The largest city in Chicago’s Suburbs, Aurora, Illinois offers local suburban fun with a big city sports facilities just outside the windy city.
While Chicago is undoubtedly a leading city for state-of-the-art sports facilities, renting out these facilities comes at a high price and can be difficult to obtain due to high demand. Luckily, Chicago being the third largest city in the country results in a number of surrounding suburbs offering similar state-of-the-art sports facilities at lower costs. The largest city in the Chicago suburbs, Aurora, is offering several top-notch sports facilities with entertaining activities in the surrounding area for the whole family to enjoy.
Notable Recent/Upcoming Events
- Big Ten Men’s Golf Championships (May 1-3, 2020)
- Puma Illinois College Showcase (June 12-14, 2020)
- IWLCA Midwest Cup lacrosse Tournament (July 10-12, 2020)
CVB/Sports Commission Services Offered
- Volunteer Staff
- PR/Media Assistance
- Signage
- Site Visits
- Transportation Assistance
- Lodging Services
- Welcome Bags/Gifts
- Itinerary Development
- Event Planning Assistance
- On-Site Visitor Services
Click on tab to see more information about a specific facility
Things to do in Aurora
Whether looking for outdoor fun during warm summer months or indoor activities during the Chicagoland area’s frigid winters, Aurora offers both. Paramount Theatre was the first air-conditioned building outside of Chicago, and during its opening in 1931, had appearances from film stars such as the Marx Brothers and Jack Benny. Throughout the years, the theater has hosted films, plays, musicals, concerts and comedy shows. Exemplifying the bliss and beauty of summertime in the Chicago suburbs, RiverEdge Park’s 8,500-seat concert venue is situated along a picturesque river walk, with a bike path, pier and naturalistic landscaping to gaze upon. Samantha Fish, One Republic and Gladys Knight are among this year’s performers. For a day of shopping, Chicago Premium Outlets is an outdoor mall with all the designer names at discounted prices, including Adidas, Coach, Vera Bradley, Tommy Hilfiger and more. Raging Waves Waterpark in Yorkville is a fan favorite for all ages and is Illinois’ largest waterpark. With 58 acres of swerving slides, a relaxing lazy river, a wave pool and raft rides, the waterpark offers outstanding discounted rated for groups of 15 to more than 200 guests. Blackberry Farm offers an educational experience to guests as a historical landmark and recreational area with museums depicting rural life, a carousel, paddle boats and concessions.
Planner Perspective
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. In our first two years of running tournaments out of the Stuart Sports Complex, we have been able to attract and bring in teams from Iowa, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin. We look forward to working with Pete Garlock for years to come in order to continue to bring teams to Aurora and show them all it has to offer.
Seminole Sports: John Suvada (General Manager)
It has been a pleasure to work alongside Pete and Cort at the Aurora Area CVB. They have been very helpful in lining things up for the upcoming PBA Xtra Frame Parkside Open at Parkside Lanes in Aurora, IL September 30-October 2.
2012 Best Bowler ESPY Award winner: Sean Rash
How to Get to Aurora
Being situated just 40 miles west of Chicago makes getting to Aurora a breeze, with a variety of options for traveling teams trying to reach this bustling suburban area.
By Car: If coming from Chicago or northern states such as Wisconsin or Minnesota, take Interstate 94 to Interstate 88 and take the IL-31 exit 117 toward Aurora/Batavia. If coming from the south, take Interstate 65 to Interstate 88 and if coming from the west, take Interstate 80 to Interstate 88.
By Air: Chicago O’Hare International Airport has direct flights to 217 destinations. Midway International Airport is another great option for traveling teams.
Contact Information
Company Name: Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Sports Sales Manager: Pete Garlock
Title: Director of Sales
Telephone: 630-256-3194