Summer Sports
This June, the Springfield Chamber was proud to host LunchVox: Business at Bat, a presentation on embracing diversity and inclusion for a community wide impact. Allen Benavides, General Manager of the Eugene Emeralds and Los Monarcas told the story of the team’s development of their “Copa de la Diversion” branding, and how that connected to the local LatinX and wider community in the Springfield-Eugene area. One of 33 teams in Minor League baseball to participate in the initiative, Los Monarcas joined a nation-wide effort to celebrate the diversity of minor league communities. The team name is inspired by the annual migration of the Monarch butterfly and its symbolism within the migrant community. This season, join the team for Sunday home games to experience Monarcas de Eugene uniforms, food, music, and atmosphere.
While the Emeralds/Monarcas kick off their season, this summer will also feature a number of other exciting sporting events in the Springfield area. If you are looking for fun in the sun, make sure to lace up your shoes for the Aquifina OTC Butte to Butte race in Eugene. There will be 10k, 5k, and 4-mile walk options for a variety of racers. If a more laid-back run is more your style, join a group each Thursday for the PubRun at Public House in Springfield. If you like biking, from July 19th-21st, check out the Mountain Bike Oregon festival in Oakridge. Activities will include biking, camping, a beer garden, and even a food truck festival!
Don’t forget to drop in on the 28th annual Eugene Pro Rodeo, July 3-6th at the Oregon Horse Center in Eugene. This is a great annual event for those who like fireworks, beer gardens, dancing, and a whole lot of pro riding! For a full list of summer sports in the area, check out Travel Lane County’s Sports Events Calendar.
