Top 5 Reasons to Host Your Next Tournament at Wintrust Sports Complex

WINTRUST SPORTS COMPLEX

Basketball Tournament match

This article will discuss the rising popularity of pickleball, basketball, volleyball tournaments, and more, as well as why it is so important to find the right complex to host your event. Wintrust Sports Complex has a state-of-the-art facility that is perfect for hosting a tournament of any kind. Continue reading to discover the top five reasons why Wintrust Sports Complex is the best place to host your next tournament. 

The Rising Popularity Of Pickleball Tournaments and More

Odds are, if you are interested in hosting any kind of tournament or event, you have a great interest in sporting events and might already play in small competitions with your friends, family, or coworkers. With this interest, you might already be aware of the growing popularity of volleyball, pickleball, and basketball tournaments. Pickleball has especially taken the world by storm in the past few years and has become almost a new national pastime in the United States. Tennis courts across the country are being repurposed to accommodate pickleball courts and more. 

But why has pickleball become so popular in recent years? The rules are incredibly similar to ping-pong, making it essentially a large-scale version of table tennis. This makes the game simple to learn and easy to play, which in turn leads to both seasoned players and beginners developing an increased affinity for the sport. Pickleball is also a highly social game where you can meet new people or spend a day with your friends or family. 

Tournaments for pickleball and other sports are increasing in popularity. So, how do you host one of these tournaments and bring people together over a shared interest in a sport? 

happy athletes

How To Host A Tournament

Hosting a tournament can feel like an intimidating process, but in reality, it doesn’t have to be difficult! No matter what type of tournament you are hosting, no matter the sport, the guidelines stay fairly similar. Here are the simple steps to organizing and hosting the best tournament possible: 

  1. Choose a Tournament Type: There are plenty of different ways to organize your tournament, whether it be bracket-style or league-style. Each tournament style has its own benefits – find what suits you!
  2. Find Your Venue: Finding your tournament venue is essential; whether you have a small tournament or a large one, having the right amount of space for players and spectators is important. 
  3. Market Your Tournament: Market your tournament in order to find both players and spectators. You can also use some marketing tactics in order to get sponsors if you are interested. 
  4. Discuss Food: Make sure that people are taken care of when it comes to meals and snacks. Depending on your venue, you may be able to get some of that provided, but it is always important to make sure. 

The Best Facilities for Basketball Tournaments 

When it comes to pickleball, basketball, and volleyball tournaments, it is important to find the right venue. You will most likely not be looking at playing every leg of the tournament one game at a time; this means you will need ample space with plenty of courts for people to play at once and a large amount of space for the players who have been eliminated or are still waiting for their next game. Hosting a tournament is no easy task, so finding the right facility is essential. While some of your requirements might change depending on the sport you will play, a lot of your needs will be the same. Here are some features of a quality tournament space: 

  • Large tournament play space
  • Bleachers and spectator seating 
  • Clean amenities 
  • Additional space for breaks, food, and conversation 
  • Transformable space to fit your needs 
Basketball Tournament match

Wintrust’s State-Of-The-Art Facilities 

As we have discussed, hosting a tournament is no easy feat, but it becomes much easier when you have a high-quality facility in which to host. At Wintrust Sports Complex, we love hosting your tournament events, and we take the job seriously. Whether you are hosting basketball, volleyball, or pickleball tournaments, we have the state-of-the-art sporting facilities that you need. 

Wintrust Sports Complex is home to a 116,000-square-foot venue, perfect for events of all kinds, complete with meeting rooms,, and a massive hardwood gym. This gym can fit eight basketball courts, sixteen NCAA-standard volleyball courts, a full-sized championship court, or a great number of pickleball courts. Depending on your event, there is also flexible space to host wrestling, gymnastics, and more. 

Depending on the space’s configuration, we can host up to 4,000 spectators and guests to watch your tournament. We also have concessions available outside the gym and even a full restaurant if you are looking for more than just a slice of pizza or a bag of popcorn. 

Wintrust Beyond Tournaments 

Beyond just basketball tournaments and other sporting events, Wintrust is home to plenty of other facilities that can make for the perfect event space. We can host holiday parties, business events, birthday celebrations, and even children’s tournaments, which are also growing in popularity! With our redemption arcade, fully operational restaurant, variety of meeting and private rooms that can host up to 150 people, and more, Wintrust Sports Complex is the perfect place to host any variety of events. 

Coworkers at the company event

Volleyball Tournaments and More At Wintrust Sports Complex

So, what are our top five reasons for considering hosting a tournament with us at Wintrust Sports Complex? 

  1. State-of-the-art facilities
  2. Flexible space for any tournament you can imagine
  3. Massive spectator spaces for friends and family 
  4. Restaurant and grill inside of our complex for your convenience
  5. Additional perks like an arcade, party rooms, and more

Wintrust Sports Complex is here for all of your event-planning needs, whether it be for pickleball tournaments or gymnastic competitions. Contact us today for a quote and to get started on booking your perfect tournament!