Meetings and events hit the jackpot at sports venues and casinos
Venues with gaming and sporting elements bring an embedded sense of community and excitement, setting a thrilling tone for any event they host. Sporting venues have a high “wow factor” due to their size and scope. Casinos and racetracks allow guests to try their luck during breaks and downtime. Unique sports museums cultivate a strong sense of history. Whatever the occasion, these venues have stepped up their game when hosting one-of-a-kind events in the South.
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Birmingham, Ala.
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum hosts the world’s largest collection of motorcycles, which guests can view up close.
It is not just about motorsports—it is also about creating memorable events in a motorsports-themed venue. Situated on 850 acres, the park and museum occupy 350 acres. The beautiful grounds make a great backdrop for photos. The car-filled Grand Atrium can comfortably seat 500 guests for seated dinners. A presentation theater seats approximately 59 people, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for business presentations, and has an inspiring view of the racetrack.
The racetrack is directly behind the museum, and corporate groups are permitted to do a parade lap—attendees drive their own cars behind the pace car. “It is one of the most beautiful racetracks I have seen,” says Michael DeSocio, director of museum events and programs. “This place has the ‘wow factor,’ even if you are not into motorcycles or cars.”
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Hot Springs, Ark.
Event planners looking for a space in Arkansas unlike any other in the state will find it at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.
Its event space offers a wide range of amenities for business or personal functions: multiple dining options, including two fine-dining restaurants (the Oak Room, a step back in time, with an old-fashioned cigar bar/lounge, and The Bugler, with casual elegance and décor capturing the venue’s history); 18,000 square feet of fully customizable, versatile meeting space equipped with a complete audiovisual and lighting system; and an onsite luxury hotel with an award-winning spa. Additionally, groups can reserve space in the venue. “We have turned the corner, allowing groups to buy out our outlets especially for them. No other place in Arkansas does that,” says Anna Oberste, director of sales. For example, a group can rent the pool for their sales team for a full day or buy out the popular Main Line Sports Bar for an exclusive dinner.
An important point for planners: Oaklawn’s F&B options are top-notch yet reasonably priced, according to Oberste. “That is so important because prices have gone up so much. Banquet guests won’t get the usual banquet food—it is the best I have ever had, and I have been in this business for more than 35 years.”
National Polo Center
Wellington, Fla.
Old-world charm meets modern amenities at National Polo Center (NPC). Four unique onsite venues with a combined capacity of up to 400 guests, onsite catering, floral, and creative departments give planners all the tools they need to create memorable events.
Event spaces include the pavilion, their largest space, which can accommodate up to 350 people (its outdoor verandah circling the periphery of the structure can fit another 200 guests); the 7 Chukker, an onsite restaurant located on the beautiful patio overlooking Field One, is a great option for receptions, private social functions, or intimate cocktail-style dinners; and the Mallet Grille, a restaurant suitable for small- to medium-sized events like business parties, private events, weddings, receptions, and pool parties.
True to its core business, National Polo Center offers polo demonstrations, lessons, and opportunities for guests to engage with polo players as an event add-on feature. “We are very unusual—there is nothing like our venue anywhere in Florida,” says Nelson Tamargo, director of operations for The Club at NPC.
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Hampton, Ga.
Atlanta Motor Speedway has been thrilling race fans since 1960; its event space is equally thrilling. “We are in the business of creating memories,” says Brandon Hutchison, general manager. “There is always something going on.”
Most people don’t think of a speedway as a venue for a wedding or bar mitzvah, but Atlanta Motor Speedway has hosted both types of events—and many more.
The property’s two 22,000-square-foot garages serve as event spaces, along with a 1,000-seat suite and Bootlegger’s, an open-air bar perfect for laid-back functions.
Camping is also a popular activity on the property. Hookups for water, sewer, and power are available, as is dry camping (no hookups). “You will not find a venue anywhere like ours in Georgia,” Hutchison says. “If a wedding party wanted to do a pace car ride or get on the high banks of the speedway, you will not find these opportunities anywhere else. We try to keep it new, fresh, and different.”
Louisville Slugger Field
Louisville, Ky.
Louisville Slugger Field is the home of Major League Baseball’s Cincinnati Reds Triple-A team, the Louisville Bats. The ballpark can accommodate anything from small, intimate dinners for a dozen people to large-scale conferences for thousands and everything in between.
Event spaces include the Hall of Fame, a former train station with brick walls, polished concrete floors, and unique architecture, ideal for conferences and other large-scale events. The Hall of Fame can accommodate 450 guests seated and 1,000 for receptions. Touch of Color Stadium Club is a more intimate venue perfect for cocktail receptions, corporate meetings, and other smaller events with a capacity of 100 seated or 175 for receptions; Humana Cabana, a versatile covered outdoor venue with a capacity of 300 seated, 350 for receptions; Miller Taphouse with capacity of 500, luxury suites of various sizes that typically accommodate 10-30, and the Club House, an iconic section of the field that is not available to rent during baseball season but makes for a one-of-a-kind event space during the off-season.
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
New Orleans
Founded in 1872, Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots is the nation’s third-oldest racetrack.
