Long known for its sugar-white sands and emerald-green waters, Panama City Beach, Fla., is now being recognized by national and international sporting event planners as an optimum destination for a wide variety of sporting events. With its moderate year-round temperatures, conveniently located hotels and top-of-the-line sports facility, it is evident that this small beach community is quickly rising to the top of its game in the world of sporting events.

Well known associations — such as The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), United States Fast Pitch Association (USFA), Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA), The World Softball League (WSL), Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and Independent Softball Association (ISA) — hold events in Panama City Beach. Numerous premier events took place in 2005, and multiple organizations have scheduled events of a championship caliber for 2006.

Don DeDonatis, CEO of the USSSA, commented on his association's experience, "Panama City Beach offers the ultimate venue for our sporting needs — excellent facilities, a beautiful beach, affordable housing, top-grade restaurants and entertainment for the whole family." He continued, "This is why our association has been chosen to hold national and world-class events in the destination for the past six years."

The destination's array of sports capabilities draw enthusiasts from every facet of the sports world, including baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, cheerleading and gymnastics. The most popular venue, Frank Brown Park, boasts a $50,000 renovation and expansion. The state-of-the-art aquatic center opens this spring, equipped with a 50-meter, Olympic-size outdoor pool; splash pool with play features; concessions, and classrooms. Additionally, Frank Brown Park is equipped with nine full-size baseball/softball diamonds designed for tournament level play, one lighted T-ball field, five lighted soccer fields, a lighted basketball court and a 1.25 mile lighted jogging track.

Panama City Beach boasts 27 miles of silky, white-sand beaches bordering the clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. The Northwest Florida destination enjoys recognition as a top U.S. beach from Conde Nast Traveler, The Travel Channel, USA Today, Southern Living, Dr. Beach and the Clean Beaches Council. Family attractions, championship golf courses, sporting events, delectable dining, predictably sunny weather and a vast number of recreational activities draw visitors to this seaside destination annually.

For more information, call 1-800-PCBEACH (850-233-5070) or visit www.thebeachloversbeach.com.

Contact Information

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Noel Perkins, Sharlet Brennan
YPB&R, 407-875-1111
Noel_Perkins@ypbr.com
Sharlet_Brennan@ypbr.com

Jayna M. Leach
Panama City Beach CVB
850-233-5070 ext. 226
jleach@800pcbeach.com