Sports in Spokane, Washington facts for kids

An Indians game at Avista Stadium

Spokane, Washington, is a city that loves sports! People here enjoy watching and playing many different games. Even though Spokane doesn't have huge national sports teams, it's known for its friendly sports vibe. In 2009, a magazine called Sports Business Journal even said Spokane was the fifth best city in America for minor league sports teams.

You can watch many exciting sports events in Spokane, including professional and college games. If you like to play, you can join in fun events like the yearly Lilac Bloomsday Run or the huge Hoopfest basketball tournament. Spokane is home to several well-known sports teams. These include the Spokane Chiefs (a hockey team), the Spokane Indians (a baseball team that plays in nearby Spokane Valley), and the Spokane Shadow (a soccer team).

Spokane's Sports Teams

Where Teams Play

Spokane Arena set up for hockey

Avista Stadium

Spokane has several professional and semi-professional sports teams. These teams play in different leagues and at various stadiums around the area.

The Spokane Chiefs are a junior ice hockey team. They play in the Western Hockey League and have won the Memorial Cup, a big championship, two times (in 1991 and 2008). They play their home games at the Spokane Arena.

Spokane has a long history with baseball, going back to 1892. The Spokane Indians baseball team plays in Spokane Valley. They are a High Single-A team in the Northwest League and have been connected with the Colorado Rockies since 2021. The Indians play at Avista Stadium and have won seven league titles since 1982.

Past Teams in Spokane

The 1916–17 Spokane Canaries was Spokane's only major league professional team

Spokane has been home to many sports teams over the years that are no longer active.

• The Spokane Canaries were a major league professional hockey team in 1916. They were Spokane's only major league team but only played for one season.
• The Spokane Shock was an indoor football team that played from 2006 to 2017 and again in 2020-2021. They even won a championship in their first season!

College Sports in Spokane

College sports in Spokane are very popular. The main teams are the Gonzaga Bulldogs, who play in NCAA Division I, and the Eastern Washington Eagles. The Whitworth Pirates also play in NCAA Division III.

Gonzaga Basketball: A Local Favorite

Spokane is famous for the Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team. They are a top team in NCAA Division I and often make it to the national tournament. They even played in the championship game in 2017 and 2021! Many Gonzaga players have gone on to play in the NBA, like John Stockton. Their home games at the McCarthey Athletic Center are always sold out.

High School and Youth Sports

High school sports are a big deal in Spokane. Local schools compete in the Greater Spokane League (GSL) in many different sports. This league includes schools from Spokane, Mead, and Spokane Valley, as well as Gonzaga Preparatory School and other nearby high schools.

Sports Venues in Spokane

Most of Spokane's sports facilities are located near the Spokane River. The Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, opened in 1995, is the city's main sports venue. It can hold over 12,000 people and is home to the Spokane Chiefs hockey team.

The Podium, built in 2021, is a newer sports complex that can seat 3,000 people. A new 5,000-seat stadium is also planned next to The Podium for school sports and a new soccer team. The Avista Stadium, where the Spokane Indians play, is just outside the city in Spokane Valley.

Hosting Big Events

Many sporting events are hosted at The Podium

Spokane has hosted many major sporting events at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. These include the Memorial Cup for hockey in 1998 and several NCAA Division I basketball tournaments. The Arena also hosts the State 'B' Basketball Tournament every year, bringing athletes from all over Washington.

With the new Podium facility, Spokane hopes to attract even more big events. It has already hosted the 2022 National Track Championships.

Figure Skating Championships

One of the biggest sports events Spokane has ever hosted was the 2007 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. This event set a record for attendance, selling almost 155,000 tickets! It was even named the "Sports Event of the Year" by Sports Travel Magazine. Spokane also hosted the U.S. Figure Skating Championships again in 2010.

Summer Sports Fun

Spokane offers many exciting sports activities during the summer months.

Basketball: Hoopfest

Hoopfest games being played on Spokane Falls Blvd

Every June, Spokane hosts Spokane Hoopfest, a huge 3-on-3 basketball tournament. It's one of the biggest in the world! In 2010, there were over 400 courts set up in downtown Spokane. Players of all ages and skill levels can join, as long as they are entering at least third grade. Hoopfest is not just about basketball; it also has live music and food. Spokane is even nicknamed "Hooptown USA" because of its love for basketball!

