Top 10 Reasons Why Your Next Sports Event Belongs in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is one of Florida’s top destinations for professional, amateur, and recreational sports events year-round. Whether you’re planning a youth sports tournament, collegiate event, or large-scale championship, Daytona Beach delivers the perfect combination of facilities, accessibility, and coastal charm.

Here are the top 10 reasons why you should host your next sports event in Daytona Beach:

1. We’re the World’s Most Famous Beach

Isn’t it obvious this would be the #1 reason you should have your sports event in Daytona Beach? With 23 miles of iconic white-sand beaches and year-round sunny skies, the beach can make everything better. While the beach is a great place to enjoy between sporting competitions, it can also be a great destination for the event itself. From volleyball and soccer to surfing and jet ski competitions, the World’s Most Famous Beach can take your sports event to the next level.

2. Ocean Center Convention Complex, one of the largest beachfront convention centers in Florida

The Ocean Center in Daytona Beach is one of the largest beachfront convention centers in Florida and is located just 400 feet from the Atlantic Ocean. With an exhibit hall over 90,000 square feet and an arena over 40,000 square feet, the Ocean Center hosts diverse sports events, including basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, martial arts, cheerleading and dance, weightlifting, wrestling, and more.

It’s also conveniently located near major hotels and popular restaurants, just 10 minutes from Daytona Beach International Airport. 

3. World-Class Sports Venues

Millions visit Daytona Beach every year for a multitude of world-renowned sporting events, including the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA and the DAYTONA 500, the most prestigious stock car race in the world. Daytona Beach also claims the U.S. headquarters of LPGA and NASCAR. 

From the iconic Daytona International Speedway and the historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark to Pictona At Holly Hill, one of the largest pickleball facilities in the county, the opportunities for sports events at state-of-the-art sports venues are endless.

Other notable facilities in the destination include the 10,000-seat Daytona Stadium, home to Bethune-Cookman University college football games; the Florida Tennis Center; the Ormond Beach Sports Complex; and DME Academy.

4. Check out the awe-Inspiring attractions

Daytona Beach serves up an abundance of things for participants to do when competing here. 

There are plenty of options to make your visit memorable. Take a track tour of Daytona International Speedway or do some team bonding at Daytona Lagoon Premier Water Park and Family Fun Entertainment Center. You can also explore marine life at Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure, head offshore for deep-sea fishing, and even catch a Daytona Tortugas minor league baseball game at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

5. Getting Here is a Breeze

Located only a few minutes’ drive from most oceanfront hotels, Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) offers multiple daily nonstop flights to Atlanta, GA, on Delta Air Lines, and to Charlotte, NC, on American Airlines. JetBlue Airways has non-stop flights from New York City (JFK) and Boston (BOS).

Avelo Airlines has non-stop flights from New Haven, CT (HVN) and Philadelphia/Delaware Valley (Wilmington Airport, ILG).

Breeze Airways provides nonstop flights from Westchester County, New York, NY; Hartford, CT; Raleigh-Durham, NC; Providence, RI; and Akron/Canton, Ohio.

Want to take the scenic route instead of taking to the skies? Driving to Daytona Beach is just as easy, with two of the state's major interstates intersecting here — Interstate 95 and Interstate 4. Attendees can also arrive here via U.S. Highway 1 and State Road A1A, which runs along the beautiful Atlantic coastline.

6. Wide selection of accommodations

Daytona Beach boasts 12,000 total hotel rooms, with many in proximity to our destination’s sports facilities, making it easy to simplify logistics without compromising quality.

From amenity-rich hotels and resorts to big-box brands and budget-friendly options, there’s a place to stay for every visitor’s taste and budget in Daytona Beach.

7. Delicious Dining Scene

Daytona Beach is bursting with flavors to savor and happening hot spots. Participants and their families and friends looking for a place to grab a drink or a bite to eat after the event can feast their eyes on Daytona Beach's ever-growing culinary scene. Choose from traditional ethnic eateries and waterfront restaurants to fresh local favorites, group dining spots, and more. 

8. Enjoy the lively Arts & Culture scene

From funky galleries and a multitude of murals, Daytona Beach is home to an eclectic arts and culture movement. Experience museums, phenomenal art galleries, impressive performances, numerous historic sites, and other cultural treasures.

9. What’s the best way to explore Daytona Beach? Check out the Ultimate Daytona Beach Trail Guide

In between the games and competitions, discover Daytona Beach through the Ultimate Daytona Beach Trail Guide, which serves as the guide to the most beloved car-, craft- and culture-themed attractions, iconic places, and photo-worthy spots in the Daytona Beach area.

10. Utilize the CVB’s Guest Pass program

Take advantage of Guest Pass, the CVB’s discount program that delivers special offers to participants for attractions and local restaurants. The Guest Pass program is one of many specialized services offered by the CVB that will make planning your sports event a little easier.

The Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is ready to do everything we can to make sure you have a successful sports event in Daytona Beach. For more information or to submit an RFP, please contact Brandon Little, Senior Sales Manager, Sports Business Development.