Sports play a prominent role in Alabama and are a main part of the state’s rich history. The state is home to the oldest professional baseball park in the country, high profile football teams, and a long legacy of being the home of record-setting athletes like Hank Aaron, Jesse Owens, and Willie Mays.

From dog sled racing and skiing to mountain running and fishing, outdoor adventure runs wild in Alaska. The attraction here, however, goes well beyond its famed opportunities for competitions and sports. The Last Frontier offers unique destinations and attractions that can’t be found anywhere else.

With over 300 days of sunshine, Arizona is a dream destination for sports enthusiasts, offering year-round opportunities for athletes and fans. From world-class venues hosting mega-events like the Super Bowl and NCAA championships to an unmatched lineup of professional and collegiate teams, the Grand Canyon State delivers top-tier competition in a setting that’s as breathtaking as it is action-packed.

With a central location and moderate climate year-round, Arkansas is not only an easy drive, but also an easy choice for any sports events planner or coach. The Natural State is frequently hosting sports of all types from baseball and archery to cycling and disc golf.

Any event planner is sure to hit a homerun in California. The combination of the Golden State’s varied topography, sunny skies, temperate climate, and vast array of attractions practically ensure smiles and success.

While Colorado is renowned for its outdoor recreation activities—not to mention its many major professional sports teams—the state offers everything needed in order to plan a successful sporting event at any level. And now with a new program looking to draw more events back to the Centennial State, it’s sure to soon host even more.

Ease of accessibility is an understatement for Connecticut. Situated conveniently between New York and Boston, Connecticut offers easy access from car, bus, train or air, and more 23.5 million people live within a 2.5 hour drive of its state capital, Hartford.

From tournament-friendly facilities to family-friendly attractions, Delaware continues to be a hot spot for hosting sports. Combined with its convenient driving distance from numerous population centers and budget-friendliness, the First State is a winning choice.

The appeal of Florida is seemingly endless with its miles and miles of beaches, endless sunshine, warm weather, and wide variety of venues. That’s why so many athletes, planners, coaches, and tourists alike seek out the Sunshine State year after year.

In Georgia, the spirit of Southern hospitality effortlessly intertwines with a lively sports scene, creating an exceptional environment for events. The Peach State offers state-of-the-art venues, stunning landscapes, and a myriad of activities for attendees to enjoy before and after the main event.

When it comes to choosing a destination for hosting a sporting event, there’s no setting as picture-perfect as Hawaii. Boasting warm temperatures, epic waves, lush terrain, and a picturesque landscape across six major islands, the Aloha State more than makes the cut for destination MVP.

Recreational opportunities come standard in Idaho. From mountain bike trails and baseball complexes to track and field complexes and whitewater parks, the Gem State provides practically any type of facility or terrain for hosting any type of sport or adventure pre- or post-event.

With its deep-rooted sports culture and proven track record of hosting everything from grassroots competitions to elite championships, Illinois stands out as a versatile destination for event planners.

The stage is set for sports in Indiana. From Bloomington to South Bend, Columbus to Terre Haute, the Hoosier State is always ready to play.

Known for its passionate fan base, impressive venues, and a calendar full of competitive events, Iowa continues to prove it’s a powerhouse in the world of sports tourism. Add in its prime Midwestern location and traveler-friendly infrastructure, and it’s easy to see why teams and tournaments consistently choose the Hawkeye State. “Whether you’re an athlete or a fan, you’ll find a welcoming, high-energy atmosphere fueled by passionate communities across the state,” shares Jessica O’Riley, tourism communications manager for the Iowa Tourism Office. “Its central location in the U.S. also makes it a convenient hub for travelers and teams nationwide.” 

With its prime central location and an impressive range of facilities, Kansas makes travel easy and tournaments unforgettable. From youth leagues to championship games, the Sunflower State has the venues, hospitality, and community support to deliver winning events every time.

As home to one of the most iconic sporting events in history, the Kentucky Derby, iconic sports figures like Muhammad Ali and home to the Louisville Slugger, Kentucky has cemented itself in the top destinations for sports.

Louisiana brings a one-of-a-kind energy to the world of sports tourism, blending passionate fan culture with a backdrop of unmatched Southern hospitality. From the lively rhythms of jazz to the bold flavors of Creole and Cajun cuisine, every event held here is infused with local flair. Whether in bustling cities or scenic small towns, Louisiana delivers memorable experiences that go far beyond the game.

Adventure runs free in Maine. From cycling and mountain biking to pickleball or snow skiing, the Pine Tree State is a destination made for athletic experiences.

Maryland is a popular destination for lacrosse and water sports, but the Mid-Atlantic state’s passion for sports goes so much further. Cities and towns all around the state offer top-notch venues ideal for sports of all types. Combined with its many restaurants, accommodations, and attractions, it’s no surprise the Old Line State welcomes athletes and their families year-round.

Massachusetts is a natural choice for sporting events, blending rich history with world-class facilities.

Michigan has asserted itself as a versatile destination for sporting events, thanks to its mix of top-tier facilities and stunning natural surroundings. With a strong tradition in both team and individual sports, the state is equipped to host everything from tournaments on turf to regattas on open water.

