With more than 1,500 facilities, Pennsylvania hosts a variety of events big and small
By Justin Marques
With the countless experiences Pennsylvania has to offer, there is always something new to discover. The Keystone State offers breathtaking landscapes, plenty of history and numerous outdoor activities in and around its 124 state parks; visitors can catch a game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia or 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial in Johnstown; or simply enjoy the many charming small towns and vibrant cities that make up the Commonwealth.
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Pennsylvania also proudly hosts a wide range of events, from WrestleMania and IRONMAN to college and high school tournaments. Sporting events are a cornerstone of the state’s tourism industry, and PA Sports, the lead agency for sports tourism in Pennsylvania, is dedicated to being a top choice for sports associations and organizations planning their next event.
Here are some of the top events that have been held in Pennsylvania in 2024 and some additional non-sporting attractions that each member of PA Sports is known for.
Butler hosts premier girls hockey tournament
Butler, located 35 miles north of Pittsburgh, hosted the Premier Ice Prospects Labor Day Girls Fest at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. It featured 66+ teams of youth girls hockey from all over the U.S. and Canada competing in front of college scouts.
Butler is also home to Moraine State Park, Lernerville Speedway, Historic Pullman Park, and Jennings Environmental Education Center. Butler is known for excellent biking and hiking trails, golf courses, and disc-golf courses.
Chester County’s Brandywine Valley hosts top tournaments
Chester County’s Brandywine Valley is home to premier sports facilities designed for tournament play; 11 outdoor fields and a 127,000-square-foot indoor facility at United Sports; 4 NHL-regulation ice rinks at Ice Line; collegiate-level venues at West Chester University; and Equestrian venues with acres of multipurpose space. Players and spectators can enjoy the region’s vibrant, team-friendly downtowns and explore area attractions like world-renowned Longwood Gardens.
Delaware County is home to the Senior Games
Delaware County hosted The Delaware County Senior Games this past June. This Olympic-style competition welcomed over 100 athletes from across the county to showcase their skills in events such as track and field, pickleball, swimming, golf and more. The friendly competition encourages social and physical activity among older generations, where they compete for medals across multiple age groups.
There are plenty of ways for visitors to Delaware County, (or DELCO, as they are affectionately called), to get out and be active. Hike, bike or horseback ride on any of our hundreds of miles of tracks and trails. You may even find the perfect secret fishing spot along the way. Or hit the greens for a round on one of our many beautiful golf courses. If you’re looking for something a little more colorful, spend the day walking through one of our many gardens or arboretums. There is something for everyone and every level of activity to enjoy.
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Erie showcases top young lacrosse players
Erie hosted the 2024 International Indoor Junior Lacrosse (IIJL) World Junior Lacrosse Championship at the Erie Insurance Arena this past August. Founded in 2016, the IIJL showcases top young lacrosse players globally, with this year’s tournament featuring players from Australia, Canada, Poland, Scotland and the U.S.
Erie also lays claim to the Erie Insurance Arena, which can seat up to 7,000 and serves as home to the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League. Opened in 1983 and recently renovated for $47 million, the venue can also host wrestling, cheerleading, basketball, concerts, family shows, graduations and community events.
When not enjoying sports, Erie offers Pennsylvania’s most visited state park, Presque Isle. This natural gem features seven miles of sandy beaches, scenic trails and wildlife. Whether you’re into swimming, boating, fishing or simply enjoying a relaxing day by the water, Presque Isle has fun for all.
Happy Valley hosts amazing football and the IRONMAN
Famously home to Penn State University, Happy Valley highlights a blend of academic excellence and spirited college-town-culture. People who enjoy the outdoors will find plenty to do, from the trails of Penn State’s surrounding forests to the stunning views from Mount Nittany.
In 2024, Happy Valley held the famous IRONMAN 70.3 competition. The race features a 1.2-mile swim in Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir, a 56-mile bike ride through scenic hills, and a 13.1-mile run on Penn State’s campus, ending with a once in a lifetime finish line experience inside Beaver Stadium.
Hershey-Harrisburg is more than just chocolate
The Hershey-Harrisburg region combines the family fun of “Chocolatetown USA,” which includes Hersheypark® and Hershey’s Chocolate World, with the charm of Pennsylvania’s capital city. The area is also home to three professional sports teams, supported by an enthusiastic local community.
