The North Houston Sports Complex in Warner Robins, Ga. has been years in the making. Originally designed to meet the needs of the growing sports community in the area, the complex also provides people of all ages with the ability to participate in a variety of activities. More in-depth, the facility will allow youth and adult sports programs to expand while still accommodating a location for outside organizations to hold their own events.
Since the grand opening of the facility, the North Houston Sports Complex has hosted several events. Most recently, they were able to host the Georgia Golden Olympics which brought in over 600 athletes from the state and nearby towns in conjunction with Warner Robins. Spokespersons for the facility say they are looking forward to watching their sports programs, classes, and camps continue to grow and reach more people .
Nearby Must-Do: In between games, catch a meal at Black Barley Kitchen and Taphouse where the craft beer is endless and the food is delicious. Try out a locally made cider, a signature cocktail, and also enjoy Southern comfort food such as fried pickles and mouth-watering burgers.
The Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C., opened recently after a $126.9 million expansion that began in fall 2019 finished completion. Nearly 600,000 square feet of open space is available in the center, and more than 55 total meeting spaces are now available.
The Charlotte Convention Center is also connected to the 700-room Westin Charlotte hotel and a rail station stop which connects the area to a Whole Foods Market, 200+ restaurants, an additional 5600 hotel rooms, and multiple downtown shops and nightlife entertainment venues.
Spokespersons for the convention center are expecting many tournaments to be held at the facility as youth and amateur sports tournaments generate over 50 percent of annual hotel room nights in Charlotte already.
Nearby Must-Do: Since Charlotte is a historic city, make sure to check out all the sightseeing tours available to see everything you can. From the Bank of America Center to BB&T Ballpark and the Spectrum Center, you will also want to check out all of the sporting arenas citywide.
The 300,000-square-foot Renasant Convention Center in Memphis, Tenn. opened earlier this year after a long-awaited $200 million modernization renovation completion. The convention center is made up of three levels with differing facilities residing on each one. The center is home to the largest exhibit hall in the Southeast at 118,000 square feet, offers flexible space, has an abundance of natural lighting, and overlooks picturesque views of the Mississippi River.
The center also includes a 28,000-square-foot ballroom, a 2100-seat Cannon Center for the performing arts, 46 meeting rooms, and is connected to the Memphis-Sheraton downtown hotel which offers 600 rooms. A complete tour can be found online on the official Renasant Convention Center website at renasantconventioncenter.com.
Nearby Must-Do: When not in a meeting, make sure to check out nearby Sun Studio: a brick building in downtown Memphis known as the birthplace of rock n’ roll. Also make sure to check out the ever so famous Graceland, Elvis Presley’s former residence.
Launch Pad Sports Complex in Cocoa, Fla. was originally built in 1964 under a different name and was formerly the spring training home for the Major League Baseball’s Houston Astros and Florida Marlins. This historic venue has gone through extensive refurbishments and renovations on their five large baseball fields, four softball fields, two multi-purpose fields, the main Championship Field with a 4700-seat stadium, a 22,000-square-foot room used for event space, and a training center featuring indoor batting tunnels and machines.
In 2022, a 300-guest on-site dormitory is set to open. The new name takes inspiration from the Space Coast as it’s a half hour drive from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and has the only beaches in the United States that double as a launch pad. Where else can you play or watch a game and catch foul ball and a launch? Only on the Space Coast!
Nearby Must-Do: Located inside Cocoa Beach’s Ron Jon Surf Shop rental store, experience the rich surf history, heritage, and traditions of the surfing community that has helped shape and influence Cocoa Beach. The museum hosts events and exhibits and gives each visitor an opportunity to hear stories captured in time through the voices of the surf community from yesterday and today. Also make sure to check out the bronze Kelly Slater statue—a surfing legend who calls Cocoa Beach his hometown.
The Professional Football Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Oh. is getting ready for the second part of renovations to commence. Coming to the Hall of Fame Village as a part of the “phase two” sector of the $1 billion project will be a 180-room Tapestry by Hilton hotel, an 85,000-square-foot football themed waterpark known locally as “the Disneyland for football lovers,” a new Topgolf Swing Suite, and Don Shula’s new restaurant. Work is expected to be finished at the latest soon and plans for a “phase three” sector have been underway.
Nearby Must-Do: If you go during the springtime, make sure to checkout the several fresh cut flower businesses in Canton. After you finish setting up your beautiful u-pick creation, you’ll also want to check out several downtown Canton food tours the city has to offer. From local breweries to unique wineries and tea houses, you won’t leave Canton hungry.
The Podium in Spokane, Wash. is strategically positioned on the north bank of the Spokane River, located in the heart of downtown. This spectacular setting creates a natural continuation of Riverfront Park, making the park accessible from both sides of the river. The newly opened convention center is walking distance from nightlife, hotels, restaurants, and just eight miles from the Spokane Airport making The Podium an easily accessible facility.
The Podium is also near both the Veterans Memorial Arena and the Spokane Convention Center making multi-sport events easy to facilitate. The Podium is also large with 135,000 square feet in size with over 75,000 square feet of competition space. The complex is set to generate an estimated $11 million to 20.5 million annually each year in direct spending and will create a need for 33,000 extra hotel room nights per year.
Nearby Must-Do: Going to Spokane during the month of October? The Spokane Symphony extends an invite to experience the music of the magical wizarding world of Harry Potter. At the concert, you will learn about ancient Harry Potter tales of mischief and magic, as well as learn about other creepy Halloween classics.
