www.sportseventsmagazine.com
September 2014
19
Big open spaces. While that's the obvious draw for
many sports events planners when they turn to convention
centers, that's only the tip of the iceberg.
From karate and cheerleading to cricket and volleyball, both
indoor and traditional outdoor sports often find that the pack-
age offered by convention centers is attractive. Not to mention,
there are no weather worries.
➤
While convention centers offer
many inherent advantages, some
groups are finding that arenas are a
preferable alternative. In fact, Pop
Warner Little Scholars Inc. looks to
arenas first for many of its cheer and
dance competitions, according to
Executive Director Jon Butler.
"We find that arenas or field hous-
es work much better for our events,"
he said. "One of the major issues is
the cost of bringing in seating to a
convention center." Arenas have
built-in seating for spectators and
judges and, often, there is no charge
for parking, he said. The organiza-
tion's Mid-America Regional Cheer
and Dance Championships are held
at the University of Northern Illinois'
Chick Evans Field House.
■
An Eye On Arenas
GOT SPACE...
WILL PLAY
By Selena Chavis
SPECIAL Feature
▼
Convention
centers
are
often
perfect
for
a
variety
of
sports
like
volleyball.
2014
Focus
On
Convention
Centers
RCC
