Lee County: Your Pristine Southwest Florida Sports Getaway
Your Sports-Friendly Event Destination
A world-class event requires a world-class destination. Located in the Southwest Florida region, Lee County is an immaculate region with thriving communities, including Fort Myers and Sanibel. The breathtaking towns are perfect to visit year-round, with fairs & festivals in the fall, continued warmth in the winter, MLB Spring Training in the spring, and long beach days in the summer. Home to 50 miles of white sand beaches, a wide range of sports facilities, and endless hotel options, this is a no-brainer selection for your next event any time of year.
Lee County Sports Development
“The Lee County Sports Development team will assist you with the things that make an event an excellent experience, from finding hotels for your teams, meeting space for your sports business and everything in between. With all levels and types of events and more than 50 miles of pristine white sand beaches, we offer as much or as little as you would ever want to do.”
Lee County Sports Development
Southwest Florida can engage your event with its wide variety of state-of-the-art facilities with local arts, culture, attractions and, of course, beaches! From youth baseball to the Major Leagues, Lee County is home to extraordinary partners that work to provide a great experience for all its events. In partnership with Lee County Parks & Recreation and various hospitality partners, you can rest assured your event will be successful within the Greater Fort Myers Area.
Baseball and softball have a rich history as staples in Lee County with a plethora of events and activities. Further, the region’s multi-purpose indoor and outdoor venues make for a great place to host soccer, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball and pickle ball. Lee County is also home to an extensive outdoor endurance sports community that will challenge any person, including event and training opportunities in hockey, tennis and aquatics. Regardless of your niche, the Lee County Sports Development staff can help you find the right place to grow your event here in Lee County.
MISSION STATEMENT
“Our mission is simple: Offer a first-class destination focusing on superior customer service in a great community! Just when your game ends, that’s where your experience begins.”
Featured Faciilties
Lee County Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium
The Lee County Sports Complex is home to Hammond Stadium, five additional playing fields as well as the new Twins Player Development Academy. LCSC also features four state-of-the-art softball fields, which are frequented throughout the year by collegiate and community teams. This state-of-the-art complex is home to the Twins’ minor league affiliate, housing the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels of the Single-A Florida State League.
JetBlue Park
In Fort Myers, the impressive JetBlue Park has the exact field dimensions of Fenway Park, a replica Green Monster in left field, and nearly 10,000 seats. Construction on jetBlue Park began in 2011 to be the spring training home of the Boston Red Sox, which, of course, explains the replica model. The complex provides state-of-the-art training facilities positioned on a single site and is intended for year-round use. It features jetBlue Park, the main ballpark; six practice fields; and other adjoining facilities that house both Major and Minor League operations and a rehabilitation center.
Hertz Arena
Located in Estero, Florida, Hertz Arena is Southwest Florida’s premier entertainment venue offering a wide variety of choice entertainment. The 8,500-seat arena is home to ECHL’s Florida Everblades and also features a recreation facility with 2 additional NHL-sized rinks. Hertz Arena has been utilized for concerts, wresting, collegiate hockey tournaments, and more.
Things to Do
First and foremost, the beaches and waterways are a central part of life here. Check out any of the white sand beaches for a relaxing day in the sun. For more adventurous souls, boating, fishing, and diving charters are a fun-filled excursion. For canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding, head to The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile water trail through Southwest Florida with over 80 access points. Nature lovers should surely visit one of the many parks in the area, like Sanibel Island’s J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in the country. Or, the whole family will enjoy Lakes Regional Park, offering fishing, scenic boardwalks, and a water playground for the kids. Finally, the dining and brewery scene is second to none here, with quality options for every palate.
Major Events
2021 ROCKET MORTGAGE FORT MYERS TIP-OFF – Since 2018, the Fort Myers Tip-Off, a two-day nationally televised collegiate basketball tournament, has been successfully held at Suncoast Credit Union Arena during Thanksgiving Week. This year, Florida, Ohio State, Cal and Seton Hall make up the four-team field for the Beach Division. Bowling Green, Milwaukee, Southern Utah and Yale will make up the Palms Division. All games will be played at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College. Beach Division contests will be held Nov. 22 and 24, while Palms Division matchups take place Nov. 23 and 24. For the final game schedule, matchups and television designations, visit the Fort Myers Tip-Off website here!
Travel & Accomodations
Lee County is a stunning Florida getaway any time of year. Your travel and stay will be stress-free thanks to its accessible location and options for accommodation. Located in Fort Myers, the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is just 30 minutes from Fort Myers Beach and 45 minutes from Sanibel Island and offers international and nonstop domestic flights from major cities.
The options for your stay in Lee County are endless. From bed & breakfasts to condos, cottages, hotels, and resorts, there is a perfect fit for everyone here. “Lee County has a local housing agency that we offer to assist you with all of your needs. Lee County Sports Housing offers an extra level of customer service by a locally based team of reservation specialists,” Tommy Cassel, Business Development Manager at Lee County Sports Development says. With knowledge of the Southwest Florida area and the latest in technology, Lee County Sports Development ensures your participants enjoy the best tournament vacation experience possible! For local accommodations please visit https://www.leecountysportshousing.net/ to find your personal oasis amidst your vacation.
For more information and to inquire about hosting your next event in Lee County, head to their Playeasy profile here!