State-of-the-art facilities, a diverse landscape, and all sorts of attractions welcome athletes and spectators alike to Montana. The North Star State has proven time and again its potential to host world-class events, having hosted the Super Bowl, Ryder Cup, NCAA Championships, MLS All-Star Game, and more.

Mississippi may be known for its hospitality, but it’s the state’s diverse landscape and deep-rooted sports culture that truly set it apart as a standout destination.

Missouri stands out as a premier destination for sporting events thanks to its winning combination of state-of-the-art facilities, passionate fan base, and unbeatable central location.

Nebraska shines as a sports destination with its perfect blend of accessibility, hospitality, and top-notch venues.

Nevada continues to assert itself as a sought-after sports destination. With a combination of picturesque and diverse landscapes, all ripe for recreation, and high-caliber indoor venues, the Silver State is a home run when playing host.

Sports are always in season in New Hampshire. Whether it be NASCAR racing to skiing, the Granite State has a state-of-the-art facility just waiting to host.

New Jersey is a powerhouse destination for sports events, blending accessibility, energy, and a deep-rooted love for the game. Positioned between major markets like New York City and Philadelphia, the Garden State offers a prime location with seamless transportation options and a wide variety of premier venues.

There’s not much that can’t be found in New Mexico. The Land of Enchantment offers great weather—an average of more than 300 days of sunshine each year—a temperate climate, uniquely beautiful topography, and more than enough attractions to enjoy pre- or post-event.

With state-of-the-art infrastructure and amenities too plentiful to count, New York is always a gold medal destination for hosting any type of sport in the Northeast.

North Carolina is committed to hosting sporting events at a high level. Practically anywhere in the state, you’ll find natural terrain, bodies of water, or state-of-the-art fields and facilities ideal for competition. That’s why everything from football and fishing to surfing and softball are hosted in the Tar Heel State.

North Dakota doesn’t discriminate when it comes to venues and the type of sports it hosts. Whether it be with its sought-after venues or its varied terrain, the Peace Garden State is sure to exceed the expectations of planners, athletes, and spectators alike.

Ohio boasts ease of travel—its cities are located within a 600-mile radius of nearly 60 percent of the country—along with state-of-the-art venues, making it easy for high-profile events in practically every sport to choose the Buckeye State.

Whether it’s football or wrestling, baseball or fishing, Oklahoma is state passionate about its sports. With such a broad base of sports fans, convenient location in the heart of the United States, and cities big and small with a variety of venues, the Sooner State offers it all for hosting an event.

Sports are in the DNA in Oregon, and it’s easily apparent in its many professional and collegiate teams. But the Beaver State goes well beyond professional and collegiate sports. With its many venues and fields, Oregon has asserted itself as a natural playground for sports.

With a variety of larger cities practically made for hosting events both large and small, sports events are always on the calendar in Pennsylvania. Football, basketball, hockey, and soccer are among some of the most common sports played here.

From its unique history to its one-of-a-kind culture, Puerto Rico is a destination known for knocking it out of the park when it comes to hosting a sporting event. Making it even better is its year-round fair weather, allowing for more options for play.

Whatever Rhode Island may not have in terms of size—it is the smallest state in the country—it more than makes up for with its love for sports.

Golf certainly thrives in South Carolina—the state boasts more than 300 courses—but sports means so much more here in the Palmetto State. With a broad and diverse range of facilities and fields—not to mention natural venues—South Carolina has made a name for itself as a hospitable host for any type of sport.

South Dakota may be best known for its iconic landmarks, but it’s also a standout destination for sports of every kind.

When selecting Tennessee as a sports destination, it’s always a slam dunk. The Volunteer State offers all of the attractions needed to entertain the entire group before or after the event, not to mention top-notch venues that will make the event a sure success.

It should come as no surprise that Texas is big on sports. The Lone Star State has more than 800 courses strewn across the state, along with state-of-the-art facilities, world-class indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas, and fields, and so much more.

Utah is synonymous with extreme adventure. From skiing and snowboarding to mountain biking and rock climbing, Utah is a state with the terrain for absolutely anything. Along with its world-class facilities, both indoors and out; incredible scenery; and charming cities and towns, the Beehive State continues to attract sporting events of all types and sizes.

Vermont is well-known for hosting a variety of sports, from downhill skiing and championship tennis to bass fishing tournaments and hockey. But the Green Mountain State is a destination that’s built to host so much more.

Virginia sets the stage for unforgettable sporting events with its winning blend of world-class facilities, easy accessibility, and legendary hospitality. From cutting-edge arenas to scenic outdoor venues, the Old Dominion State has the infrastructure to support competitions of all sizes and sports.

As attractive as Washington is because of its top-notch venues, it also consistently ranks as a favorite destination thanks to its natural beauty. With water, mountains, and scenic charm everywhere you look, the Evergreen State is always a homerun pick.

Wide open spaces and beautiful rolling hills meet state-of-the-art venues in West Virginia. The Mountain State offers everything needed to host a successful sporting event, making it a popular—and convenient—destination year after year.

With its deep-rooted sports heritage and a passion that runs from Little League fields to major stadiums, Wisconsin is built for hosting successful events.

Rodeos may be the most beloved sport in Wyoming, but the state offers and hosts so many more. The Cowboy State offers up top-notch sports facilities across the state for hosting practically any sport, along with a great atmosphere and plenty of unique attractions.