GAME ON! 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 dou-bling its new 300,000-square-feet footprint. Renovations include new concourse and ticketing areas, a mul-ti-million-dollar Wi-Fi upgrade, and stunning glass lobbies and pre-func-tion areas that make this the premier sports facility in the region. Shawnee Sports Complex is a new massive $18 million outdoor mul-ti-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 con-cessions, an Olympic-size pool and outdoor basketball courts provide athletes and their families an excep-tional experience. Appalachian Power Park is home to the West Virginia Power, a minor league baseball team in the Seattle 42 charlestonwv.com SPORTS VENUES AND FACILITIES OFFER GREAT PLACES FOR TOURNEY PLAY Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center 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. ● Winning Location 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! charlestonwv.com
Charleston Area Inspiration Guide Charleston Area Inspiration Guide 2019: Page 42
