Commonly called the Fairgrounds, the Kentucky Exposition Center is a multi-use facility that hosts all sorts of events throughout the year, including sports tournaments.

Surprisingly, this complex was built back in 1956, but it received a renovation in the early 2000s. Now, much of the exposition center has been updated and it has morphed into the ultimate events center in Louisville.

Louisville itself provides tourists with so much to do that there’s no way you will be able to see everything you’d want to in one trip. That may sound a bit disappointing, but this is actually good news. It means that you’ll never have a dull moment on your trip, and you and your team now have a great excuse to come back.

 

Things to Do

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

The city’s most famous export, the Louisville Slugger, is not far from the Kentucky Exposition Center. Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory for an inside look into how these legendary bats are made.

As you walk up to the building, you’ll see a giant Louisville Slugger resting along the building. For that reason, the museum is fairly hard to miss.

Once you enter the factory, the tour begins. Witness the process of bat making as workers carve them out of wood and burn the logo onto them. You are going to be in awe at the level of productivity in this place. Accompanying the sights of the factory is the sweet smell of the high quality wood from which the bats are made of.

After your tour, you can spend some time in the museum. There is memorabilia all over, most notably are a few historic Louisville sluggers. The bat used by Hank Aaron when he hit his 700th home run during the 1973 season and Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hit streak bat are two iconic examples.

Definitely don’t miss out on this behind the scenes look of a historic piece of Americana while you’re in Louisville. 800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202

 

Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay

Kentucky Exposition Center - Travel - Hotels4TeamsFor the majority of kids, amusement parks are the pinnacle of entertainment. Treat them to an afternoon of nonstop fun by going to Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay.

Part theme park, part water park, this attraction has tons of rides. Set sail on Bluebeard’s Bounty and get ready for a wild ride as the boat swings you from side to side.

Another intense swinging ride goes by the name of Cyclos. This giant pendulum is definitely going to excite the team.

One of their roller coasters, Lightning Run, reaches high speeds as you fly through the air. This adrenaline-pumping coaster is a highlight of the park.

Make sure to enjoy a film in the 5D theater. Utilizing interactive, technological seats, the cinema provides an enhanced film experience because the chairs move in every which way and performs special effects that coincide with the movie.

On a hot day, Hurricane Bay is a must-visit. Attached to Kentucky Kingdom, this popular water park will cool you off in the most fun way possible. Catch some big waves in the Big Surf pool. Plunge 12 stories on the intense Deep Water Dive. Feel what it’s like to be inside a vortex on Tornado. Hurricane Bay has so many water rides that you can spend a couple hours there without even going to Kentucky Kingdom.

King Louie’s Playland is a younger children’s section of Kentucky Kingdom that caters specifically to them. Housing smaller-scale rides, it’s the best spot for small children to have fun. Bringing at least 15 people to the park will get you a discount on admission. 937 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY 40209

 

Louisville Slugger Field

There isn’t a more appropriate name for a minor league baseball stadium in Louisville than Louisville Slugger Field.

Stop by for a game once you finish up at Kentucky Exposition Center and you and your team can go to see the Louisville Bats play. This Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Reds will treat you to an action-packed game of baseball. Go to a game for much cheaper than you could at a major league park. The smaller stadium will be great because you and your team will be closer to the action.

Besides a thrilling spectacle, Louisville Slugger Field’s food menu is surprisingly large for a minor league stadium. A grilled pork chop sandwich, cheese tater tots, and a foot-long corn dog are three highlights of an unexpectedly expansive menu. 401 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202

 

Louisville Zoo

The animal fans are really going to like this next attraction. Louisville Zoo is a large zoo that cares for animals from every corner of the globe.

The establishment is a huge supporter of conservation. It strives to provide its animal residents with the finest conditions possible, and works to educate guests on the importance of conserving wildlife habitats all over the world. So not only can you learn about all of the interesting animals while you’re at Louisville Zoo, you can find out how you can be a part of the conservation effort.

Moving on to the animals, Louisville Zoo organizes the habitats into six exhibit zones: Africa, Australia, Glacier Run, HerpAquarium, Islands, and South America. Each section houses an impressive number of creatures and has unique activities.

You can feed giraffes and Lorikeets, take a ride on a camel or pony, and even have a turn on the zoo’s rope course. Louisville Zoo is so much more than just a place to see animals. 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213

 

Kentucky Science Center

Embrace your inquisitive side at Kentucky Science Center. This interactive science museum provides exhibits that allow your team to investigate and discover the reasons behind many scientific phenomena.

