Discover Why Mississippi’s Climate and Cost Advantage Make It a 12-Month Event Destination
By Christopher D. Silbernagel
Mississippi has quietly become one of the most versatile destinations for sports tourism. With mild winters, affordable accommodations and a wide range of multipurpose sports facilities, the state provides planners with everything they need to run tournaments smoothly while keeping costs manageable for families. Where other regions battle ice and snow, Mississippi’s calendar remains open for outdoor play year-round, giving it an advantage for events that can’t afford seasonal interruptions.
At the same time, the state has invested heavily in new facilities while enhancing long-standing venues with modern upgrades. From baseball stadiums with professional pedigrees to multi-field soccer and baseball complexes, the range of options is striking. Combined with Mississippi’s central location in the Gulf South and lower-than-average hotel rates, which were around $108 to $115 in 2024 compared to the national average of $158, the result is a compelling case for event organizers looking for quality without higher expenses.
Jackson Metropolitan Area
The Jackson metro anchors the state’s sports tourism story, home to some of its most recognizable facilities. In Pearl, Trustmark Park has gained new energy with the arrival of the Mississippi Mud Monsters, one of two new expansion baseball teams in the Frontier League. Beyond professional play, the 7,000-seat stadium provides a backdrop for community events and youth tournaments, continuing its role as a centerpiece for the region’s baseball culture.
In the city of Jackson, Hank Aaron Sports Academy carries unique historic significance. Originally known as Smith-Wills Stadium and later renamed after legendary baseball player Hank Aaron, it was the first professional baseball stadium in the state. Today, with seating for 5,200 and new artificial turf, the Academy supports high school and college games, youth travel baseball tournaments and the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championship. Its versatility expands further with football and soccer hosted on neighboring fields, while clinics and training programs ensure it continues to develop future generations of athletes.
To the east in Flowood, planners have access to Liberty Park, a 40-acre complex that has become a hub for both team and recreational sports. Eight baseball and softball fields with turf infields, four regulation soccer fields and Mississippi’s largest pickleball complex, featuring 18 free-to-play courts, make the facility a draw across multiple sports.
“Among other travel destinations open year-round in Flowood, we have Winner’s Circle Park, Flowood Nature Park, Crystal Lake and the beautiful Refuge Golf Course located at the Sheraton Flowood Resort and Conference Center,” said Daniel Lang, director of economic development and tourism for Flowood. “If you are looking for the outdoors, look in Flowood.”
In nearby Ridgeland, the emphasis on growth is clear at Freedom Ridge Park, which is undergoing expansion to meet rising tournament demand. The park’s mix of fields and amenities already make it a reliable host, but its future development will add further capacity to the metro region.
“Sports tourism combines the thrill of competition with the adventure of discovering new places, and Ridgeland is a sports enthusiast’s dream,” said Shane Aldridge, CEO at Explore Ridgeland. “Athletes and families coming for baseball, fishing, tennis, pickleball and everything else you can think of can also enjoy fine dining, premier shopping and the unique blend of small-town southern charm with big-city luxury.”
South Mississippi
For South Mississippi, destinations continue to expand their sports infrastructure while layering in the appeal of local culture and, for Hattiesburg and Coastal Mississippi, proximity to Gulf attractions.
Hattiesburg particularly has emerged as one of the most complete sports destinations in the state, anchored by Tatum Park Sports Complex. With 18 soccer fields, which is the largest concentration in one site anywhere in the Southeast, along with nine youth baseball diamonds, four softball fields, 12 tennis courts and even an 18-hole disc golf course, it provides organizers with unmatched flexibility.
“With a year-round climate for play, outstanding facilities that continue to expand and thousands of family-friendly hotel rooms, the Hub City is perfectly equipped to host tournaments, training camps and off-season sporting events,” said Marlo Dorsey, executive director and CEO of Visit Hattiesburg. “Conveniently located near Mobile, New Orleans and Jackson, Hattiesburg offers the facilities, accommodations and fun destination assets that make it a premier choice for competitive sports play in the South.”
Along the Gulf Coast, Gulfport Sportsplex continues to serve as one of the state’s most recognizable multipurpose facilities, drawing events that take advantage not just of its fields but also of Coastal Mississippi’s tourism infrastructure. Whether it’s experiencing dolphins, history and live entertainment at Jones Park and Ship Island in Gulfport, or the stunning beaches, rich maritime heritage and exhilarating nightlife in Biloxi, Coastal Mississippi is always the winner’s choice.
Central Mississippi
Vicksburg’s Key City Park adds a modern twist with professional-grade turf across 10 baseball and softball fields and six soccer fields. What sets it apart is its integration of family-friendly attractions like a playground, mini golf and even a zip line, turning tournaments into weekend experiences. Adding further depth, Halls Ferry Park Sports Complex offers eight baseball fields, three youth softball fields, three adult softball fields, 10 outdoor tennis courts and eight pickleball courts.
Northeast Park Sports Complex in Meridian provides another critical venue, strengthening the region’s ability to host events of varying scales. Being near the Alabama border to the east, Meridian is perfect for drawing cross-state competitions as well. Complementing Northeast Park is Q.V. Sykes Baseball Complex, which plays a vital role as the only facility in the region capable of hosting three high school or collegiate baseball games simultaneously. Each of its three fields is equipped with advanced lighting and irrigation systems, bullpens, batting cages and press boxes.
North Mississippi
The northern half of the state rounds out Mississippi’s sports tourism profile with a high concentration of facilities capable of hosting multi-sport tournaments of significant size.
Oxford’s mTrade Park has become a reliable host for tournaments of all sizes. The complex offers a wide mix of fields, lighting and amenities, making it flexible enough to stage everything from youth baseball weekends to large regional soccer events. Its steady calendar of play has helped the home of Ole Miss develop a reputation as more than just a college town but also a major sports destination.
In DeSoto County, Snowden Grove Park in Southaven stands as one of the Southeast’s largest baseball complexes with 17 fields, hosting the Dizzy Dean World Series and Perfect Game events. The park also features a soccer complex and a tennis venue that welcomes USTA competition.
“DeSoto County is home to state-of-the-art sports facilities for any event planner’s needs, like Landers Center, home to the NBA G League’s Memphis Hustle,” said Jon Frost, director of Visit DeSoto County. “Not only do we have the facilities, but DeSoto County is located just 10 minutes from the Memphis International Airport, and we have more than 4,000 hotel rooms to accommodate visitors.”
In Tupelo, BankPlus Sportsplex at Ballard Park continues to impress with 16 lighted fields, seating for 700 and the ability to scale up with additional temporary seating when needed. The facility has hosted events as large as 130 teams, and its versatility extends beyond baseball and soccer to support lacrosse, rugby and more. For planners, it’s the kind of venue that can meet the needs of multiple sports without compromise.
Starkville has added another dimension to the region with the opening of Cornerstone Sports Complex in 2023. Spanning 124 acres, the development includes 12 baseball and softball diamonds, LED lighting, batting cages and ample space for warm-ups. Beyond the competition, athletes and families can enjoy walking trails, playgrounds and community lawn areas, making it a true hub for recreation as well as tournaments.
Northern Mississippi’s depth also comes from smaller but strategically important facilities. Grenada’s Kirk Auto Group Sports Complex features six all-weather turf fields for baseball and softball, with expansions already planned to bring even larger tournaments to the area. Nearby hotels and supporting amenities make it practical for organizers who want both modern infrastructure and convenience. In the Delta, Greenwood’s Stribling Park provides another layer of opportunity, serving local and regional events and giving planners added options for grassroots competition.
The Magnolia State’s Competitive Edge
Mississippi’s growth as a sports destination has been driven by its ability to provide high-quality facilities without the high price tag. Families traveling for tournaments find lodging and food more affordable than in many other states, while event planners benefit from supportive tourism organizations that understand the logistics of sports tourism while offering true Southern Hospitality. Combined with mild weather that keeps fields playable in months when other states are snowed in or just too cold, Mississippi has carved out a clear role in the competitive sports tourism landscape.
For athletes, coaches and families, the state delivers more than just playing fields, it offers a chance to compete, explore and enjoy a destination that continues to invest in its future.
