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.
2023 Issue
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!
Sincerely,
Shelbey and the Arkansas Sports Team
BENTONVILLE
Known as the mountain bike capital of the world, Bentonville is a town where progress meets history and sports and arts meet innovation.
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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
Slaughter Pen Trails – Bike Events
The Slaughter Pen trails in Bentonville provide a unique urban mountain biking experience. The 40- plus miles of single-track flow alongside the paved Razorback Regional Greenway
The Slaughter Pen trails in Bentonville provide a unique urban mountain biking experience. The 40- plus miles of single-track flow alongside the paved Razorback Regional Greenway and by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, where the path is dotted with public art. The Slaughter Pen system includes trails ranging in difficulty from beginners to expert, with connector trails taking riders between the various hubs of the system.
Memorial Park – Baseball, softball, tennis, biking
Memorial Park is home to several sporting facilities, including a tennis complex with 12 lighted courts, five lighted baseball fields, six lighted softball fields and four T-ball fields. The soccer complex has seven lighted soccer fields and two multi-purpose fields. It has two basketball courts, four lighted sand volleyball courts, one multiuse skate and bike part, and an aquatic center featuring an Olympic size pool and a separate diving pool with a water slide.
Bentonville Tiger and West Athletic Complexes – Baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, track, skateboarding
Both complexes have numerous facilities, college-like stadiums, and indoor practice facilities. Events can seat over 6,000 people with over 232,000 square feet. Both feature courts, arenas, auxiliary gyms, and hardwood surfaces. There are also track/soccer stadiums; championship softball fields and Philips Park, a 40-acre home to Bentonville High School and American Legion baseball teams.
John Hysell
Sports Sales Manager
479-326-8421
John@VisitBentonville.com
CONWAY
With more than 1,200 hotel rooms, Conway has plenty of spaces for you to rest your head after enjoying a long day at a tournament.
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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
Slaughter Pen Trails – Baseball
A top park in the state, Conway Station Park is home to eight fields with a 225-foot fence, while the final field features a 350-foot fence, giving sluggers an impressive challenge to aim for.
A top park in the state, Conway Station Park is home to eight fields with a 225-foot fence, while the final field features a 350-foot fence, giving sluggers an impressive challenge to aim for. This massive park is also equipped with its own concession stand, heated/cooled bathrooms, maintenance shed, and a beautiful pond.
City of Colleges Park – Softball
The gorgeous layout of this lovely award-winning park in Conway allows enough room for five entire softball fields. After being completed in 2009, City of Colleges Park has become known as one of the top softball parks in the area. It also features a playground for children to enjoy. This park is also home to Central Baptist College, St. Joseph High School, and Homeschool softball.
Conway Tennis Center – Tennis
This beautiful tennis center has eight courts where lessons, leagues, events and reservations are available for players to hone their tennis skills. If a reservation is made, the Conway Tennis Center even rents out ball machines for a small fee. The center is made up of eight courts surrounding two smaller buildings with bathrooms and lounging areas.
Rachel Shaw
Executive Director
501-932-5409
rachel@conwayarkansas.org
FAYETTEVILLE
Fayetteville is more than a city, it’s an experience. With a slew of big-time sports, Fayetteville is a great place to hold a tournament.
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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
Kessler Regional Park – Soccer, baseball, mountain-biking, hiking
This regional park is home to six lighted soccer, four lighted baseball fields, and two restroom/concession buildings. On its 620 acres, the park is also home to historic Kessler Mountain. This regional park is home to six lighted soccer, four lighted baseball fields, and two restroom/concession buildings. On its 620 acres, the park is also home to historic Kessler Mountain. The park operates as a regional sports park with popular areas for mountain-bikers and hikers, with more than 10 miles of natural-surface trails that tie back into the amazing Razorback Green-way trail system.
Baum Walker Stadium – Baseball
Large enough for more than 10,000 visitors, Baum Walker Stadium is home to the University of Arkansas baseball team. This stadium won Baseball America’s poll of best college facilities in 1998 and took second in the same poll five years later. Baum Walker Stadium has hosted five NCAA Regionals and a NCAA Super Regional and has undergone three renovations including the enclosure of hitting and pitching cages and adding 2,600 chair back seats.
Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium -Football
Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium houses the University of Arkansas football team. Following a major $110 million renovation project prior to the 2001 season, the stadium’s capacity was increased to 80,000. The east concourse is “Championship Alley” with displays of conference championships, the 1964 national title and every football letterman. The south end zone concourse is “All-American Alley” and is dedicated to Razorbacks All-Americans.
