Think Tempe First for Sports and Outdoor Fun!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Toni Smith, Communications Manager
(480) 894-8158
toni@tempetourism.com
Alternate Contact: Amy Griglak
(480) 894-8158
amy@tempetourism.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tempe, Ariz. – Sports enthusiasts, from casual spectators to athletes seeking new challenges, will find themselves in the middle of the action in Tempe, Arizona.
Tempe combines the conveniences of a city with the adventure of outdoor recreation. The city boasts an enviable climate, with at least 330 days of sunshine a year, making it easy to actively enjoy the outdoors.
One of the most unique features in Tempe is Tempe Town Lake, a 220-acre urban oasis, located just north of Arizona State University and the downtown Mill Avenue District. Tempe Town Lake is a favorite spot for boating, kayaking, fishing and rowing. Visitors can rent pedal boats, paddleboards, kayaks, pontoon boats, hydrobikes and more from Tempe Boat Rentals. Crew teams from universities around the country have used the lake for practice, and it is also home to the Tempe Junior Crew and Rio Salado Rowing Club. Tempe has hosted several rowing events each year including the Desert Sprints Regatta and Hot Head Regatta.
Tempe has more than 170 miles of dedicated and well-connected bikeways, providing easy access to the picturesque ASU campus, Tempe Town Lake, the Mill Avenue District, Kiwanis Park or any one of the historic neighborhoods. Bicycles are available for rent at The Bicycle Cellar, located at the Tempe Transportation Center.
From flat paths to desert trails, runners have plenty of options to keep them in shape. Beautiful desert vistas can be explored by jogging through Papago Park on 13 miles of scenic, mountain trails. Runners and hikers also enjoy climbing “A” Mountain, located in the heart of the Mill Avenue District. The quick ascent provides a bird’s eye view of Tempe. Just south of the city, you’ll never tire of the endlessly beautiful, and sometimes challenging, hiking and mountain biking trails at South Mountain Park/Preserve, the largest municipal park in the U.S. The banks of Tempe Town Lake are encircled by five miles of trails for running, biking, in-line skating and bicycling. Runners can also go the distance at the Joe Selleh Track at Sun Angel Stadium at ASU, or along the pathways in the 125-acre Kiwanis Community Park.
Tempe is the home of the Insight Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium, Arizona State University athletics, Angels Spring Training, and several triathlons and other sporting events.
Each year in January, the finish lines for the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon are in Tempe. The race attracts over 25,000 runners, who enjoy the flat, fast course, which travels through Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe.
Ford Ironman Arizona provides an even greater challenge in November each year. This grueling, yet inspiring competition features a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a complete 26.2 mile marathon. All transitions and the finish line are in Tempe Beach Park.
Making a quick trip to Arizona for golf is easy when your destination is the ASU Karsten Golf Course. Challenge is inherent with rolling hills and partially hidden greens, guarded by bunkers or water. Successful touring professionals like Phil Mickelson have honed their skills on the fairways and greens of this classic Pete Dye, Scottish links course. The course is also home to a PING Learning Center, so golfers of all levels can learn to perfect their skills. ASU Karsten is a remarkable golfing experience for players at every level, offering a selection of six tees, ranging from 4,760 yards from the forward tees to 7,058 yards from the championship tees.
Whether you’re an experienced rock climber, or you just want to get started, Phoenix Rock Gym is the perfect place to test your skills and learn new ones. The Phoenix Rock Gym is Arizona’s largest indoor climbing center, with 30-foot climbing walls and a friendly, knowledgeable staff. See the desert in a new way with 360 Adventures, a local company that provides expert guides for desert activities such as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and canyoneering.
For more information about ways to stay active during a trip to Tempe, please visit www. TempeTourism.com or call 800-283-6734.
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The Tempe Convention & Visitors Bureau, DBA Tempe Tourism Office, is a non-profit organization devoted to marketing Tempe, Arizona as a desirable visitor and group destination site. To learn more about Tempe, please call 480-894-8158 or visit us at www.tempetourism.com.
