Akron: sports city

Gay Games IX are not just about Cleveland: they're also taking place in neighborhing Akron, which will host women's softball and golf, among other events. Akron, like Cleveland, is a great city for sports and sports events.

Akron hosted the 2009 & 2010 National PONY (Protecting Our Nation’s Youth) Softball Championships at the iconic Firestone Stadium, welcoming more than 125 teams annually. Each year since 2005, Akron welcomes 550+ high school basketball teams from around the country for the annual King James (LeBron James) Shooting Stars Classic. Recent events have also included: Ohio Special Olympics, Boys of Summer Freedom Classic Showcase, Ohio High School State Softball Championships; Mid America MAC Tournament.

In addition to a broad spectrum of youth and amateur athletics, Akron is proud to host the World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational, All-American Soap Box Derby Championship, and the Road Runner Akron Marathon, which attracted 11,000+ U.S. and international runners.

In recognition for their efforts to position Greater Akron as an ideal sporting event destination, the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) received a 2011 SportsEvents Magazine Readers’ Choice Award for “Places to Watch in 2011.” This year also marks the Akron/Summit CVB’s 14th Top Destination Award from Facilities & Destinations Magazine – a particularly meaningful award bestowed by their readers. The Top Destination distinction recognizes Greater Akron’s commitment to providing exceptional service, the area’s flexibility/affordability and the myriad of cultural/entertainment options available to visitors.