Tina Archer-Cope
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
479-521-5776 ext. 310
tarcher@experiencefayetteville.com
FORT SMITH
Central on the U.S. Interstate system, Fort Smith is easy to reach by road—or by sky—and offers an ideal mix of Group-friendly dining, shopping, and entertainment minutes away from 2,750+ guest rooms.
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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
Fort Smith Convention Center – Volleyball, Basketball, Gymnastics, Cheer, Tennis, Pickleball, Dance, eSports, Martial Arts, Cornhole, Wrestling
The infinitely flexible Fort Smith Convention Center offers 116,800 sq. ft. of usable event space and a state-of-the-art performing arts center just steps from downtown dining, shopping, and entertainment.
The infinitely flexible Fort Smith Convention Center offers 116,800 sq. ft. of usable event space and a state-of-the-art performing arts center just steps from downtown dining, shopping, and entertainment. The column-free, 40,000 sq. ft. Exhibition Hall (divisible into 5 sections) features 34’ ceilings and accommodates up to eight (8) volleyball courts; eight (8) Tennis Courts; sixteen (16) pickleball courts; four (4) basketball courts.
Ben Geren Regional Park – Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Disc Golf, Golf, Mountain Biking
The expansive Ben Geren Regional Park offers a 12-field Soccer Complex; 10-field Softball Complex; 6-court Tennis Center; 27-hole Golf Course; three (3) 18-hole Disc Golf Courses; three (3) Sand Volleyball Courts; a premier Arkansas Mountain Biking Trail System (21+ miles). It is also home to Parrot Island Waterpark and a miniature golf course. Other features include a Community Building, Safety Shelter, Pavilions, Playgrounds, Fitness Course, and a Family & Community Fishing Program Lake.
FS Baseball & Softball / Boys & Girls Club – Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball
Evans Club includes three (3) Baseball/Softball Fields; two (2) Indoor Basketball Courts; two (2) Outdoor Basketball Courts; one (1) Soccer Field. Goldtrap Club includes four (4) Baseball/Softball Fields; one (1) Indoor Basketball Court; one (1) Soccer Field. Jeffrey Club includes three (3) Soccer Fields. Stephens Club includes three (3) Soccer Fields; one (1) Indoor Basketball Court; one (1) Outdoor Basketball Court. And Kelley Park includes eight (8) Baseball/Softball Fields.
Amy Jones
Director of Sales
479-783-8888
amy@fortsmith.org
HOT SPRINGS
Enjoy a relaxing spa vacation getaway in Hot Springs National Park, where you can hike, shop and enjoy the great outdoors.
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FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
Bank OZK Arena – Basketball, cheer, volleyball, pickleball, concerts
Bank OZK Arena seats 6,300 and is connected to the Hot Springs Convention Center, Hotel Hot Springs and Embassy Suites. Bank OZK Arena has hosted the Sunbelt College Basketball Championships
Bank OZK Arena seats 6,300 and is connected to the Hot Springs Convention Center, Hotel Hot Springs and Embassy Suites. Bank OZK Arena has hosted the Sunbelt College Basketball Championships, FLW Bass Fishing Tournament, Arkansas High School Basketball Championships, Arkansas High School Cheer Championships, and GAC Volleyball Championships. The Arena has hosted U.S. Indoor Pickleball Championships, and concerts ranging from Foreigner to Tony Bennett to Willie Nelson.
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort – Horse Racing, track and field, concerts
Oaklawn is known for its 100 + year tradition of professional horse racing which is highlighted each season by The Arkansas Derby. The tracks infield has also proven to be a great setting for the Arkansas High School Cross Country Championships. Oaklawn’s newly opened expansion includes a 4-star hotel, spa, multi-purpose event & concert hall, multiple restaurants, sportsbook, and casino.
Majestic Park – Baseball, softball
The Majestic Park Baseball Complex was specifically designed for youth baseball & softball tournaments and features five fields. Three of the fields are 225 feet to center field, lighted, and fenced with artificial turf infields and outfields, as well as, stationary mounds. The other two fields are 200 feet and 400 feet to center field, lighted and fenced. This new park is one of the best in its area with covered dugouts, covered grandstand seating, concessions and playground.
Craig Durmon
Sales Manager
501-321-2027
cdurmon@hotsprings.org
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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