Skagit Tourism Bureau’s Skagit Valley Sports Commission Scores with Athletic Tourism Draw

Basketball, softball, soccer, tennis, golf… The Skagit Tourism Bureau’s Skagit Valley Sports Commission (SVSC) knows it's hard to just sit on the sidelines when you’re living in a vibrant hub for sports and recreation.

The area is home to Skagit Valley College’s athletic facilities, Skagit Valley Playfields, and Skagit River Park, as well as a handful of other beautiful parks that host youth and adult leagues throughout the year.

But it’s about far more than just getting a breath of fresh air and giving those quads a good burn (although they love it just as much as you do).

“Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness and quality of Skagit River Park and are especially impressed by the breathtaking natural setting. Many comment on how rare it is to compete in a location surrounded by snowcapped peaks, open farmland, and fresh air,” said SVSC Sport Development Manager Cody Hurd. “Attendees also appreciate the wide range of recreational opportunities available beyond the game—hiking, biking, kayaking, and exploring charming downtowns—all of which create a well-rounded, memorable experience for athletes and families alike.”

A Premier Destination 

All of these activities also support economic growth and community well-being. In collaboration with schools, local governments, and sports organizations, the SVSC helps bring tournaments, camps, and competitions to the region, which enriches the county’s sports tourism culture and draws in tens of thousands of visitors every year.

“Skagit County’s emergence as a premier destination for sports and recreation is the result of strategic community investment, outstanding facilities, and the region’s natural beauty. Skagit River Park, with over 30 multi-use fields, has positioned the area to host multiple large-scale tournaments simultaneously,” said Hurd.

“Additional high-quality venues, such as the softball and baseball fields at Skagit Valley College, complement our offerings and create a county-wide network of competition-ready facilities. This growth has been further supported by our local hotel partners, who helped fund the Skagit Tourism Bureau’s creation of the Skagit Valley Sports Commission with a dedicated sports development position—an essential move that has amplified Skagit Valley’s appeal to both athletes and event organizers. Together, these efforts have made Skagit a top-tier location for regional and national sports events.”

Summer Lineup

From soccer to horseshoe pitching, there’s an invigorating summer lineup of events on the horizon, all showcasing the rich diversity of sports in Skagit Valley.

“These tournaments bring thousands of visitors to the region and help us continue building Skagit Valley’s reputation as a welcoming and competitive destination for athletes of all ages and interests,” said Hurd.

SVSC hopes you’ll be one of them and enjoy the following events:

• Select Flight Invite – West (USA Ultimate) | July 26–27 at Skagit River Park
• Washington Rush Cup Soccer Tournament | August 1–3 at Skagit River Park
• Hoop for the Valley 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament | August 15–17 in Downtown Mount Vernon
• Washington State Horseshoe Pitching Association Tournament | August 23–24 at Skagit River Park
• Bike MS: Deception Pass Classic 2025 | September 6–7, starting in Mount Vernon

“Our primary goal is to grow the number and diversity of tournaments hosted in Skagit Valley, positioning the region as a year-round destination for both competitive and recreational events. While Skagit River Park remains a centerpiece for outdoor sports with its large-scale capabilities, we’re also working to elevate awareness of our area’s broader recreational assets—such as miles of scenic trails, water sports access, and additional fields and diamonds throughout the county,” said Hurd.

And that diversity could become even more dimensional with the building of an indoor facility.

“Through a Rural Tourism Support Grant from the State of Washington Tourism Office, we are beginning work to conduct a feasibility study for a future indoor facility. This would allow us to expand our offerings to indoor tournaments, training camps and community recreation throughout the year. In addition to infrastructure development, we’re focused on strengthening partnerships with tournament organizers and helping local sports programs gain regional recognition and growth,” said Hurd.

For more information about the SVSC, click here!