Why does Greenville stand out among the competition?

Every event planner knows that some of the hardest occasions to plan are the ones focused on sports. Sports planners have to make sure that entire tournaments are meticulously sketched out in order to ensure that they run smoothly. A truly successful sports event offers a blend of rousing competition along with a tranquil vacation, and that’s where Greenville, South Carolina shines.

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville is the epitome of Southern charm and scenic beauty. Year-round warm weather and a bustling downtown, which is rated among the Top 10 in the US by Forbes magazine, have made this city the place to play. Greenville is the ideal location for any sports event, offering unforgettable service and impressive facilities. It’s not hard to see why a growing number of tournaments and championships are calling Greenville home. As any sports event planner knows, competitions shouldn’t revolve around the number of wins and losses; Greenville makes sure its visitors know that it is the place where sports and fun collide for a stress-free vacation the whole family can enjoy.

What attractions does the city offer?

Playing beside your teammates is half of what makes tournaments so unforgettable, the other half comes from spending time with family and teammates, making memories that last a lifetime. In downtown Greenville, visitors love browsing the one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques. Your team can even catch a game in their downtime with Greenville’s profession hockey and baseball teams – the ECHL Greenville Road Warriors and the MiLB Greenville Drive. Afterward, when everybody is hungry, there are more than 100 restaurants to choose from, many of them chef-owned. Next, take a stroll over to Heritage Green Complex, which sets the stage for art, learning and entertainment. At Falls Park on the Reedy savor the peace and quiet at this tranquil spot which features Liberty Bridge, waterfalls and landscaped gardens.

If you’re looking for something more fast-paced, Greenville is sure to supply. Fly through the air at exhilarating speeds on the Gorge Zipline Canopy Tour that is perched precariously on the rim of the famous Green River Gorge. Cook a world-class meal at Charleston Cooks! where visitors can view demonstrations or take a hands-on class. Make a splash and bask in the sun at one of three GCPRT waterparks. Or take a look at out-of-this-world art at Art Crossing at River Place, where artists gather daily to create.

X Factors

  • Grant programs and bidding fees
  • Housing RFPs to your specifications
  • Discounts to area dining and attractions
  • Site visits
  • Local PR/media coverage
  • Social media marketing
  • Volunteers available for major events
  • Signage availability based on needs
  • Coach transportation available from four carriers

Planner Perspective

Greenville hits all of our marks when we’re looking for a site to host our events. It has the accommodations we need, it has the facilities, and it has the nightlife. I didn’t know where Greenville was on the map, and we have maps in our offices, and he pointed to where Greenville was, and everybody in our offices – our eyes just lit up because it makes it a perfect, perfect location. We are treated wonderfully here from the CVB to the Recreation Department.

– Christian Smith – Director of Div. II – National Club Baseball Association

An arena for us is great. So the [Bon Secours Wellness Arena] has been perfect, the staff here is amazing. I can’t even say there were problems they solved because they made sure we didn’t have any problems.

– Brody Burns – Director of Events – USA Karate

What kind of facilities does Greenville offer?

MeSA Soccer Complex

Sports: Soccer

Also home to the Carolina Elite Soccer Academy (CESA) and is a major sports tourism destination. CESA has both recreational and competitive soccer programs, and recently came in second place in the National Soccer Championships. In 2012 the complex hosted the US Youth Soccer Southern Regional Soccer Tournament, which welcomed over 10,000 athletes and spectators. MeSA Soccer Complex accommodates both large and small group events. In addition to its top-of-the-line fields, MeSA also offers two playgrounds and a walking trail.

Westside Aquatic Complex

Sports: Swimming

Westside Aquatic Complex has all the resources available to host a top-notch swim meet. It has an indoor 25-by-50-meter, 20-lane competition pool and an indoor, five-lane, 25-yard heated therapy pool. Its state-of-the-art Paddock Evacuator System provides fresh, clean air for everyone and its concessions will fill all your cravings. The complex also includes newly renovated locker rooms, meeting rooms, an exercise room and aerobic equipment. Children can enjoy the Fun Zone, which is a new inflatable water play structure that has slides, catapults and climbing challenges.

Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Sports: Basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, hockey

Located in the heart of downtown Greenville, Bon Secours Wellness Arena is a state-of-the-art, 15,000-seat sports and entertainment arena. It is home to the Greenville Road Warriors that play in the SDEC of the ECH AA hockey league. In 2013 it began a three-year renovation project that has seen the installation of a new curtain system, a 360-degree ribbon board, a high-definition video scoreboard, digital menu boards and concourse signage, parking lot upgrades and new risers. Bon Secours Wellness Arena has been recognized as one of the top 50 venues in the world, and is a great entertainment destination.

Furman University

Sports: All

This university features 11 state-of-the-art, sport-focused facilities. The Latham Baseball Stadium is a 10,000-square-foot complex that has undergone significant improvements in the past years and provides seating for 2,000. The Pepsi Softball Stadium boasts a 2,700-square-foot press box facility and seats 300. The Timmons Arena is a 100,000-square-foot arena that seats 3,500 people for basketball and 6,000 for concerts and other entertainment. Paladin Stadium is a 44,000-square-foot, four-story facility that serves as the new home for Furman football. The Eugene Stone Soccer Stadium houses more than 3,000 fans and includes a fully-automated scoreboard, press box and lighting.

GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail

Sports: Cycling

Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail is a multi-use greenway system that offers fun, non-motorized recreation connecting parks, schools and local businesses within Greenville County. Running along the Reedy River, the Swamp Rabbit Trail offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The recently launched ArcGIS Online Explorer application offers an interactive experience of the trail from any electronic device at home or on the go. Viewers can use the comprehensive map to identify parking areas, restrooms, street crossings, points of interest, bike racks, water fountains, ATMs, bike lanes and nature trails.

Fluor Field at West End

Sports: Baseball

DCIM100GOPROA mini replica of Boston’s historic Fenway Park, Fluor Field at West End serves as the host field of the Greenville Drive, a Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. It includes a 30-foot-high “Green Monster,” which is named after the famous left field wall at Fenway. The facility can seat more than 5,000 fans and has a hand-operated scoreboard. Spectators will not be disappointed when watching a game here as the farthest seats are only 12 rows away from the field.

Conestee Park

Sports: Baseball, softball

Conestee Park features four top-tier baseball/softball fields, and a stadium field with a permanent pitching mound at 60 feet, six inches and 400 feet to the center field fence. Its event pavilion in the center of the four fields has a seating capacity of 200 people. It offers restrooms, electrical power, two grills and ample parking. Adjacent to the pavilion are a large playground and open green space for the kids to play in. Lake Conestee Nature Park is located 100 yards away. Visitors can also enjoy its scenic walking trail and let man’s best friend run around at the dog park.

Wenwood Soccer Complex

Sports: Soccer, lacrosse, rugby, football, ultimate

Also home to the Carolina Elite Soccer Academy, this facility has six full-sized fields, five of which are lighted. The complex has a concession stand and ample parking spaces, with four different lots that provide easy access to the fields.

How do I get to Greenville?

Greenville is located in the heart of it all—halfway between Charlotte, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia. Figuring out how to get to Greenville is one of the easiest parts of planning a trip there, and getting around once you arrive is even easier.

By Car: Located directly off of Interstate 85, Greenville is easy to find. It is within a three-hour drive of many major cities in both North Carolina and Georgia. And it is only an afternoon’s drive away from the beautiful beaches on the coastline.

By Air: Flying into Greenville is simple; Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is home to six major carriers and has around 50 direct flights each day. The airports itself is a short 15 minute drive away from the heart of the city. Once you have arrived the city offers a plethora of transportation options including car and bike rentals.