State Spotlight:
Maryland

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. “There’s a common theme across our entire tourism ecosystem in Maryland that we’re ‘open,’” said Terry Hassletine, executive director of the Maryland Sports Commission. “That’s a motto that goes beyond our destinations and venues. It means we’re here to welcome visitors from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Our doors—as well as our courts and fields—are always open to everyone who celebrates the incredible experience that is sports competition.”

State Spotlight:
Maryland

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. “There’s a common theme across our entire tourism ecosystem in Maryland that we’re ‘open,’” said Terry Hassletine, executive director of the Maryland Sports Commission. “That’s a motto that goes beyond our destinations and venues. It means we’re here to welcome visitors from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Our doors—as well as our courts and fields—are always open to everyone who celebrates the incredible experience that is sports competition.”

Annapolis

Annapolis is the gateway to North America’s largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to offering a wide variety of state-of-the-art arenas, facilities, fields, and courts for competition, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County feature a host of pre- and post-game experiences and attractions that are unique to the destination.

Hotel Rooms: 11,097
Hotel tax rate: 13 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Bachman Sports Complex is a 55-acre adult sports complex with six lighted softball fields, one lighted baseball field, and one lighted multipurpose field
  • Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is a 34,000-seat football stadium that also hosts lacrosse
  • Chesapeake BMX Track is a three-acre track
Contact:

Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, VisitAnnapolis.org.

Baltimore

Baltimore has always counted sports among its favorite pastimes and as part of the local cultural legacy, from being home to the legendary ball player Babe Ruth to birthing one of the world’s largest sports apparel manufacturers, Under Armour.

Hotel Rooms: 9000
Hotel tax rate: 17.5 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Royal Farms Arena is a multipurpose venue that seats 14,000
Convention Center:

Baltimore Convention Center boasts 300,000 square feet of space and hosts many sports, including volleyball, cheer and dance, fencing, futsal, field hockey, and soccer.

Contact:

Visit Baltimore, Baltimore.org.

Baltimore County

Baltimore County is located in the heart of Maryland and offers a beautiful backdrop for an event. The area also boasts 200 miles of waterfront along the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay.

Hotel Rooms: Approximately 40 properties
Major Facilities:
  • Graham Equestrian Center hosts equestrian events
  • Hannah More Skate Park has a street course facility
  • Honeygo Run Regional Park has two lighted ball diamonds, three athletic fields, a 13,000-square-foot indoor recreation center, and a roller hockey court
Contact:

Baltimore County Tourism and Promotion, enjoybaltimorecounty.com.

Cecil County

Cecil County’s location in northern Maryland is a short drive from Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. Visitors here will experience the quintessential nature of the area’s waterfront towns and Maryland charm.

Hotel Rooms: 750
Hotel tax rate: 12 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Calvert Regional Park has up to 20 fields
  • Anchor Marina can accommodate fishing tournaments
  • Fair Hill Event Zone is a world-class venue equipped to host multiple equestrian disciplines
Contact:

Destination Cecil County, SeeCecil.org.

Charles County

Charles County is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Washington, D.C., and within easy reach of Baltimore.

Hotel Rooms: 1242
Hotel tax rate: 7 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Capital Clubhouse is a 90,000-square-foot indoor venue with an NHL-size ice rink and multisport court
  • Regency Furniture Stadium is a 4200-seat ballpark
  • Bryantown Sports Complex offers 15 soccer fields
  • Robert Stethem Sports Complex has multiple baseball fields
Contact:

Charles County Recreation, ExploreCharlesCounty.com.

Dorchester County

Dorchester County sits on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and boasts more shoreline than any other county in Maryland. Cycling and swimming are big sports in Dorchester.

Hotel Rooms: 700
Major Facilities:
  • Long Wharf Park has open green space and serves as the finish line for Ironman events
  • Great Marsh Park has open green space with a boat ramp and is great for cycling events
Contact:

Dorchester County Office of Tourism, visitdorchester.org.

Frederick County

Nearly 400 bicycles leave the starting point on Thomas Johnson Court early Sunday morning to begin the Frederick Gran Fondo race. The competitors raced in 30, 60 or 100 mile races. In gran fondo racing, however, all racers begin at the same time. The course is also not run start to finish — cyclists race through four timed sections, and the winner is declared based on the times earned in each section. Photo by Bill Green

Few destinations are more centrally located to America’s Mid-Atlantic attractions than Frederick County. The county is just a few hours from New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, and 45 minutes from Washington, DC, and Baltimore.

