SPG's State Guide to Sports in Arkansas

On behalf of Arkansas Tourism and the Arkansas Sports Team we’d like to welcome you to The Natural State for your next sporting event.

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Welcome to Arkansas!

On behalf of Arkansas Tourism and the Arkansas Sports Team we’d like to welcome you to The Natural State for your next sporting event.

Centrally located in the mid-South, with a moderate climate year-round, Arkansas is a beautiful, affordable destination for sporting events. An easy drive from anywhere in the south or mid-west with great interstate connectivity, we are also home to two major airports – Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in Bentonville. Once you arrive, you will find many reasons why The Natural State works well for groups of all sizes. We hope that your team has time to take a break from playing to seek out adventure in Arkansas. We offer an exciting contrast of fast-paced and laid-back, urban and scenic, business and pleasure, all with genuine hospitality you just can’t find anywhere else.

Need help planning? Arkansas Sports Team members put the “pro” in proficient when it comes to hosting events. The Arkansas Sports Team is comprised of 13 destinations scattered throughout Arkansas with members who represent cities with a wide array of facilities so you can be sure to find the perfect location for any event. From Texarkana to Jonesboro, monster truck rallies to baseball tournaments, and everywhere and everything in-between, Arkansas is the natural choice for sports!

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Explore Arkansas Through Our Features

Dive Deeper with Our Destination Highlights

Craighead Forest Park

JONESBORO

Filled with gift shops, restaurants, art galleries and a day spa, Jonesboro has something for everyone after a long day at a tournament.

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Craighead Forest Park – Basketball, hiking, disc golf, softball, volleyball, fishing

This 770-acre park opened in 1937 and in the last 20 years, the park has gone through numerous renovations improving the playgrounds (4) and RV campgrounds (41 spaces).
This 770-acre park opened in 1937 and in the last 20 years, the park has gone through numerous renovations improving the playgrounds (4) and RV campgrounds (41 spaces). Craighead features many popular outdoor activities such as basketball, hiking, disc golf, softball, volleyball, mountain biking, camping and fishing.

Joe Mack Campbell Sports Complex – Baseball, soccer

The Joe Mack Campbell Sports Complex is home to 14-stunning baseball fields as well as 19 soccer fields. Right off Interstate 555, this complex has baseball fields that accommodate athletes from 7U to 14U leagues. Ten of the 14 fields have turf infields and manicured grass outfields. The complex also has its own batting cages. Soccer has 6 micro fields for 6U all the way up to high-school sized fields. Spectators can enjoy watching all the games in designated picnic areas around the complex with 4 full-function concession stands.

Southside Softball Complex – Softball

The Southside Softball Complex hosts the Mountain Dew Grand Slam Classic, the oldest youth tournament in the state of Arkansas. The complex has six batting cages and 10 softball fields, split between four pavilions. The softball complex also has two large and fully equipped concession stands for athletes and spectators to enjoy food at the ballpark. The fields are available day or night with updated lighting system installed in 2018.

Danny Kapales
Director
870-933-4604
dkapales@jonesboro.org

LitteRoco Jack Stephens Court

LITTLE ROCK

The natural state’s capital city, Little Rock is home to fabulous shopping, impressive art galleries and some of the finest dining in Arkansas.

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Rebsamen Tennis Center -Tennis

The Rebsamen Tennis Center is a tennis player’s utopia. Open year round, the tennis center offers 17 lighted courts, three lighted backboards and is a past recipient of the USTA‘s National Public Facility of the Year Award.
The Rebsamen Tennis Center is a tennis player’s utopia. Open year round, the tennis center offers 17 lighted courts, three lighted backboards and is a past recipient of the USTA‘s National Public Facility of the Year Award. Rebsamen hosts Adult and Junior Arkansas tournaments, and the tennis center has hosted USTA Southern Region tournaments and an annual USTA Men’s Pro Circuit Tournament.

Jack Stephens Center – Basketball, wrestling

The $25-million Jack Stephens Center is a state-of-the-art 5,600-seat, multi-purpose arena at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The Stephens Center hosts the school’s men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, the Boy’s and Girl’s State High School Wrestling Tournament, regional dance and cheer competitions, and the U.S. National Baton Twirling Championships.

Burns Park – Soccer, lacrosse, tennis

At 1,700 acres, Burns Park is Arkansas’s largest municipal park. The Burns Park Soccer Complex boasts 17 irrigated fields with tournament lighting on seven fields and 1,500 parking spaces. The complex has hosted several US Youth Soccer Region 3 Tournaments and the 2008 USYS National Tournament. The Burns Park Tennis Center has 24 lighted outdoor courts, six lighted indoor courts and has hosted state and regional tournaments and a Davis Cup Tournament!

