State Spotlight:
Illinois

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 state pairs its love of the game with modern venues, top-tier accommodations, and easy accessibility, creating a winning formula for successful sporting events of every size and style. “Illinois stands out for hosting sports events due to its diversity, versatility, unique appeal, and centralized location offering athletes and families enriching experiences both on and off the field,” explains the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “Beyond the excitement of sports, visitors can enjoy world-class attractions, culture, history, and dining for a memorable stay before, during, or after their competition.”

State Spotlight:
Illinois

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 state pairs its love of the game with modern venues, top-tier accommodations, and easy accessibility, creating a winning formula for successful sporting events of every size and style. “Illinois stands out for hosting sports events due to its diversity, versatility, unique appeal, and centralized location offering athletes and families enriching experiences both on and off the field,” explains the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “Beyond the excitement of sports, visitors can enjoy world-class attractions, culture, history, and dining for a memorable stay before, during, or after their competition.”

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.

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.

Effingham, Illinois, located at the crossroads of I-57 and I-70, is the perfect destination for your next sporting event. With 17 hotels, 65 restaurants, and state-of-the-art facilities like the Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex, we offer everything you need for a successful event. From indoor courts and aquatic centers to lighted parks with softball diamonds, tennis courts, and more, Effingham has diverse venues for all kinds of sports. After the game, enjoy local dining at Firefly Grill, Gopher’s Grill and more. Contact the Effingham Convention & Visitors Bureau today to plan your event!

Springfield boasts an array of impressive athletic facilities for any event. Home to the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, and a host of other historic sites, family friendly attractions and a culinary experiences you will enjoy. And, we are located on historic Route 66!

Coming in 2025 – SCHEELS Sports Park at Legacy Pointe! 190,000 square-foot air dome, largest in the nation. Multi-use outdoor diamonds. All adjacent to SCHEELS store!

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.

Make your next event Abe-mazing in “Always Legendary” Springfield, IL!

Aurora

The Aurora area is home to a collection of outstanding facilities for field and indoor sports, including Stuart Sports Complex, one of the largest outdoor venues in the country. Located less than 40 miles west of Chicago, Aurora offers teams, athletes, and spectators an unparalleled stay-and-play experience.

 

Hotel Rooms: 1200
Hotel tax rate: 9 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 is a volleyball training facility with 12 courts for tournaments
  • Supreme Courts has four full high-school sized basketball courts for tournament and league play.
  • M14Hoops is a state-of-the-art 53,000 square foot basketball development facility with six indoor basketball courts
  • Northwestern Medicine Cross Country Course features wide tracks through rolling hills and scenic views
Contact:

Aurora Area CVB, www.enjoyauora.com.

Bloomington

Bloomington-Normal is centrally located and is a crossroads for Illinois and the greater Midwest. Three interstates, Amtrak service to Chicago and St. Louis, and a regional airport with connections to Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas-Fort Worth make Bloomington-Normal easy to reach and support the logistics of teams and event organizers.

Hotel Rooms: 3,477
Hotel tax rate: 12 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Illinois State University offers the 15,000-seat Hancock Stadium and 10,200-seat CEFCU Arena
  • Illinois Wesleyan University features the 3,500-seat Tucci Stadium, 2,680-seat Shirk Center, and more
  • Grossinger Motors Arena is a 7,000-seat venue
  • Champions Field is a 10-field baseball and softball complex
  • The Corn Crib is a multipurpose stadium that hosts baseball and soccer
Contact:

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

 

Champaign County

Conveniently located just hours away from Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis, the greater Champaign-Urbana area is home to the University of Illinois, a premier Big Ten Institution with state-of-the-art facilities capable of hosting almost any sport.

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
  • Memorial Stadium is a 60,670-seat football stadium
  • State Farm Center is a 27,000-square foot arena with seating for 16,000
  • Dodds Soccer Complex boasts 11 fields
Contact:

Experience Champaign-Urbana, experiencecu.org.

Chicago

Chicago is bursting with world-class culture and a welcoming Midwest spirit. Visitors feel right at home as they explore the city’s famed bars and restaurants, world-renowned museums, jaw-dropping waterfront, groundbreaking live music scene, award-winning theatres, iconic architecture, and stunning parks and green spaces.

Hotel Rooms: 46,360
Major Facilities:
  • Home to the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, United Center is located on the near west side of the city
  • With a capacity of 63,500, Soldier Field is home to the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Fire, and hosts a mix of sporting, entertainment, and community events each year
  • Wintrust Arena is a 300,000-square-foot multipurpose venue
Convention Center:

McCormick Place houses over 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 that’s easily accessible to downtown Chicago and O’Hare International Airport. The destination is popular with amateur youth cheer and dance, gymnastics, soccer, softball, baseball, lacrosse, and more

Hotel Rooms: 9,200
Hotel tax rate: Ranges from 11 to 15 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Olympic Park in Schaumburg has eight lighted synthetic turf soccer fields, two lighted natural grass soccer fields, and five lighted softball fields
  • Schaumburg Sports Center is a 110,000 square-foot venue with four basketball courts, six volleyball courts, two soccer fields (convertible to one softball/baseball field), and a gymnastic center
  • The 3,558-acre Busse Forest Preserve is available for land and watersports
Convention Center:

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

Contact:

Meet Chicago Northwest, chicagonorthwest.com.

Chicago Southland

Chicago Southland is comprised of 62 municipalities in the south and southwest suburbs of Chicago—most within a 30-minute drive into the city. The area is a mere five-hour drive from eight different states, and the area boasts two international airports.