The track and surrounding grounds feature nearly a dozen spaces for events, from the intimate Phoenix Room, which can comfortably seat 35-65 people for a corporate meeting or dinner, to the historic Paddock, which has hosted larger events, such as conferences, wedding receptions, and business expos, and can reasonably accommodate 300-700 attendees. Clubhouse Dining Room can seat up to 700 guests; settings can range from formal to casual, seated to reception style. The property offers views of the racetrack and downtown New Orleans.
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
Annapolis, Md.
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium seats 34,000 fans at total capacity. The stadium’s event areas include VADM Lawrence “N” Room, an 8,500-square-foot banquet hall perfect for large banquets, formal dinners, and business meetings. It also features plaques listing the names of all U.S. Naval Academy varsity letter winners. The hall includes a built-in bar and is serviced by a full state-of-the-art kitchen and a fully equipped audiovisual system with 10 large-screen televisions. In the center of the action is Jack Stephens Field, with more than 90,000 square feet of FieldTurf, which can be custom painted for events. Other spaces include Bilderback-Moore Navy Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Flag Bridge, several VIP suites, Superintendent’s Tent, the ’53 Pavilion, Captain’s BBQ Tent, Class Ring North, and Stadium Concourse.
Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
University, Miss.
Appropriately located in the town of University, Miss., Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is the home of University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) football and one of the oldest stadiums in college football.
The venue includes three large private club areas available for rent. “We have hosted football games, of course, and two major concerts in 2022 and 2023. We have done wedding receptions, rehearsals, corporate events, and holiday parties,” says Neal Mead, senior associate athletic director for facilities, events, and capital projects. Sodexo Live, the exclusive caterer of Ole Miss athletic venues, works closely with planners from event conception to completion.
The stadium’s sheer size and status set it apart from other event spaces. “In our area, our facility is one of the largest and best,” Mead says. “If it is a large-scale event, you will be talking to me about logistics.” A dedicated staff member also works with planners throughout the process.
Energizer Park
St. Louis
Energizer Park (formerly CITYPARK) is primarily a soccer stadium but can be modified to meet a group’s needs. “We have a lot to offer. We can fit and be molded to fit any size event
for any size group. We pride ourselves on our diverse event space,” says Lindsay Sharp, director of special events.
The club has 50 event spaces, though four main club spaces, 20 suites, locker rooms, and lounges are the most-used areas in the park. “We have a 125,000-square-foot plaza and an event space in our headquarters building, where we also can activate and operate events,” Sharp says. “We also have several covered concourses, so we can hold events even if it rains. Our capacity is 885 in the largest indoor space to 22,500 for the full stadium (i.e., graduations or festivals).”
Sharp’s team works with planners throughout the event planning and execution process. She urges planners to find new and unique ways to use the space. “Clients should think outside the box. It depends on the event, but with a potential event being in such a unique and special venue, it is a good opportunity to bring some new life and ideas to the event programming.”
No lodging is on site; however, several hotels are within walking distance or a few blocks away. “We are very conveniently located—there are probably a dozen hotels less than 10 minutes away,” Sharp says.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Concord, N.C.
Formerly known as Lowes Motor Speedway, the racetrack’s offerings range from wheel-to-wheel racing action to pre-race entertainment and impressive amenities. The racetrack features 15 event rental spaces and regularly hosts large-scale events, such as trade shows, car shows, and concerts, but is also well suited to business meetings and other small gatherings. Nearly all of the Speedway’s event spaces can be configured to meet a group’s needs. Some of its unique areas include Sun Deck, which combines the renewable resources of a 960-panel elevated solar farm and unrivaled trackside views of Track 4; Garage Areas, which can fit up to 1,000 people each; and Speedway Club, perfect for more intimate gatherings and featuring a panoramic view of the racetrack.
Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant
Durant, Okla.
Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant, located approximately one hour north of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is a AAA Four Diamond resort and entertainment destination in southeastern Oklahoma.
Guests can try their luck at 7,400 slot machines, 106 table games, or more than 30 poker tables. Other entertainment options include a 70-game arcade, bowling alley, and six-screen movie theater. The resort’s Aqua pool covers three acres and boasts 50 private cabanas and two swimming pools: one family-friendly with two slides and one adult-only with a swim-up bar.
The resort’s 20 dining options include the award-winning 1832 Steakhouse, round-the-clock eatery Salt & Stone, and The League sports bar. There are 20 bars and lounges as well.
For groups, a multipurpose three-level convention/entertainment venue offers more than 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting and convention space, with seating for more than 3,000 people.
“Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant is an ideal venue for hosting your convention. Our convention team collaborates directly with conference planners to manage every detail, from sound and catering to room setup,” says Kaley Lehew, regional marketing director of Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant. “Conference attendees can also take advantage of all the resort amenities, including the casino gaming floor, pool, spa, arcade, bowling alley, movie theater, and excellent restaurants, all conveniently located on site.”
National Steeplechase Museum
Camden, S.C.
