Columbia appreciates your consideration to host your next sporting event. To help you navigate through your sport planning needs, we’ve compiled some commonly asked questions about the Columbia area. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us at 573-875-1231.
Q: Why should I work with the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) when researching a sporting location or venue?
A: We are here to make your job easier! Working with Columbia CVB will make planning and implementing your event less time-consuming and more efficient: We work to accommodate your needs and budget. Columbia CVB will direct you to the appropriate contacts at sporting facilities, sport organizations, hotels and service providers that can help you achieve your event goals.
Columbia CVB will act as a ‘middle man’ for you, matching your unique sporting needs with the help of the Columbia Parks and Recreation department, as well as other private entities, with services in our community. By assisting you in securing proposals and setting up site visits, you will save invaluable time.
Q: Why Columbia, MO, for my next sporting event?
A: Convenient LOCATION. Columbia is centrally located halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis at the I-70 and Highway 63 interchange. It’s just 30 minutes away from the state capital, Jefferson City, and an hour away from the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. We also have the Columbia Regional Airport that proudly supports American Airlines’ daily and direct service to Chicago O’Hare and Dallas/Forth- Worth with hundreds of connecting destinations beyond. Not to mention the over 200 restaurants, galleries, entertainment options and so much more!
Q: What type of sporting events can Columbia accommodate?
A: Columbia is fortunate to have a wide variety of sporting and lodging facilities. For example, we have a 533 acre recreational area with premiere trails and three college campuses which offer a variety of athletic venues. We can accommodate events such as high school state championship wrestling and basketball, select soccer and baseball championships, swim invitationals, martial art tournaments and half marathons. Depending on your sport, the attendance and the time of year, there’s usually a space that can fit your requirements.
Q: How many hotel rooms are located within the Columbia area?
A: With over 38 hotels, the Columbia area offers nearly 3,500 hotel rooms, all within a 10 minute or less drive of the downtown District area. There are approximately 175 hotel rooms in the heart of the downtown. Additionally, there are approximately 10 rooms available at a variety of bed and breakfasts.
Q: What types of groups can qualify for services?
A: From national championships to regional conferences, the possibilities are endless! Complimentary services are tailored to suit the needs of each and every event.