Giant Center℠, a state-of-the-art arena, is home to Hershey Bears Hockey, and also accommodates basketball and wrestling tournaments, concerts and more. This sought-after facility holds up to 12,500 including floor seating, and features amenities including ample parking, a club lounge, luxury suites, a video board, LED stats and events board, food and beverage services and on-site catering.
Johnstown is a baseball planner’s dream
The All American Amateur Baseball Association (AAABA) National Tournament is a signature event in Johnstown that will celebrates its 80th year in 2025. The summer tradition features top teams from across the U.S. competing for the national title. The tournament has hosted some of the top players in Major League Baseball including Ken Griffey Jr. and Reggie Jackson.
Johnstown has many unique attractions including the Johnstown Flood Museum and the World’s Steepest Vehicular Inclined Plane. Efforts to revitalize Downtown Johnstown have been successful and the community is excited to welcome new visitors!
Lehigh Valley is an outdoor paradise
With a difficult 0.8-mile circuit that includes six turns through downtown, the Easton Twilight Criterium in Lehigh Valley is a biking event that attracts approximately 500 cyclists. Competitors from around the globe, including Canada, Europe, and New Zealand, ranging from amateurs to professionals, compete for a portion of over $10,000 in prizes.
Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Lehigh Valley is home to the Lehigh Valley Zoo and the annual Musikfest festival. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore 125 of multi-use trails while hiking, biking, or simply enjoying nature.
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Monroeville hosts a huge baseball tournament
The Atlantic Coast Cap Classic is AC Baseball’s biggest tournament of the year. The event hosts more than 200 teams from across the country. With special events like an opening ceremony at PNC Park before a Pirates game, this tournament is known to have some of the toughest competition for youth athletes.
A thriving suburb of Pittsburgh, Monroeville features a variety of sporting and event facilities, including the Monroeville Convention Center, 100,000 SF of affordable exhibit space – with free parking. Monroeville is also home to some notable attractions, like the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, just a short drive away.
Philadelphia held a notable WrestleMania
In April 2024, Philadelphia hosted the 40th edition of WWE’s biggest annual event, WrestleMania. This week-long event became the most successful in WWE’s history and further demonstrated Philadelphia’s exceptional track record of hosting major sporting events.
Philadelphia is set to become the centerpiece of the sporting world in 2026 when Lincoln Financial Field hosts six FIFA World Cup soccer matches; MLB’s All-Star Game returns to Citizens Bank Park; the NCAA’s March Madness men’s basketball tournament is back at the Wells Fargo Center; and Aronimink Golf Club hosts the 108th PGA Championship.
Pittsburgh hosted a memorable Special Olympics
For the first time, Pittsburgh hosted the Special Olympics North America Softball Championships at the No Offseason Sports Facility in early September. This marks the first national Special Olympics event held in Pennsylvania. The event attracted 20-30 teams from across the U.S. and Canada to compete for the championship.
Pittsburgh is famous for many reasons, some of which include its iconic skyline, Carnegie Museum of Art and the Andy Warhol Museum. Pittsburgh also has a history of winning with its black and gold-clad professional teams – including the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins – all of whom have won a variety of championships.
Valley Forge brings together top athletes
The YMCA Gymnastics Nationals & Invitational brought together top athletes from 81 YMCA programs across the country. It took place in June 2024 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, a 240,000 square-foot facility suitable for a variety of indoor sports.
Montgomery County is a historic and scenic area known for its role in America’s history, best known as the location of the Valley Forge National Historical Park, the site of the Continental Army’s winter encampment during the Revolutionary War.
York Expo Center can host a variety of events
Located in South Central Pennsylvania, York is known for its historical heritage, with landmarks such as the York Historic District and the Colonial Complex showcasing its role in American history. York is also known for its thriving arts scene, with the Appell Center for the Performing Arts offering a variety of exhibits, performances, and events.
The York Expo Center is one of the largest exposition centers in South Central Pennsylvania with more than 250,000 square feet of space. A combination of unique historic architecture with modern amenities, the York Expo Center offers something for everyone.
Let your games begin at sportsinpa.com.
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