Mississippi
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. From the rolling hills of the north to the Gulf Coast’s open waters, Mississippi offers the perfect backdrop for a wide range of sports—from competitive fishing and golf tournaments to endurance races and Friday night lights. With passionate communities, year-round mild weather, and a commitment to welcoming athletes and fans alike, the Magnolia State turns every event into something unforgettable. “Mississippi stands out not only for its excellent sports infrastructure but also for the authentic experiences that surround each event,” says Rochelle Hicks, director of tourism for Visit Mississippi. “Whether it’s exploring our rich musical heritage, enjoying local cuisine, or relaxing in our scenic outdoor spaces, visitors get more than just a game, they get a taste of Mississippi culture.”
Mississippi
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. From the rolling hills of the north to the Gulf Coast’s open waters, Mississippi offers the perfect backdrop for a wide range of sports—from competitive fishing and golf tournaments to endurance races and Friday night lights. With passionate communities, year-round mild weather, and a commitment to welcoming athletes and fans alike, the Magnolia State turns every event into something unforgettable. “Mississippi stands out not only for its excellent sports infrastructure but also for the authentic experiences that surround each event,” says Rochelle Hicks, director of tourism for Visit Mississippi. “Whether it’s exploring our rich musical heritage, enjoying local cuisine, or relaxing in our scenic outdoor spaces, visitors get more than just a game, they get a taste of Mississippi culture.”
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, stands as a premier sports destination in the Gulf South, offering top-tier facilities for baseball, softball, soccer, football, tennis, and more. With 25 soccer fields, 34 baseball fields, and 55 tennis courts, the city is equipped to host events of all sizes. Notable venues include Tatum Park, Jaycee Park, and collegiate facilities at The University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University. Hattiesburg is drivable from much of the Southeast, offering accessible world-class experiences to tens of thousands annually. Complemented by nearly 200 locally owned restaurants and numerous hotels, Hattiesburg ensures a memorable experience for athletes and fans alike.
Cleveland sits perfectly in the Mississippi Delta, making it an ideal spot for any kind of event. This charming city has deep roots in blues music and Delta cuisine, plus a beautifully revitalized downtown with boutique hotels, great restaurants, and unique shopping.
Hotel Rooms: 600Hotel tax rate: 9 percent
Major Facilities:
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The city maintains 11 baseball fields, eight softball fields, eight tennis courts, one gym with basketball and volleyball courts, one pool, a four-unit soccer complex, and a pickleball complex.
Visit Cleveland, MS, visitclevelandms.com.
Stretching along 62 miles of scenic shoreline, Coastal Mississippi offers beautiful year-round weather and easy access from nearby cities like New Orleans, Mobile, Jackson, Pensacola, and Baton Rouge. Whether you’re here for a tournament or a weekend getaway, you’ll find plenty to enjoy before and after the games.
Hotel Rooms: 16,000Hotel tax rate: ranges from 9 percent to 10 percent depending on county
Major Facilities:
- Gulfport Sportplex features 15 baseball/softball fields, six full-size soccer fields, two natural turf multipurpose fields, and six synthetic multipurpose fields
- A.J. Holloway Sports Complex includes five Little League fields, one adult baseball field, four softball fields, three soccer fields, and eight tennis courts
- Rusty Quave Sports Complex encompasses four multipurpose fields and four baseball/softball fields
- County Farm Soccer Complex boasts 11 full-size grass soccer fields
- Ocean Springs Sports Complex features five baseball fields, four softball fields, four soccer fields, and two football fields
The Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center is a beachfront facility that offers more than 400,000 total square feet of space and an arena that seats 11,500.
Contact:Coastal Mississippi, gulfcoast.org.
With two state parks and 9,000-acre Columbus Lake on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, Columbus offers outdoor enthusiasts a plethora of activities.
Hotel Rooms: 1,300Hotel tax rate: 9 percent
Major Facilities:
- Roger Short Soccer Complex is a 35-acre multipurpose complex with nine soccer fields
- Columbus Propst Park has 10 youth baseball fields, four adult softball fields, four youth softball fields, eight pickleball courts, and a disc golf course
- BankFirst Yards is the centerpiece of the Lowndes County Sportsplex and offers eight baseball/softball fields
Trotter Convention Center sits in historic downtown Columbus and offers 9,600 square feet on the main level with an additional 5,200 square feet downstairs.
Contact:Visit Columbus, visitcolumbusms.org.
DeSoto County is on the northwest border of the state and is a frequent host of sports. The county is big enough with multiple cities to accommodate a variety of sporting events but still with an intimate community feel.
Hotel Rooms: 3910Hotel tax rate: ranges from 9 percent to 10 percent plus $2 per room, per night
Major Facilities:
- Snowden Grove Park has 17 baseball fields
- Greenbrook Softball Complex features eight fields
- George Harrison Park includes five soccer fields
- Southaven Soccer Complex consists of eight soccer fields
- Southaven Indoor Volleyball Arena offers eight courts
- Landers Center Arena can seat up to 10,000 depending on the event
DeSoto County CVB, sodesoto.com.
Greenwood has several venues and parks that are conducive to hosting sporting events, Spectators and athletes alike can enjoy the relaxing vibe of country living without straying too far from any major highways or city limits.
Hotel Rooms: 685Hotel tax rate: 8 percent
Major Facilities:
- Stribling Park boasts baseball, softball, and soccer fields
- Leflore County Civic Center offers 9,576 square feet of space with changeable flooring
- Agri-Center includes 36,000 square feet of space
- MS Youth Soccer has 17 soccer fields
- Twin Rivers Rec Center includes four indoor pickleball courts and five hard tennis courts
- Wagner Park features eight pickleball courts
Contact:
Greenwood CVB, visitgreenwood.com.