Mitchell Haskett
Sales Manager
501-370-3228
mhaskett@littlerock.com

burns park

NORTH LITTLE ROCK

Natural beauty mixed with a bustling social and dining scene makes North Little Rock a fabulous destination for tournament planners and athletes.

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Craighead Forest Park – Soccer, golf, baseball, tennis, disc golf, BMX

The premier soccer complex of the South, Burns Park Soccer Complex contains 17 irrigated fields located between White Bayou and the Arkansas River.
The premier soccer complex of the South, Burns Park Soccer Complex contains 17 irrigated fields located between White Bayou and the Arkansas River. The complex features tournament lighting on one quadrant, Stadium Field, pavilions and 1,500 parking spaces. Sitting on 135 acres of preserved wetland, Burns Park is home to three-mile hiking and biking trails, trees and plenty of scenic beauty. The 1,700 acres of Arkansas’ largest ubran municipal park offers two 18-hole golf courses, a baseball complex, softball complex, Bonzai BMX track, the Burns Park Soccer Complex, a tennis center, playgrounds, camping and a seasonal amusement park.

North Little Rock Riverfront Park – Bicycling, running

This 3.3-acre park with a 17-mile trail system along the Arkansas River is the perfect starting point for large events. A popular run for numerous 5K events, adventure races and marathons there are plenty of open spaces for competitors to relax after the event. Competitive cycling events also call North Little Rock Riverfront Park home with riders in Arkansas’s largest competition the Big Dam Bridge 100 beginning their journey here.

North Little Rock High School – Football, baseball, basketball, softball, wrestling

North Little Rock High School opened multiple new facilities in the 2015-16 school year, including a brand new 5,000-seat stadium and track which is utilized for football. Along with the stadium is a fitness center, locker rooms, a weight room and a wrestling room.

Erica Warden
Director of Events
501-404-0192
erica@northlittlerock.org

PineBluff ConventionCenter

PINE BLUFF

This Arkansas Delta City is experienced in hosting a variety of sporting events. Be sure to enjoy the many museums and attractions Pine Bluff has to offer.

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Pine Bluff Aquatics Center -Swimming

Located in the heart of Pine Bluff, the $11 million 36,000-square-foot center offers first class facilities including an eight-lane, 25-yard short course competition pool with water maintained at 82 degrees, state-of-the-art timing scoreboard, a therapy pool, water sports area, and can accommodate up to 1,600 people.

Taylor Field Baseball Stadium – Baseball

Taylor Field Baseball Stadium is a regulation-size baseball field featuring a U-shaped grandstand that holds 1,800 seats behind home plate. The stadium was constructed in 1939 and is listed on the National Register of Historic places. It seats 2,400 and reaches 315 feet to the right and left field foul poles, 360 feet in left centerfield, and 390 feet to the deep corner in centerfield.

Pine Bluff Convention Center – Basketball, gymnastics, wrestling, boxing

Home of the world-renowned King Cotton Holiday Classic basketball tournament, this impressive center features a 23,000-square-foot arena with tiered seating for up to 7,600. Recent upgrades include the latest in audio visual technology such as overhead communications module with live video feed, replay, and broadcast, 12-foot videoboards, 18-foot digital scorer’s table, NCAA-approved lighting, renovated restrooms and dressing rooms, and adjoining concourses with flat-screen monitors and concession stands.

Sheri Storie
Director
870-534-2121
sstorie@explorepinebluff.com

Russellville Lake Dardanelle

RUSSELLVILLE

Situated near the Arkansas River, this city offers 23 parks, soccer, softball and baseball complexes and plenty of outdoor opportunities.

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Russellville Soccer Complex – Soccer, hiking

Russellville Soccer Complex has multiple soccer pitches for tournament play and plenty of open space for outdoor activities. The park has a 1.1-mile trail that can be used for running and walking. The path is also paved so it’s ADA accessible. The soccer complex has 3 lighted fields.

Lake Dardanelle State Park – Fishing, hiking, camping

This park is located in two areas on Lake Dardanelle, a 34,300 acre reservoir on the Arkansas River. It features a fishing pier, boardwalk trail and visitor center with five aquariums and the Lakeview Room meeting facility. There are 57 campsites in the Russellville area of the park. The park is also a National Park Service-certified site on the Trail of Tears water route.

Pleasant View Park, Shiloh Park, M. J. Hickey Park – Baseball, softball, swimming

Pleasant View Park and Shiloh Park have 6 softball fields with covered pavilions, restrooms and a dog park. The 7-field M.J. Hickey Park baseball complex has 3-lighted pavilions, restrooms, picnic tables and a 50-meter municipal swimming pool. The baseball and softball fields all feature benches, barbeque grills and picnic table so fans can eat heartily while enjoying the action.

Christie Graham
Executive Director
479-967-1762
cgraham@discoverrussellville.org

Springdale JonesCenterIceRink

SPRINGDALE

Springdale is for exploring. World-class cycling trails, pro baseball at Arvest Ballpark, art, and history collide for a change of scenery around every corner.

