Great River & Routes, IL Sports Facilities

Create exciting memories where majestic rivers and roads meet
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Introduction

GREAT RIVERS AND ROUTES, ILLINOIS

Journey to the only place in America where the Mother Road of Rt. 66 meets the Great River Road. Located just minutes from downtown St. Louis, the Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois is home to classic powerboat river racing, catfish tourneys reeling in 100-pound catches and one of the largest cycling tournaments in the Midwest.

Discover this scenic six county outdoor mecca nestled between the nation’s three great rivers – the Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri – alongside four scenic byways. The region is staking its claim as a premier outdoor recreation and nature-based adventure location and for good reason. With stunning kayak adventures on the Mighty Mississippi River to nationally-recognized catfish river fishing tournaments to NASCAR races and F1 Powerboat racing, the options for sporting and leisure adventures is unlimited.

Get a Planner’s Perspective

Don’t just take our word for it, hear what these planners had to say.

“The City of Alton, the Alton River Dragons and Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau have made the NCBA feel right at home since 2022. It was a no brainer to continue this relationship heading into 2024. Between the support, the field amenities, and the City of Alton’s and River Dragons staff, it’s been absolute pleasure to have them host.”

– Jimmy Henderson, Director of DI Baseball Operations

Edisons Entertainment Complex Great Rivers and Routes
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Great Rivers & Routes Sports Facilities Spotlight

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PRINCIPIA COLLEGE ELSAH Rivers Routes 1 768x525
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Principia College

Principia College offers numerous pristine athletic facilities including the Coach Crafton Athletic Center (indoor track and field, basketball, volleyball), the
New Recreation Center
GATEWAY CONVENTION CENTER COLLINSVILLE Rivers Routes 1 768x525
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Gateway Convention Center

Conveniently located within 10 minutes of Downtown St. Louis and adjacent to major interstates, this highly accessible and versatile facility
New Sports Complex
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY EDWARDSVILLE EDWARDSVILLE Rivers Routes 1 768x525
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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus is home to an array of venues, including synthetic turf and grass playing fields,
New Parks & Rec
GLAZEBROOK COMMUNITY PARK GODFREY Rivers Routes 1 768x525
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Glazebrook Community Park

Glazebrook Community Park has four lighted youth baseball fields, three lighted youth softball fields, and four lighted youth soccer fields.
New Parks & Rec
PLUMMER FAMILY PARK EDWARDSVILLE Rivers Routes 1 768x525
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Plummer Family Park

This 83-acre, tournament-quality facility features eight lighted, full synthetic turf baseball/softball fields with one field dedicated to the challenger baseball
New Parks & Rec
GORDON MOORE PARK ALTON Rivers Routes 1 768x525
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Gordon Moore Park

There is something for everyone at this 704-acre park, which is home to eight tennis courts, 10 ball diamonds, a

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Great Rivers & Routes: A Powerhouse for Sports Tourism

Recently Hosted and Upcoming Events

The Great Rivers & Routes region of Illinois offers a large variety of social events, festivals and competitions for all ages. An annual event is the Great River Road Run that most recently happened in 2025 which is 10 miles and has been a tradition in the community of Alton, Illinois for 60 years. This race lets participants run along the Mississippi River while encouraging families to come together. The proceeds to the Great River Road Run event go towards other events in Alton.

Outdoors Are the Way to Go

The Great Rivers National Scenic Byway offers various possibilities and lesser-known nature sites in Southern Illinois, a place that does not typically earn enough recognition as it should. There are many outdoor sports, activities, adventures, trails and tours available in this region. For those interested in a leisure walk or nature exploration, Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville has The Gardens at Southern Illinois University which is a beautiful arboretum that is half a mile long and has beautiful views no matter the season.  

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