Home to Your Next Championship

In addition to serving as the Spring Training home to three Major League Baseball teams, Central Florida's Polk County hosts many, regional, national and world championship events. Here are just a few reasons why you should bring your event to "The Destination of Champions."

1. Geographically, Polk County is located in the center of the State of Florida. More than 7 million people, one half of Florida's population, live within a one hundred mile radius. Bisected by Florida's primary east-west corridor, Interstate 4, Polk County is home to and only minutes from the world's most popular theme parks. Athletes and spectators also have their choice of flying into the Tampa or Orlando airports.

2. Florida's Sports Capital, Polk County is dedicated to the growth and development of sports and the sports industry. Because of our rich sports heritage, which includes hosting the Cleveland Indians, and Detroit Tigers for their pre-season training, Polk County is recognized nationally as a leader in the field. In addition USA Water Ski, the United States Olympic Committee's National Governing Body, the LPGA's Futures Golf Tour Headquarters and the Independent Softball Association, are all based in Polk County.

3. Polk County is Attraction Central! In addition to a world-class sports environment, Polk County offers a wide variety of sports friendly, affordable accommodations and restaurants, that provide an ideal place to hold any sporting activity. Polk County's tourist, cultural and historical attractions offer athletes and spectators plenty of fun and entertainment.

4. Sponsorship - Polk County's corporate community recognizes the marketing, entertainment and social value of sports and is, therefore, very supportive of sporting events. Polk County Sports Marketing works closely with event organizers to secure sponsorship assistance from sources within and outside of the Polk County corporate community.

5. Media Support - Because of its central location, Polk County is an ideal place to be if attracting media coverage for an event is a priority. Three daily newspapers, five television news bureaus, numerous radio stations and about 10 weekly newspapers serve Polk County. Additional publications and television stations in the nearby Orlando and Tampa/St. Petersburg markets also cover Polk County.

6. Community Support - Polk County citizens are very supportive of all sporting events staged on their home turf, whether on the local, regional, national or international level! Local clubs and a solid base of volunteers are available for just about every sporting activity.