State Spotlight:
South Carolina

Golf certainly thrives in South Carolina—the state boasts more than 300 courses—but sports means so much more here in the Palmetto State. With a broad and diverse range of facilities and fields—not to mention natural venues—South Carolina has made a name for itself as a hospitable host for any type of sport. “From our plentiful fishing opportunities in fresh and coastal waters, to premier golf courses and miles of raceway tracks, South Carolina offers a diverse inventory of sports facilities that make us a top destination for sports tourism,” said Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. “Offering everything from small-town to bigger city destinations from the mountains to the coast, there is something for everyone to discover and enjoy when they attend or host a sporting event in South Carolina.”

State Spotlight:
South Carolina

Golf certainly thrives in South Carolina—the state boasts more than 300 courses—but sports means so much more here in the Palmetto State. With a broad and diverse range of facilities and fields—not to mention natural venues—South Carolina has made a name for itself as a hospitable host for any type of sport. “From our plentiful fishing opportunities in fresh and coastal waters, to premier golf courses and miles of raceway tracks, South Carolina offers a diverse inventory of sports facilities that make us a top destination for sports tourism,” said Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. “Offering everything from small-town to bigger city destinations from the mountains to the coast, there is something for everyone to discover and enjoy when they attend or host a sporting event in South Carolina.”

From international soccer matches to cornhole tournaments, set your sights on scoring your next victory in the heart of South Carolina. Here, the unexpected becomes the expected. You might be surprised to find yourself smack dab in a buzzing urban scene with vibrant entertainment districts or walking along our rivers that flow through the city. But to us? This is just where we’ve set the bar. Find first-class facilities and discover the champion experience for yourself in Columbia, SC.

When you need a tournament host, all roads lead to the Midlands of South Carolina and the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission. With 45+ competition surfaces and an onsite team of planning pros, our picturesque parks are your path to an exceptional competition that’ll score big with players and parents alike. Our well-maintained, four-park system is built to support modern competition and rewards fans with a fun, memorable getaway in an amenity-packed area. We’re ready to make your event nothing short of first-class for you and your guests. Let’s get started today! Call 803-772-1228 or email asmith@icrc.net to learn more.

Aiken

Aiken is located within 10 miles of Interstate 20, making travel convenient. It boasts many different facilities that host various events.

Hotel Rooms: 1,400
Major Facilities:
  • Citizens Park Complex consists of 15 lighted multiuse baseball/softball fields
  • Weeks Tennis Center has 12 hard and 10 clay courts
  • Odell weeks Activities Center has two basketball courts, four volleyball courts, nine pickleball courts inside, plus four tennis courts and 14 pickleball courts outside
Contact:

Visit Aiken, visitaikensc.com.

Anderson

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Anderson can meet any athletic need. The area is home to Lake Hartwell, a 56,000-acre championship fishery with 962 miles of shoreline.

Hotel Rooms: 1,200
Hotel tax rate: 12 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center has three soccer fields, 18-hole disc golf course, six tennis courts, eight pickle ball courts, football field, and baseball/softball fields
  • T. Ed Garrison Arena is a 3,000-seat indoor show arena and is connected to 45,000 square feet of covered open-air arena space
  • T. Ed Garrison Expo Center is roughly 43,000 square feet
Convention Center:

The Civic Center of Anderson hosts baseball, softball, gymnastics, archery, and wrestling.

Contact:

Visit Anderson, visitanderson.com.

Camden

Camden is situated in the heart of South Carolina, not far from Columbia. Many of the city’s hotel rooms are within walking distance of the sports venues.

Hotel Rooms: 270
Major Facilities:
  • The Camden Training Center boasts 500 acres for equestrian use
  • Springdale Race Course hosts equestrian events as well as track and field
  • Carolina Motorsports Park has a 2.3-mile road course, kart track, and kart oval track
  • Tennis Center of Camden offers 12 courts
  • Camden Pickleball Place features 12 courts
  • Larry Doby Complex includes four lighted softball fields, seven soccer fields, and four t-ball fields
Contact:

City of Camden, classicallycarolina.com.

Cayce West Columbia

The cities that comprise Cayce West Columbia are located just west of the Congaree River in Lexington County.

