acre park located minutes from downtown, is one of the best places to enjoy the outdoors in Pitt County. There are a variety of things to do, from kayaking in the lake and on the Tar River, exploring the trails, or taking a lap around the BMX pump track or mountain bike trails.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Greenville, NC Sports.

🔗 https://sportsplanningguide.com/greenville-north-carolinas-wide-world-of-sports/

Greenville, North Carolina’s Wide World of Sports Southern charm, a passion for sports, and a growing metropolitan region make the east coast's emerald city a sports planner's delight.

Cabarrus County, NC, is home to top-of-the-line indoor and outdoor venues for competitions of all kinds including several turf fields, the state-of-the-art MONDO track and field facility, downtown Atrium Health Ballpark, and more.

Before or after events, explore everything from thrilling adventures to relaxed local shopping and dining in charming downtowns with attractions such as Charlotte Motor Speedway, the NC Music Hall of Fame, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and the state’s largest outlet and value retail shopping center, Concord Mills.

Accommodations are also easy-peasy with a choice of over 3,000 rooms at 30 hotels, including Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park resort.

🔗 https://sportsplanningguide.com/race-to-the-finish-line-in-cabarrus-county-north-carolina/

Learn more about Cabarrus at SPG and get started on your next event today!

Race to the Finish Line in Cabarrus County, North Carolina Known for its speedways and historic NASCAR, Cabarrus County has taken this fame and made a name for itself as a destination for events and tournaments.

North Carolina’s racquet sports scene is leveling up in a big way. 🎾🏓🏸🥒

From Greensboro's “Pickleball Town” initiative and Cary’s $60 million tennis & pickleball expansion to Raleigh’s upcoming 80-court Swing Racquet + Paddle campus, the state is rapidly becoming a premier destination for racquet sports events of every size.

At the same time, legacy venues in Winston-Salem, Mooresville, and Asheville continue to build on decades of championship tradition—proving that North Carolina’s winning formula combines cutting-edge facilities with experienced partners, volunteers and community support.

The result is more opportunities for rights holders, athletes, and fans alike across tennis, pickleball, badminton, and table tennis.

🔗 https://sportsplanningguide.com/north-carolina-americas-racquet-sport-powerhouse/

SportsNC

North Carolina: America’s Racquet Sport Powerhouse New mega complexes are redefining the state’s court capacity, while established venues continue to deliver a championship pedigree

Sports tourism works best when the experience extends beyond the competition.

Mississippi understands that better than most.

From college game days in Starkville and cycling events in Ridgeland to Gulf Coast sunsets and Delta blues culture, destinations across the Magnolia State are creating events that connect athletics with food, music, history and outdoor adventure.

Communities throughout Visit Mississippi are showing how authentic local experiences can elevate tournaments, attract visitors and leave a lasting impression on athletes and families alike.

The latest feature from Sports Planning Guide explores how destinations across the state are blending competition with culture to enhance event value for planners and visitors.

🔗 https://sportsplanningguide.com/sports-experiences-how-mississippi-is-blending-competition-with-culture-to-enhance-event-value/

Read more at SPG.

How Mississippi Is Blending Competition with Culture Whether cheering on the Bulldogs, biking the Natchez Trace, or enjoying Gulf Coast sunsets, Mississippi makes every sports event an unforgettable experience.