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Root for the Home Team: Sports in SGF

There’s nothing that brings a community together like sports: the shared camaraderie, the cheering, the passion for the players on the field or court. For many, sports can be a draw to a city, encouraging fans to find a home where they can watch their favorite players compete. For those who can’t imagine living in a town without sports, you’re in luck. Though Springfield may not have an NFL or NBA team, you can still find plenty of talented teams with enthusiastic fanbases. 

Let’s explore the world of Springfield sports and get to know the teams in town. 

Cheer them on 

Whether you’re a fan of teams large or small, there are plenty of incredible athletes to root for in town. 

Professional sports 

The Springfield Cardinals are the crown jewel of the Springfield sports scene. As the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Springfield Redbirds have a direct connection to Major League Baseball. During their season, they play Minor League Baseball teams from across the region like the Tulsa Drillers, Arkansas Travelers, Northwest Naturals and more. From spring to late summer, there’s no better place than Hammons Field to take the family for fun, fireworks and a great game of America’s pastime. And here’s the best part: Springfield Cardinals tickets are relatively affordable! How’s that for a home run?

Across the way at the Cooper Tennis Complex, the knockout Springfield Lasers lay it down on the tennis court. As back-to-back World TeamTennis Champions in 2018 and 2019, this team has been proudly representing Springfield since 1996. Their season runs through the spring and summer, and it’s a perfect outing for any aspiring tennis fan. 

Collegiate sports 

The city of Springfield is filled with talented athletes across several colleges and a wide array of sports. The Missouri State Bears bring hometown pride to town with a number of Division I teams in sports like basketball, football, hockey, volleyball, cross country, golf and more. 

Missouri State University men's basketball game

Over at Drury University, athletes secure championship trophies for sports like basketball and swimming and diving. For those less interested in the usual sports scene, Drury Panthers are also involved in non-NCAA sports like bass fishing, bowling, esports and shotgun sports. 

Private Christian college Evangel University lends to the excitement of the local sports scene with its variety of NAIA teams. You can find your traditional sports like tennis, baseball and football here—all with an incredible set of athletes. Plus, if you can’t make the game, you can watch their matches live online!

High school sports 

For those longing for the glow of Friday night lights, you’re in luck. There’s nearly a dozen high schools in town with an active sports scene across a number of sports, including blockbusting tournaments like the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions, Blue and Gold Basketball Tournament and Homeschool Basketball Championships. For parents moving to town, rest easy knowing that your student-athlete will have plenty of opportunities to show off their stuff. They may just become a collegiate or professional athlete! 

Don a jersey 

Looking to immerse yourself in the local sports scene? Even if you’re not a seasoned professional, you can still get involved with these teams: 

  • Park Board sports. Springfield’s local Park Board helps coordinate a variety of sports teams, including classics like volleyball and soccer as well as less traditional sports like BMX and pickleball. Anyone can get involved, with teams across all ages and skill levels. If you’re wanting to try something new and make some friends along the way, this is the place to do it! 
  • Betty & Bobby Allison Sports Town. Springfield’s newest state-of-the-art sports facility accommodates youth and adult tournaments, camps and leagues. Spanning 80 acres near the Springfield-Branson National Airport, the venue features 12 outdoor sports fields, two indoor soccer fields and four regulation basketball courts. It’s also the perfect location for birthday parties and meetings.
  • Lake Country Soccer. While it may seem like football is always the focus, fútbol gets its own spotlight at Lake Country Soccer. Children getting their start in the sport can participate in indoor or outdoor leagues, and adults can join their own indoor and outdoor leagues. Lake Country also hosts yearly soccer camps for those looking to improve their skills. 
  • Springfield Softball Association. Softball has been played in Springfield since the 1930s, and it’s been a staple of the town ever since. The Association includes divisions for men and women’s slow and fastpitch, along with youth fastpitch. The facilities take a spot of honor too, with Springfield tournaments hosting more than 35 national championships. 
  • Community Sports Development Program. Aspiring Olympic athletes can start training in archery, hockey, tennis and volleyball through the Community Sports Development Program. Athletes in this program receive rigorous training to ensure they’re at the top of their game, pushing them to be the most competitive version of themselves. 
  • Springfield Rugby Club. No matter how much experience you have, the Springfield Rugby Club can help you understand the rules of the game and get you scrumming on the field. Many previous athletes take an interest in this club, but don’t worry—anyone can play! For friendship and fun, it’s the perfect way to get involved in a new sport you’re sure to love (and feel the next day)!

Catch the game 

Wanting to catch the big game with your friends? We’ve got your pro sports fix covered at our local sports bars. Each sports bar may have a different preferred sport, so we suggest checking out the spots below to see which is the best fit for your game night: 

Ready to move to a city with a growing sports scene? Download our relocation guide and discover what all Springfield MO has to offer.

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