Features

Meet the winners of our 2026 Ultimate Volleyball Venues Contest

The results are in, and SportsEvents’ Ultimate Volleyball Venue Contest winners are ready to serve. As nominated and voted on by our readers and social media followers, these 10 standout facilities bring far more than nets and hardwood to the court, pairing tournament-ready capacity with smooth operations, fan-friendly amenities, and destination experiences that extend beyond match point.

Gravel riding: A growing opportunity for planners

The best roads aren’t always paved—sometimes they’re covered in crushed stone, winding through rolling farmland, and stretches of countryside few cars ever travel. That’s exactly what has drawn thousands of cyclists off the pavement and onto gravel, where the ride is less about dodging traffic and more about discovering where the next turn leads.

What pickleball is doing to build the next generation of players

Unlike basketball, soccer, or baseball—sports built on decades of youth leagues, school programs, and developmental systems—pickleball’s rise happened in reverse. Professional tours and major events exploded before the sport established widespread junior pathways, scholastic programs, or academy systems designed to cultivate young talent. Now, organizations across the country are working to change that.

Game Changer: The referee’s whistle

Whether you’re watching or playing a sport in a stadium, arena, or rink, there’s one sound that will, or at least should, cut through the roar of the crowd: the referee’s whistle.

Eight expert tips for organizing a modern sailing regatta

To see how those principles play out on the water and in the planning stages, we turned to leaders across the sport, including Diana Emmanuelli, competition manager at US Sailing, and veteran rules expert Dave Perry, who served as rules advisor for the last five Olympic Games for US Sailing. From grassroots regattas to world-class championships, their combined perspective offers a clear view of the eight key principles organizers rely on to keep racing consistent, competitive, and on schedule in an environment that’s far from predictable.