Photo by Shawnee Sports Complex .
Event Planning
written by cathy bonnstetter
Scoring Big
enjoying west virginia ’ s sports venues
Entertainment and sports venues around the state host events designed for fans of all ages . These events place West Virginia on a worldwide stage while also contributing millions of dollars to the state ’ s economy .
Multi-use sports facilities , such as The Bridge Sports Complex in Bridgeport , WV , and Mylan Park in Morgantown , WV , not only host sports events , but they also keep Mountaineers of all ages and skill levels moving . With an aquatics center , climbing facility , fitness center and thousands of square feet of playing field at the CityNet Indoor Facility , The Bridge hosts between 500,000 and 700,000 people annually .
In 2024 , the facility will host approximately 25 different sports camps . In March 2024 , The Bridge will also break ground on a $ 1.5 million inclusive playground .
“ Our goal is to serve all members of our community , from the Senior Club to the Challenger League ,” says Droo Callahan , general manager of The Bridge . “ We want to serve anyone in our community who wants health and fitness in their lives .”
The facility opened in June 2021 . Callahan estimates The Bridge ’ s economic impact to be between $ 2.5 and $ 3 million annually . The facility will host a father and son baseball tournament in the spring , as well as May Basketball Madness .
In Morgantown , WV , Mylan Park , a recreation , sport , social , health and wellness complex , offers the community multiple programs . The aquatic center and track complex hosts programs such as Learn to Swim , drop-in fitness and seasonal camps . The facility has more than 100,000 visitors annually . Danielle Rudash , assistant director of marketing and outreach , says the facility has something for everyone .
Owned and operated by the Mylan Park Foundation , the sports complex , which started with just four baseball and softball fields approximately 20 years ago , now spans 400 acres . For those who enjoy watching diving and swimming competitions , Mylan Park will be hosting the Big 12 Swimming and Diving Championship in February and the USA Diving Junior National Championships in July .
In October , Governor Jim Justice announced a $ 3.5 million grant award for Mylan Park . The governor ’ s office estimates the facility ’ s economic impact at $ 9 million annually .
“ Mylan Park stands as a cornerstone in Monongalia County ’ s landscape , offering premier facilities that elevate our region ’ s quality of life and appeal for destination-branding sporting events ,” says Susan Riddle , president and CEO of Visit Mountaineer Country Convention & Visitors ’ Bureau ( CVB ). “ Our premier amenities and versatile spaces here attract tournaments , championships and competitions , not just enhancing our local sports scene but also drawing participants and spectators both nationally and internationally . The influx of visitors fuels our economy , boosts tourism and solidifies North Central West Virginia as a prime destination for athletic excellence .”
Photo by Mylan Park .
Located in the Capital City , the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center has hosted 49 sporting events since 2021 . The center has more than 100,000 square feet of space that can be converted for sports .
“ We can host a variety of sports , from archery , basketball , boxing , cheer and dance to volleyball , table tennis and wrestling ,” says Veronica Ratcliff , director of marketing and sales .
In summer 2023 , the convention center , in collaboration with the Charleston CVB , hosted two international
www . wvexecutive . com 11