State Spotlight:
Illinois

With a passionate sports culture and a resume that spans youth tournaments to premier championships, Illinois continues to deliver for event organizers at every level. Anchored by first-class facilities, seamless accessibility, and experienced host communities, the state offers a well-rounded, reliable stage for competitions of all sizes. “Illinois is a premier sports destination right in the middle of everything,” says Catie Sheehan, deputy director, Illinois Office of Tourism. “With a vast inventory of state-of-the-art facilities, Illinois can truly host just about any event imaginable.”

State Spotlight:
Illinois

Home to the flagship University of Illinois campus, Champaign-Urbana has hosted the Wheelchair Basketball Championships. Courtesy University of Illinois Athletics

With a passionate sports culture and a resume that spans youth tournaments to premier championships, Illinois continues to deliver for event organizers at every level. Anchored by first-class facilities, seamless accessibility, and experienced host communities, the state offers a well-rounded, reliable stage for competitions of all sizes. “Illinois is a premier sports destination right in the middle of everything,” says Catie Sheehan, deputy director, Illinois Office of Tourism. “With a vast inventory of state-of-the-art facilities, Illinois can truly host just about any event imaginable.”

Book the NEW SCHEELS Sports Park at Legacy Pointe which boasts a 190,000+ square foot air dome, the largest in the nation!  In addition, they offer multi-use diamonds with corner infields, a hitting center, food trucks, bar and pavilion.  Set just adjacent to SCHEELS, the location is just minutes from dozens of sites, attractions and dining opportunities to fill downtime.

The Bank of Springfield Center is a multi-use facility with 44,000 square feet of column-free space, 21,000 additional square feet of meeting space and seating for up to 7,700 spectators.  The facility is located in the heart of the historic downtown.

Big-league venues, small-town charm… and every amenity exactly where you need it.

Effingham is built for sports events. With 17 hotels, 70+ dining options, and well-maintained venues all within easy reach of one another, your event comes together without the big-city hassle. Event planners love our proximity advantage – less time coordinating logistics means more time focused on delivering a great experience for athletes, teams and fans alike. Whether you’re hosting a regional tournament or a national championship, Effingham has just what you need.

Plan your event at VisitEffinghamIL.com

The Aurora Area of Illinois welcomes youth and amateur sports planners with outstanding facilities and exceptional hospitality in the heart of Chicagoland’s Fox River Valley. Experience premier venues, including one of the nation’s largest outdoor sports complexes, top indoor arenas, and versatile fields—perfect for tournaments of any scale. Enjoy easy access to major airports and downtown Chicago, plus a range of affordable accommodations and family-friendly attractions close to the action. Discover a destination that combines small-town warmth with big-city perks and seamless event support. Find out how teams compete, connect, and create lasting memories in the Aurora Area—visit enjoyaurora.com/Sports.

Home to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a Big Ten powerhouse of academics and athletics, this region is built for champions. Train and compete like the best at Olympic-caliber venues, from the Rantoul Family Sports Complex—welcoming hundreds of teams each weekend—to the historic Memorial Stadium with seating for over 60,000 fans. Experience the high-tech, reimagined State Farm Center, where cutting-edge design creates an electric atmosphere like no other. Beyond the game, we’ll ensure your event shines—with the resources, hospitality, and unforgettable experiences that make Champaign-Urbana a winning destination from start to finish.

Aurora

Located less than an hour west of Chicago, the Aurora area offers the best of both worlds for sports planners: big-time facilities with small-town ease and strong value. The region pairs championship-caliber venues like Stuart Sports Complex, Great Lakes Volleyball Center, and M14 Hoops with the new Hollywood Casino Aurora resort, opening
this summer.

 

Hotel Rooms: 1,200
Hotel tax rate: 9.25 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Stuart Sports Complex has space for more than 32 flat grass fields that can accommodate a range of sports
  • Great Lakes Center has space for 12 concurrent matches
  • M14 Hoops is a 53,000-square-foot basketball development and competition facility featuring six wood courts
  • Fox Valley Ice Arena offers dual sheets of year-round ice
Contact:

Aurora Area CVB, www.enjoyauora.com.

Bloomington

Bloomington-Normal’s central location is one of its greatest competitive advantages—it truly sits at the crossroads of Illinois and the broader Midwest. With access to three major interstates, direct Amtrak service to Chicago and St. Louis, and a regional airport offering connections to key hubs like Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas-Fort Worth, the destination is exceptionally easy to reach for teams, officials, and spectators alike.

