Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1116280
Sports & Events BISMARCK-MANDAN MEETING AND EVENT PLANNER'S GUIDE Bismarck was named by Sports Illustrated as one of the 50 best sports towns in the country. Bismarck-Mandan visitors benefit from the area's wealth of recreational activities both indoors and outdoors, all-year round. With our 3,500 acres of parks and over 100 miles of recreational and interpretive trails, there is always something to enjoy. We are ranked as one of the safest towns in America so feel free to enjoy the outdoors! What else makes Bismarck-Mandan an appealing spot to host your sporting event? We are centrally located within North Dakota and being right on I-94 & Highway 83, we are an easy drive. We also have all-jet service at the Bismarck Airport. What makes us unique as a host city for sports events? We have one of the lowest crime rates in the nation. We offer a clean, safe, family-friendly environment to host your teams and fans. We also boast a nice change of pace – much different than the hustle and bustle of a big city location, but we still have all the amenities to satisfy everyone's needs! The BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center The BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center is a fully accessible facility that features an Olympic size and recreational pools, one- and three-meter diving boards, a 5,000-square-foot wellness center, a fitness studio, and an indoor playground. The facility also features two community rooms, perfect for small group meetings or children's parties. The pool area has seating capacity for 750 spectators. There are also additional bleachers on the pool deck for approximately 300 athletes. In 2015, the US Paralympics Swimming Can-Am Open was held at the aquatic center. Team USA set a total of 17 American and 3 World Records. More than 200 athletes from the US, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba, France, Japan, Korea, and Russia gathered for the event. Baseball/Softball Fields We have 57 fields within 15 minutes of each other. Bismarck-Mandan has hosted numerous national softball championships. Plus, for over 40 years we have hosted the USA's largest non-profit, single weekend slow pitch softball tournament. With over 400 teams annually, this tournament brings together players, families, and fans from all over the US and Canada. We have also been host to many Cal Ripken, Babe Ruth, American Legion, AAU and USA Baseball Tournaments. Additionally, we have newly remodeled baseball diamond facilities. Bismarck Event Center Your sporting event lives here, with over 100,000 square feet of unobstructed floor space. Hockey, rodeo, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, to almost any sport, the Bismarck Event Center provides the perfect, proven venue. Capital Ice Complex The former Schaumberg Arena has a sister sheet of ice, the brand new Wachter Arena, and both are now under one roof in the Capital Ice Complex. The facility is home to youth hockey, figure skating and public ice skating. Schaumberg Arena seats 560, and Wachter Arena seats 540. There are two community rooms available to rent for your next gathering or celebration. The Capital Ice Complex is next door to Wachter Park. The park has picnic shelters, updated playgrounds and is also home to the Wachter Aquatic Complex. Host a memorable meeting, a party or reunion at this complex/park.