This is a guest post written by Billy Hilliard
Arizona has solidified its position as a leader in the youth sports scene, thanks in part to its ideal temperate weather during the fall, winter, and spring seasons, making it an attractive destination for athletes and teams from across the country. This favorable climate, combined with the state’s status as a top destination for organic and inbound population growth, has created a vibrant environment for sports development. From professional-grade training grounds to multipurpose sports parks, Arizona’s youth sports complexes are designed to help young athletes hone their skills while fostering strong, healthy communities. Here’s a look at five outstanding youth sports complexes in Arizona, each standing out for its state-of-the-art amenities and comprehensive impact on the local sports landscape.
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Kino Sports Complex (Tucson)
Kino Sports Complex is a 300-acre standard-bearing youth sports facility in Arizona that offers an extensive range of athletic amenities. The complex features eight baseball fields, 22 soccer fields, and 20 pickleball courts. Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium anchors the venue with 11,000 spectator seats. Its recent 167-acre South Complex expansion added 12 lighted natural grass long fields for rugby, football, soccer, and lacrosse, solidifying its position as a top-tier sports destination in the Southwestern United States.
Kino Sports Complex opened in 1998 and served as the spring training home for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago White Sox until 2012. When those teams moved, Pima County invested in transitioning the complex into a youth and professional sports destination as well as a hub for cultural events.
Red Mountain Park (Mesa)
Spanning over 1,150 acres, Red Mountain Park is Mesa’s largest multi-use urban recreational area, offering an impressive variety of youth sports facilities alongside nature and community amenities. The park features six lighted soccer fields, four softball fields, and three little league baseball fields, all meticulously maintained and designed to host leagues, tournaments, and casual play. A 7.7-acre fishing lake adds a scenic backdrop and attracts local wildlife, making it a popular spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Beyond the sports fields, Red Mountain Park includes two playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, picnic areas with BBQ grills, and paved walking and biking trails that wind through desert landscapes and red rock formations. The park’s open spaces provide ample room for kids to explore and play, while shaded areas and clean restroom facilities add comfort for visitors. Its accessibility and range of amenities make it a favored destination for youth sports and family recreation in the East Valley.
Recently expanded through a community-supported bond project, Red Mountain Park continues to grow, enhancing irrigation systems and adding landscaping improvements to support its extensive sports and recreational offerings. This blend of natural beauty and athletic infrastructure makes Red Mountain Park a standout venue for youth sports in Arizona.
Reach 11 Sports Complex (Phoenix)
Reach 11 Sports Complex offers an unparalleled environment for athletic development and community engagement. This sprawling 317-acre complex boasts an impressive array of amenities, including 18 full-size soccer fields (17 natural grass and one artificial turf), four baseball diamonds, and an extensive trail system for walkers and runners. The complex’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its wheelchair-friendly paths and two accessible rubberized baseball fields, ensuring that athletes of all abilities can participate and thrive.
What truly sets Reach 11 Sports Complex apart is its versatility and capacity to host large-scale events. The facility’s 18 lighted soccer fields make it an ideal venue for major tournaments, attracting teams from across the region and boosting local tourism. Reach 11’s focus on providing top-tier amenities, including concessions, ample parking, and well-maintained restrooms and locker rooms, ensures a superior experience for athletes and spectators, further cementing its status as one of Arizona’s premier youth sports destinations.
Reata Sports Complex (Scottsdale, Arizona)
The Reata Sports Complex is one of Arizona’s newest and most exciting multi-sport destinations, designed to accommodate both competitive and recreational athletes. This facility, spanning nearly 40 acres, features five multi-use fields for soccer, lacrosse, flag football, and ultimate frisbee tournaments and leagues.
With its LED-lit fields, players can train and compete well into the evening, maximizing year-round play in Arizona’s mild winter climate. The complex also provides a comprehensive experience for guests with walking trails, shaded seating areas, and family-friendly amenities, all with the majestic McDowell Mountains as the backdrop.
Located just minutes from Scottsdale’s thriving sports and entertainment district, Reata Sports Complex is a go-to hub for regional tournaments, youth development programs, and corporate sports leagues. Its modern infrastructure and convenient access to local dining and lodging make it a premier choice for traveling teams and event organizers looking for a seamless competition experience.
Scottsdale Sports Complex (Scottsdale)
The Scottsdale Sports Complex is a 71-acre destination catering to athletes of all levels, from youth leagues to professional training camps. This state-of-the-art facility features 10 competition-level multipurpose fields, six lit for evening play, making it an ideal venue for soccer, lacrosse, rugby, and flag football tournaments.
Beyond its playing surfaces, the complex offers walking paths, a shaded playground, and ample green space for spectators and families. Strategically located near the 101 freeway and Scottsdale’s resort corridor, it attracts local teams and traveling clubs for tournaments, clinics, and recreational play.
A standout feature of the Scottsdale Sports Complex is its commitment to high-quality turf maintenance and event-friendly infrastructure, ensuring a professional experience for players and organizers alike.