Hotel Rooms: 3,500
Hotel tax rate: 12 percent in Bloomington;14 percent in Normal
Major Facilities:
  • Champions Field features up to 10 diamonds
  • Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University is a 15,000-seat football stadium
  • CEFCU Arena at Illinois State University is a 10,200-seat multipurpose arena
  • Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan University hosts basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and track
  • Grossinger Motors Arena offers two sheets of ice
Contact:

Bloomington-Normal Area Sports Commission, visitbn.org/sports.

 

Champaign-Urbana

Home to the flagship University of Illinois campus, Champaign-Urbana brings Big Ten energy and top-notch facilities that attract athletes and thousands of fans year-round, with convenient access from Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis.

Hotel Rooms: 4,500
Hotel tax rate: 13 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Rantoul Family Sports Complex sits on 60-plus acres and consists of eight multipurpose fields for soccer, football, quadball, and lacrosse, as well as eight turf baseball/softball fields
  • Gies Memorial Stadium is a 60,670-seat football stadium
  • State Farm Center is a 27,000-square foot arena with seating for 16,000
  • Atkins Tennis Center & Khan Outdoor Complex has eight outdoor championship lighted courts, 12 outdoor lighted courts, and six indoor courts
  • Dodds Soccer Complex boasts 11 fields
Contact:

Experience Champaign-Urbana, experiencecu.org.

Chicago

Chicago is home to nine professional sports teams and offers an unmatched combination of historic venues, passionate fans, and a legacy of hosting world-class events. Few cities can deliver the same energy, accessibility, and proven track record across so many sports.

Hotel Rooms: 46,687
Hotel tax rate: 17.39 percent
Major Facilities:
  • United Center is a 20,000-seat multipurpose venue
  • Soldier Field has a capacity of more than 60,000 and houses more than 1.4 million square feet of space
  • Wrigley Field is a 41,000-plus seat ballpark
Convention Center:

McCormick Place houses more than 2.6 million square feet of space and is just minutes from downtown.

Contact:

Chicago CVB, choosechicago.com.

Chicago Northwest

Chicago Northwest is a region comprised of eight communities. Located less than 15 miles from O’Hare International Airport and easily reached by rail or highway, Chicago Northwest is only four hours from anywhere in the continental U.S., whether driving or flying.

Hotel Rooms: 9,200
Hotel tax rate: Ranges from 11 to 15 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Olympic Park in Schaumburg has eight lighted turf soccer fields, two lighted natural grass soccer fields, and five lighted softball fields
  • Schaumburg Sports Center is a 60,000-square-foot indoor complex with a convertible fieldhouse that can be configured for four basketball courts, six volleyball courts, or 12 pickleball courts
  • The 3,558-acre Ned Brown Forest Preserve, commonly known as Busse Woods, is available for land and watersports
Convention Center:

Schaumburg Convention Center offers 100,000 square feet of column-free space with 30-foot ceilings and is attached to 500 guest rooms at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.

Contact:

Meet Chicago Northwest, chicagonorthwest.com.

Chicago Southland

Adjacent to and including Chicago proper, Chicago Southland is woven within the historic Chicago sports culture. The region carries a variety of venues for a myriad sports, capacities, league levels, and organizations.  The more suburban surroundings provide a more economical and logical benefit for management and attendees.

Hotel Rooms: 6,000
Hotel tax rate: Varies depending on the municipality
Major Facilities:
  • Wintrust Sports Complex is a 116,000-square-
    foot venue with eight high school hardwood basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, and one championship court
  • SeatGreek Stadium is a 20,000-plus capacity stadium that hosts soccer, rugby, and more
  • MegaPlex Sports Center in Homer Glen offers 78,000 square feet of indoor space
  • Roma Sports Club in Frankfort includes 50,000 square feet of space for soccer, pickleball, lacrosse, basketball, and more
  • Memorial Park has 21 acres of sports fields
Contact:

Chicago Southland CVB, visitchicagosouthland.com.

Decatur

Decatur is centrally located in the state, making it easily accessible to competitors from surrounding states. Each year the area hosts regional, national, and even international sports tournaments in a variety of sports.

Hotel Rooms: 1400
Hotel tax rate: 15.26 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Decatur Civic Center hosts ice skating and hockey
  • Decatur Indoor Sports Center houses basketball and volleyball courts, one indoor soccer field, and a four-lane 200-meter track
  • Decatur Soccer Complex includes five fields
  • Fairview Tennis offers nine courts
  • Forsyth Park features four baseball/softball fields, an 18-hole disc golf course, nine tennis courts, soccer fields, and pickleball courts
  • Rotary Park Sports Complex consists of five baseball/softball diamonds and four volleyball courts
Contact:

Decatur Area CVB, decaturcvb.com.

