The Berl Huffman Athletic Complex Kicks It Up a Notch
By Brenda Kissko
With its abundance of quality sports facilities, affordable hotels and knockout services, Lubbock has long been known as a popular destination for sports in Texas. This May, the city unveiled the newly renovated Berl Huffman Athletic Complex giving it a new competitive edge. This world-class complex is considered a premier athletic facility in Texas and features more than 50 fields within 151 acres, including a 375,000-square-foot synthetic turf championship complex complete with LED lighting.
Lubbock Sports is well equipped to host tournaments of all sizes for both youth and adults, from 3v3 tournaments to large collegiate-sized events. The athletic complex is prime for any sport requiring a flat field including lacrosse, rugby, field hockey and football, and also features four softball fields.
The recent renovations will improve the all-around experience for players, coaches and spectators. As Lubbock boasts an average of 265 days of sunshine every year, the addition of covered bleachers and pavilions will ensure a comfortable experience as fans cheer on their favorite team.
The culinary scene in Lubbock is savory with many creative chefs taking to food trucks to serve their highly sought-after dishes. To show off the local food scene, the athletic complex offers designated areas for food trucks to set up and serve friends, family and fans alike.
In addition, the Berl Huffman Athletic Complex offers three entrance and exit roads from Loop 289, new restroom facilities and additional accessible parking for all fields. The updated irrigation system utilizes recycled water to keep the fields green making this an energy efficient complex.
The renovations to this athletic complex have quickly placed Lubbock at the top of its game. As a strong competitor for athletic events in the region and state, the luxuries offered at the Berl Huffman Athletic Complex are not the only draw to West Texas. Visitors quickly notice whether it’s zip lining, stand up paddleboarding or floating the lazy river at Texas Tech University, there’s plenty of adventure off the field.
Ease of transportation is a top priority for tournament directors and coaches who are considering where to host their next match. The “Hub City” is conveniently located at the intersection of Interstate 27, Highway 87, Highway 84 and Highway 62 in the Texas Panhandle. The city is also home to the Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, which is serviced by American, Southwest and United Airlines with nonstop flights from Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas and Phoenix. Lubbock is easy to get to and easy to navigate once you’re here. It was developed on a grid with Loop 289 and the Marsha Sharp Freeway designed to get you across the city within 15 minutes.
Located off north Loop 289, less than 10 minutes from the airport, the Berl Huffman Athletic Complex is adjacent to the Lubbock Lake Landmark and close to a number of group-friendly attractions and hotels in Lubbock. Once the game is over, your players can take their pick of nearly 1,000 restaurants and many group-friendly activities in the area, such as 4ORE! Golf and Adventure Park. Many visiting teams also appreciate shopping in Lubbock at places like the South Plains Mall and West End, which offers favorites like Cabela’s Outpost and Nike Factory alongside group-friendly restaurants like Pie Five Pizza Company, P.F. Chang’s and Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux.
If you’re playing during the warmer months, treat your team to a morning or afternoon paddleboarding on the Historic Dunbar Lake with SUPLBK. Or, head to the classic ’50s-style soda fountain at Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe.
Many museums in Lubbock are group-friendly and fun for all ages like the Museum of Texas Tech University, the Science Spectrum & Omni Theater and the National Ranching Heritage Center. Take a team photo with the giant Buddy Holly glasses at the Buddy Holly Center and learn about the history of rock’n’roll. Nearby, Mackenzie Park has plenty of picnic areas, a playground, a disc golf course and Prairie Dog Town. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it!
There are several hotels close to the Berl Huffman Athletic Complex, many with complimentary breakfast. Lubbock Sports works with tournament organizers and coaches to secure group rates at hotels, so planners only need to make one call. The Lubbock Sports Team offers a wide range of complimentary services for tournaments like welcome gift bags as well as assistance with name badges and event registration. They also leverage their regional connections to assist tournament directors in securing referees.
The world-class Berl Huffman Athletic Complex is truly the crown jewel of Texas, launching a new era for sports in Lubbock.