Known as the “Hub City”, Hattiesburg is easily drivable from a large portion of the Southeast. Area facilities offer world-class facilities to tens of thousands of youth and collegiate baseball, soccer, track, tennis, softball, and football players, coaches, visitors, and fans each year.
Hotel Rooms: 3,000Hotel tax rate: 10 percent
Major Facilities:
- The Center at Forrest County is a 120,000-square-foot multipurpose center
- Longleaf Trace is a 45-mile paved biking and running trail
- Cameron Field at Jaycee Park features two baseball/softball diamonds
- Kamper Park is home to eight championship-grade courts for tennis and pickleball
- Tatum Park Sports Complex offers a total of 18 soccer fields, the five-field Larry Doleac Baseball Complex, 10 tennis courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, three softball fields, and multiple practice fields
Lake Terrace Convention Center offers more than 60,000 square feet of space and hosts a variety of sports including wrestling, martial arts, and dance.
Contact:Hattiesburg CVB, www.visithburg.com.
Jackson is centrally located and easily accessible for participants and spectators traveling within the state and nearby regions. Jackson boasts modern sporting facilities suitable for a variety of sporting events, whether you need courts, fields, or arenas.
Hotel Rooms: 4000Hotel tax rate: 11 percent plus $.75 per room, per day
Major Facilities:
- Mississippi Fairgrounds Complex is composed of the Mississippi Coliseum, the Kirk Fordice Equine Center and the new Mississippi Trade Mart
- Providence Hill Farm is a 1,250-acre retreat that provides every facility for the hunter/jumper enthusiast
- Mississippi Basketball Association has five college regulation courts
- Jackson Futbol Club and Buddy Butts Park offer a combined 22 U6-U19 soccer fields
- Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is a 44,215-seat multipurpose venue
The Jackson Convention Complex is an LEED-certified facility featuring 330,000 square feet of flexible space.
Contact:Visit Jackson, visitjackson.com.
Oxford serves as an attractive sporting event host due to its small-town charm with big-town facilities and amenities.
Hotel Rooms: 1364Hotel tax rate: 9 percent
Major Facilities:
- mTrade Park has 75 acres of manicured grass and grounds featuring five regulation size soccer fields, as well as 14 baseball/fastpitch fields and a 7,500-square-foot indoor practice facility
- FNC Tennis Center-John Leslie Courts boasts 20 hard courts
- Ulysses “Coach” Howell Activity Center has a gymnastics area, indoor basketball courts, two volleyball courts, and six pickleball courts
Oxford Convention Center offers more than 25,000 square feet of space and can host cheer and powerlifting.
Contact:Visit Oxford, VisitOxfordMS.com.
Conveniently located in the heart of Mississippi, Ridgeland offers easy access for participants and visitors, plus hub-and-spoke travel opportunities for those wanting to explore more of the state. With even more premier facilities on the horizon, Ridgeland continues to set the stage for unforgettable sports tourism.
Hotel Rooms: 1600Hotel tax rate: 12 percent
Major Facilities:
- Freedom Ridge Park is a 50-acre facility with fields for baseball, softball, and soccer and will be doubling in size over the next couple of years
- Ridgeland Tennis Center offers 15 lighted courts
- Infinity Volleyball Academy has eight courts
Ridgeland Tourism Commission, visitridgeland.com.
Known as Mississippi’s College Town, Starkville blends a vibrant, energetic atmosphere with top-notch facilities and Southern hospitality, making it one of the state’s most appealing destinations for sporting events. From youth tournaments and regional showcases to collegiate competitions, event planners are finding Starkville to be a winning location both on and off the field.
Hotel Rooms: 868Hotel tax rate: 10 percent
Major Facilities:
- Cornerstone Sports Complex features 12 baseball/softball diamonds and two T-ball fields
- Starkville Sportsplex includes baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, and indoor courts for basketball and volleyball
- McKee has pickleball courts and a nine-hole disc
golf course
Starkville CVB, Starkville.org.
Once known for casino gaming, Tunica has evolved into one of the top leisure and recreational group destinations in the Southeast. The city’s casino properties offer upscale accommodations, numerous dining options, and flexible event facilities. In addition, Tunica offers dedicated venues for swimming and diving, equestrian, and indoor tennis.
Hotel Rooms: 5000Major Facilities:
- Tunica Aquatics Center features an eight-lane, Olympic-size pool and diving platforms
- The Aquatic Center includes a 50-meter pool
- The Tunica Arena and Expo Center offers 48,000 square feet of floor space with a seating capacity of 2224 fixed seats and a maximum seating capacity of 5500
- The Tunica National Tennis Center has four climate-controlled indoor courts
- Tunica is home to two tournament-level championship golf courses, Tunica National Golf & Tennis and River Bend Links, each with distinctive styles and features
Tunica CVB, tunicatravel.com.
Tupelo is a small town with first-class facilities. In addition to top-notch sporting events, the city offers something for everyone.
Hotel Rooms: 2,200Hotel tax rate: 9 percent
Major Facilities:
- BankPlus Sports Complex has 16 lighted youth turf baseball fields, four lighted T-ball fields, and 16 lighted soccer/multipurpose fields
- Rob Leake City Park boasts 16 lighted courts
- Tupelo Aquatic Facility features a 20-lane, 25-yard pool and an eight-lane, 50-meter pool
- Dot Cooper Kelly Park consists of 12 lighted outdoor pickleball courts
Cadence Bank Arena & Conference Center has 70,000 square feet of space and 9,000 seats. It hosts sports such as cheerleading, gymnastics, basketball, and bodybuilding.
Contact:Tupelo CVB, Tupelo.net.