Flint & Genesee, MI Sports Facilities for Events
This sports-crazy area is home to the finest facilities and can host a variety of athletic competitionsIntroduction
FLINT & GENESEE, MI
Flint and Genesee County, Michigan, are big players in sports tourism, with facilities like Dort Financial Event Center and Genesee Fieldhouse at the top of their game for sports tournaments and events.
Along with its sports facilities, a variety of local activities will keep everyone entertained. The new Sloan Museum of Discovery features several interactive galleries, including the Discovery Hall with hands-on learning that makes science fun; the Durant Gallery, a 11,000 square foot vehicle exhibition hall with rare collections of vintage and concept cars; and a 6,000 square foot special traveling exhibit gallery.
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, a 383 acre nature preserve, is home to miles of all-season nature trails, a Memorial Garden, a barrier free Treehouse and a Butterfly House.
Genesee County’s fascinating history comes to life in this restored, working community of Crossroads Village. Wander through more than 34 historic buildings and shops and enjoy a ride on the iconic Huckelberry Railroad and amusement rides. Seasonal fun includes Ghosts and Goodies in the fall and Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic in early winter.
Bluebell Beach features a zero-depth, barrier-free Splash Pad Spray Ground, as well as a universally accessible playground, pavilions, shade kites, and the Flint River Bike Path.
Lake Callis Recreation Complex is a 35 acre park that includes a beach and swimming area, the Dash -n- Splash Pad, changing rooms, pavilions, grills, the Beach Treats concession stand, and an observation deck.
Get a Planner’s Perspective
Don’t just take our word for it, hear what these planners had to say.
“Genesee County is a great location because of how centrally located we are in the state of Michigan. It allows us to draw teams from northern, southern and western parts of Michigan as well as parts of Canada. Also, it is a very convenient drive up I-75 for our teams from Ohio and Indiana.”
– Kevin Babcock, president of Firestix Fastpitch
Find Your Perfect Tournament Facility
Flint & Genesee, MI Sports Facility Spotlight
Dort Financial Event Center
Sports covered: Indoor multipurpose
Located just a few miles east of downtown Flint, the 29,280-square-foot Dort Financial Event Center is home to the Ontario Hockey League’s major junior hockey team the Flint Firebirds. The facility has a seating capacity of over 4,000, which varies depending on the sport or event, and is capable of hosting everything from basketball games to concerts and more. The facility underwent renovations and upgrades in 2020, which includes updated leather seating in the main area and LED ribbon panels that encircle the interior.
Kettering University
Sports covered: Indoor and outdoor multipurpose
Kettering University, the home of the Bulldogs, has some quality facilities to choose from. The 11,000-capacity Atwood Stadium features FieldTurf, bleacher seating on three sides and plenty of paved parking. The stadium has a storied history of hosting football games, but is capable of hosting multiple sports, including soccer and lacrosse. Also on campus grounds is the 70,000-square-foot Connie and Jim John Recreation Center, featuring a full complement of aerobic, strength and sports amenities, as well as an elevated indoor running track.
Genesee Fieldhouse
Sports covered: Indoor multipurpose
Genesee Fieldhouse is the county’s only domed indoor multipurpose sports facility, capable of hosting a number of tournaments and events including baseball, soccer, lacrosse and more. Located in Grand Blanc, the 68,000-square-foot facility is just a few minutes away from Bishop International Airport, making it a prime venue for traveling teams. Its close proximity to Flint also allows teams access to city leisure and entertainment.
Creasey Bicentennial Park
Sports covered: Baseball, softball
Managed by Grand Blanc Parks and Recreation, Creasey Bicentennial Park features 10 diamonds, eight of which are assigned to two quads for tournament play. Plentiful parking is just the start of included amenities here, with pavilions also available for rent, picnic areas, rustic hiking trails, a dog park and more. During winter months, the park is popular for its famous sledding hill.
Richfield County Park & BMX Track
Sports covered: Baseball, softball, BMX, tennis
Northeast of Flint is Richfield County Park & BMX Track. The park contains multiple diamonds for baseball and softball tournaments, tennis courts, pavilions, playgrounds, hiking and biking trails and more. The BMX Track includes a well-maintained start hill, advanced gate system, Sqorz timing, which is new to the 2023 season, concessions, balance bike course, on-site restrooms and security surveillance. During the winter months, cross-country skiing is an option, as is the dedicated snowmobiling area.
Mundy Township Miracle Commons
Sports covered: Hiking, biking, outdoor recreation
Opened in 2021, Mundy Township Miracle Commons features a highly reviewed, 1.9-mile trail that is open to runners, walkers, cyclists and even dogs—as long as they are leashed. In addition to the beautiful, natural surroundings, the commons will also look to open sports facilities down the road, which currently includes plans for baseball fields and multipurpose fields for soccer and lacrosse.
Deer Run Soccer Complex
Sports covered: Soccer
Located about 20 minutes south of Flint in nearby Linden is Deer Run Soccer Complex. The complex features 10 fields, two of which are for full-sized 11v11 games, three for 9v9 and five for 7v7. Along with plentiful parking, the complex also features a pavilion for get-togethers and an escape from the sun and heat.
Mott Community College Ballenger Fieldhouse
Sports covered: Multipurpose indoor
Located in the heart of downtown Flint, Ballenger Fieldhouse at Mott Community College is a multipurpose indoor facility capable of hosting small tournaments for sports like basketball and volleyball. In addition to the gymnasium, the fieldhouse has quality men’s and women’s locker rooms, concessions, a weight room, an auxiliary gym and hospitality rooms. The location provides access to the community college’s other amenities, as well as Flint’s nearby restaurants, entertainment and more.
Clio Area Youth Sports Complex
Sports covered: Soccer, Baseball/Softball, Football
Located in northern Genesee County, the Clio Area Youth Sports Complex has eight baseball/softball fields, two football fields, up to 10 soccer fields, a playground, basketball courts, and a walking path.