Chocolate, Rolls-Royce, and fabulous facilities set Cumberland Valley apart as an ideal destination.
Looking for a destination that has everything and is in the middle of everything? Look no further than Cumberland Valley. This Pennsylvania hotspot is situated along the Appalachian Trail, not far from Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Gettysburg, and just two-three hours outside of Baltimore, Washington D.C., and New York City. Yet its most charming and attractive features are all within its bounds: Cumberland Valley boasts top-notch outdoor activities like fishing and hiking, as well as fascinating museums and other indoor fun. Whether you explore the historic downtowns or head out for a morning hike, you will not be disappointed in such an incredible Pennsylvania area. The destination is home to more than 50 hotels that offer convenient proximity to venues and attractions as well as options that fit every budget.
CVB/Sports Commissions Services Offered
- Volunteer Staff
- PR/Media Assistance
- Signage
- Site Visits
- Mobile Apps
- Lodging Services
- Welcome Bags/Gifts
- Itinerary Development
- Event Planning Assistance
Click on tab to see more information about a specific facility
Keystone Aquatics Center
Let’s get down to business on what this state-of-the-art facility offers: the fastest 50-meter lane pool in the United States, a SwimEx flume pool, and a fieldhouse with a fitness center. Not enough for you? Other features include eight 50-meter course lanes, twenty-two 25-yard course lanes, 12,000 square feet of deck space, seating for 700 spectators, and two HVAC air filtration units. The fitness center at the fieldhouse is perfect for strength and conditioning work, equipped with an indoor turf field, squat and bench racks, pull-up bars, and a full kettlebell set. Put it all together and you have one of the nation’s premier aquatics facilities.
Sports: Swimming, Water Polo
Carlisle Expo Center
Carlisle Expo Center is one of the top spots in Pennsylvania for corporate trainings, trade shows, business conferences, and much more. The facility comes with 96 divisible vendor spaces and 30,000 square feet of flexible space. The building manager works one-on-one with all Expo clients, ensuring that events are planned and executed with ease. Carlisle is also famous for hosting dog agility trials and Carlisle Ford Nationals. In short, this complex is affordable and convenient: if you are planning a large-scale show or an indoor sporting event, look no further than Carlisle Expo Center.
Sports: Trade Shows, Indoor Sporting Events
Stony Ridge Park
Home to the Mid Penn Lacrosse Championships and Virginia Little League tournaments, Stony Ridge Park has 103 acres and a bevy of outdoor amenities to play with. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, indoor restrooms, ample parking, and a scenic walking trail. The assortment of baseball and multi-purpose fields make this complex a tourney planner’s favorite location for hosting events. Plus, the fields are easily accessible from Interstate-81, right in between Mechanicsburg and Carlisle and next to the iconic Appalachian Trail.
Sports: Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Lacrosse
John H. Frederick Field at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Park
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Park offers more than just an alliterative name: it is also one of Mechanicsburg’s most peaceful and beautiful community parks. Some popular activities include walking the nature trail, bird watching, and taking a dip in the public swimming pool. There are other amenities, too, like two pavilions, picnic tables, a playground, restrooms, benches, and plenty of parking. However, the crown jewel of Soldiers & Sailors Park is John H. Frederick Field, which features artificial turf and boasts an 8,000-seat stadium. The complex has played host to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association District 3 State Championships.
Sports: Football
ABC West Lanes
The area’s premier bowling alley has been host to many prestigious tournaments throughout the years including the Professional Women’s Bowling Association Tour and the PA State Bowling Association Open Championships. The venue provides competitors with 46 lanes in a 100 percent smoke-free environment. There are tons of fun activities onsite for bowlers of all ages. Pro Tip: try cosmic bowling, where visitors can bowl with the lights turned down, the music turned up, and special effects lighting.
Sports: Bowling
Fisher Park
By now, tourney planners are probably wondering: how can one Pennsylvania area have so much to do? Well, there is more to show off. Fisher Park is a 21-acre park in Upper Allen Township, just 15 minutes away from ABC West Lanes. The facility offers five youth baseball fields, two tennis courts, and walking trails, not to mention three playground areas and multiple pavilions with picnic tables and grills. Tournament-goers will always enjoy a day at Fisher Park.
Sports: Baseball, Tennis, Basketball
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What is There to Do in Cumberland Valley?
Those looking to plan a sports tournament in Pennsylvania should look no further than Cumberland Valley. For one, it has some incredible athletic facilities. Yet it has something else; a remarkable selection of exciting attractions, one of which is the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center. This complex sits on its own 56-acre campus and serves as the U.S. Army’s primary historical research facility and is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate. Visitors have the chance to learn about military history, ranging from the Revolutionary War to present-day operations at this free attraction. After enriching the mind with Army information, tourists will want to explore the famed Appalachian Trail, the midpoint of which runs through the Cumberland Valley. The trail extends 2,189 miles from Georgia to Maine and some of its most accessible, and easy to day hike, portions are within the Cumberland Valley. Next, you will want to head indoors to the Rolls-Royce Museum to see its extensive collection of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars. Most people take self-guided tours, which last roughly 30 to 45 minutes. By this point, visitors might be a little hungry. If they happen to be in the mood for something sweet, Lindt Chocolate Factory Store is a great choice. Lindt’s premium European chocolates are made from the finest raw materials and high-quality ingredients. For obvious reasons, this attraction is a favorite amongst all chocolate enthusiasts.
Finally, you might just want to take a peaceful stroll in wonderful Downtown Carlisle. Luckily, the downtown area is filled with mom-and-pop shops, restaurants, breweries, art galleries and farmers markets. Lively and welcoming, this is the place to be after a long day of sporting events.
How to get to Cumberland Valley?
By Car: Cumberland Valley is located at the junction of major Interstates 81 & 76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike) and is within a day’s drive for half of the U.S. population.
By Air: If you’re flying in, Harrisburg International (MDT) in Middletown is the closest airport at around 25–30 minutes away.
Contact Information
Company Name: Cumberland Valley PA Visitors Bureau
Sports Sales Manager: Danielle Vincenti, CSEE
Title: Destination Sales
Telephone: 717-240-7191
Email: danielle@cumberlandvalley.com
Website: www.visitcumberlandvalley.com/sports