Sports Planning Guide

From the shores of Lake Michigan to the banks of the Ohio River, Indiana offers outdoor experiences that go far beyond the expected.

In our latest feature, Discover Indiana's Great Outdoors, we explore destinations where groups can paddle scenic waterways, bike nationally recognized trail systems, hike through restored prairies, and experience some of the Midwest's most remarkable natural landscapes.

Highlights include...
🌿 Indiana Dunes National Park's year-round outdoor adventures
🚴 Terre Haute's nationally recognized Griffin Bike Park
🛶 White River paddling experiences in Hamilton County, Indiana
🌊 South Bend's East Race Waterway, the first man-made whitewater rafting course in North America
🚶 Kokomo's connected trail network and scenic pathways
🏞️ Historic and cultural outdoor attractions from Evansville to Lafayette-West Lafayette

For sports event planners, group tour operators, and destination leaders, these outdoor assets showcase how Indiana combines recreation, accessibility, and memorable experiences that keep visitors engaged beyond the event venue.

Discover why Indiana's natural landscapes continue to attract groups seeking adventure, connection, and authentic experiences.

Discover Indiana’s Great Outdoors Discover Indiana’s Great Outdoors Indiana’s diverse landscapes invite groups to paddle, hike, bike, and explore year-round   By Madelyn Bugai  From dense woodlands to sandy lakeside beaches, Indiana offers a wide variety of outdoor experiences that blend adventure, relaxation and natural beau...

North Carolina’s racquet sports scene is leveling up in a big way. 🎾🏓🏸🥒

From Greensboro's “Pickleball Town” initiative and Cary’s $60 million tennis & pickleball expansion to Raleigh’s upcoming 80-court Swing Racquet + Paddle campus, the state is rapidly becoming a premier destination for racquet sports events of every size.

At the same time, legacy venues in Winston-Salem, Mooresville, and Asheville continue to build on decades of championship tradition—proving that North Carolina’s winning formula combines cutting-edge facilities with experienced partners, volunteers and community support.

The result is more opportunities for rights holders, athletes, and fans alike across tennis, pickleball, badminton, and table tennis.

🔗 https://sportsplanningguide.com/north-carolina-americas-racquet-sport-powerhouse/

SportsNC

North Carolina: America’s Racquet Sport Powerhouse New mega complexes are redefining the state’s court capacity, while established venues continue to deliver a championship pedigree

Sports tourism works best when the experience extends beyond the competition.

Mississippi understands that better than most.

From college game days in Starkville and cycling events in Ridgeland to Gulf Coast sunsets and Delta blues culture, destinations across the Magnolia State are creating events that connect athletics with food, music, history and outdoor adventure.

Communities throughout Visit Mississippi are showing how authentic local experiences can elevate tournaments, attract visitors and leave a lasting impression on athletes and families alike.

The latest feature from Sports Planning Guide explores how destinations across the state are blending competition with culture to enhance event value for planners and visitors.

🔗 https://sportsplanningguide.com/sports-experiences-how-mississippi-is-blending-competition-with-culture-to-enhance-event-value/

Read more at SPG.

How Mississippi Is Blending Competition with Culture Whether cheering on the Bulldogs, biking the Natchez Trace, or enjoying Gulf Coast sunsets, Mississippi makes every sports event an unforgettable experience.