Hotel Rooms: 2775
Hotel tax rate: 11 percent
Major Facilities:
  • PNC Sports Complex at Mount St. Mary’s University is a 4800-square-foot bi-level facility
  • Knott Athletic Recreation Convocation Complex at Mount St. Mary’s University is a multipurpose venue with a capacity of 3500
  • John J. Dillon Field House has four multipurpose basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts
  • Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium is a 5500-seat ballpark
Contact:

Visit Frederick, visitfrederick.org.

Hagerstown

Hagerstown is in Washington County, an area just over one hour from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Conveniently located at the interchange of two major interstates, US I-70 & US I-81, it is the ideal location for events and tournaments seeking a regional presence. The area will open the new Skate Park at Fairgrounds Park this fall.

Hotel Rooms: 2600
Hotel tax rate: 12 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Hagerstown Fairgrounds covers nine acres and includes softball fields, in-line hockey rink, soccer fields, and more
  • Greeenbrier State Park is a 42-acre man-made freshwater lake
  • Hagerstown Ice & Sports Complex is a 40,500-square-foot facility sitting on nine acres and features an NHL-size hockey rink
Contact:

Visit Hagerstown & Washington County CVB, visithagerstown.com.

Harford

Harford boasts a scenic location as it’s located at the top of Chesapeake Bay, halfway between Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.

Hotel Rooms: Approximately 28 properties
Major Facilities:
  • Ripken Experience boasts numerous fields of various dimensions supporting play for youth baseball
  • Cedar Lane Regional Park is a 110-acre multisport complex with 13 fields, including two turf fields
Contact:

Visit Harford, wvisitharford.com.

Howard County

Howard County is conveniently located along I-95 between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore—a mere half-hour drive to each location, making it easily accessible. With wonderful restaurants, historic sites and towns, a great variety of hotels, and pristine athletic fields, it is not a surprise that many national tournaments are held within the county.

Hotel Rooms: 4300
Hotel tax rate: 13 percent
Major Facilities:
  • The 72-acre Alpha Ridge Park features a regulation inline hockey rink, three baseball diamonds, two multipurpose fields, and two tennis courts
  • Blandair Regional Park includes three lighted synthetic turf multipurpose fields, two lighted synthetic ball fields, and tennis courts
  • Cedar Lane Park features two lighted synthetic turf fields, four lighted ball diamonds, and two natural grass multipurpose fields
  • Centennial Park contains six ball fields, three basketball courts, nine tennis courts, five volleyball courts, and two soccer fields
  • Meadowbrook Park features three baseball fields
  • The Meadowbrook Athletic Complex hosts indoor basketball, volleyball, field hockey, gymnastics, and more
  • Rockburn Branch Regional Park consists of six ball fields, five multipurpose fields, a mountain bike skills course, two basketball courts, four tennis courts, and an 18-hole disc golf course
Contact:

Howard County Tourism, howardcountytourism.com.

Montgomery County

Near Washington, D.C. is Montgomery County. The area features a blend of urban offerings and rural countryside, as well as several parks, trails, lakes, and open spaces.

Hotel Rooms: 9,000
Major Facilities:
  • The Maryland SoccerPlex is home to 24 full-sized irrigated soccer fields, as well as a Championship Stadium
  • Discovery Sports Center is a multisport indoor facility featuring a 46,000-square-foot arena with eight basketball and/or volleyball courts and two synthetic turf fields for indoor soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball, and rugby
Contact:

MoCo Sports, moco-sports.com.

Ocean City

Ocean City is within five hours of New York and Richmond and less than three hours from Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. The city offers plenty to enjoy pre- or post-event, including 10 miles of free beach, a three-mile boardwalk, 200+ restaurants, and 17 championship golf courses.

Hotel Rooms: 11,000
Hotel tax rate: 11 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Northside Park is a 58-acre complex with three lighted baseball/softball fields, lighted soccer field, multipurpose field, fishing lagoon, and 14,200-square-foot gym
Convention Center:

The Roland E. Powell Convention Center hosts a wide variety of sports, including wrestling, cheerleading, beach and indoor volleyball, and basketball.

Contact:

Ocean City Tourism, ococean.com.

