After hearing input from the community of North America and the world, the NAH Board has voted for World Hardcourt Bike Polo Championships in Florida for 2013!
3 purpose-built bike polo courts on tennis surface. 145×65 feet.
2 courts will be lit with light rigs and generators.
Port-o-potties will be provided.
Pool facility
Free parking is in a nearby lot and on the street.
3 hockey minicourts (72×144 feet) plus 1 large full-size hockey courts hemmed down on 2 sides. The 3 additional full-size courts are also available (7 courts total at location) allowing for larger capacity to meet participant demand.
Professional-grade roller hockey surface. All courts have professional 4-foot hockey boards with fencing above, and All courts are brightly lit from all sides until 10pm every night.
The facility was purpose-built for large scale sporting events.
Facility also has full electrical access as well as free WiFi throughout the park.
Restrooms on site.
waterfountains/water refill on site.
Park includes a community YMCA with olympic size pool.
Picnic Shelters and inside facilities are available including the possibility of a usable kitchen space and showers [looking more at this now].
Free parking in large lots directly adjacent to courts.
Dates
September 20th to October 13th
One to two months past NA’s.
Dates in this range are flexible.
Mid-October, two months post NAs
October is past the big rainy season, and not too hot in south Florida.
Location can be flexible about dates
Housing
MKE could provide housing for approximately half of the players. (priority to Euro/world travelers)
Hotels with group discounts are nearby.
Hotels and condos are available within 1 to 3 miles of the courts, with group rates or discounts.
There is also another big park, Markham Park, with lots of cheap camping, plus an MTB trail (5 miles)
some limited space available to stay with local players.
Food
MKE will provides brats and veg/vegan option for lunch, price included in registration.
Multiple restaurants and markets are within blocks of the courts or near housing options on way to courts
We will also have food vendors/taco trucks on site
Food truck industry in the area frequents large sports events. We can establish food truck attendance for the tournament days providing quick access to different kinds of food on site.
Markets/grocery very nearby (within 1 mile)
There are picnic areas for grilling.
Airports
Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
Also 1.5 hours ($20) bus/train ride from Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
Would work with Chi Bike Polo to provide a party bus option from ORD to MKE if necessary
2 major international airports nearby: Ft. Lauderdale Airport (FLL) and Miami International Airport (MIA), with direct flights from every major city in North America and airports across Europe and South America.
Transportation in city
Bus routes with bike racks run from party/housing neighborhoods to courts
Court is bikeable distance from any housing options
Experience
MKE is a gold standard for hosting, having successfully held several prior tournaments of this size, including NA’s 2012, MW Open 2011.
MKE has excellent relationships with local sponsors: Ben’s Cycle, Nomad World Pub, Great Lakes Distillery, Pabst Blue Ribbon, other local businesses and bars as well.
In-region organizing support will be between three South Florida clubs
Experience hosting 4 All-Florida Tournaments and the 2012 Southeast NAH Qualifier.
Organizers also have experience hosting time trial and criterium races, and Redbull events.
NAH appreciates the spirited discussion about the Worlds location from everyone. Australia, Europe, South America and North America all chimed in, we can’t wait to see you all together in Florida.