State Spotlight:
Delaware

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. “Thanks to its location along the I-95 corridor, Delaware is within reach of literally millions of players,” says Ryan Wolfe, sports sales leader for the Delaware Tourism Office. “It’s also easier on budgets in Delaware. There is no sales tax and a relatively low lodging tax, so teams and spectators can enjoy an affordable experience at one of several tournament-friendly facilities located throughout the state.”

State Spotlight:
Delaware

The Dayton Flyers play the VCU Rams in the Semifinals of the Women’s Atlantic 10 Tournament on March 4 2022 at the Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Delaware. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Atlantic 10 Conference)

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. “Thanks to its location along the I-95 corridor, Delaware is within reach of literally millions of players,” says Ryan Wolfe, sports sales leader for the Delaware Tourism Office. “It’s also easier on budgets in Delaware. There is no sales tax and a relatively low lodging tax, so teams and spectators can enjoy an affordable experience at one of several tournament-friendly facilities located throughout the state.”

Kent County

Kent County is easily accessible from most Mid-Atlantic cities and is home to endless opportunities for sporting events. The area can easily host sports such as lacrosse, soccer, NASCAR, field hockey, and more.

Hotel Rooms: 2,424
Hotel tax rate: 8 percent
Major Facilities:
  • DE Turf Sports Complex offers 12 lighted synthetic fields and is claimed to be the largest all-synthetic turf complex in the Mid-Atlantic
  • Dover Motor Speedway has a capacity of 85,000
Convention Center:

Dover Downs Casino Resort offers an 18,000-square-foot, column-free ballroom with 22-foot ceilings.

Contact:

Kent County Tourism, VisitDelawareVillages.com.

Southern Delaware

Southern Delaware includes Sussex County, an area that offers five-star beaches ideal for surfing and other watersports.

Hotel Rooms: 4,900
Hotel tax rate: 11 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Sports at the Beach is a youth baseball facility with 16 baseball fields
  • Sandhill Fields hosts cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and pickleball
Contact:

Southern Delaware Tourism, visitsoutherndelaware.com.

Wilmington

The UMass Minutewomen play the Dayton Flyers in the Championship game of the Women’s Atlantic 10 Tournament on March 6, 2022 at the Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Delaware. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Atlantic 10 Conference)

Wilmington is an affordable city within driving distance of a large percentage of the East Coast. The area boasts a walkable riverfront with ample green space for fresh air and relaxation between tournaments.

Hotel Rooms: 6,600
Hotel tax rate: 10 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Chase Fieldhouse offers 161,000 square feet of space and houses three full-size NBA basketball courts and an indoor turf field, as well as three outdoor turf fields
  • Kirkwood Soccer Complex consists of 14 outdoor fields and an indoor turf field
  • Patriot Ice Center has dual rinks
  • Midway Complex includes five baseball fields
Convention Center:

Chase Center on the Riverfront has a 20,000-square-foot exhibit hall well suited for cheer and dance.

Contact:

Greater Wilmington CVB, visitwilmingtonde.com.