With picturesque beaches, top-rated facilities and a passionate fanbase, Delaware is the perfect spot to host your next tournament.
By Jason Paha
While much of the sports tourism world struggled to recover from the effects of the pandemic, Delaware has seen the opposite transpire.
Since 2020, the First State has witnessed an explosion in sports tourism, as visitors from across the country are flocking to this small coastal state to enjoy its diverse range of sports and outdoor activities. In essence, Delaware, the oldest state in the country and a state renowned for its rich history and stunning beaches, is also a sports tourism hotbed.
According to Delaware’s recently released 2021 travel numbers, tourism that year had a $4 billion impact on the state’s Gross Domestic Product. The state recorded 28.3 million visitors with 83 percent of those being repeat visitors. These numbers are phenomenal considering the state’s facilities were still hampered by lingering effects from the pandemic. With 2023 in full bloom and 2024 looming, those numbers are expected to be exponentially higher going forward.
Sports Tourism in Delaware is Thriving
A sizable reason behind Delaware’s tourism surge has been sports travel. With facilities bringing athletes and families back post-pandemic with a multitude of tournaments, the state’s restaurants and hotels also rebounded quicker than expected.
One of the main drivers of this surge has been the rise of outdoor activities. With many indoor facilities closed or operating at reduced capacity in 2020 and 2021, people turned to outdoor sports to stay active and engaged. In Delaware, this led to a rise in interest in sports like golf, tennis and pickleball.
Delaware’s commitment to hosting high-quality sports events helped fuel the sports tourism explosion. The Delaware Tourism Office has worked closely with event organizers to attract a wide range of sports events to Delaware. These events have included everything from youth sports tournaments to national championships and have helped to put Delaware on the map as a premier sports destination. State-of-the-art sports facilities, including soccer fields, baseball diamonds, basketball courts and golf courses were built to meet the growing demand from enthusiasts. The stadiums and arenas were designed not only to attract local teams and events but also to attract national and international events.
The pandemic also led to the creation of new sports events and competitions. For example, the Delaware Running Festival, which was originally scheduled for April 2020, was postponed until November and then held virtually. The event included a marathon, half marathon and 5K, and attracted participants from across the country. Similarly, the Delaware Disc Golf Challenge, which was held for the first time in 2020, saw a strong turnout and is expected to become an annual event.
Lacrosse, in particular, has become one of the most popular sports in the state as Delaware features a variety of strong youth programs and excellent facilities. According to USA Lacrosse, Delaware is one of the top states in the country for youth participation. It also boasts one of the highest high school lacrosse participation rates in the country, with more than 75 high school teams fielding both boys and girls teams.
On the collegiate level, Delaware is home to some of the top NCAA Division I lacrosse programs in the country, including the University of Delaware and Delaware State University.
In addition to strong programs, Delaware also features fabulous lacrosse facilities, including the DE Turf Sports Complex in Frederica, which sports 12 synthetic turf fields and hosts numerous tournaments throughout the year. The state has also invested in upgrading and expanding its sports facilities in recent years, providing players with the chance to train and compete at a high level, helping improve play.
Excellent Location for Sports in Delaware
Another factor contributing to the rising interest in sports tourism has been the state’s central location on the East Coast. Delaware is situated within easy driving distance of major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., making it a convenient destination for sports teams and fans from these cities. In addition, Delaware’s location on the coast has made it a popular destination for sports fans .
Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate visiting Delaware thanks to its hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. The state is home to several state parks, including Cape Henlopen State Park and Trap Pond State Park, which offer miles of scenic trails and opportunities for camping, fishing, and boating.
Delaware’s climate is a major attraction for sports tourism as the state has an active and adventurous outdoor lifestyle deeply ingrained in its culture. From surfing and kayaking on the coastline to hiking in the beautiful state parks throughout the state, sports fans always find something to do regardless of the season.
Delaware’s beaches are also a major draw for visitors and sports fans. The state features more than 30 miles of pristine coastline, with some of the most popular beaches including Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, and Dewey Beach. These beaches offer guests the chance to relax and enjoy a variety of water sports, from swimming and surfing to kayaking and paddleboarding.
In addition to its beaches, Delaware is also home to several historic sites and landmarks. The state played a key role in the founding of the United States, and visitors can explore sites like the First State Heritage Park in Dover, which features several historic buildings and museums, including the Old State House and the Johnson Victrola Museum. Other notable historic sites in Delaware include the Fort Delaware State Park, which served as a Civil War prison camp, and the Hagley Museum and Library, which showcases the history of the DuPont family and their contributions to American industry.
Plan your sporting event in Delaware today!