Hotel Rooms: 5,681
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
  • MegaPlex Sports Center offers three regulation courts and 10 pickleball courts
  • Ozinga Field is a 3,500-seat ballpark
  • Roma Sports Club has two basketball courts and two indoor baseball/soccer fields
  • Memorial Park has six baseball fields and one indoor basketball court
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

DuPage County is centrally located 20 miles west of Chicago. With 38 communities and approximately one million residents, the area has a sports tradition that goes back more than 100 years.

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 a 25-yard training pool
  • Oak Brook Park has eight full-size fields available for rent
  • Multiple local ice arenas offer 16 total sheets of ice
  • Energy VBC Dome has 10 regulation-sized volleyball 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, a disc golf course, a sand volleyball court and four lighted tennis courts
  • Evergreen Hollow Park spans 42 acres and has two softball diamonds, one baseball diamond, four tennis courts, and two soccer fields
  • Hendelmeyer Park is a 20-acre park with a skate park, eight 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

Elgin is a year-round sports destination that has the ability to host a range of sports.

Hotel Rooms: 1,300
Hotel tax rate: 12 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Elgin Sports Complex consists of 10 softball diamonds, 10 soccer fields, and a BMX track
  • Centre of Elgin offers an 18,000-square-foot fieldhouse, three basketball courts, and eight-lane pool
  • Canlan Sports houses three NHL-sized rinks
  • Spartan Event Center features three NCAA-sized basketball courts
  • Polar Dome is a 1,100-seat ice arena
Contact:

Elgin Area CVB, exploreelginarea.com.

Great Rivers & Routes Region

The Great Rivers & Routes Region is a short drive from downtown St. Louis and the St. Louis Lambert International Airport, making travel very convenient for teams, athletes, and spectators.

Hotel Rooms: 3,600
Major Facilities:
  • Plummer Park contains four synthetic and lighted 12U baseball/softball diamonds, three synthetic multipurpose fields, three all-grass fields, and 12 pickleball courts
  • Gordon Moore is a 704-acre park with eight tennis courts, 10 baseball diamonds, 27-hole golf course, and 19 soccer-sized fields
Convention Center:

The Gateway Convention Center is a 105,000-square foot facility that hosts a variety of cheer, dance, and gymnastics competitions.

Contact:

Great Rivers & Routes, riversandroutes.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

With miles of winding river, rural and urban destinations, rich history and natural beauty, there is so much to enjoy in Kankakee County. Tucked along I-57 just an hour south of Chicago, the area has something for everyone.

Hotel Rooms: 1,079
Hotel tax rate: Ranges from 11.25 percent to 16.75 percent, depending on municipality
Major Facilities:
  • Located between Bourbonnais and Manteno Township, Diamond Point Park features six baseball fields
  • River Road Sports Complex in Kankakee has six softball fields
  • Kankakee’s Ice Valley Ice Arena consists of one NHL-sized rink
Contact:

Kankakee County CVB, visitkankakeecounty.com.

Lake County

Just north of Chicago lies Lake County. With its many top-notch golf courses, Canlan Sports in Libertyville, Waukegan Sports Park, and numerous other venues, Lake County offers some of the best facilities for regional or national tournaments.

Hotel Rooms: 8,500
Hotel tax rate: Ranges from eight to 12 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Waukegan Sports Park offers more than 11 outdoor fields
  • 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 that seats 8,500 fans
  • Louisville Slugger Sports Complex features 12 synthetic turf fields and a dome
Contact:

Peoria Area CVB, discoverpeoria.com.

Quad Cities

Positioned on the Mississippi River and within a three-hour drive of Chicago, the Quad Cities offer a diverse portfolio of venues, outdoor spaces, hotel rooms, dining options, attractions, and more.

Hotel Rooms: 6,500
Hotel tax rate: 12 percent
Major Facilities:
  • TBK Bank Sports Complex and Forest Grove Sports Complex contain two Olympic-sized indoor turf soccer fields, eight basketball courts, and more than 280,000 square feet of indoor space
  • Vibrant Arena at THE MARK seats over 11,000 and has a regulation-sized basketball court and full-sized hockey rink
  • Modern Woodmen Park is a 4,000-seat ballpark
Convention Center:

Rivercenter is a 100,000-square-foot venue with no columns and high ceilings. The venue hosts dance and cheer, cornhole, martial arts, and more.

Contact:

Quad Cities CVB, visitquadcities.com.

Rockford

Rockford has been recognized for hosting regional and national sports tournaments for over 40 years. Located just 90 minutes from Chicago, Rockford offers easy access, less traffic, and a friendly, community-focused atmosphere that encourages event organizers and athletes to return year after year.

Hotel Rooms: 3,000
Hotel tax rate: 14 percent
Major Facilities:
  • UW Health Sports Factory has eight basketball courts, 14 volleyball courts, 12 pickleball courts, and 16 wrestling mats
  • Mercyhealth Sportcore Two is a 180-acre campus with 26 outdoor fields and an indoor soccer facility with three fields
Convention Center:

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

Contact:

Go Rockford, gorockford.com.

Springfield

Springfield is located in the heart of the Midwest along famous Route 66. Free time here is full of discoveries like lively arts, architecture, and all sorts of unique attractions along Route 66.

Hotel Rooms: 3,700
Hotel tax rate: 14 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Opening later this year, SCHEELS Sports Park will feature a 196,625-square-foot dome, which will have one full-size football/two softball fields and six basketball/12 volleyball courts
  • Bank of Springfield Center offers 70,000 square feet of space available for events
  • Nelson Center at Lincoln Park 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.