Ocala in Marion County is a Sports Fan’s Utopia
From a one-of-a-kind sportsplex offering a dozen sporting opportunities to an equestrian’s paradise, Ocala has all your team needsIntroduction
Ocala/Marion County, Florida
Ocala may be the hidden gem of the Sunshine State. The vibrant small city is located in Marion County in Northcentral Florida, a rural region of the coastal state. Around 60,000 people call Ocala home for many reasons like the pleasant weather, premier sportsplexes and unique natural amenities.
Did you know that Ocala is dubbed the “Horse Capital of the World?” Equestrians unite here not only for elite facilities but also for the many horseback riding opportunities. Saddle up for a group tour of Florida’s beautiful wilderness with a unique vantage point. Ride through open fields and along oak-lined trails and catch glimpses of native wildlife, plants, expansive farmland and babbling brooks.
Another unparalleled perspective can be found on a 30 or 90-minute glass-bottom boat tour at Silver Springs State Park. The park is the crown jewel of Marion County and offers a crystalline oasis where see-through boat floors reveal the secrets of an underwater world year-round. It also attracts adrenaline junkies to take the plunge at Canyons Zip Line & Adventure Park. Exhilarating treetop journeys take groups soaring through brilliant limestone cliffs and above lush palm tree landscapes.
Get a Planner’s Perspective
Don’t just take our word for it, hear what these planners had to say.
“The German Shepherd Dog Club of America is truly grateful and appreciative of all of your support for the past 2 years in making our 2022 Nationals something special and truly memorable. I would recommend coming back to Ocala and will tell everyone I can that it is the place to be! I hope our paths cross again in the near future.”
–Erin Nellis, German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA)
Find Your Perfect Ocala/Marion County Facility
Facility Spotlight
World Equestrian Center (WEC)
Sports Covered: Equestrian events and competitions
The largest equestrian complex in U.S. is the World Equestrian Center (WEC), comprising 378 acres of expansive pastureland. World-class facilities at WEC offer the best of the best to spectators and exhibitors alike. WEC boasts 26 climate-controlled barns, 3,000 spacious stalls equipped with innovative technology and five climate-controlled indoor arenas. Moreover, 16 outdoor rings include a grand arena and a grand stadium with built-in concession stands and a University of Florida Veterinary Hospital on site. Two state-of-the-art exposition centers provide 132,300 square feet of contiguous space, making this the perfect venue for local, regional and national events. Designed for a variety of association meetings, conventions, trade shows and pop culture events.
Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST)
Sports Covered: Swimming, Dryland Fitness/Training
A premier swimming and training facility, Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) is a popular sports competition and training venue. The center features a 10-lane 50m/25yd competition pool located indoors. Outside, you’ll find the 7-lane 50m/25yed/25m competition pool. Among the amenities, an impressive dryland fitness center provides training opportunities outside of the water. FAST can accommodate up to 2,000 spectators for swimming events.
Rotary Sportsplex
Sports Covered: Baseball, Softball, Soccer
Rotary Sportsplex is an 80-acre complex only six miles from Downtown Ocala. Rotary features 11 lighted fields that host baseball, soccer and softball games and scrimmages. The sportsplex provides dynamic opportunities with eight youth baseball fields, three high school baseball fields, six softball fields and 12 batting cages (covered and uncovered). Additionally, teams will find four full-size rectangular areas and one multipurpose field. With plug-and-play live streaming capabilities, concessions, a playground, ample parking and restrooms, it’s a prime sports venue.
Shocker Park
Sports Covered: Women’s Fast-Pitch Softball, Baseball
Primarily, women’s fast-pitch softball events are held at Shocker Park. However, the venue can also host baseball games and practices. The facility provides teams with six 200-foot softball fields equipped with lights. Covered batting cages, concessions, restrooms and a playground also add to the convenient site.
Florida Horse Park
Sports Covered: Equestrian events and competitions
Sitting on 500 acres of manicured grass fields and pastures, the Florida Horse Park is a one-of-a-kind facility offering impressive amenities. An example of events held here are barrel races and horse jumping competitions. Features include an 80,000-square-foot covered arena, over 100 jumps ranging in experience level and 320 permanent stalls.
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion (SELP)
Sports Covered: Agritourism events and competitions
Commonly referred to as SELP, Horse shows, rodeos and other ag-related celebrations have been held in the 36,000-square-foot arena for decades. Another area boasts 37,500 square feet of open arena space, while the auditorium makes up 11,000 square feet. Also on site are 226 iron-gated stalls, 50 RV sites and an exhibition building.
Ocala Regional Sportsplex
Sports Covered: Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, Football
This 80-acre facility is located on the west side of Ocala and offers numerous fields for baseball, softball, volleyball and football games. The sports park provides four sand volleyball pits complete with lights, two lighted basketball courts and five 300-foot lighted softball fields. Picnic areas with tables and lit sidewalks and trails create a safe and enjoyable experience.
Big Sun Youth Soccer
Sports Covered: Soccer
The Big Sun Youth Soccer facility delivers seven all-gass fields, five youth pitches and two mini-fields. Four of the seven full-size playing spaces are safely lit for fantastic night games. The park is conveniently located under four miles from Ocala’s Historic District.
Wrigley Fields
Sports Covered: Baseball, Softball, Football, Hiking/Walking, Soccer, Volleyball
Wrigley Fields is a multifaceted sportsplex comprised of 72 rural acres in Marion County. Sports enthusiasts of all kinds will find recreation here, including horseback riding, football, volleyball and hiking. Open to the public in 2007, this family-friendly sportsplex is a magnificent way to spend an entire day in Northcentral Florida.