The Great Outdoors
If you enjoy outdoor activities, you’re going to love Savannah. The mild climate allows folks to get out and play golf and tennis or take to the waterways for boating and fishing all year-round.
Because of that, local officials have wisely provided residents with all sorts of recreational opportunities and venues, the largest of the latter being Bacon Park on the south side of town. This area is particularly suited to youngsters engaging in team sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and swimming, but there’s plenty here for adults, too, in the form of golf, tennis, softball, aquatics, weight training and jogging.
Savannah/Chatham County is a virtual paradise for those who long to spend time on the water. There are 420 miles of navigable waters twisting through almost 87,000 acres of tidal marshlands, giving boaters and fishermen a lot of space to putter around in. Speaking of fishing, the area offers inshore and offshore opportunities for saltwater anglers and rivers and creeks for sportsmen who prefer to wet their lines in fresh water.
If you prefer to take your sports sitting down, you can watch minor league baseball at Grayson Stadium and collegiate football, basketball, baseball and volleyball at local venues, particularly in nearby Statesboro, where the Georgia Southern University Eagles have won six national championships in Division I-AA football since 1985.
For more informaiton please contact us today:
Greater Savannah Sports Council
bwilder@visitsavannah.com / 912.644.6414
The Greater Savannah Sports Council (GSSC) is committed to developing sports-related events with local, regional, national and international organizations. The GSSC supports a wide range of events that offer a diverse opportunity to athletes of all ages and sports.
Annual Sport Events:
Savannah Tire Hockey Classic | January | www.SavannahTireHockeyClassic.com
Organized by the Greater Savannah Sports Council, the Savannah Hockey Classic features the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida State University and the University of Florida hockey teams with the goal of winning the Thrasher Cup in early January.
GACA North vs. South All-Star Basketball Classic | February | www.gacacoach.com
This all-star basketball event features the best high school athletes from the State of Georgia. The annual event is held at Tiger Arena on the campus of Savannah State University. Expected attendance is 3,000 each year.
Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure | April | www.savannahraceforthecure.org
Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf | April | www.lmlog.com
One of the most prestigious tournaments on the Champions Tour, the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf makes its home at the Club at Savannah Harbor, part of The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa on Hutchinson Island. The tournament, featuring many of golf’s greatest players, is held in mid- to late April..
Tail USTA Savannah Challenger | April | www.savannahchallenger.com
The Tail USTA Savannah Challenger is held at the Franklin Creek Tennis Center at The Landings Club. The ATP Challenger Tour is held for players with a world ranking between 80 to 400. Participants are usually fulltime tour players that are looking to improve their ranking and advance to the ATP World Tour that includes events like the French Open or U.S. Open.
EVP Beach Volleyball Tour - Savannah Open | May | www.evptour.com
The EVP Beach Volleyball Tour’s primary aim is to support beach volleyball events that engage fans, athletes, students, communities and sponsors in a great day at the beach. At each event, spectators will not only see elite athletes compete on the sand for top honors, they also have the chance to interact with the pros by participating in contests and promotions at hosting venues. EVP Tour events channel local resources and draw all participants together, benefiting the entire community.
Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival | Oct. - Nov. | www.hhiconcours.com
With over 400 cars throughout the three-day Festival, the Hilton Head Island Concours d’ Elegance & Motoring Festival has quickly climbed the ranks on the national scene. Ranked within the top Concours events among the likes of Pebble Beach, Amelia Island and Meadow Brook, the Motoring Festival has fast become a staple event in the automotive world.
ENMARK Savannah River Bridge Run | December | SavannahRiverBridgeRun.com
Organized by the Greater Savannah Sports Council, the ENMARK Savannah River Bridge Run over the Talmadge Bridge encourages everyone to try and conquer “The South’s Toughest Bridge Run” by either walking or running in the 5K, 10K or DOUBLE PUMP. The event had more than 4,500 participants in 2009 and was named “Best-Kept Secret” by Bart Yasso of Runner’s World Magazine. The event is held the first Saturday in December.
Rock n' Roll Marathon | November | www.rocknroll.com
Taste the flavor of sweet Southern charm at the inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & ½ Marathon on November 5, 2011! Experience the intrigue and ambiance of the city while running to the beat of rock, country, jazz and blues. Find your Southern drawl and rock out in Savannah! Click here to register!
Critz Tybee Run ½ Marathon – 5 Mile | February | www.critztybeerun.com
This event promises to provide excitement; the 2009 event attracted more than 3,000 participants. Not only do you get to run on beautiful Tybee Island, but at the finish, there is post-race party waiting for you near the beach. The event is held in early February.
Local Teams:
Savannah Sand Gnats
Grayson Stadium, 1401 E. Victory Drive, 31404
351-9150 | sandgnats.com
The Sand Gnats, a Class A baseball team affiliated with the New York Mets organization, won the South Atlantic League championship three times during the 1990s. The team’s 140-game regular season runs from April into September and features 70 home dates played at historic Grayson Stadium, which dates to 1926.
Savannah Lady Warriors
386-214-9993 | savannahladywarriors.net
The Savannah Lady Warriors basketball team won the 2009 national championship in the WBCBL. Savannah will host the 2010 regional championship.