As the only museum in the country dedicated to steeplechasing (a combination of field hunting and horse racing), National Steeplechase Museum lends a unique atmosphere to any event. Rentals include indoor and outdoor space, with sweeping views of the track and racing facilities used by horses, trainers, and riders throughout the year. Groups can also learn more about the sport, which goes back generations. “There are great opportunities during downtime to learn more about the history of the sport,” says Wesley Faulkenberry, museum curator.
Event spaces range from the library/boardroom, which can accommodate 12-15 people and is “great for a lunch or board meeting,” Faulkenberry says, to the museum’s main gallery, which can seat 100-150. The buildings and grounds are available for the duration of the rental, ranging from an hour-long meeting to a 12-hour, full-day function.
Small but quaint, the venue has hosted incredible events. “I am always impressed with what people have done with the space,” Faulkenberry says, “We are a very flexible, creative group. We want your event to be the way you want within the rules of the facility.”
Geodis Park
Nashville, Tenn.
Geodis Park, the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States, is much more than a sports venue. Its location near downtown Nashville allows event attendees to enjoy everything “Music City” has to offer while escaping the hustle and bustle if they choose.
April High, head of private event sales, says Geodis Park is a popular destination for professionals seeking unique teambuilding activities. With prior approval, groups can use the pitch during the year, request a special appearance by the team mascot, and feature their logo or name on the stadium’s LED board, in the concourses, and in club spaces.
The stadium can accommodate up to 30,000 at total capacity; its three smaller club spaces can seat up to 1,000 attendees. A dedicated staff member works with planners every step of the way. High urges planners to think beyond the stadium’s primary usage as a soccer stadium: “We have clubs on site with high-end touches. We can stage a high-end gala or a ‘honky tonk,’” she says. “Our venue is very versatile.”
Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa
Frisco, Texas
Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa is a favorite of both golfers and convention attendees. Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco will host PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association of America) major championships in 2025 and 2027. Golfers love to play the same course the champions play on. “About one-third of our convention business plays the course or books a tournament,” says Gus Tejeda, the resort’s director of sales and marketing. “Our resort is very attractive to corporations who want to do single- or multi-day tournaments.”
Though first and foremost a golf course, Omni PGA Frisco is a resort and entertainment venue, Tejeda adds. The resort includes 500 guest rooms and suites and 10 exclusive ranch houses. An area of the green known as The Dance Floor Event Lawn, co-designed by Gil Hanse and Beau Welling, is a putting course and special events area containing a 1,000-square-foot video wall.
Omni PGA Frisco is not just for golfers. “We try to make this approachable for everyone,” Tejeda says. “So many corporate and association groups love it because they can play here and stay on the property.”
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Bristol
Bristol, Va.
“Full service” in every sense of the word, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Bristol allows guests to rock, roll, or relax in a resort with a hotel, casino, spa, and event space. The venue is one of Bristol’s few large-capacity event spaces and one of the newest, having opened in 2022. “When we say ‘full service,’ we mean it. We have private dining areas perfect for bachelorette parties or a dining celebration. We have a few places where you can have a more casual menu, from Asian fusion to higher-end. You can’t go wrong with our menus,” says Alexandra Armstrong, assistant manager of banquets and Hard Rock concessions. After dinner and wrapping up the day’s business, guests can hit the casino floor and try to win big.
Armstrong points out “full service” extends to equipment like tables and chairs. “We offer those services, and we have a state-of-the-art audiovisual system. Everything is top-of-the-line here. We like to think of our spaces as art—groups can host their events surrounded by all the memorabilia of the greats, and we have all the beautiful trademarks of Hard Rock on the property.”
Audi Field
Washington, D.C.
Home of Major League Soccer’s DC United soccer team, Audi Field offers numerous event spaces to accommodate any group.
The Events DC Club is a flexible space suitable for larger events, such as galas, dinner receptions, and large corporate meetings. It features an open layout design, a patio with views of the DC skyline, and a full-service bar. The versatile Director’s Lounge works equally well as a food hall or reception space, seating up to 500 guests, and offers views of Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. Heineken Rooftop is perfect for smaller gatherings of 40-60 attendees, with built-in bars and retractable garage-style doors. Three Audi Field Suites—Field Level, East Sideline, and Party—can host groups of various sizes, depending on individual needs. For on-the-field action, The Pitch makes for a great photo op. FanDuel Sportsbook is an exclusive space with three wagering stations, 47 HD televisions, two large video walls, 18 self-service kiosks, and an uninterrupted field view for fans to enjoy D.C. United matches and other sporting events (special approval or consideration is required).
WVU Coliseum
Morgantown, W.Va.
WVU Coliseum is a 14,000-seat domed arena, hosting basketball, gymnastics, wrestling, and volleyball games. Additionally, the venue has hosted conferences, graduations, trade shows, concerts, and much more.
Clark Mountaineer Club is the facility’s largest event area, occupying more than 7,000 square feet and having a capacity of 300 guests. The Club can be adapted into a ballroom, trade show floor, wedding reception space, or party room.
Diversified Energy Terrace occupies 4,500 square feet and can accommodate up to 300 people. The multifunctional space can be modified into a ballroom, conference space, or wedding venue.