Hotel Rooms: Approximately 26 properties
Major Facilities:
  • Tri-City Leisure Center offers a gym and athletic facilities
  • Reeves Community Park hosts tennis
  • Lake Murray is popular for fishing
Contact:

Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce, visitcaycewestcolumbia.com.

Charleston

The appeal of Charleston is a compilation of many features, including its beaches, outdoor recreation, history, and culinary scene.

Hotel Rooms: 18,957
Hotel tax rate: ranges from 12.5 percent to 13.5 percent depending on municipality
Major Facilities:
  • Credit One Stadium and LTP-Daniel Island Tennis Center includes an 11,000-seat stadium and 17 tennis courts
  • North Charleston Aquatic Center has a 50 meter by 10-lane competition pool
  • North Charleston Athletic Center houses three NFHS regulation basketball courts and three volleyball courts
  • Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park is a 5,500-seat ballpark
  • Carolina Ice Palace includes two rinks
Convention Center:

North Charleston Coliseum and the adjacent Charleston Area Convention Center and Performing Arts Center Complex offers a number of flexible spaces for hosting events, including gymnastics, cheer and dance, and more.

Contact:

Charleston Area CVB, charlestonsports.org.

Clemson

Clemson is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western South Carolina.

Hotel Rooms: Approximately 9 properties
Major Facilities:
  • Central Clemson Recreation Center is a multipurpose indoor facility
  • The city’s parks and recreation department also offer nine tennis courts, three softball fields, four baseball fields, and two soccer fields
Contact:

Visit Clemson, visitclemson.com.

Columbia

Columbia plays host to sports and competitions for all ages and skill levels who benefit from the region’s year-round temperate climate, diverse array of both indoor and outdoor venues, affordability, and accessibility. From tennis, golf and volleyball to quadball, pickleball, fishing and more, Columbia welcomes all with unbridled enthusiasm.

Hotel Rooms: 13,000
Hotel tax rate: ranges from 11 percent to 14 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Segra Park is a multiuse minor leaguebaseball facility
  • The Fields at Saluda Shoals Park has six soccer, lacrosse, and multiuse fields, as well as six clay and four hard surface tennis courts
  • Williams-Brice Stadium is a football stadium with a capacity of 77,559
  • Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center features 30 lighted courts and a champion-sized stadium court
  • Gibson Road Soccer Complex hosts soccer, volleyball, baseball, tennis, and basketball
Convention Center:

The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center is the state’s only downtown convention center and features 142,500 square feet of space.

Contact:

Experience Columbia SC, ExperienceColumbiaSC.com.

Easley

In the northwest corner of the state is Easley. It’s located just 10 minutes off Interstate 85, making traveling to and from easy.

Hotel Rooms: Approximately 6 properties
Major Facilities:
  • JB “Red” Owens Sports Complex has three gyms, five multipurpose fields for soccer, football and lacrosse, three baseball fields, and five softball/baseball fields
  • Pope Field includes two youth baseball/softball fields, six tennis courts, and one football/soccer/lacrosse field
Contact:

Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce, easleychamber.net.

Florence

Florence is the perfect destination for sporting events because of its top-notch venues and convenient location at the intersection of I-20 and I-95, halfway between New York and Miami.

Hotel Rooms: 4,500
Hotel tax rate: 12 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Florence Sports Complex has six baseball fields,a championship stadium field, and a track and field facility
  • Dr. Eddie Floyd Florence Tennis Center features 24 asphalt courts, six clay courts, and a 5,000-square-foot activity center
  • The Florence Soccer Complex boasts 14 soccer fields
  • Pearl Moore Basketball Center features three full-sized courts
  • Freedom Florence Recreation Complex offers nine lighted baseball/softball fields
Convention Center:

The recently expanded Florence Center has 75,000 square feet of multipurpose space and hosts a variety of sports, including horseshoe pitching, basketball, and gymnastics

Contact:

Visit Florence, playflorence.com.

Georgetown County

Situated on the Atlantic Coast is Georgetown County. The area is made up of numerous cities and towns.