Prince George’s County

Prince George’s County is at the heart of the Washington D.C. metro area. Literally minutes from downtown D.C., Prince George’s is also a central player in the area sports scene due to its volume of places for youth, collegiate, amateur, and professional play.

Hotel Rooms: 11,041
Hotel tax rate: 13 percent
Major Facilities:
  • FedEx Field hosts football and soccer with a capacity of 90,000
  • Prince George’s Equestrian Center & Show Place Arena is a 5800-seat multipurpose arena
  • Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium accommodates football, lacrosse, and soccer
  • Junior Tennis Champions Center has 12 outdoor courts and 15 indoor courts
  • Xfinity Center is a 17,100-seat multipurpose venue
  • Prince George’s County Stadium is a 10,000-seat ballpark
  • Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex hosts indoor and outdoor track and field, aquatics, gymnastics, football, soccer, and lacrosse
  • Junior Tennis Champion Center is a 32-court facility
Convention Center:

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center offers 546,889 total square feet of space and sits on the banks of the scenic Potomac River at National Harbor.

Contact:

Prince George’s County CVB, ExperiencePrinceGeorges.com.

St. Mary’s County

St. Mary’s County is a Chesapeake Bay destination that’s just a short drive from Washington, D.C. The area is brimming with opportunities for water and outdoor sports.

Hotel Rooms: 1000
Major Facilities:
  • Cecil Park features four ball diamonds, four tennis courts, and one field
  • Chancellor’s Run Regional Park includes one baseball field, three baseball/softball fields, two basketball courts, four soccer fields, four tennis courts, and two sand volleyball courts
Contact:

St. Mary’s County Tourism, visitstmarysmd.com.

Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital attracts so many more than tourists. The one-of-a-kind destination is also a frequent host of major sporting events, from NCAA tournaments to international soccer matches. “We have world-class sporting venues for events of any size and a vibrant city that’s overflowing with things to do and see,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “The combination provides an unforgettable experience for fans and event attendees. You can take in American history by viewing the Declaration of Independence in the morning, sample global cuisine at Union Market, and then head to a game that same day.”

Hotel Rooms: 32,000
Hotel tax rate: 14.95 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Capital One Arena is a 20,000-seat multipurpose indoor arena
  • Nationals Park is a 41,546-seat baseball stadium
  • FedEx Field is an 82,000-seat football stadium
  • Audi Field is a 20,000-seat stadium
  • DC Armory offers 70,000 square feet of space and seating for 10,000
  • The 27-acre Fields at RFK Campus includes three synthetic turf fields and 3000 square feet of pavilion space
Convention Center:

Walter E. Washington Convention Center boasts more than 700,000 square feet of space and hosts sports such as volleyball, cheer, and dance.

Contact:

Destination DC, washington.org.

Wicomico County

Wicomico County is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay on the Lower Eastern Shore. There are a number of high-quality facilities for both indoor and outdoor sports and fun attractions for attendees to visit during downtime.

Hotel Rooms: 1000
Hotel tax rate: 12 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Henry S. Park Athletic Complex is a 41-acre park with eight lighted baseball/softball fields
  • Crown Sports Center has five indoor turf fields, one multi-surface court, two volleyball courts, and outdoor fields for baseball, lacrosse, field hockey, football, futsal, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and volleyball
  • The 25-acre Fruitland Falcons Sports Complex offers a stadium to host field hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby, and soccer
  • Arthur W. Perdue Stadium is a minor league ballpark
  • The 52-acre Mid-Atlantic Youth Sportsplex can host field hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby, and soccer with its five fields
Convention Center:

Wicomico Civic Center has a 28,000-square-foot arena and 10,000-square-foot secondary space.

Contact:

Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism, WicoSports.org.

Worcester County

Maryland’s Coast is home to the “playcation” offering a complete package of hospitality and entertainment to boost individual or team participation for any tournament or event. Many athletes and families come to its shores for a “playcation” combining competition with an extended vacation stay.

Hotel Rooms: 11,000
Hotel tax rate: 11 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Worcester County Recreation Center is a 47,000-square-foot multipurpose arena
  • Northern Worcester Athletic Complex has multiple baseball/softball fields of all sizes and five multipurpose fields
  • John Walter Smith Park includes multiple baseball/softball fields and multipurpose fields
Contact:

Maryland’s Coast, Worcester County, marylandscoast.org.