Gain some insight about the importance of the atmosphere and the oceans in the World Around Us section. The interconnections of life will be revealed in this portion. In the World Within Us, the focus shrinks to examining the human body. Understand the functions of organs, organ systems, blood vessels, and all of the other vital parts in the human body and how they all work together to keep you alive.

Another room is devoted to promoting the exploration of physics, chemistry, engineering, manufacturing, and more.

There is so much more to see and do at the Kentucky Science Center. A world of science awaits. 727 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202

 

Executive Strike & Spare

Executive Strike & Spare is the Mecca of bowling in Louisville. It’s the place to go if your team is in the mood to bowl after you leave Kentucky Exposition Center.

There’s a high chance that you won’t need to call ahead to reserve lanes since the alley has a whopping 68 of them! It still may not be a bad idea to call ahead, but it’s not necessary.

Pricing is done by game, not by the hour, but games are less than five dollars apiece. Specials are run daily too. Take advantage of these whenever you go for the best deals.

You won’t need to worry getting hungry either thanks to the snack bar. Order a burger, pizza, nachos, or any other menu item and continue to bowl strikes. 911 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY 40209

 

Muhammad Ali Center

The famous boxer Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville. What better way is there to honor his hugely successful life and career than building a museum devoted to him? The Muhammad Ali Center will interest boxing fans as well as people who don’t follow the sport as closely.

The museum kicks things off with a short film on Ali’s life and his career. This will catch all visitors up to speed on the legendary heavyweight boxing champion.

As you walk through the center, displays on how Ali trained, clips of his fights, and memorabilia are just a few of the things you will encounter. Muhammad Ali’s influence on black Americans during the Civil Rights era is another subject the museum touches on. Stories and accounts of how Ali inspired people to fight injustice is a very poignant exhibit.

You will come to a point in the tour where you can even train like the boxer himself. Shadow box with Ali, hit the speed bag, and learn some basic boxing techniques.

Check out this one of a kind museum about one of America’s most prominent athletes while at the Kentucky Exposition Center. 144 N 6th St, Louisville, KY 40202

 

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Places to Eat

Hammerheads

Kentucky Exposition Center - Travel - Hotels4TeamsThe first restaurant on the list is a hidden gem that you would never find by just driving around Louisville. This is largely due to the fact that it’s located out of the way of Kentucky Exposition Center in a residential neighborhood and doesn’t have a sign.

Hammerheads cooks some of the most unique dishes you’ll see in the city.

Their most popular appetizer are the crispy mac & cheese balls. Don’t miss out on this one if you eat here. Sandwich-wise, Hammerheads has mouthwatering pulled pork and beef brisket sandwiches, along with some others that you don’t see often. Their chicken and waffles is a huge hit. The burgers can be made from beef, venison, elk, or chorizo. Every meal that Louisville Hammerheads serves is a winner. 921 Swan St, Louisville, KY 40204

 

Luna’s Mexican Rotisserie

Originally from Mexico, the owners of Luna’s Mexican Rotisserie love to share their food and culture with the people of Louisville. The restaurant was established in 2012 and since then has become a favorite among Louisville residents.

From tortas, a Mexican version of a sandwich, to combination platters, to burritos, Luna’s authentic cuisine always hits the spot. 5213 Preston Hwy B, Louisville, KY 40213

 

The Post

Reading the name of this restaurant, you would have absolutely no idea what kind of food they serve. The Post is all about pizza, but probably not how you would expect it. Their New York style pizzas feature toppings like bratwurst and jalapeno. All of The Post’s pizzas are worth a try. Besides pizza, you can order subs or calzones. 1045 Goss Ave, Louisville, KY 40217

 

Thai Noodles

A taste of Thai awaits you at Thai Noodles. This traditional Thai restaurant has it all: popular noodle dishes, stir fry, a couple juicy duck meals, curry, and fried rice. It’s open for lunch and dinner. Getting the team there won’t be a problem either since it’s so close. 5800 Preston Hwy, Louisville, KY 40219

 

You can rest easy knowing that the Kentucky Exposition Center can take care of every facet of your tournament. As for planning the excitement of the trip, that’s entirely up to you. That shouldn’t be much of a problem however. Louisville is stacked with must see attractions and plenty of restaurants that will make the taste buds happy.