Dupage County

Just west of Chicago, DuPage County has a rich sports tradition dating back more than 100 years. Today, that heritage positions the county as a premier hub for tournaments and sporting events that draw regional and national attention.

Hotel Rooms: 16,000
Hotel tax rate: Ranges from nine to 12 percent depending on the community
Major Facilities:
  • The FMC Natatorium at Ty Warner Park features a 50-meter Olympic-sized pool and 25-yard training pool
  • Oak Brooks Fields includes eight full-size fields
  • Multiple ice arenas offer 16 total sheets of ice
  • Energy Sports Complex in Bensenville is a dedicated volleyball facility with 10 full-size courts
  • McCaslin Park has four artificial turf baseball diamonds
Contact:

DuPage Sports Commission, dupagesportscommission.com.

Effingham

Located in Central Illinois, where Interstate 57 meets Interstate 70, Effingham offers the perfect centralized location to meet and play. The city boasts a variety of sports facilities, ample accommodations, and a supportive community, all contributing to its appeal as a sporting event destination.

Hotel Rooms: 1,100
Hotel tax rate: 11 per cent
Major Facilities:
  • Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex features an eight-lane pool, indoor track, and 10,600 square feet of indoor hardwood courts
  • Community Park is a 35-acre park that features four lighted ball diamonds and four lighted tennis courts
  • Evergreen Hollow Park spans 42 acres and comprises of lighted softball diamonds and four lighted tennis courts
  • Hendelmeyer Park is a 20-acre park with a skate park, lighted tennis/pickleball courts, and three lighted ball diamonds
Convention Center:

Thelma Keller Convention Center features 25,000 square feet of space and can host sports such as martial arts, dance, and cheer.

Contact:

Effingham CVB, visiteffinghamil.com.

Elgin

The Elgin area offers venues and facilities to host tournaments year-round and is in convenient proximity to Chicago and O’Hare International Airport.

Hotel Rooms: 1,300
Hotel tax rate: 14 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Elgin Sports Complex consists of 10 softball diamonds, 13 soccer fields, and a BMX track
  • Canlan Ice Arena houses three NHL-sized rinks
  • Polar Dome, in nearby Dundee, is a 1,100-seat ice arena
  • Spartan Event Center at Elgin Community College includes three NCAA-sized basketball courts
Contact:

Elgin Area CVB, exploreelginarea.com.

Heritage Corridor

Heritage Corridor is a six-county area centered around the Illinois and Michigan Canal, the first hundred miles of Route 66, and Starved Rock Country.

Hotel Rooms: 11,000
Hotel tax rate: Ranges from seven to 17 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Romeoville Athletic Center offers two indoor spaces that can host basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, and lacrosse
  • Duly Health and Care Field is a 6,016-seat ballpark
  • Inwood Ice Arena offers one sheet of ice
  • Harlow Lockwood Softball Fields consists of six lighted fields
  • Joliet Memorial Stadium is a 10,000-seat multipurpose outdoor stadium for football, soccer, and lacrosse
Contact:

Heritage Corridor CVB, heritagecorridorcvb.com.

Kankakee County

Located just 60 miles south of Chicago along I-57, Kankakee County offers a convenient and cost-effective alternative to larger metro areas while still delivering high-quality facilities and experiences. What sets it apart is the combination of accessible venues, scenic outdoor settings along the Kankakee River, and a welcoming, easy-to-navigate community.

Hotel Rooms: 1,079
Hotel tax rate: Ranges from 11.25 percent to 16.75 percent, depending on municipality
Major Facilities:
  • Diamond Point Park features six baseball fields
  • River Road Sports Complex houses six softball fields
  • Ice Valley Ice Arena consists of one regulation-size NHL rink
  • Kankakee River State Park offers cross country, trail running, kayaking, and fishing opportunities across 4,000-plus acres
Contact:

Kankakee County CVB, visitkankakeecounty.com.

Lake County

Just north of Chicago is Lake County. Between the numerous top-notch golf courses, the Canlan Sports in Libertyville, Waukegan Sports Park and a plethora of other locations, Lake County has some of the best facilities available for regional or national tournaments.

Hotel Rooms: 8,500
Hotel tax rate: Ranges from eight to 12 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Waukegan Sports Park offers 14 fields
  • The Greater Libertyville Soccer Association offers multiple fields
  • Canlan Sports is a multipurpose venue with turf fields, basketball/volleyball courts, and more
Contact:

Visit Lake County, visitlakecounty.org.