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

C.L. “Charlie” and Willie George Park – Baseball, softball, football, soccer, tennis, walking

This park features several amenities including one lighted football field, three lighted tennis courts, four artificial turf baseball fields with concessions, six soccer fields, a dog park, a paved walking trail, two pavilions, play structures and a splash pad open daily.

The Jones Center – Skating, swimming, fitness

This state-of-the-art 220,000-square-foot recreation, community and event center is located in the heart of Northwest Arkansas. This massive facility houses a year-round ice arena, junior-Olympic-sized lap pool, activity pool with a slide, world-class bike park, basketball court, fitness center, indoor track, conference center and chapel/auditorium. Also located in the center is a cafe with a menu designed in collaboration with local partners.

Springdale Recreation Center – Basketball, volleyball, soccer, group fitness, weight training

This newly remodeled facility boasts six indoor hardwood courts for basketball and volleyball, two indoor soccer fields, group fitness areas, and weight training equipment. The center is home to area youth sports and is an ideal location to host a tournament or camp at any age level. Ample parking, spectator seating, and full-service concessions are available to accommodate guests. The Springdale Recreation Center offers yearly memberships and facility reservations to meet any number of needs.

Wesley Oliver
Director of Tourism
(479) 927-6413
wesley@chamber.springdale.com

Texarkana ed worrell

TEXARKANA

Unique in that it straddles two states, Texas and Arkansas, this city has a wide array of restaurants, shopping and a bustling nightlife.

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Ed Worrell Memorial Baseball Park – Baseball

Ed Worrell Park in Texarkana has 115 acres of recreational land area with amenities including seven lighted baseball fields, running/jogging trails, parking, restrooms and two concession stands. It features concessions, off-street parking and is located near the Texarkana Regional Airport.

Ermer Dansby Pondexter Sports Complex – Baseball, softball

The Ermer Dansby Pondexter Sports Complex is home to five fields, a walking trail, playground, a huge pavilion, concession stand, air-conditioned bathrooms, plenty of shade for a picnic, and lots of parking. Guests appreciate the digital scoreboards courtesy of Youth Scoreboards of Arkansas as well as the convenience of using debit/credit cards at the concession stand. Players and coaches enjoy the playing surface, new lights and 200-foot tournament fences.

Texarkana Arkansas Convention Center – Conventions

Nestled in southwest Arkansas, just one mile from the Texas border in Texarkana, the Arkansas Convention Center is the premier location for events in its area. Its 10,000-square foot state-of-the-art facility was newly constructed in 2014, and is conveniently located on Interstate 30, just miles from I-49 south. The ballroom can be divided into four breakout rooms and it features a brightly lit gallery space that connects the four rooms.

Adam Dalby
Director of Parks and Recreation
870-779-4943
Adam.Dalby@txkusa.org

Rogers Tennis Facility

ROGERS

This vibrant outdoor community features glistening lakes, museums overflowing with artwork, and a variety of restaurants for all tastes.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Matrix Racquet Club – Tennis, padel, pickleball, volleyball

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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Matrix Racquet Club – Tennis, padel, pickleball, volleyball

Located right across the Rogers city line in Lowell, Matrix Racquet Club offers high-quality tennis facilities for camps, tournaments and events. With both indoor and outdoor courts, the facility is perfect for year-round events. In addition to tennis, the Club is equipped for padel, pickleball and volleyball. The expansive facility features 12 tennis courts, the ability to have 56 pickleball courts simultaneously, three padel courts, a café, and a health club.
Rogers Regional Sports Park/Veterans Memorial Park – Softball, baseball, kickball, football, quidditch, lacrosse, rugby, soccer

Rogers Regional Sports Park features six baseball/softball fields, a water fountain in every dugout and a designated warm-up area for each team along with a central concession stand. Veterans Memorial Park features two baseball fields, two softball fields, five grass multi-purpose fields, and one turf multi-purpose field with amenities including grills, pavilions, picnic tables, sand volleyball courts and a pond. Both are connected to the Rogers trail system.

Beaver Lake – Fishing, boating, swimming, scuba diving, kayaking

Beaver Lake, a 28,370-acre freshwater lake, is located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains and is a popular place to boat, camp, fish, scuba dive, canoe, wake board, kayak, stand up paddle board, and swim. It is nationally renowned for bass fishing and has become a destination for fishing tournaments.

Arkansas Athletes Outreach – Basketball, volleyball, cheer, dance, wrestling, table tennis, flag football, lacrosse

Arkansas Athletes Outreach is a newly built indoor/outdoor facility that features four indoor multi-purpose courts and two outdoor 100-yard grass fields. The Rogers facility has a sister property in Fayetteville with additional courts.

Luke Wiggins
Director of Sales
479-619-3191
luke@rogerslowell.com

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