Waco is home to 100+ youth, collegiate, amateur, and professional sporting events every year. Whether your looking for an indoor location for volleyball, basketball, or swimming or an outdoor location for tennis, baseball, soccer, rowing, running, cycling, or golf, Waco can accommodate large tournament events with thousands of participants.
One of the premier tennis facilities in texas, Waco Regional Tennis & Fitness boasts 16 outdoor courts, 8 outdoor pickleball courts, as well as an 1,100-seat stadium court. WRTF hosts more than 50 tennis tournaments a year, including high school district, regional and state championships along with multiple USTA and UTR tournaments and several professional events. The Baylor campus also includes the 12 outdoor court Hurd Tennis Center and six indoor court Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center. Baylor’s tennis facilities were ranked No. 1 in all of college tennis by Tennis Magazine.
Home to Southwest Region Little League Headquarters, Waco has multiple baseball/softball complexes that allow you to host medium or large-sized tournaments. The City of Waco has two premiere softball and baseball facilities. Riverbend Ballpark sits on the Bosque River and features eight fields and covered seating. Lake Air and Challenger Little League Ballpark has four baseball fields, two softball fields, and two specialized inclusive fields. George W. Bush Little League Leadership Training Center features three baseball f ields. Other facilities available across the community.
Waco has become a popular destination for competitive volleyball tournaments in Texas. The city has recently hosted the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) Division 1A Volleyball Championship, March Mayhem Volleyball Tournament, and Centex Challenge Volleyball Tournament. Tournament venues include the Waco Convention Center and BASE at Extraco Events Center. Waco also has many local ISD facilities available.
The water conditions of the Brazos River make it a favorite location for open water swim competitions. A number of events take place on the Brazos River like Beast of the Brazos, XTERRA Triathlon, and IRONMAN competitions. Waco can also host indoor competitive swim competitions. The Greater Waco YMCA recently held the Area 12 Special Olympics Texas Swimming Competition.
The spectacular views along the Brazos River and neighboring areas are the perfect backdrop for kids run, 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon events. Waco is home to the Badass Texas Race which runs along the Brazos River, through Cameron Park, Brazos Park East, and Washington Bridge, and the eclectic trail race Ragbag Run held in Cameron Park. Waco has also hosted the UIL Regional Track & Field Championship. Running events in Waco can accommodate thousands of runners and the many more spectators who come to watch.
A family tradition for people all over Texas, the Waco Wild West 100 has been around since 1985. Starting in downtown Waco, the route takes you through the nearby scenic countryside before heading back to Heritage Square. The Texas Mountain Bike Racing Association (TMBRA) has hosted the NORBA National Mountain Bike Series in Cameron Park, the second largest municipal park in the country. Other cycling events include TriWaco, XTERRA Triathlon, and IRONMAN events.
The One HOT Rodeo is the biggest rodeo in town located at the Extraco Coliseum. You’ll see everything from Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding to Barrel Racing and Mutton Bustin’ events. The Annual Heart O’ Texas Livestock Show is held at the Extraco Show Pavilion. Extraco Coliseum, one of the largest indoor arenas located in Central Texas, is air conditioned and seats over 6,000. The Extraco Show Pavilion comes with 2 small Warm-Up Pens, a large attached Covered Arena, and an Indoor Arena for competing with bleacher seating. This Facility also includes over 800 stalls available for rent.
McLennan County, Texas is home to the Waco Skeet & Trap Club featuring 12 skeet fields, 13 trap fields, a challenging 5-stand field, and a 12-station Sporting Clays course. Hosted events in the area include the WS&T Collegiate Invitational, Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP), H.O.T. Fair & Rodeo Shoot, and Heart O’ Texas Trap Shooters Extravaganza.
Lake Waco, covering 8,190 acres, is the largest lake in the United States to be located entirely within a city’s municipal boundaries. Its close proximity to participants and high-quality hotel accommodations make it an ideal location for competitive fishing tournaments. Lake Waco has hosted youth, high school league, and professional fishing competitions. The most common species include Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, and Yellow Catfish.
