Valdosta boasts a tradition of winning. That tradition was recognized in 2008 when ESPN named the city “TitleTown USA” for the multiple state and national titles earned by the football teams at Lowndes High School, Valdosta High School and Valdosta State University.
But Valdosta’s sports cred is not limited to its dominance on the gridiron. High school and Division II college teams have racked up nearly 500 titles across multiple sports. And where there are awesome sports teams, there are awesome sports facilities. Valdosta keeps the competitive spirit alive year-round, offering event planners everything they need to host successful tournaments.
With more than 250 acres of professionally maintained sports fields, Valdosta's Freedom Park is a multi-purpose facility among the best recreational locations in the country. The park features eight regulation adult softball/baseball diamonds, 10 acres of pristine soccer fields, an 18-hole disc golf course and a multi-purpose field perfect for a wide range of activities.
USSSA Fastpitch chose Freedom Park in Valdosta for its annual Southern Elite Fall Showcase and Georgia Florida Alabama Showdown. These popular tournaments showcase the talents of the top youth and college softball players from around the region.
In addition to being the go-to destination for softball and baseball tournaments throughout the state, Freedom Park is also home to the Special Olympics Spring Games. Olympians from nine surrounding counties showcase their talents on the world-class stage. The venue also gears up for the Valdosta State University Cross Country team’s Border Clash event, bringing in teams from around the region. Disc golf is another major attraction at the venue, which hosts the Valdosta Open each November—a tournament that attracts the best professional disc golfers from around the world.
Check out the top 10 things to do in Valdosta.
Football, softball and baseball are staples of the community, but Valdosta is nationally recognized for its other sports venues as well. The Valdosta Wake Compound is one of the top wakeboard venues in the country, hosting international tournaments such as the Valdosta Yard Sale—a World Wake Association event.
Another premier sports facility in Valdosta is McKey Park’s Harry B. Anderson Tennis Center, featuring 18 tennis courts available for training camps and tournaments. The USTA Mixed Doubles State Championship chose Valdosta for their annual tournament, which brings 60 hard-hitting duos to South Georgia.
Popular Valdosta golf courses offer more options for team building and competitive tournaments. The Southeastern Collegiate tournament picked Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Valdosta for its annual shoot-out. The grueling course designed by Davis Love III tested top college golf teams from the region, including hometown favorites from Valdosta State University.
One of the most difficult things about planning youth league and team sports events is finding the right accommodations. So often, an area has an amazing sports facility but the surrounding amenities do not accommodate large groups. In Valdosta, that’s not an issue.
The city has 4,000 hotel rooms perfect for group bookings. Casual and affordable food options range from fast food chains to sit-down restaurants that capture the heart of Southern cooking. Places like Smok'n Pig BBQ open their doors to large groups of athletes looking to carbo-load. And if the group scores some down time, let them loose at Wild Adventures Theme Park, just five miles away. This perfect balance of work and play is sure to pay off on game day.
When planning a big sporting event, consider making Valdosta, Georgia your group destination. The proud city supports the team dynamic and camaraderie, and area facilities and attractions ensure an unforgettable experience.
Get more details on these events and facilities at Valdosta-Lowndes County Park & Recreation Authority.
