2019-07-10 07:04:38
SPORTS VENUES AND FACILITIES OFFER GREAT PLACES FOR TOURNEY PLAY
IT’S GAME ON IN CHARLESTON! Two major competitive sports venues have upped the area’s game against the competition, positioning the Kanawha Valley region as the ideal location for sporting events and tournaments.
The Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center has unveiled a dramatic $100 million expansion and renovation that added 146,000 square feet of space, nearly doubling its new 300,000-square-feet footprint. Renovations include new concourse and ticketing areas, a multi- million-dollar Wi-Fi upgrade, and stunning glass lobbies and pre-function areas that make this the premier sports facility in the region.
Shawnee Sports Complex is a new massive $18 million outdoor multi- sports complex featuring six turf and 11 grass rectangular fields for soccer, lacrosse, football and rugby, as well as four turf baseball fields. A renovated lodge with indoor concessions, an Olympic-size pool and outdoor basketball courts provide athletes and their families an exceptional experience.
Appalachian Power Park is home to the West Virginia Power, a minor league baseball team in the Seattle Mariners organization. In June 2019, Power Park hosted the South Atlantic League All-Star Game. It is home to the annual state high school baseball tournament, as well as local collegiate baseball events.

Some of the Charleston area’s other sports venues include the University of Charleston Innovation Center, UC Stadium at Laidley Field, West Virginia State University athletic facilities and South Charleston’s newly built and renovated multi-use area with a combination of grass and turf baseball, softball and soccer fields. There’s also the Friends of Coal Fields at Trace Fork and YMCA indoor basketball, volleyball and swimming facilities.
The Charleston area is located at the confluence of three major interstates (64, 77 and 79) and within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population. Combine that convenience with an abundant and affordable hotel inventory and tons of family-friendly attractions, and it’s easy to see why the Kanawha Valley is a homerun for sporting events and tournaments.
GET YOUR GAME ON!

Appalachian Power Park
601 Morris St., Charleston
This popular home stadium of the West Virginia Power, a minor league Class-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners MLB baseball team, offers a great family environment with entertainment, games, concessions and more. The park also hosts a variety of high school and college sporting events.
Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
200 Civic Center Dr., Charleston
This recently renovated downtown coliseum is near shops, restaurants and hotels, and offers large and smaller spaces for events of all kinds. See ad on page 15
Charleston Tennis Club
1600 Tennis Club Rd., Charleston
Facility with 13 outdoor and 6 indoor courts for year-round play, plus a pro shop, hiking trails, fitness center, heated outdoor swimming pool, playground, basketball court, picnic areas, summer clubhouse and patio dining.
Coonskin Park
2000 Coonskin Dr., Charleston
Large park just 10 minutes from downtown with more than 1,000 acres of woodland, hiking and biking trails, disc golf, a handicap accessible 18-hole par-3 golf course, Olympic-size pool, picnic shelters, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, amphitheater and 3,000-seat soccer stadium.
University of Charleston Stadium at Laidley Field
1549 Piedmont Rd., Charleston
An 18,500-capacity stadium downtown with full-size turf playing field and track.
University of Charleston Innovation Center and Sports Arena
2300 MacCorkle Ave. SE, Charleston
Sports arena on campus offering sports and recreation facilities.
Charleston Family YMCA
100 YMCA Dr., Charleston
Multi-use facility with indoor tennis, racquetball and basketball courts, swimming pool, weight rooms, fitness programs and other facilities.
Kanawha City Community Center
3511 Venable Ave., Charleston
Recreation center with 8 outdoor tennis courts, basketball court, baseball field, pool, weight room and outdoor play areas.
West Virginia State University
5000 Fairlawn Ave., Institute
The university’s athletic facilities include football, baseball and softball fields, plus basketball and tennis courts.
Dunbar Little League Baseball Fields
541 22nd St., Dunbar
Fields for competitive Little League games and tournaments.
Shawnee Sports Complex
WV Rt. 25, Dunbar
Brand new $18 million facility featuring 11 grass and 6 turf rectangular fields and 4 baseball fields.

Friends of Coal Fields at Trace Fork
25 RHL Blvd., South Charleston
A multi-field soccer complex adjacent to the South Charleston Memorial Ice Rink and the Shops at Trace Fork.
Little Creek Park
1 Little Creek Park Rd., South Charleston
Expansive park with picnic shelters, grills, playgrounds, disc golf, hiking trails, soap box derby track, basketball and tennis courts, plus an athletic complex with both turf and natural baseball, softball, football and soccer fields.
South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena
20 RHL Blvd., South Charleston
Ice-skating rink with rentals, classes and dining available. Features heated seating area and an arcade.
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Game On
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