Illinois

Greetings from Illinois!

On behalf of the Illinois Office of Tourism, I’m thrilled to invite you to experience everything the Land of Lincoln has to offer as you plan your next sporting event. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor returning for another tournament or exploring Illinois for the first time, you’ll find no shortage of memorable experiences waiting for you here. We’re in the middle of everything!

We love welcoming athletes, teams and fans from across the country and around the world to discover everything that makes Illinois special. For many, the first place that comes to mind is Chicago—a world- class city known for its incredible restaurants, hotels, architecture, museums and shopping. But the Illinois experience goes far beyond the city limits. From presidential history in Springfield to classic Americana along historic Route 66, from outdoor adventures in the Shawnee National Forest to the rolling vineyards of more than 100 wineries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy—on and off the field.

Sports are an integral part of Illinois’ thriving tourism industry. In 2024, Illinois welcomed a record-breaking 113 million visitors, who contributed $48.5 billion in visitor spending—marking an all-time high for the state. Tourism supported more than 282,000 jobs and generated $4.7 billion in state and local tax revenue, proving just how vital events like yours are to our economy and our communities. 

With more than 1,200 sporting venues and state-of-the-art facilities, Illinois is proud to host events of every size and scale– from PGA tournaments and Olympic trials to collegiate competitions and youth championships. Our state is committed to providing top-tier experiences for athletes, coaches, families and fans alike.

We truly appreciate your consideration of Illinois as the host destination for your future sporting events. To explore venues or learn more about planning your next tournament here, visit SportsIllinois.com. And to start planning an unforgettable trip for your athletes and attendees, head to EnjoyIllinois.com.

We look forward to welcoming you to Illinois. Sincerely,

Catie Sheehan Deputy Director, Illinois Office of Tourism