Missouri stands out as a premier destination for sports tourism, blending elite athletic events with outdoor fitness opportunities. From iconic franchises like the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals to endurance events such as triathlons, the state is bursting with high-energy experiences.
What makes Missouri even more attractive is its rich landscape that invites travelers to hike, cycle, and explore while engaging in their favorite sports. Whether you’re catching a game or climbing a trail, Missouri offers a seamless fusion of excitement, athleticism, and scenic beauty for locals and visitors alike.
Travelers who want to add an extra layer of excitement to their sports adventures can take advantage of Caesars Missouri promo code offers, combining fitness, tourism, and the thrill of the game.
St. Louis Cardinals Baseball
Attending a St. Louis Cardinals game at Busch Stadium is an essential Missouri experience. With 11 World Series titles under their belt, the Cardinals are one of the most successful franchises in MLB history. Their rich legacy dates to 1882, and over the years they’ve produced legends like Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, and Albert Pujols.
In 2023, the Cardinals finished with a 71-91 record, marking a rebuilding season, but their attendance remained among the league’s top 10, with 3.2 million fans walking through the gates. The atmosphere at Busch Stadium remains electric, making every game a bucket-list item for baseball fans.
Kansas City Chiefs Football
The Kansas City Chiefs have become a defining force in the NFL under the leadership of head coach Andy Reid and superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. With Super Bowl wins in the 2020, 2023, and 2024 seasons and appearances in the 2021 and 2025 Super Bowls, they have solidified their dynasty status.
In 2023, Mahomes threw for 4,183 yards and 27 touchdowns. Arrowhead Stadium, known for holding the Guinness World Record for loudest outdoor stadium at 142.2 decibels, is a fortress of passion and pride. Chiefs Kingdom dominates the landscape in western Missouri, drawing over 73,000 fans every home game and fueling the local economy with millions in game-day revenue.
Triathlons Across Missouri
Triathlon events across Missouri offer a unique challenge for athletes and a vivid display of the state’s natural beauty. The Lake of the Ozarks Triathlon, with its 1.5K swim, 40K bike, and 10K run, attracts competitors nationwide. In 2023, over 800 participants tackled this demanding course.
Similarly, the Kansas City Triathlon at Longview Lake continues to grow in popularity, featuring Sprint and Olympic distances with over 1,200 athletes registered last year. These events are more than races; they are fitness celebrations that pair athletic grit with Missouri’s diverse geography.
Hiking in the Ozarks
The Ozark Mountains offer more than just postcard views, they present a true physical challenge for outdoor enthusiasts. Trails like the 240-mile Ozark Trail wind through valleys, bluffs, and rivers, making it a favorite for hikers of all skill levels. In 2023 alone, the Ozark Trail Association reported over 70,000 hikers.
Popular segments like Taum Sauk Mountain, Missouri’s highest point at 1,772 feet, provide both elevation and awe. The area’s biodiversity, from wildflowers to black bears, enhances the journey, offering a rugged and rewarding experience that blends fitness with raw nature.
Cycling Trails in St. Louis
St. Louis offers a growing network of cycling trails that support both recreational and competitive riders. The Riverfront Trail spans 12 miles along the Mississippi River, offering uninterrupted views of the Gateway Arch. Grant’s Trail, a converted railway path, runs 10 miles through suburban neighborhoods and parks.
Bike STL, the city’s initiative to develop bike-friendly infrastructure, now includes over 135 miles of marked bike routes. Events like the Moonlight Ramble, which had over 5,000 cyclists in 2023, demonstrate the city’s vibrant cycling culture. These trails make staying fit in an urban setting both practical and scenic.
St. Louis Blues Hockey
The St. Louis Blues are a major draw for winter sports fans. Their 2019 Stanley Cup victory reignited a passionate fanbase that continues to fill the 18,096-seat Enterprise Center. In the 2023-2024 season, the Blues posted a 43-33-6 record, narrowly missing the playoffs but drawing an average attendance of 17,000 per game.
Players like Jordan Kyrou, who scored 31 goals, and goaltender Jordan Binnington remain central figures. The team’s presence enhances downtown St. Louis nightlife, as fans flood nearby restaurants, bars, and hotels before and after each puck drop.
Missouri Tigers College Sports
The University of Missouri, located in Columbia, fuels collegiate sports fervor through its SEC competition. The Missouri Tigers football team ended their 2023 season with a 10-3 record and an appearance in the Citrus Bowl. Quarterback Brady Cook threw for 3,317 yards and 22 touchdowns.
In basketball, the Tigers’ men’s team went 18-15, while the women’s team posted a 16-14 record. Mizzou Arena and Faurot Field see tens of thousands of fans on game days, and the campus becomes a hive of school spirit. These events are not just collegiate games—they’re traditions deeply embedded in Missouri’s sports culture.
Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame honors the state’s top athletes and coaches. With over 1,400 inductees, the hall includes icons like Yogi Berra, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Kurt Warner. It attracts around 30,000 visitors annually and hosts special exhibits and events throughout the year.
The 2023 class included notable names such as Max Scherzer and Justin Smith. Visitors can explore interactive displays, memorabilia, and themed galleries that showcase Missouri’s rich sports history, making it a meaningful stop for sports lovers touring the state.
Kansas City Royals Baseball
The Kansas City Royals continue to build toward future success while celebrating their past. Their 2015 World Series win remains a proud moment in the city’s history. In 2023, the Royals posted a 56-106 record, reflecting ongoing challenges, but their loyal fanbase remains steadfast.
Kauffman Stadium, one of the oldest in MLB, remains a gem with its signature fountains and family-friendly vibe. Bobby Witt Jr. emerged as a breakout star in 2023, hitting .276 with 30 home runs and 49 stolen bases. Royals baseball is more than just stats—it’s about community pride and resilience.
Local Soccer and STL City SC
St. Louis City SC made an immediate impact in their inaugural MLS season in 2023, finishing first in the Western Conference with a 17-12-5 record. Their home at CITYPARK became a fortress, averaging 22,500 fans per match. The team’s grassroots identity resonates with a soccer-loving community that has long awaited top-tier representation.
Players like Roman Bürki and João Klauss became fan favorites. Youth soccer tournaments in the area have seen increased participation, with over 10,000 kids registered in local leagues. St. Louis has officially become a soccer city with deep roots and a bright future.
Combining Sports and Tourism in One Itinerary
Missouri allows visitors to design itineraries that merge live sports, personal fitness, and natural exploration. A week could begin with a Kansas City Chiefs game, followed by cycling the Katy Trail, the longest developed rail-trail in the country at 240 miles.
Midweek could feature a triathlon or hike in the Ozarks, ending with a St. Louis Cardinals game under the lights. Hotel packages, transportation services, and guided tours are increasingly accommodating this blend of adventure and fandom. Missouri’s tourism agencies reported a 12% increase in bookings tied to sports events in 2023, showcasing a growing trend among fitness-minded travelers.
