SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.
Issue link: https://sportsevents.epubxp.com/i/80957
Advertise Directories Natural Venues Guide Convention Centers Guide Site Selection GUIDE space, a renovated events arena and a reno- vated hotel. When complete in spring 2013, it will be the second largest conven- tion and events complex in the state and will be connected to 276 hotel rooms. Contact: Cedar Rapids Area CVB, www.cedar-rapids.com. Cedar Valley Cedar Valley consists of multiple cities including Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Waverly and is located in northeast Iowa. "Despite a total population of fewer than 120,000 people, Cedar Valley is home to both NCAA Division I University of Northern Iowa and NCAA Division III Wartburg College," said Jim Marlin, exec- utive director of the Cedar Valley Sports Commission. Hotel rooms: 2,000 Hotel tax: 14 percent Fields & facilities: 30 baseball/softball diamonds, 20 basketball/volleyball courts, 30 tennis courts and five pools. UNI-Dome: The University of Northern Iowa's UNI-Dome has a domed roof, 78,000 square feet of floor space and park- ing for 3,000. The facility also has fixed seats for 16,400 but can seat up to 22,000. Contact: Cedar Valley Sports Commission, www.cedarvalleysports.org. Council Bluffs In west Iowa, on the east bank of the Missouri River just across from Omaha, Neb., is Council Bluffs, the Purple Martin capital of Iowa. Situated in the heart of the Loess hills, Council Bluffs features more than 25 parks for outdoor lovers to explore, hike and bike, as well as the Council Bluffs Recreation Complex, which has numer- ous facilities for softball, baseball, soccer and football. In 2011, the recreation com- plex's team was awarded the Iowa Baseball Field of the Year Award by the Iowa Chapter Sports Turf Manager's Association. Hotel rooms: 2,500+ Hotel tax: 12 percent Trails: Council Bluffs is home to a 39-mile continuous system of trails. Contact: Council Bluffs CVB, www.councilbluffs iowa.com. Des Moines FAMILY FUN! Lost Island Water Park Waterloo's Lost Island Water Park is the largest water park in the state and features attractions such as Lost Soul Falls, the Tangerine Tempest, and its newest addition, the Wailua Kupua, a water slide that's like a roller coaster. www.thelostisland.com Des Moines, in central Iowa, is the state capital and is centrally located at the intersection of Interstates 80 and 35. The city is known as a track and field destination and is even called Track Central USA, said Michelle Schlicher, marketing manager of the Greater Des Moines CVB. Cedar Valley The city also provides easy transporta- tion opportunities for downtime fun. "With downtown skywalks connecting the con- vention center to restaurants and hotels, as well as a free downtown shuttle, a bicycle sharing program, and a bus system current- ly under major renovation, coaches, ath- letes and fans can enjoy ease of access to everything downtown," Schlicher said. Hotel rooms: 10,000+ Fields & facilities: 218 baseball fields, 116 soccer fields, 112 tennis courts, 72 indoor basketball courts, 16 football fields, 11 track and field courses, six bowling centers, four championship golf courses, and three ice rinks with a total of four sheets of ice. Major event: The Amateur Athletic Union's (AAU) Junior Olympic Games were hosted in Des Moines in 2009. Attendance at the games was more than 23,900, Schlicher said. Thanks to the city's success in 2009, Des Moines will host the games again in 2014. Contact: Greater Des Moines CVB/ www.sportseventsmagazine.com Des Moines Area Sports Commission, www.seedesmoines.com. Sioux City Sioux City is located in western Iowa on the shores of the Missouri River. More than 30 World Team Trials and NAIA Championship sporting events have been hosted in Sioux City, said David Harris, convention and sports sales representative for the city. "We have welcomed numerous teams to our city, and we give each of them a sense that Sioux City is a home away from home while here competing." Hotel rooms: 2,243 Hotel tax: 12 percent Fields & facilities: Approximately two ice rinks, 23 soccer fields, a football stadi- um, a track and field facility, four golf courses, three bowling facilities, a disc golf facility, and numerous baseball fields and basketball courts. Major facility: The Tyson Events Center is a flexible venue for a variety of sporting events. It features the 10,000-seat Gateway Arena, a full-sized hockey rink, and the Long Lines Family Recreation Center, an adjoining venue with facilities for soccer, basketball, volleyball and in- line hockey. Contact: Sioux City CVB, www.visit siouxcity.org. ■ P.T. August 2012 53 ▼ Lost Island Waterpark Cedar Valley has a rich history in the sport of wrestling and hosts the USA Wrestling Pre-Season Nationals, the USA Wrestling Folk Style Nationals, and The Battle of Waterloo, a 32-team high school dual meet featuring the top programs throughout the state.