Peoria

From frisbee golf courses to sailing courses and everything in between, Peoria is equipped to host practically any sporting event.

Hotel Rooms: 4,000
Major Facilities:
  • Dozer Park is a minor league ballpark
  • Louisville Slugger Sports Complex features 12 synthetic turf fields and a dome
Contact:

Peoria Area CVB, discoverpeoria.com.

Quad Cities

Geographically, the Quad Cities offer a memorable and unique experience, as it straddles the Mississippi River between Iowa and Illinois. It is a Midwest destination within a six-hour drive of 37 million people.

Hotel Rooms: 6,500
Hotel tax rate: Ranges based on municipality
Major Facilities:
  • TBK Bank Sports Complex offers eight outdoor turf baseball fields, four outdoor soccer fields, and a 75,000-square-foot indoor fieldhouse with eight hardwood basketball courts and two Olympic-sized indoor turf soccer fields
  • Vibrant Arena at THE MARK in Moline seats 12,000 and hosts sports like hockey, basketball, wrestling, and gymnastics
  • Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport, Iowa, is a 4,064-seat ballpark
Convention Center:

RiverCenter has almost 80,000 square feet of column-less space and is connected to two hotels via skywalk.

Contact:

Quad Cities CVB, visitquadcities.com.

Rivers & Routes

The Great Rivers & Routes region’s proximity to the confluence of the Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri Rivers make it ideal for many water sports. Directly across the river from St. Louis, the region is close enough to take advantage of being in a major city market, yet removed enough to skip the overwhelming parts of the city.

Hotel Rooms: 3,000
Hotel tax rate: 7.5 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Plummer Family Park in Edwardsville sits on 83 acres and hosts soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, flag football, and more
  • Gordon F. Moore Community Park consists of eight tennis courts, 10 ball diamonds, 27-hole golf course, and 19 soccer/football fields, along with a 13-acre fishing lake
Contact:

Great Rivers & Routes, riversandroutes.com.

Rockford

Rockford offers a unique combination of high-quality facilities, accessibility, and a service-driven approach that makes it easy for event owners to succeed. Located within a 90-minute drive of Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison, it provides access to a large regional population base while avoiding the congestion and costs of major metro areas.

Hotel Rooms: 3,000
Hotel tax rate: 14 percent
Major Facilities:
  • UW Health Sports Factory has eight basketball courts that can also accommodate volleyball, wrestling, gymnastics, and more
  • Mercyhealth Sportscore One is a 147-acre complex with nine soccer fields and eight softball/baseball fields
  • Mercyhealth Sportcore Two is a 180-acre campus with 26 outdoor fields and an indoor facility with six fields
Convention Center:

BMO Center is a versatile, multiuse arena in downtown Rockford with seating for up to 6,000.

Contact:

Go Rockford, gorockford.com.

Springfield

Springfield is nestled in the heart of the Midwest along the iconic Route 66. The city is well known for hosting floor sports, with sports including USA, AAU, and USTA National Gymnastics events have called Springfield home.

Hotel Rooms: 3,700
Hotel tax rate: 14 percent
Major Facilities:
  • SCHEELS Sports Park offers eight multipurpose, lighted turf baseball fields that can be reconfigured for softball, soccer, lacrosse, and more, along with two championship fields, and The Yard, a 27,000-square-foot event space
  • Bank of Springfield Center offers 70,000 square feet of indoor multipurpose space
  • Nelson Center Ice Rink features two NHL-sized rinks
  • The Illinois State Fairgrounds is a 366-acre multipurpose site
Contact:

Springfield CVB, visitspringfieldillinois.com.

Williamson County

Williamson County offers multiple facilities, beautiful lakes and natural areas, a rich history, and a diverse culture.

Hotel Rooms: 1,200
Major Facilities:
  • Marion Stadium is a 7,000-seat baseball stadium
  • HUB Recreation Center is a 64,000-square-foot facility with an Olympic-sized pool and two basketball courts
  • Black Diamond Pickleball Complex has six outdoor courts
  • Pharoah’s Way Disc Golf Course and Herrin Park District Golf Course each offer an 18-hole course
  • Coming soon: With different sections opening in 2025 and 2026, the Oasis Sports Complex is a $30 million multiuse sports facility being built in Marion. The complex will feature a 150,000 square foot dome and outdoor fields designed for various sports, including baseball, softball, soccer, and football
Contact:

visitSI, visitsi.com.