Hotel Rooms: Approximately 10+ properties
Major Facilities:
  • The county is home to 20 community parks, 13 regional parks, 15.2 miles of cycling paths, 51 baseball and softball fields, 14 multi-purpose fields, five regional recreation centers, and 31 tennis courts
Contact:

Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce, visitgeorge.com.

Greenville

Greenville blends a walkable, award-winning downtown with world-class venues, a growing list of signature sporting events, and an unbeatable quality of life. With easy access via I-85, I-385, and GSP International Airport, Greenville is perfectly situated for regional and national events.

Hotel Rooms: 10,000
Hotel tax rate: 13 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Bon Secours Wellness Arena seats 15,000 and hosts basketball, gymnastics, hockey, ice skating, and mat sports
  • The 60-acre MESA Soccer Complex features 19 fields
  • Fluor Field at the West End is a 6,700-seat baseball stadium modeled after Fenway Park
Convention Center:

The Greenville Convention Center offers 280,000 square feet of space and hosts mat sports, bowling, boxing, cheer/dance, gymnastics, e-sports, and more.

Contact:

Visit Greenville, visitgreenvillesc.com.

Greenwood

Perfectly situated in upstate South Carolina, Greenwood offers a beautiful lake and championship golf courses, along with many other venues that provide a perfect setting for a sporting event.

Hotel Rooms: 700
Major Facilities:
  • Lake Greenwood covers over 11,000 acres and 212 miles of shoreline
  • Jeff May Recreation, Wellness and Sports Complex is a 25-acre multisport venue with a baseball stadium, softball stadium, soccer field, intramural field, and 12 tennis courts
  • Lander University offers an arena, multipurpose facility and equestrian complex
  • Wilbanks Sports Complex has three turf multipurpose fields, six tennis courts, six pickleball courts, eight baseball fields and an 18-hole disc golf course.
Contact:

Discover Greenwood, DiscoverGreenwood.com.

Hartsville

Hartsville is a unique destination because it’s a small area of less than six square miles, but it offers everything needed for hosting a top event.

Hotel Rooms: 430
Major Facilities:
  • Byerly Park Sports Complex features eight baseball/softball fields, six tennis courts, 400-meter track, two football fields, two soccer fields, and outdoor basketball court
Contact:

Hartsville Tourism Department, visithartsvillesc.com.

Hilton Head

Hilton Head Island is known as a premier golf destination, with 23 championship courses designed by some of the sport’s most respected architects. Thanks to our year-round subtropical climate and scenic coastal setting, it’s an ideal spot for outdoor sports in any season — especially golf.

Hotel Rooms: 3,199
Hotel tax rate: 11 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Harbour Town Golf Links has an 18-hole championship course
  • Palmetto Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Center features 24 dedicated pickleball courts and 17 clay tennis courts
  • Barker Field includes three baseball/softball fields and a multiuse field
  • Island Recreation Center houses a double gym and an indoor pool
  • Coming soon: USCB Basketball Arena will offer a multipurpose arena with baseball/softball fields and track and field space
Contact:

Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, HiltonHeadBlufftonChamber.org

Lake Murray

Lake Murray offers 650 miles of shoreline and covers a four-county area with 15 private marines and 14 public access points.

Hotel Rooms: 450
Major Facilities:
  • Dreher Island State Park spans three islands, 348 acres, and provides access to 12 miles of Lake Murray shoreline
Contact:

Capital City/Lake Murray Country RTB, LakeMurrayCountry.com.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach continues to be a national leader in sports tourism, offering the perfect blend of world-class venues, a scenic coastal location, and a wide variety of accommodations, dining, and attractions. Each year, the area hosts hundreds of sporting events that span a diverse range.

Hotel Rooms: 157,000
Hotel tax rate: 13 percent
Major Facilities:
  • John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center offers 100,000 square feet of flexible indoor space, including 16 volleyball/eight basketball courts
  • The Colonel Thomas “Buddy” Styers Athletic Complex at Grand Park offers nine lighted turf fields
  • Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium/Ashley Booth Field has an NCAA-certified lighted track and two turf fields
  • Ned Donkle Field Complex features seven baseball/softball fields
  • The Ripken Experience includes nine lighted baseball/softball fields
Convention Center:

The Myrtle Beach Convention Center features 100,000 square feet of column-free space that can be divided into three sections and typically hosts sports like volleyball, basketball, cheer and dance, and wrestling.

