SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.
Issue link: https://sportsevents.epubxp.com/i/334460
www.sportseventsmagazine.com June 2014 19 ▼ SPECIAL Feature Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Condado Lagoon, the Condado Plaza Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is consid- ered an "awesome" host hotel by Vela Uno Paddleboarding, the producers of Paddle Royal. Access to the Condado Lagoon has also made the hotel a popular host for partici- pants of the Iron Man Triathlon since 2012, with competitors enjoying the opportunity to use the lagoon to practice the swimming portion of the event, according to Joel Burgos, banquet and event services direc- tor. And, participants of the FINA (Federación Internacional de Natación) International Swimming Competition, which takes place at the nearby Puerto Rico Natatorium, have stayed at this property for the past two years. Additionally, the Condado Plaza Hilton, which enjoys close proximity to the Puerto Rico Coliseum and the Roberto Clemente Coliseum, has been the host site for NCAA basketball teams, families and fans for the ESPN Puerto Rico Tip Off every November since 2007. Other hotels in San Juan, including the Caribe Hilton and the El San Juan Hilton, often host groups taking part in several marathons and half-marathons held throughout the year. Located next to the 600,000-square-foot Puerto Rico Convention Center, which hosts numerous sports events, ranging from volleyball tournaments to MotoCross to International Table Tennis, is the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel and Casino. Adding to its convenience, the hotel is just 10 minutes from the airport. With 503 rooms, 40,000 square feet of flexible function space and many amenities, it provides athletes and their families numer- ous activities between competitions. ■ BY MARCIA BRADFORD Ben Thouard/Courtesy Vela Uno Paddleboarding Competing In The Caribbean San Juan Hotels A Natural Host For Athletes Close Up With SportsEvents *02-19 SE JUNE 2014_SportsEvents TEMPLATE 6/16/14 1:45 PM Page 19