Three reasons Puerto Rico is good for sports events enthusiasts: location, location, location. A 100-mile long island with facilities for nearly every Olympic sport ranging in capacity from 10 to 20,000, it is an untapped spot for destination sports.
Puerto Rico Convention Center
This 600,000-sq.-ft. facility, located in San Juan, is the largest in the Caribbean and an architectural jewel. Host to everything from conferences to tournaments, the surrounding area is being further developed as a one-stop hub of activity including luxury hotels and medical facilities. The center provides 152,700 sq. ft. of event space and can simultaneously host volleyball and basketball tournaments in its vast exhibit hall. It is an expansive, state-of-the-art space where event organizers are assured a first-class experience.
Coliseo de Puerto Rico
The Coliseo is the island’s largest arena with seating for 18,500. It boasts a regulation ice rink and hosts everything from basketball, boxing, gymnastics, motocross, tennis, volleyball, and wrestling to Pitbull. The Coliseo provides 26 corporate suites, a VIP Skybox and Lounge, meeting space, party suites and ample locker and dressing rooms.
Natatorium of San Juan
Outdoor water activities abound in Puerto Rico but the Natatorium provides a structured alternative. The open-air, covered facility, designed after the 1996 Olympic Games pool, converts to 2x25m with 10 lanes and has a plunging pool with springboards at 1m, 3m, 7.5m and 10m. There is space for 1,800 spectators to enjoy swimming, diving, water polo, and synchronized swimming events, such as the FINA Diving Grand Prix.
Outdoors
There are over 20 high-caliber golf courses. Trump International Golf Course hosts a stop on the PGA tour, the Puerto Rico Open.
With an array of terrain, Puerto Rico has ample opportunity for runners to lace up and compete. The island hosts countless races including the Puerto Rico Marathon (Boston qualifier), Puerto Rico Ironman 70.3 and the World’s Best 10K race, one of the most popular events around. These races draw everyone from elite runners to local school kids. Runners can set a PR in PR.
Rest and Refuel
Puerto Rico offers quality lodging. The Hotel Verdanza in Isla Verda is steps from the beach, minutes from the airport, and offers luxury in a boutique setting. Some rooms have beds up to 8 feet long, ideal for tall athletes looking to spread out, and the 820 Bistro is a cosmopolitan dining option within the hotel. For a more immersive stay visitors can consider the San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino offering beachfront balconies and countless amenities.
With many cultural influences and a passion for food, Puerto Rico will not leave anyone hungry (try the mofungo). The island has a diverse range of exceptional dining, from popular roadside kiosks like La Parilla to upscale eatery Cocina Abierto or a Brazilian feast at Fogo de Chao.
Island Life
With 272 miles of beaches and an average temperature of 82 degrees, conditions are ideal for adventure, relaxation and historical treks. The Western coast is the Caribbean surfing capital. For a quieter excursion visit El Yunque National Rain Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Park system.
Old San Juan offers colorful, enriching history. Take a tour of the centuries-old forts within the walled city and stroll the blue cobblestone streets in search of local cuisine and shopping. Rum flows in Puerto Rico with local brands as well as the largest rum distillery in the world, Bacardi.
Extras
Puerto Rico requires no U.S. passport, the dollar is standard, air travel is affordable and frequent from most cities, citizens are bilingual, and no there are roaming charges. You will find Old World charm with cutting-edge facilities and a prevailing mindset that any event is possible. The visionary staff at Meet Puerto Rico provides step-by-step assistance.
