Charleston has been the host destination for a number of prestigious sports organizations, showcasing premier events over the years.
Look at the Who’s Who list of sports right holders and event owners.

USGA

While celebrating its 113th year of existence, the Country Club of Charleston hosted the 113th Annual US Women’s Amateur Championship in August 2013 and hosted the US Women’s Open in May 2019.

PGA

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort has hosted a number of PGA events, including: Ryder Cup (1991); World Cup (1997 & 2003); UBS Warburg Cup (2001); Senior PGA Championship (2007), and PGA Championship (2012), which is scheduled to return in May 2021.

LPGA

Rivertowne Country Club in Mt. Pleasant was the chosen golf course for the Ginn Tribute –hosted by Annika Sorenstam (2007 & 2008).

WTA

Credit One Open is one of WTA’s Tour Premier Events and held annually at the Credit One Stadium and LTP Daniel Island Tennis Center. (2001-present).

Credit One Charleston Open

The Credit One Charleston Open is the largest women’s only tennis tournament in North America. Every April, Credit One and Charleston welcomes more than 100 world-class, women athletes to participate in the excitement of the Credit One Charleston Open.

ITF

The International Tennis Federation held the Davis Cup Semi-Finals at the Family Circle Tennis Center, Daniel Island (2004).

ESPN

Created by ESPN Events, the Charleston Classic is a pre-season NCAA men’s basketball invitational tournament held annually at the College of Charleston’s TD Arena (2008 – present).

USA Rugby

The first professional rugby matches to ever be played in the state of SC have been held at MUSC Health Stadium. USA vs. IRB teams in the summer of 2008, 2009 and 2013.

ISAF

The Charleston Harbor has been the backdrop for a number of solo yacht races including BOC Challenge (94/95); Around Alone Race (98/99) and VELUX 5 Oceans (2011) and now team races such as the Atlantic Cup (2014/15).

MLS

The Carolina Challenge Cup is hosted by the Charleston Battery and includes MLS professional men’s soccer teams in a pre-season tournament, since 2004.

USL

Charleston Battery is a professional soccer club that plays in the United Soccer League. Founded in 1993, they are one of the oldest continuously operating professional soccer clubs in the US. The team plays 17+ home games at Patriots Point Soccer Complex.

CAA

Charleston hosted the Colonial Athletic Association’s Men’s Basketball Championship, 2017-2019. Member school, College of Charleston competes in NCAA Division I and sponsors 20 varsity sports teams.

SOCON

Charleston hosted the Southern Conference M’s & W’s Basketball Championships, 2002 – 2008 and Baseball Championships for 23 years, from 1990-2015. Member school, The Citadel has been affiliated with the SoCon since 1936, and sponsors 16 varsity sports teams.

Big South

CSU Buccaneers participate in Division I of the NCAA as a member of the Big South Conference. Charleston Southern fields varsity teams in 16 sports, 7 for men and 9 for women. The football team competes in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision.

ACC

A top six collegiate power conference, the ACC has shown interest in hosting championship events at a neutral site, such as men’s and women’s soccer at MUSC Health Stadium.

NCAA

First -time destination for a national championship, The Citadel hosted the 2018 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Rifle Championships.

MLL

Major League Lacrosse selected Charleston as the host city for their 2018 National Championships, played at MUSC Health Stadium on Daniel Island.

ECHL

The SC Stingrays are a professional minor league ice hockey team and play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. Established in 1993, the team plays 34+ home games at the North Charleston Coliseum.

MiLB

The Charleston RiverDogs are a minor league baseball team and plays in the Class Single-A South Atlantic League. They are an affiliate of the New York Yankees and play 74+ home games at the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park.

ESPN EVENTS

Created by ESPN Events, the Charleston Classic is a pre-season NCAA men’s basketball invitational tournament held annually at the College of Charleston’s TD Arena (2008 – present).

AJGA

The American Junior Golf Association hosted their national marquee event, the Rolex Girls Junior Championship at The Golf Club at Briar’s Creek on Johns Island in June 2019.

Bassmaster Elite Series

The Bassmaster Elite Series is the highest level of professional bass fishing tournaments by B.A.S.S. The 2020 Bassmaster Elite is held at Santee Cooper Lakes.

NSWTA

The National Senior Women Tennis Association regularly hosts their marquee event, The Anne Geier Cup, in the Charleston area.

SKA

Since 1991, the Southern Kingfish Association is the premier sanctioning body for king mackerel tournaments and has hosted a number of competitions in the Charleston area.

NSA

The Steeplechase of Charleston is a National Steeplechase Association sanctioned Race Meet, held in November at The Plantation @ Stono Ferry Racetrack.

ACA

The American Canoe Association is the oldest and largest paddle sports organization in the US, promoting canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. The national organization is a regular sponsor for Charleston County Park Recreation Commission events.

USTA Pro Circuit

Formed in 1979, the USTA Pro Circuit has grown into the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world and has hosted national girls’ tournaments in the Charleston area with $60K and $100K in prize money.

USA Women’s Soccer

USA women’s professional soccer players have made four different appearances in the Charleston SC area.

AVP

The AVP Charleston Open was held at LTP-Daniel Island (formerly Family Circle Tennis Center) in June 2007 and 2008 and required over 1,470 tons of sand to create professional beach volleyball courts.

USTA Southern

Known as the world’s largest tennis tournament, the Southern Sectional Championships were held in Charleston SC and included over 2,000 players for 9 days in July 2005 & 2006.

OUR MISSION

The Charleston Area Sports Commission works with all types of sports events, whether it is a first-time, homegrown competition or a world-class, highly competitive-bid event. The ultimate goal is to ensure each event is a financial success for its beneficiaries and an economic success for the Charleston community.

PROSPECTIVE SPORTS EVENTS

Bid Proposal Assistance

  • Feasibility assessment, consultation of available resources.
  • Referrals to sports groups, organizations and key community leaders.
  • Coordinate site inspections and FAM tours.
  • Confidential hotel inquiries and RFPs.
  • Bid proposal materials, letters of support.

SECURED SPORTS EVENTS

Event Planning Assistance

  • Hotel sales and service leads.
  • Press releases to regional media outlets and social media postings.
  • Referrals, introductions to vendors and event services.
  • Promotional materials, including images, videos, maps, editorial content.
  • Local media submissions on calendars, websites and e-newsletters.

LIVE SPORTS EVENTS

Event Execution Assistance

  • Hotel reservations through online housing system, Meetingmax.
  • Hotel microsite availability to highlight confirmed hotel partners.
  • Tour itineraries for a variety of Charleston-interest themes.
  • Registration /welcome booth materials.
  • Visitor guides, maps, and specially-designed promotional cards.

Over 400 Sports Travel Events A Year

The Sports Commission regularly entertains additional requests that may be unique to an event. To discuss opportunities for maximizing marketing and promotional efforts, please contact the office at Ph#: 843-805-3030 or [email protected]