SPG's State Guide to Sports in Illinois

Welcome to Illinois!

On behalf of the Illinois Office of Tourism, I look forward to welcoming you to the Land of Lincoln for your next sporting event. Sports tourism is going from strength to strength, and our state truly understands the importance of creating exceptional experiences for visiting participants and fans. We see it as an incredible growth opportunity and are committed to supporting the industry however we can.

In 2023, sports tourism spending of $47.5 billion generated a total economic impact of $128.0 billion in the US, which supported 757,600 full-time and part-time jobs (Tourism Economics, 2023). This impact on our communities cannot be understated. In fact, Illinois was ranked 5th in the nation for economic impact from sports tourism in 2023. But we are still in growth mode and eager for more.

In my role as tourism director, I am reminded every day that Illinois truly is the Middle of Everything. And that means we are also in the middle of all things sports and athletics. Whether you are returning for a tournament or are a first-time visitor, there is always something new and exciting to discover in Illinois.

With more than 1,200 sporting venues and state-of-the-art facilities, Illinois hosts everything from PGA tournaments and Olympic trials to college and high school sporting tournaments. Sporting events are a vital part of our tourism industry in our state, and we continue to strive to be top-of-mind for sports associations and organizations planning their next event. We appreciate your consideration of Illinois for your future events.

No matter what your requirements, we are confident in our many and varied offerings from all regions of the state. Chicago is a world-class city with incredible restaurants, hotels, architecture, museums, and shopping, but Illinois adventures do not stop there. Illinois is also home to quaint small towns and unique communities, endless great outdoor adventures and scenic beauty, rich presidential history, classic Americana along historic Route 66, more than a hundred wineries and so much more. Illinois offers an amazing experience from the moment you arrive to long after your team finishes up for the day.

To find a sporting facility and to learn more about holding your next event in Illinois, please visit Sportsillinois.com. You can also plan an unforgettable trip to Illinois by visiting EnjoyIllinois.com.

Daniel Thomas – Deputy Director

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism