Why Ocala/Marion County?
Ocala/Marion County is one of Central Florida’s best locations for producing successful sports events. Experience a unique combination of entertainment and attractions, top-notch facilities and breathtaking scenery—all located conveniently near I-75, in the heart of Florida’s horse country. Venues and eateries of all styles and sizes await for post-game celebrations, and Florida’s mild climate sets the stage for year-round play. Ocala/Marion County is the place where young athletes can hit a home run and enjoy endless adventures after the game.
Plus, the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau provides a booking incentive program, Play and Save in Ocala/Marion County, which offers up to a maximum of $1,500 to organizations that book a new sports event at an Ocala/Marion County property, facility or venue through the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau.
What can everyone do during downtime?
Kayakers and canoeists enjoy paddling on hundreds of fresh-water springs, lakes and the Silver, Rainbow, Ocklawaha and Withlacoochee rivers. Hiking trails abound in Ocala National Forest and the area’s many parks. Driving through Ocala’s horse country is another popular pastime, and tours of working Thoroughbred farms are available. For high-flying fun, The Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours takes guests through a growth of oaks and pines and over lime rock quarries. Silver Springs State Park, considered Florida’s original tourist attraction, draws guests from near and far with its iconic glass-bottom boats that provide views of fish, turtles and alligators as they glide over springs that are 99.8 percent pure and as deep as 80 feet. Fans of motorsports will enjoy exploring Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing and the competition at Bubba Raceway Park, which is Florida’s oldest dirt track. Only an hour or so away are Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and other themed attractions. Beaches on Florida’s west and east coasts are just an hour away from Marion County.
Let us connect you with Ocala/Marion County
Corry Locke
Sports Marketing Specialist
Phone: 352-438-2839
X Factors
- Social media marketing for your event
- Volunteer staff can be provided
- Grant programs
- PR/media coverage
- Signage
- Site visits
- Discounts to local attractions
- Housing services
Where young athletes can hit a home run and enjoy endless adventures after the game.
Ocala Rotary Sportsplex
Sports: Baseball, soccer
The 80-acre facility includes 11 lit baseball fields, two lit and three unlit soccer fields, one multi-use field and 13 batting cages (four indoor). In 2010 and 2013 it hosted the 10U Cal Ripken World Series as well as the 2014 Babe Ruth League 14U World Series. Each year, the Sportsplex plays host to district, state and regional baseball and soccer tournaments.
Ocala Regional Sportsplex
Sports: Softball, baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse
The Ocala Regional Sports Complex is an 80-acre park on the west side of Ocala/Marion County. The park offers a variety of fields including four adult softball, one baseball and four football/soccer/lacrosse.
Shocker Park
Sports: Softball
Shocker Park is a premier destination for tournaments due to its convenient location in East Central Ocala/Marion County. It has six girls’ softball fields with three indoor batting cages. Shocker
Park hosts many district and state tournaments and hosted the 2013 Babe Ruth League State Softball Championships.
Florida Horse Park
Sports: Equestrian
The 500-acre facility is a celebrated venue for equestrian events, including international-level equine competitions as well as adventure racing. The park features a newly constructed
two-acre, 79,500-square-foot covered arena. It hosts competitions in virtually every equine discipline, from dressage to polo to versatility challenges, and is an official training site for the U.S. Olympic equestrian team.
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
Sports: Livestock shows, agricultural shows, horse shows, rodeos
An Ocala landmark since 1945, the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion has the reputation of Marion County’s premier agricultural showplace. It
features a covered arena, a grandstand with seating for more than 4,200, and an adjacent, indoor, air-conditioned sales auditorium with theater-style seating for 800 and 226 stalls with iron gates. Rental areas include a field events area, an open arena, an air-conditioned reception hall, an 
exhibition building, a picnic pavilion with showers and plenty of event parking.
Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club
Sports: Golf, tennis, equestrian
Designed by Ron Garl, this majestic course boasts a riveting 18-hole, 7,062-yard championship course and incorporates eight masterfully recreated tribute holes from some of the world’s finest courses including Augusta, Royal Troon, Baltusrol, Muirfield and St. Andrews. Golden Ocala Golf Club also offers a 10-acre short game area, two practice holes and a driving range. Some events hosted here include LPGA Tour, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s Regional and American Junior Golf Association (AJGA). The Tennis Club at Golden Ocala serves up six Har-Tru Hydro-Grid courts—all lit for night play. The equestrian facility offers a full range of amenities including a 20-stall horse barn, covered round pen, large jumping arena with new footing and separate dressage arena, jumping ring, large grass paddocks, climate-controlled tack room, kitchen and lounge.
Ocala National Golf Club
Sports: Golf
Bending through century-old oak trees, beginning with the first tee that looks down to an approachable green, this course guides players through dramatic slopes, challenging bunkers, and beautiful vistas with no distractions.
– 18-holes designed by Rees Jones
– Par 72 – 7,302 yards
Big Sun Youth Soccer Complex
Sports: Soccer
The complex features all-grass fields including two full-size championship fields, five youth pitches, and two small fields as well as two mini fields for pee-wee or warm-ups.
In the Heart of Florida’s Horse Country
By Car: Ocala/Marion County, located in Central Florida north of Orlando, is an easy reach from anywhere along I-75. Here are driving times from major cities: Orlando and Tampa, 1.5 hours; Jacksonville, two hours; Tallahassee, three hours; Miami, five hours; Mobile and Atlanta, six hours.
By Air: Ocala International Airport is a city-owned, public airport located five miles west of Ocala in Marion County and is the region’s premier general aviation airport serving commercial, industrial and corporate needs. Another option is Shady International Airport, located in Ocala.
