Plan your Next Sports Event in the heart of Michigan
The center of Michigan, a state lovingly referred to by some as “The Mitten” for its unique shape, is the lively town of Mt. Pleasant. While small in population, there are no shortage of venues and spaces to host a sports event, tournament, or gathering. The facilities of Central Michigan University, the green spaces, and newly added recreation facilities, coupled with world class entertainment and perfect location, make this just the destination you’re looking for, and the Mt. Pleasant Convention and Visitors Bureau is there to help.
What is there to do in Mt. Pleasant?
Charming and historic, Mt. Pleasant lives up to its name, welcoming visitors for year-round sports, fun and all kinds of adventure. In downtown Mt. Pleasant you’ll find over 135 businesses including specialty shops, art galleries, an eclectic array of dining establishments, bars and bistros, and the historic Broadway Theatre. Just a stone’s throw from the center of town are Island Park and Nelson Park, both beautiful greenspaces to lounge around or enjoy some outdoor activities. The Chippewa River runs through the heart of the city and is a great place for a leisurely canoe, kayak, or tubing trip.
Credit Mt. Pleasant CVB
Visit one of Mt. Pleasant’s biggest attractions, the Soaring Eagle Casino. This casino has something for everyone in your group. With 4,400 slots, 70 gaming tables, six restaurants and a coffee café, the whole group will be satisfied. Mt. Pleasant is also home to Central Michigan University, the towns pride. Take a walk on this beautiful campus and see everything it has to offer.
CMU hosts 500+ events annually and is home to one of the nation’s largest intramural sports programs; with sports including flag football, volleyball, wrestling, swimming, disc golf, soccer, quidditch, rugby, and many more.
Mt. Pleasant is partially located within the Isabella Indian Reservation recognized by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe. Learn about local heritage at The Museum of Cultural and Natural History and visit the Ziibiwing Center to learn more about the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
X Factors
- Centrally located in the state of Michigan for peak attendance
- Discount coupons for local dining
- Grant programs & bidding fees available
- Assistance with housing
- Social media marketing
- Local PR & media coverage
- Request welcome signage
- Tournament streaming
Planner Perspective
What venues are available to us?
Central Michigan University Student Activity Center and Outdoor Sports Complex
Photo Credit Robert Barclay
Sports: Basketball, billiards, bowling, disc golf, racquetball, softball, swimming, field hockey, soccer, baseball, track
The great thing about hosting an event in a college town is the wide array of facilities available that regularly host major events. The outdoor sports complex includes four softball diamonds and seven multi-purpose fields, a soccer complex, along with an 18-hole disc golf course that is open for public use or tournaments. CMU’s SAC has a pool, two saunas and a spa, along with 12 lanes of bowling, six basketball/sport courts, six full glass racquetball/wallyball courts, six billiards tables, table tennis and a three-lane indoor track.
John G. Kulhavi Events Center
Photo Credit Mt. Pleasant CVB
Sports: Basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, wrestling
A recent addition to the Mt. Pleasant community, the John G. Kulhavi Events Center houses McGuirk Arena, a full-size court with seating for 5,300, and the 10,000-square-foot Parfitt Gymnasium. It serves as the primary venue for all major university activities and home to the basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and wrestling teams, with top-notch amenities for both athletes and spectators. The Events Center has quickly become the area’s premier cultural, athletics and entertainment center, offering plenty of space throughout the year for organizations and community members to host special events.
Isabella County Parks and Recreation
Sports: Swimming, outdoor activities, volleyball, disc golf
For all your outdoor adventures, the county’s Parks and Rec association has you covered. With parks including Deerfield Nature Park, Coldwater Lake Family Park, Meridian Park and Gilmore Park, there are plenty of trails and greenspaces to explore and host events. Deerfield Park houses two premier disc golf courses and hosts several tournaments annually. Finally, Herrick Recreation Area is the perfect place for any kind of athlete, with fishing, swimming, sand volleyball, trails, boating, and plenty of space to be active.
Morey Courts
Sports: Basketball, racquetball, tennis, track, volleyball
New to the region, Morey Courts is a top choice for hosting events, with its eight full-size basketball/volleyball courts, two tennis courts, three racquetball courts and a 1/5th-mile track. Athletes will appreciate the fitness center and exercise rooms, along with the full-service deli between games. The venue is no stranger to hosting group events and regularly holds sports training, leagues, tournaments, camps and clinics.
Mt. Pleasant High School
Photo Credit Paul Kenneth Beroza, Morning Sun Mlprepzone.com
Sports: Baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, tennis, track, volleyball, wrestling
Located not far from the CMU campus, this school adds to the list of local facilities with a gymnasium that houses two basketball/volleyball courts, two softball and two baseball diamonds, two soccer fields, a high school football stadium, eight tennis courts, wrestling mats and an eight-lane track.
Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation
Photo Credit Mt. Pleasant CVB
Sports: Basketball, football, soccer, softball, tee-ball, tennis, volleyball
The city’s local Parks and Rec association maintains an array of parks for visitors to enjoy. There is Island Park with three softball fields, two basketball courts, four tennis courts and four sand volleyball courts. At Sunnyside Park you’ll find a tee-ball complex, one basketball court and an array of soccer fields of various sizes, which also hosts the Mt. Pleasant Soccer Club. Horizon Park has a softball diamond, basketball court, three soccer fields, a football field and a tennis court. Finally at Pickens Field you’ll find two Little League diamonds and two softball fields. With all of these options at your fingertips, planning an event in Mt. Pleasant couldn’t be easier, and the city’s CVB is there to help.
Sacred Heart Academy
Sports: Baseball, basketball
Another local school with facilities open for public use is Sacred Heart Academy in the center of Mt. Pleasant. The school features a gymnasium with a full-size court, full size baseball diamond and a high school softball diamond.
Union Township Fields
Photo Credit Mt. Pleasant CVB
Sports: Baseball, horseshoes, softball, volleyball
For even more court and field options, check the three softball and three baseball diamonds at McDonald Park, the largest Union Township park. There are also horseshoe courts, playground equipment and a paved trail to keep both athletes and spectators happy and entertained.
How do we get to Mt. Pleasant?
With its central location in Michigan, Mt. Pleasant is easy to reach from major nearby cities, most less than two hours away.
By Car: U.S. Route 127 makes its way up the center of the state and runs through Mt. Pleasant, and is a great option for those coming from Lansing or cities farther south such as Cincinnati. Interstate 75 is a convenient route for those coming from Detroit.
By Air: Detroit Metro Airport is one of the busiest in the country, meaning you can easily reach your destination from anywhere in the country. From the airport make your way to Mt. Pleasant by rental car or coach – a 2.5-hour trip. The Capital City Airport in Lansing is a nearby option.
