Planning a Sports Event in Kentucky: Logistics, Lodging, and Local Entertainment

There’s no question that Kentucky is a great place to hold a sporting event.

One need only think of the Kentucky Derby and all that it entails: the fanfare, the glamorous outfits people don, the high-stakes bets that are made. Indeed, the state holds great promise for sporting events of all sorts.

If you’re interested in holding an event of your own, the possibilities are numerous. You’ll have to decide upon one area to focus on, of course, and then consider all the details. Let’s first take a look at the pros and cons of different regions, then examine the possibilities for venues, lodging, etc.

Discover top venues for tournaments and events by visiting the Kentucky Sports Facilities Guide.

A Big State

Kentucky might not get as much attention as New York, California, or Florida does, but it is certainly a significant state in many respects. With a population of almost 5 million people, Kentucky boasts major urban areas in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and more. Plus, there are semi-urban and rural regions that could also be excellent spots for an event, depending on the sport. If polo is your game, for example, you might want to check out Mt Brilliant Farm outside of Lexington.

Famous Sports Venues in Kentucky

Kentucky is home to numerous famous venues. They’ve got Louisville Slugger Field, of course, where the famed Louisville Bats play. There is also Rupp Arena, which also hosts baseball games, in addition to music concerts and more. We could go on and on: the Kentucky Exposition Center, KFC Yum! Center, etc.

And of course there are lots of other options, depending on your sport of choice. Whatever it is, check out the best options and see which one makes the most sense for the kind of crowd you want to draw. You’ll have to consider logistics, as well: How long will it take people to get to your chosen venue from the nearest airport or other major transportation hub?

There are also virtual activities, of course. Online casinos are gaining popularity rapidly, and you can introduce guests to them, including sweepstakes casinos in Kentucky. People could enjoy both an in-person and online experience simultaneously.

Lodging in Kentucky

Kentucky has great options for lodging. Depending on the cost and type of housing people are looking for, different areas provide different possibilities. If you’re hosting in Louisville, for example, you’ll have options from standard to old-style luxurious:

The Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast Inn, a boutique hotel with old-world charm and new-world amenities
Paducah 1895 Washington Hotel, which will give guests a real feel for what lodging was like the 19th century
The Woodford, which is arguably the highest-class hotel in the city

These are just examples, of course. Each region in the state boasts its own unique options, as well as standard ones. Guests can always stay at the Hilton, Sheridan, or any number of budget options.

If you are planning a large-scale sporting event, be sure to notify people early! Once people start booking up the hotels, places will quickly become unavailable. So make sure to include reminders about this.

Get all the details on Kentucky’s premier sports venues in one place.

Local Entertainment in Kentucky

What would give guests the most complete experience, of course, would be the opportunity to visit other interesting spots while in the state. If your event will be in Louisville, guests can take part in a whole range of interesting attractions:

Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum. People can visit the iconic site of the famed race, and also check out the museum devoted to it. Both offer a fascinating insight into the history, traditions, and other fun facts surrounding the Derby.
Urban Bourbon Experience. If you’re a fan of bourbon, you can visit ten different distilleries in the area and learn all about the distilling process and subtleties of the various types.
The Belle of Louisville. This old steamboat can still be visited, and it gives people a sense of what these boats were like back in the day.

Lexington offers its own list of attractions:

Malibu Jack’s Lexington, which includes a mini golf course, go-karting, and an arcade
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, which includes 734 acres of trails, streams, and different types of wildlife
Keeneland, which is a unique equine spot that includes a race course and even a horse auction facility

Other spots offer their own unique attractions. And, of course, you can always go online and check out what online casinos are offering these days. In short, guests won’t be at a loss for entertainment in Lexington. You just have to decide what makes the most sense for your purpose and the types of guests you expect to host.

Bring Kentucky to life

You may even find unexpected treasures around the state. Before you start planning, you should first find a venue that suits the sport you want to host. Then you can start planning around it. Keep your numbers in mind, though: If you want to host an event that will include several thousand people, a remote rural spot might not offer the accommodation facilities that you require. Also keep in mind the types of food and entertainment that your guests will likely be looking for. If you get it right, you will surely give people an unforgettable experience in the great state of Kentucky.