Contact:

Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance, visitmyrtlebeach.com.

North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach is a destination equipped with up-to-date and high-scale facilities for hosting sports. Aside from its amazing facilities, the city offers numerous attractions.

Hotel Rooms: 15,000
Major Facilities:
  • North Myrtle Beach Parks and Sports Complex features four youth baseball/collegiate softball fields, two high school/collegiate baseball fields, and eight soccer/lacrosse fields
  • Central Park has three youth baseball/softball fields
  • Nash Soccer Field hosts soccer and lacrosse
  • J. Brian Floyd Community Center includes two basketball courts
Contact:

Destination North Myrtle Beach, ExploreNorthMyrtleBeach.com.

Oconee

Nestled in the Blue Ridge foothills, Oconee County is a beautiful region of South Carolina that is blessed with a wide variety of natural resources. From majestic waterfalls to tranquil lakes and rivers, the county offers visitors and locals a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Hotel Rooms: 1,200
Hotel tax rate: ranges from seven to nine percent
Major Facilities:
  • Seneca Creek Boat Landing offers new docks and hosts fishing events
  • South Cove & High Falls County Parks can host fishing derbies, archery, and kayak races
  • Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park features 22 trails of varied difficulty
Contact:

Visit Oconee SC, VisitOconeeSC.com.

Spartanburg

Spartanburg is conveniently situated in upstate South Carolina between the state’s beaches and North Carolina’s mountains. Just 25 minutes from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, the city also features top-notch facilities for various sports.

Hotel Rooms: 4,495
Major Facilities:
  • Tyger River Park has 12 baseball/softball fields, a softball stadium, and an 18-hole disc golf course
  • Home to the Hub City Spartanburgers, a minor league affiliate of the Texas Rangers, Fifth-Third Park has a capacity of 3,600 fans
  • Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park includes seven full-size natural grass fields, eight pickleball courts, and five tennis courts
  • North Spartanburg Park consists of five baseball/softball fields, BMX track, and a Miracle League field
  • The Star Center has four basketball courts and eight volleyball courts
Contact:

OneSpartanburg, Inc., onespartanburginc.com.

Sumter

Sumter is centrally located between the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It also offers easy access to four interstate highways.

Hotel Rooms: 1,512
Major Facilities:
  • Patriot Park Sportsplex has four baseball/softball fields and six soccer fields
  • The Palmetto Tennis Center features 24 state-of-the-art hard courts, eight red clay courts, and four dedicated pickleball courts
  • City of Sumter Aquatics Center has a six-lane pool
  • Bobby Richardson Baseball Complex includes six baseball fields
Convention Center:

Sumter County Civic Center offers 21,000 square feet of space for sports like basketball, volleyball, and archery.

Contact:

Sumter CVB, sumtersc.gov.

Union County

Union County is located between Charlotte, Greenville, and Columbia, and it’s made for outdoor enthusiasts. In fact, nearly 62,000 acres of the county has been reserved as part of Sumter National Forest.

Hotel Rooms: Approximately 5 properties
Major Facilities:
  • John D. Long Lake is a top spot for fishing
  • Foster Park has tennis courts
Contact:

Experience Union County, experienceunioncounty.com.

York County

York County offers state of the art facilities for mainstream sporting events as well as being a premier location for niche sporting events. With a small town feel and great southern hospitality, premier location right outside Charlotte and the Charlotte Douglass International Airport, York County gives event organizers the big city feel without the big city headaches of traffic and oversaturation of events.

Hotel Rooms: 2,631
Hotel tax rate: ranges from 11 to 13 percent
Major Facilities:
  • Rock Hill Sports & Event Center offers up to 10 basketball courts and 18 volleyball courts
  • Rock Hill Supercross BMX Track includes two hills and a pump track
  • Catawba Bend Preserve boasts a cross-country course and disc golf course on over 1,900 acres
  • Ebenezer Park spans 26 acres and has three boat ramps and a beach area
  • Winthrop Farm Cross Country Course offers multiple course distances
Contact:

Visit York County, SC, VisitYorkCounty.com.