SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — The Course Spokane Valley has been named Best New Sports Venue in the country, receiving the 2026 SportsTravel Award today.
The SportsTravel Awards celebrate excellence in sports events, venues, and host cities, and bring national recognition of The Course Spokane Valley as a premier cross country destination.
“This is an incredible recognition for The Course Spokane Valley, for our region’s economy, and for everyone who has contributed to the project,” says Spokane Valley Mayor Laura Padden. “The Course is a remarkable asset for our community and a strategic investment in our future through sports tourism. By using lodging tax dollars paid by visitors, we’ve created a national-caliber facility that attracts even more customers to our hotels, shops, and restaurants—all within a beautiful new park that Spokane Valley residents can enjoy for many years to come.”
Ashley Blake, CEO of Spokane Sports, shares Mayor Padden’s sentiment.
“This award recognizes the quality of the venue and the vision behind its development,” Blake says. “By attracting and hosting major cross country running events, The Course generates new visitation, spending, and tax revenue for Spokane Valley, while strengthening our region’s reputation as a premier sports destination. Spokane Sports is proud to help maximize that impact and create lasting value for our community.”
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