The Nation’s Top Minor League Market by Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal
The Hershey Harrisburg region is a diverse destination with a myriad of resources and venues to accommodate almost any sporting event. Created in June 2003, the Sports Division of the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau (HHRVB) works on recruiting and attracting sporting events, sports meetings and competitions to the Hershey Harrisburg region. HHRVB Sports promotes the region to events rights holders, organizations and associations both regionally and nationally. By marketing the region and the venues and facilities available here, HHRVB Sports attracts events of all levels: youth, collegiate, amateur and professional.
For more information contact:
Gregg Cook, Sports Marketing Manager
Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau
17 South Second St.,
Harrisburg, PA 17101
gregg@hersheyharrisburg.org
717-231-2990
Professional Sports Franchises
The Hershey Harrisburg Region is home to a number of professional sports franchises. Through solid working relationships, we support and assist these teams/events however possible to ensure their longevity and success in the region.
Harrisburg Senators Baseball Club (AA Washington Nationals)
Metro Bank Park
City Island
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-231-4444
www.senatorsbaseball.com
Playing their home games at Metro Bank Park on Harrisburg’s City Island, the Senators are the AA affiliate of MLB’s new Washington DC Nationals. Starting in 1987, the Senators have enjoyed success not commonly found among minor-league teams. They have won 6 Eastern League Championships, including four in a row from 1996-99, and have qualified for the playoffs in 14 of their 18 seasons. Annual attendance is strong as well, as the Senators routinely draw over 250,000 fans.
HERSHEY BEARS ® Hockey Club (AHL Washington Capitals)
950 West Hersheypark Drive
Hershey, PA 17033
717-534-3380
www.hersheybears.com
The oldest continually-running franchise in professional hockey, the Bears are the top farm team of the NHL’s Washington Capitals. On October 20, 2007, the Bears will play their 70th home opener. Playing their home games in the “New in 2002” Giant Center, the Bears have won 9 Calder Cups over the years as AHL Champions, most recently in the 2005-06 season, with head coach Bruce Boudreau at the helm.
City Islanders Pro Soccer
2090 Linglestown Road, Suite 201
Harrisburg, Pa 17110
(717) 441-GOAL
www.cityislanders.com
The City Islanders compete in the United Soccer League’s Second Division. Home games are played at SkyLine Sports Complex on Harrisburg’s City Island, which also serves as home to the Central Penn Piranha (see below). On August 25, 2007, the City Islanders put the finishing touch on their fourth season by defeating the Richmond Kickers to win the USL Division II Championship.
Harrisburg Stampede (American Indoor Football Association)
The Harrisburg Stampede is a professional indoor football team that will begin play in the American Indoor Football Association as a 2009 expansion team. The team will play its home games at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center beginning January 24, 2009.
The "Stampede" name alludes to the team's home venue, which hosts the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's annual livestock show. The team's colors of blue and gold are the traditional colors of the state.
Central Penn Piranha Football Club
http://eteamz.active.com/piranhafootball/
As a member of the North American Football League (NAFL), the Piranha have an unmatched record of success. They have won their league championship 5 times, and have an incredible 120-0 record on their home field. Home games are played at SkyLine Sports Complex on Harrisburg’s City Island, adjacent to Commerce Bank Park, home of the Senators. The Piranha are the winningest team in minor league football history.
South Central Yard Dawgs
Now in their third season in the North American Football League, the South Central Yard Dawgs play their home games at Roscoe Warner Stadium, at Susquehanna Township High School. Coming off a 7-5 season in 2007, the Yard Dawgs look to improve and develop their rivalry against the Central Penn Piranha.
Harrisburg Horizon Basketball Club
4751 Lindle Road, Suites 101-102
Harrisburg, PA 17111
717-986-0499
www.harrisburghorizon.com
A member of the Eastern Basketball Alliance, the Horizon play their home games at Manny Weaver Gym at 19th and Derry Streets in Harrisburg. The Horizon are the five-time defending EBA Champions, and have lost just five games in the last six seasons.
Central PA Vipers Women’s Semi-Pro Football (IWFL)
717 Market Street, Suite 305]
Lemoyne, PA 17043
www.centralpavipers.com
The newest addition to the Central Pennsylvania sports landscape, the Vipers will join the Independent Women’s Football League for their first season in 2008. The Vipers will play their home games at Severence Field at Harrisburg High School. The schedule will run from April through August, including playoffs.
Event Hosting Experience
By marketing the region, the venues and facilities available here, HHRVB Sports attracts events of all levels: youth, collegiate, amateur and professional. Here are a few of the events the HHRVB has successfully hosted.
- US Junior Nationals AAU Basketball Tournament
- Triple Crown Sports Father’s Day Classic Baseball Tournament
- American Cheer Power Hersheypark Open
- Eastern Cheer & Dance Regional Championship
- Keystone State Games, 1993-98
- NCAA Division II Conference Commissioners Association Conference
- Marques Colston Charity Weekend
- PIAA State Championships in basketball, football, wrestling and soccer
- PGA Nationwide Tour Reese’s Cup
- USGA Publinx Qualifier featuring Michelle Wie
- Big 33 Football Classic
2009 Sports Schedule
- Harrisburg Senators Baseball, April to September, Metro Bank Park, City Island, Harrisburg
- Hershey Bears Hockey, October to April, Giant Center, Hershey
- City Islanders Soccer, April to August, Skyline Sports Complex, City Island, Harrisburg
- Harrisburg Stampede Indoor Football, March through June, Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, Harrisburg
- Central Penn Piranha Football, July to November, Roscoe Warner Stadium, Susquehanna Township High School, Harrisburg
- South Central Yard Dawgs Football, Roscoe Warner Stadium, Susquehanna Township High School, Harrisburg
- Central PA Vipers Women’s Semi-pro Football, April through August, Severance Field, Harrisburg High School, Harrisburg
- Thoroughbred racing, Tuesday through Saturday, 6:45 p.m., Penn National Race Course at Hollywood Casino, Grantville
- Harrisburg Horizon Basketball, January to March, John Harris Gym, Harrisburg High School, Harrisburg
- PIAA High School Wrestling Championships (team), February 6-7, 2009, Giant Center, Hershey
- PIAA High School Wrestling Championships (individual), March 5-7, 2009, Giant Center, Hershey
- PIAA High School Girls Soccer Championship, June 5, 2009, Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey
- Big 33 Football Classic, June 20, 2009, Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey
- Triple Crown Sports Father's Day Classic Baseball Tournament, June 20-21, 2009, various fields in Dauphin County
- Kicks 4 Kids youth soccer tournament, June 20-21, 2009, various fields in the Hershey area
- US Junior Nationals Hershey Showcase Basketball Tournament, June 26-July 2, 2009, various gyms throughout Dauphin County
- Smith Barney-Millers Mutual Harrisburg Mile, July 15, 2009, downtown Harrisburg
- Pennsylvania National Horse Show, October 8-17, 2009, Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, Harrisburg
- PIAA High School Soccer Championship (boys), November 14, 2009, Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey
- PIAA High School Football Championships, December 11-12, 2009, Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey
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