What makes Rock Hill/York County shine?
Planning a sporting event can be tough. Everyone has different interests and, being the planner, you want to make everyone happy. Luckily, Rock Hill/York County has everything under the sun to make your event or tournament successful for all.
Arts and entertainment, history and culture, shopping and dining, and—of course—sports and recreational activities are all available within the Rock Hill/York County borders. Indoor or outdoor, rain or shine, the assortment of options for customizing the perfect event is endless. Hike scenic mountain trails and see a picturesque view of a South Carolina sunset on your leisure time. Indulge in a traditional southern meal so good you’ll think you’re in grandma’s kitchen.
Rock Hill/York County is the place to be if you want to make a vacation out of your event. Appealing to families, teams and coaches, Rock Hill/York County gives the ultimate sporting experience for players of all levels.
Will I have enough to do on my free time?
Absolutely. York County is full of activities ready to be experienced once you get a break in play. Carowinds, an amusement and water park, has rides of all speeds and sizes, with roller coasters for adrenaline junkies or carousels for theme park beginners. Comfort Inn at Carowinds and Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte are the perfect places to stay and play.
Check out “The Stadium” Sports Amphitheatre at Revolutions in the Rock Hill Galleria or sit down at its full-service restaurant after bowling in one of its 20 VIP bowling lanes.
Cherry Park has five state-of-the-art softball/baseball and multi-purpose fields, plus a playground with picnic tables and grills. The legendary baseball player Mighty Casey is honored here with a sculpture—perfect for photo ops with the team!
Looking to enjoy the beauty of nature? Kings Mountain State Park sets the stage for a great retreat. With two lakes and streams for fishing and 35 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, the park is the place for everyone to unwind.
Stop by Gettys Art Center to get a glimpse at local Rock Hill/York County artwork and view artists’ galleries and studios.
Quaint boutiques and antiques filled with hidden treasures line the streets in this charming southern town. With various downtowns to choose from, Rock Hill/York County has a vast selection of shops.
X Factors
- Social media platforms – Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and blog
- Volunteer staff of over 20 organizations
- PR/media coverage via local radio, newspapers, TV and online outlets
- Signage via flyers, website’s home page and social media
- Site visits
- Complimentary shuttle service for teams and spectators
- Housing assistance
- Discounts to local attractions
Planner Perspective
What are Rock Hill/York County’s facilities like?
Irwin Belk Track at Winthrop University Athletic Complex
Sports: Soccer, track and field
This newly built $2.8 million track and soccer complex, named after Charlotte’s famous businessman and philanthropist Irwin “Ike” Belk, is Rock Hill/York County’s best facility yet. Its top-quality Mondo rubberized surfaces attract NCAA Division I competitors to come compete. The complex includes a full-sized soccer field and designated area for field events like discus and pole vault. Comfortable seating is provided for fans to cheer on their track stars.
Giordana Velodrome
Sports: Cycling
The Giordana Velodrome, part of the Rock Hill Outdoor Center, is a 250-meter, world-class cycling track endorsed by USA Cycling. The idea backing this facility is to introduce to the community and its visitors the Olympic sport of track cycling. Its home base was made to train and develop those interested in track cycling, and offers programs for cyclists of all levels and equipment rental.
Novant Health BMX Supercross Tracks
Sports: BMX Cycling
This BMX Supercross Track opened in 2014 and is the only Olympic-caliber training center on the East Coast. With only a few in the country, it hosts local, state, regional, and national events and provides training and insight for those dreaming of entering Olympic cycling one day. With all ages and experience levels welcome, and countless programs, races and events to choose from, the track is a premier cycling facility.
Lake Wylie
Sports: Water sports, golf, 5k/10k runs
Want a place with natural scenery and entertaining sport activities that’s close to the city? Lake Wylie is all of the above. Nestled in the Northwest shore, put your water sports skills to the test with swimming, rowing, sailing, fishing, skiing, wakeboarding—you name it! The lake hosts the annual Splash Dash, a 5k/10k walk or run, as well as Captain’s Choice Golf Tournament.
Manchester Meadows Soccer Complex
Sports: Soccer, biking
Manchester Meadows Soccer Complex is a new 70-acre park. Whether you’re there for the soccer or its winding trails, the park has room for everyone. It features six regulation and two championship soccer fields, a stadium to hold 1,500 people and a pavilion with concessions. Wander over to the Lake Pavilion to enjoy a homemade picnic at one of its many picnic tables, or start exploring its bike trails. A playground is also included to keep younger siblings occupied while big brother or sister competes, keeping everyone entertained.
Is it easy to get there?
A short 20 miles from one of the busiest international airports in the country and a 25 minutes ride to NASCAR Hall of Fame and Downtown Charlotte which is where it is at.
By Car: The Carolinas have access to three major interstate systems: I-77, I-85 and I-40. Whether coming from the Northeast, Southeast, Southwest or Midwest, there will be an easy route option for your arrival to Rock Hill/York County. I-40 provides an important East-to-West link for coast-to-coast travel.
By Air: Conveniently located on the cusp of Charlotte, North Carolina, this South Carolina town has easy access to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, one of the fastest growing airports in the U.S. with over 120 non-stop service destinations.
