Aurora, Illinois Sports Facilities for Events
The largest city in Chicago’s Suburbs, Aurora, Illinois offers local suburban fun with big city sports facilities just outside the Windy CityIntroduction
AURORA AREA, ILLINOIS
The northern half of Illinois might be best known for the Windy City and all of its exciting exploits, but another renowned town in the Land of Lincoln has its own unique advantages. A visit to Aurora might include a trip to one of America’s most popular outlet malls, or to Illinois’ biggest waterpark. It might also bring you to a sparkling athletic facility, like the Great Lakes Volleyball Center or M14 Hoops. No matter what, guests keep coming back to this majestic city in Northeastern Illinois, where fun times and sports events are always within reach.
Aurora is home to several must-see attractions that cater to a variety of interests. For those who love shopping, the Chicago Premium Outlets is a top destination. This expansive outdoor mall features over 160 designer and brand-name stores, offering significant discounts on everything from fashion to home goods. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely shopping experience with the convenience of dining options and scenic walkways, making it a perfect spot for a day out.
For family fun, Raging Waves Waterpark, Illinois’ largest waterpark, offers a thrilling experience with its vast array of slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. This Aussie-themed destination is ideal for cooling off on a hot day, providing entertainment for all ages. Another family-friendly attraction is Blackberry Farm, a living history museum that brings the past to life with its re-created pioneer village, farm animals, and interactive exhibits. It’s a great place for children to learn and play in a hands-on environment.
Adding to the rich cultural scene in Aurora is the Two Brothers Roundhouse, housed in a historic limestone building that now contains a brewery, restaurant, and live music venue. This unique establishment is a local favorite, with a blend of craft beer, great food, and entertainment in a beautifully restored setting.
Get a Planner’s Perspective
Don’t just take our word for it, hear what these planners had to say.
“Seminole Sports is thrilled to have established a great relationship with the Fox Valley Park District and Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. The FVPD staff does a great job of communicating with our tournament directors and ensuring proper maintenance of their pristine fields.”
– John Suvada General Manager, Seminole Sports
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Aurora, Illinois Sports Facilities Spotlight
STUART SPORTS COMPLEX
Sports Covered: Ultimate, football, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, rugby
One of the largest soccer venues in the country, Stuart Sports Complex in Montgomery is suitable for every sport imaginable, namely soccer, lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee, football, softball and baseball. Stuart Sports Complex offers their facilities at affordable prices, including tournament rentals for exclusive use of fields for an entire weekend. Jam-packed with amenities throughout the facility, the complex features concessions, restrooms, a dog park, a playground with a splash pad, garden plots, Jericho Lake and a 1,300 spot parking area.
GREAT LAKES VOLLEYBALL CENTER
Sports Covered: Volleyball
For all things volleyball, look no further than Great Lakes Volleyball Center in Aurora, one of the largest volleyball facilities in the Midwest and home to the Sports Performance Volleyball Club. Offering sports performance and development and competition workshops for both coaches and players, Great Lakes Volleyball Center is the country’s largest camp and clinic program, with thousands of athletes competing each year. Hosting numerous tournaments throughout the year to both boys and girls volleyball teams of all ages, the center’s facilities include 12 courts, a full-time retail store, an expansive, full-service weight training facility, a spacious concession area, an 11,000-square-foot mezzanine viewing area and more than 500 available parking spaces.
SUPREME COURTS
Sports Covered: Basketball
Conveniently located five miles from Interstate 88 near Aurora’s Fox Valley Mall, Supreme Courts features four high school basketball courts with premium wood flooring used in 90 percent of NBA courts and top universities. The facility also includes full climate-controlled courts and 24 collegiate grade ceiling mounted baskets, whose low-profile interwoven subfloor design provides enhanced acoustic and dynamic uniform ball bounce. Teams can participate in Supreme Courts tournaments year-round with several benefits, such as low tournament costs, discounted pricing for minimum required participation, multiple locations to choose from each weekend, appropriate competition for all levels, high quality venues and certified referees.
M14 Hoops
Sports: Basketball
M14 Hoops is a premier basketball training facility designed for athletes striving to elevate their game. Featuring full-sized basketball courts, advanced training technology, and experienced coaches, it caters to players of all skill levels, from youth to professional. The facility emphasizes skill development, with personalized programs that focus on both the physical and mental aspects of basketball. How effective is this venue’s strategy? It estimated that 97 percent of players who train with M14 make the high school team. Put simply, it is a high-tech breeding ground for serious players looking to enhance their performance and achieve their hoop dreams.
Sport Zone Park
Sports: Mini golf, baseball, go-kart
Aurora’s most exceptional fun zone offers a diverse range of activities that cater to families and eager, sun-loving children. This expansive complex features batting cages, miniature golf, and a go-kart track. Known for its friendly atmosphere and well-maintained grounds, Sport Zone Park is a popular destination for those who want to get outside and stay active. It is the perfect spot for a day of fun-filled activities for all ages.
Rush-Copley Healthplex
Sports: Tennis, pickleball, swimming
Rush-Copley Healthplex in Aurora is a state-of-the-art fitness center that combines wellness and recreation under one roof. Spanning 166,000 square feet, the facility offers a variety of amenities, including an aquatic center with a lap pool, multiple indoor tennis courts, and a comprehensive fitness area. The Healthplex is not just a gym; it’s a community hub for promoting healthy lifestyles through group exercise classes, personal training, and wellness programs tailored to all fitness levels.
Vaughan Athletic Center
Sports: Basketball, tennis, volleyball, swimming, running
This is a wide-ranging sports complex designed to meet the needs of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. With features like a 200-meter indoor track, multiple basketball courts, and a 10,000 square-foot fitness center, it accommodates a wide range of sports and exercise activities. The center also includes an aquatic area with a competition pool and leisure pool. Its versatile facilities make Vaughan Athletic Center a key destination for both competitive events, everyday workouts, and community-building enjoyment.
Orchard Valley Golf Course
Sports: Golf
Orchard Valley Golf Course, one of Aurora’s finest tracks, sits among Chicagoland’s top-ranked public golf courses—and for good reason. The 18-hole championship course, designed by Ken Kavanaugh, offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience with its rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards. The course’s scenic beauty is enhanced by its well-maintained greens and picturesque views, making it a favorite among golfers of all skill levels. Orchard Valley also features a clubhouse, pro shop, and dining facilities, providing a complete golfing experience.
NIRCA Northwestern Medicine Cross Country Course
Sports: Cross country running
Aurora’s most renowned running course is actually seven different courses—with distances of 2 kilometers, 3 kilometers, 4 kilometers, 3 miles, 5 kilometers, 6 kilometers, 8 kilometers, and 10 kilometers, by using different combinations of loops—that comprise a top-tier venue for cross country events and training. No matter the length of your run, you will pass through grass fields, wooded trails, and rolling hills, creating a scenic display to enhance a challenging athletic endeavor. A favored site for regional and national cross country meets, accommodating both high school and collegiate-level athletes, this venue’s size, flexibility, and thoughtful design make it ideal for competitive running.
Fox River National Water Trail
Sports: Canoeing, paddle boating, kayaking, cycling, running
The Fox River National Water Trail, which passes at key points through Aurora, is a haven for kayakers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts in general. This scenic waterway stretches over 200 miles, offering a diverse range of experiences from tranquil paddling through serene landscapes to more challenging sections with faster currents. Aurora’s portion of the trail is particularly accessible, with well-marked entry points and amenities for kayakers and canoeists. The trail also provides stunning views of local wildlife and picturesque surroundings, making it a must-visit for outdoor adventurers.