Nestled into the San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield’s population initially increased in the late 19th century when migrants from Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma came west, drawn to the oil industry. Today the city is the ninth-most populous in all of California, a thriving community put on the map by country singers like Merle Haggard and Buck Owens.
Bakersfield also has an established sports scene, with minor professional teams in the Bakersfield Condors and the Bakersfield Train Robbers. The California State University, Bakersfield Roadrunners compete in the NCAA Division I’s Western Athletic Complex, bringing in top competition to the area. If you’re in town for a tournament or an event, consider a stay at any of Bakersfield’s fine lodging accommodations, including The Padre Hotel, the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center, or the Hilton Garden Inn Bakersfield.
Notable Recent/Upcoming Events
- 2019 boys/girls state HS wrestling championship (Rabobank)-next year will be the first year boy/girls are combined.
- 2019 Golden State Nationals (5/2019), State qualifier-USA BMX
- Cali Crowne Soccer Tournament (150+ teams) 5/2019 (KP Sports Village)
- Jet Jam Season Finale (8/19) Lake Ming
- 2019 WAC Volleyball Championship. (CSUB Icardo)
CVB/Sports Commissions Services Offered
- Grant Programs
- Lodging Services
- PR/Media Assistance
- Signage
- Site Visits
- Welcome Bags/Gifts
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What is There to Do in Bakersfield?
If you’re into country western music, a trip to Buck Owens Crystal Palace is a must. The palace also houses the Buck Owens Museum, where items related to his career are available for viewing.
Jump around at the BLVD Temblor Flight Fit N Fun, where 17,000 square feet of wall-to-wall trampolines make for epic birthday or work parties.
Experience the lore and tastes of France’s Basque country oceans away in California, where boardinghouse cuisine reigns supreme. Check out the dark woodwork still intact at the Pyrenees, dine to your delight at Benji’s or spend the extra dollar on the chopped garlic on top of your fried chicken at Wool Growers.
Blast off on your next high-octane excursion by taking advantage of the whitewater rafting opportunities near Bakersfield. The Merced and Tuolumne Rivers near Yosemite offer great trips regardless of your experience level, as does the South Fork American River, the most popular whitewater river in California.
Bakersfield’s only high ropes challenge course and outdoor rock-climbing facility can be found in the Condor Challenge at CALM, where guests have unlimited climbing attempts as part of the general admission at the California Living Museum.
Planner Perspectives
“Why Bakersfield? That’s easy. It’s a perfectly-sized modern city with state-of-the-art facilities, a large inventory of clean, family-oriented hotel rooms, dozens of welcoming restaurants, and a city leadership that values our championships and supports us in every way possible. Bakersfield is a tremendous host.”
– John T., California Interscholastic Federation
How to Get to Bakersfield?
Bakersfield is located at the juncture of California State routes 99 and 58, and is accessible via Interstate 5. If you’re flying in, Meadows Field (BFL) is Bakersfield’s main airport, located about 10 miles north of downtown. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 120 miles away.
Contact Information
Company Name: Visit Bakersfield
Sports Sales Manager: Matt Billingsley
Title: Sales Manager
Telephone: 661 852-7236
Website: www.visitbakersfield.com