Running: Bloomsday

The Joy of Running Together statues honor the Lilac Bloomsday Run

Bloomsday runners cross the finish line in 2010

Spokane has a strong running community. The city's parks and trails make it a great place for runners. The Lilac Bloomsday Run is the most popular running event. It's a 7.46-mile (12 km) race held every spring. The first Bloomsday was in 1977 with 1,200 people. In 2015, over 43,000 people finished the race, and everyone gets a special Bloomsday T-shirt!

Cycling: SpokeFest and BMX

Spokane has many trails perfect for cycling, covering over 4,200 miles (6,800 km). Popular trails include the Spokane River Centennial Trail. The city also has an annual cycling event called SpokeFest, where riders can choose different routes.

For BMX biking, the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex has one of the best tracks in the country. It has hosted national BMX events.

Triathlon: Ironman Coeur d'Alene

The Ironman Coeur d'Alene is a challenging triathlon held in nearby Coeur d'Alene. Athletes swim 2.4 miles (3.9 km) in Lake Coeur d'Alene, bike 112 miles (180 km) through the countryside, and then run a full marathon (26.2 miles or 42.2 km).

Roller Sports: Derby and Skateboarding

Spokane has the amateur Lilac City Roller Derby league, which includes women's, men's, and junior teams. For skateboarding, the City of Spokane has three skateparks: Hillyard Skateboard Park, Dwight Merkel Skatepark, and one in Riverfront Park.

Golf: Courses for Everyone

The Creek at Qualchan Golf Course

The Coeur d'Alene Resorts Floating Green

Spokane has 13 golf courses in and around the city. Many of these are public courses that offer great golfing at a good price. The Indian Canyon Golf Course is very famous; it was designed by a well-known golf course architect and has hosted major amateur championships.

Nearby Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, is also a popular spot for golf. It has the unique Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course with a floating green on its 14th hole!

Hiking: Explore Nature

Many parks in the Spokane area have beautiful hiking trails. Some popular spots include the Bowl and Pitcher in Riverside State Park, with its cool rock formations and a suspension bridge. The Rocks of Sharon offers amazing views of the Palouse region and is popular for climbing.

Rock Climbing: Indoor and Outdoor

Climbers scaling a rock in Shields Park

The Spokane area has many outdoor rock climbing spots for different skill levels, all within a short drive. Minnehaha Rocks is the oldest and most popular, with over 70 climbing routes. If the weather isn't good, Spokane also has two indoor climbing gyms with climbing walls.

Water Sports: Lakes and Rivers

Rafting down the Spokane River

Spokane is surrounded by 76 lakes, perfect for water sports like wake boarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. The Spokane River also has parts suitable for rafting, with some exciting rapids. Lake Coeur d'Alene is a favorite spot for many water activities.

Adventure Sports: Zip Lines!

For adventure, you can try zip lining and aerial trekking at Mica Moon Zip Tour and Aerial Park near Liberty Lake. They have eight zip lines, including "Big Mama," which is 3,500 feet (1,067 meters) long!

Winter Sports Fun

When winter arrives, Spokane offers plenty of snow sports.

Skiing: Hit the Slopes

Downhill skiing at Lookout Pass

Skiers and snowboarders in the Spokane area have access to over 9,500 acres (3,800 hectares) of skiable terrain. There are two ski resorts in northeastern Washington: Mount Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park and 49 Degrees North Ski Area. In northern Idaho, you can find three more major resorts: Silver Mountain Resort, Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area, and Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort. These resorts offer a variety of runs for all skill levels, from easy to expert.

Ice Hockey: Local Teams

The Eagles Ice Arena is Spokane's main ice rink. It's home to the Spokane Braves junior "B" hockey team.

Curling: A Unique Sport

The Frontier Ice Arena near Coeur d'Alene is the main place for curling in the Spokane area. It's home to the Inland Northwest Curling Club.

Motorsport: Racing Action

K&N NASCAR Pro Series West race at the Spokane County Raceway

If you like racing, the Spokane County Raceway hosts motorsport events like stock car racing. It has an oval track, a road course, and a dragstrip.