We drive past each time we head out to Cedar Point and I can’t wait to see the finished project! I’m excited to share that the construction of Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center is ahead of schedule, as crews continue to build the Midwest’s premier youth sports facility located just miles down the road and across the bay from Cedar Point. The Sandusky park, expected to open for tournament play in March of 2017, will provide a “Best Day” experience for athletes and their families and will offer Erie County exposure to the rapidly growing, recession-resilient youth sports tourism industry.
With Sports Force Parks’ ability to host all levels of baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse, combined with professional-level synthetic turf fields and diverse family activities, reaction from the sports industry has been strong with interest, bookings and partnerships with noted organizations such as U.S. Lacrosse and more.
In addition, the recently-announced partnership between Sports Force Parks and CASA (Central Alliance Soccer Association) will allow the complex on Cleveland Road to extend its season by nearly two months, adding events in March and November.
CASA and Sports Force Parks will come together to host a series of events throughout the year, changing the landscape of youth soccer opportunities throughout the region. CASA’s network includes 550 teams from Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York participating in its various leagues.
With 2017 event planning already underway, now is the time to register for inaugural-year tournaments and take advantage of an added bonus. Sports Force Parks is offering up to $500 off weeklong tournaments for teams that sign up by July 15.
The additional benefits for teams that participate in tournaments at Sports Force Parks are vast. They’ll have the opportunity to not only play at the state-of-the-art facility, but as an added benefit to tournament registration, they’ll receive free admission to Cedar Point, The Roller Coaster Capital of the World®, and Soak City Waterpark during the length of their events.
Family members who visit Sports Force Parks to support teams, watch tournaments and enjoy the facility’s recreational activities can purchase discounted Cedar Point and Soak City tickets as well. Special rates and ticket packages are also available for tournament families at the Cedar Point Resorts hotel properties.
Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center consists of four NCAA regulation baseball fields, eight NCAA regulation soccer and lacrosse fields and eleven youth baseball and softball fields. The complex also features fun for families like miniature golf, ropes courses, trampoline structures, dining options and more.
Cedar Point and parent company Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio, are committed to community development and the youth sports space. This new facility has been made possible by collaboration with The Sports Force, local businesses, governments, community leaders and tourism organizations and is Cedar Fair’s first major foray into the youth sports tourism industry. The facility will serve as the framework to allow Cedar Fair to explore potential sports facilities in new markets across the country.
“When we think about how we can impact the communities we serve, family fun is what we do best,” said Jason McClure, Cedar Point’s vice president and general manager. “We know that time is valuable to busy families participating in so many activities. If we can combine their sporting events with a few days at Cedar Point and our other parks, they’ll be able to spend more time together and our communities will benefit immensely.”
Construction on Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center is scheduled to wrap up this fall. For more information, including how to book a tournament and multi-day visits to Sports Force Parks, visit sportsforceparkssandusky.com or call 844-737-2757.
