Central Illinois is a sporty region where groups can either get in on the game or enjoy camaraderie on the sidelines.
From hitting the links in Decatur and the Bloomington-Normal area to watching a Big Ten sporting event in Champaign or a local baseball game in Springfield and Peoria, planners have plenty of opportunities throughout the region to increase a group’s overall score with a fun sports activity.
Bloomington-Normal
In the Bloomington-Normal area, groups can cheer on one of a variety of championship- caliber sports teams playing for the Normal-based Illinois State University.
A particularly exciting option, according to Matt Hawkins, sports marketing manager for the Bloomington-Normal Area CVB, is an outing to watch the 2014 FCS National runner-up Illinois State football team in action.
“The newly renovated Hancock Stadium is a great venue to catch a game,” he says, adding that group tickets are available at the Redbird Ticket Office.
Bloomington-Normal also boasts a nice mix of 18-hole public golf courses that small to large groups can book for play.
“Our courses, including designs by Arnold Palmer and D.A. Weibring, offer golf connoisseurs the best in Midwestern golf,” Hawkins says.
Group-friendly options include The Den at Fox Creek Golf Course and Prairie Vista Golf Course, which both offer large practice putting greens, driving ranges and banquet rooms for a meal or award function after play.
Bloomington-Normal’s newest sports facility, The Corn Crib, is home to Normal CornBelters baseball, and Heartland College men’s and women’s soccer, as well as concerts, fundraisers and many other events.
“Space is available to rent for catered social events or corporate outings, including the party deck and Miller Light Lounge, which also includes tickets to a CornBelters game,” Hawkins says.
Springfield
When in Springfield, groups enjoy visiting the hometown favorite Springfield Sliders baseball team for a fun outing at the ballpark, which according to Gina Gemberling, acting director for the Springfield CVB, offers a variety of Party Deck packages that include food, beverages and exclusive seating.
Like most of the region, Springfield is a golf haven where groups can arrange tournaments for some friendly competition.
“Many courses can also function as beautiful off-site venues, with banquet facilities and stunning views of the greens,” Gemberling says.
Among the 10 public courses that also host pre- or post-play meal or social functions are Piper Glen Golf Course and The Rail Golf Course.
Also in Springfield is Knights Action Park, a popular attraction for groups with (or without) kids in tow. This year-round amusement park features sporty options, including batting cages, a driving range, miniature golf and a water park.
“The park also has picnic areas that can accommodate large groups as an off-site venue, and an on-site snack bar for individual dining,” Gemberling says.
Peoria
At the IHSA (Illinois High School Association) Peak Performance Center in the Peoria Riverfront Museum, attendees are welcome to test their skills at about 40 sports and activities. According to Trianna Stark, sports events manager at the Peoria Area CVB, the center gauges what it takes to succeed in sports, including agility, balance and motor skills.
In the spring and summer, Stark says groups can catch a minor-league baseball game starring the Peoria Chiefs, the Class A Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, at Dozer Park, and from fall to spring, groups can get in on the excitement of a Peoria Rivermen hockey game at the Peoria Civic Center.
On-site food and beverage, as well as meeting space, are available at both Dozer Park and the Peoria Civic Center, Stark adds.
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And at Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill, located inside Bass Pro Shops in East Peoria, groups will find a unique “underwater ocean” bowling experience, including bowling balls that resemble sea creatures, fish that hang from the ceiling and wooden “dock” lanes.
“Groups are sure to have a ball competing against their teammates in a friendly game of bowling,” Stark says. “If they work up an appetite, a wide variety of appetizers and entrees are available, and private parties and room rental are also available.”
Champaign County
Champaign County offers groups sporting opportunities that encourage teambonding, according to Terri Reifsteck, marketing and business development director at the Champaign County CVB.
In the heart of the University of Illinois campus, groups will find the Activities & Recreation Center, where they can take advantage of a rock-climbing wall, and basketball and racquetball courts, and at Allerton Park and Retreat Center, which is situated away from any distractions, groups can team up for a ropes course challenge surrounded by gardens and explore miles of hiking trails.
Reifsteck adds that there is also a 10-acre corn maze at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch, open from September through November, that attendees enjoy getting lost in together.
“Or head out to Stone Creek Golf Club for a round on the greens where the University of Illinois golf team plays,” she says.
There are also plenty of on-the-sidelines options for groups meeting in Champaign County, including Big Ten sporting events featuring the University of Illinois football, baseball, basketball and various other teams.
“Illini basketball takes the spotlight in the winter and spring at the State Farm Center,” Reifsteck says, adding that groups enjoy the fresh springtime air when they head out for an Illini baseball game at Illinois Field, where they’ll find standard ballpark fare including hot dogs and peanuts.
At Memorial Stadium, home of University of Illinois football, groups can book an evening event under the lights at the Colonnades Club.
“This setting can host up to 500 people with access to the World War I Memorial Columns, making the space absolutely magical,” Reifsteck says.
Decatur
The Decatur Area CVB, according to its executive director, Teri Hammel, often works with groups to facilitate a golf outing with the Decatur Park District.
“We attend three golf shows a year, in St. Louis, Chicago and Milwaukee, to promote our outstanding golf packages,” she says.
All three of Decatur’s public courses are group-friendly, including Scovill Golf Course, which has a clubhouse that accommodates up to 200 people for a meal function in conjunction with a golf outing; Hickory Point Golf Course, which features a clubhouse that accommodates up to 225 guests and the Swartz Pavilion that accommodates 450 guests; and Red Tail Run Golf Club, a Raymond Floyd-designed course that also has a nice outside pavilion for group gatherings.
