Stay-to-play rules, explained
Why some tournaments pick your hotel, and how to check yours.
Quick answerA stay-to-play (or "stay and play") event requires teams that travel in to book rooms through the organiser's housing partner, usually at a set list of hotels. Organisers use the hotel commissions to keep entry fees down. Teams that book elsewhere can be fined or lose their place, so check before you book.
What some venues and organisers publish
Quoted from their own pages on the date shown. Rules change each season, and your event's page wins.
- Cooperstown All Star Village:
The team stays together in one bunkhouse, with coaches staying in the bunkhouse alongside their players.
(source, read 2026-11-10) - Cooperstown Dreams Park:
Player clubhouses are reserved for athletes and coaches only.
(source, read 2026-11-10) - Grand Park Sports Campus:
All teams or individuals requiring hotel stays must book through the Site Search housing website or strs home rentals website in order to be considered for tournament acceptance.
(source, read 2026-11-10) - LakePoint Sports:
For group and family lodging coordination, Aspen Hospitality Group serves as LakePoint Sports’ official housing bureau.
(source, read 2026-11-10) - Rocky Top Sports World:
Rocky Top Sports World works with Team Travel Source to provide an excellent experience for teams needing hotel accommodations.
(source, read 2026-11-10) - Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center:
All rooms for Sports Force Parks tournaments MUST be booked using Sports Force Parks Lodging.
(source, read 2026-11-10)
How to tell if your event is stay-to-play
- Read the event's housing or travel page, and the fine print in the registration confirmation.
- Look for a named housing company and a deadline for the team block.
- Ask the team manager or club director: one person usually books for everyone.
- Local teams within a set distance are often exempt. The page will say how far.
When it's stay-to-play
Book through the housing link even if a hotel is cheaper direct, and book early: the closest hotels in the block go first. Our venue pages still help you pick which hotel in the block sits closest to your fields.
When it isn't
Use the venue page to sort hotels by drive or walk minutes, then call the hotel about a team rate for ten or more rooms.