skip to main content

Why Erie?

An affordable mid-sized market with major market amenities, Erie is a Sportscation Destination known for hosting safe, successful and visible sporting events. 

Erie, Pennsylvania is a Great Lakes destination known for hosting great sporting events, but we're more than our spectacular lakefront backdrop. Read on to discover why Erie is a great destination for sporting events!

When you're ready to talk specifics, email Ben Huggler, Event Services Director.

snapsbysean  Instagram 3556 ig 17954582545593254

EVENT SUPPORT

Whatever your need, the Erie Sports Commission provides the services necessary to ensure your success – at no cost to you. Really. When you book an event in Erie, we’re a partner start to finish. Services provided include site visits, procuring hotel room blocks, securing an event venue, grant support, connecting you with vendors and city services, volunteer recruitment, event promotion and marketing, hospitality and entertainment, event management and post-event reporting. Apply for event support here: we’ll tailor our free services to match your needs.

Web Image Facilities

RENOVATED, AFFORDABLE FACILITIES

A brand-new twin pad ice arena, one of the healthiest bass lakes in the northeast, a multi-use convention center with floor-to-ceiling water views, four colleges, and one of the country’s flattest, fastest half marathon courses: they’re all located in Erie, Pennsylvania. Our venues have proven success hosting sporting events, and most have seen extensive renovations in the last five years. Browse our venues by sport, or contact the Erie Sports Commission and we’ll match you with the best space for your event.

Mark Ben w Awards 2022 WEB

AWARD WINNING, EXPERIENCED TEAM

When you host in Erie, consider our team an extension of your own. The ESC team collectively has more than three decades of experience in sports, and we’re game to host whatever type of sport you throw at us. The Erie Sports Commission hosts and supports more than 70 events annually, with the types of events hosted running the gamut: we’ve hosted the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four, Bassmaster, American Cornhole League, major youth lacrosse, hockey and gymnastics competitions, and even a state yo-yo tournament. The ESC has thrice been named the SportsETA Sports Commission of the Year for a reason: we’ll do whatever it takes to ensure you have success in Erie.

Web Image Splash

NOT JUST A LOCATION, BUT A SPORTSCATION DESTINATION

Erie attracts visitors to our shores year round, with families visiting our popular beaches and waterfront attractions in the summer, and ski resorts and an indoor water park in the winter. Spend a day at the water on Presque Isle State Park, where millions of people visit each year to enjoy 13 miles of sandy beaches, picturesque hiking and biking, kayaking, fishing and so much more. Families love the rides and slides at Waldameer Park & Water World or Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park, and cheering for our minor-pro sports teams. Check out VisitErie.com for a full list of attractions and amenities.

 

VE Map 2014 color 1 v2

ERIE IS A DRIVABLE DESTINATION

Located at the intersection of two major interstates, Erie is an easy 90-minute drive for athletes from Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Buffalo, and within 500 miles of more than half of the U.S. population. Daily flights are available on American Airlines out of Erie International Airport. Upon arrival, you’ll find minimal traffic, and venues in close proximity to accommodations – most of our premier venues are within five miles of 2,000 rooms.

Web Image Media


SMALL MARKET, MAJOR EXPOSURE

Sporting events are a big deal in Erie, and when you host here, expect to receive a lot of attention! Erie is home to all four major television networks (ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox), radio outlets, and a major daily newspaper. If you’re interested in growing exposure for your event, the ESC has the contacts and experience to ensure your event gets an audience. In addition to press releases, web and social media exposure, the Erie Sports Commission has matching funds available for social media advertising, and can work with you to develop a marketing plan for promotions. 

Web Image Hotel


COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

Whether you’re after a waterfront room with views of the one of the best sunsets in the U.S., or big blocks adjacent to event venues, Erie has the hotels to accommodate groups from 50 to 500. More than 4,500 sleeping rooms are available in Erie County, representing all major chains. See a complete list of VisitErie hotel partners here.