THE SPORTS SCENE
The Susquehanna Valley is rich in sports history. Of course, no small town would be complete without its Friday night high school football games, but the region offers far more than just high school sports. Here are just a few of the sporting opportunities in the region that offer a chance to both play and be a fan.
DANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
Danville High School is a member of the PIAA Heartland Division. Boys teams include boys football, baseball, wrestling, soccer, basketball, track and field, cross country, golf, bowling, swimming and lacrosse. Girls compete in softball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, swimming, track and field, cross country, golf and bowling. Our residents not only can enjoy being fans but also be part of the sports medicine team that assists at events.
NCAAÂ SPORTS
The area is home to three colleges, each with active NCAA sports programs. Bucknell University is home to 27 Division 1 teams including their men's basketball team which regularly competes for national standing. Additionally, Bloomsburg University and Susquehanna University are home to a number of solid sports teams that offer fans enjoyable sporting entertainment.
LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES
The country focuses on neighboring Williamsport, Pennsylvania during the month of August as it hosts the Little League World Series. This is truly a unique venue and is an exciting opportunity to enjoy great baseball played by Little Leaguers who are having the time of their lives. From the parades to the pin trading to the games out on iconic Lamade Stadium, the Little League World Series is something that everyone who loves baseball needs to experience.
WILLIAMSPORT CROSSCUTTERS BASEBALL
The Crosscutters are a Class A Short Season affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. The team plays at Bowman field, the second oldest ballpark in minor league baseball. The park is also home to the annual Major League Baseball classic during Little League World Series. Crosscutters baseball has all the charm of minor league games including weiner races, fan sumo wrestling, classic stadium food and exciting baseball.
SCRANTON RAILRIDERS BASEBALL
The Railriders are a Minor League Triple A affiliate of the New York Yankees. They play in Moosic, Pennsylvania at PNC Field. Games are frequented by Yankees players recovering from injuries or being platooned from the majors. A trip to Scranton for a great dinner followed by a solid game of baseball is an awesome way to spend time with fellow residents.
WILKES-BARRE PENGUINS HOCKEY
The Wilkes-Barre Penguins are an AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The team plays at the Mohegan Sun Arena, located about 40 minutes from Danville. The team is traditionally a Calder Cup contender, but despite coming close on several attempts, has yet to win the finals. Tickets are surprisingly inexpensive and offer hockey fans a great opportunity to catch a live game at a great venue.
THE DANVILLE AREA COMMUNITY CENTER (DACC)
The Danville Area Community Center is located just a few minutes from the main hospital campus. It is home to the Peters Natatorium, an indoor community swimming pool that reserves special times for adult exercise. Additionally, the DACC operates adult basketball and volleyball leagues, as well as special programs for tennis, fencing and a number of paddling events on the river.
GOLF
Danville is home to Frosty Valley Country Club, a private club that offers Geisinger residents memberships at markedly reduced rates ($500 per year). FVCC is the premier course in the area at just over 6700 yards with a course rating of 72.2. In addition, several other regional public and semi-private courses are within a short drive of Danville including Knoebels/Three Ponds GC, Winding Brook GC, The Links at Hemlock Creek, Susquehanna Valley CC, Berwick CC, Indian Hills GC and several others.
SOCCER
Danville is the home of soccer in the Susquehanna Valley. The first AYSO Soccer league in the area was actually started by a pediatrician at Geisinger. Most kids in Danville have played soccer and naturally, many adults still want to enjoy playing long after childhood. The Danville Soccer League welcomes players of all ages and skill levels. The organization arranges local games as well as travel events against other teams in the area.
TENNIS
Danville and the surrounding communities offer several opportunities to play tennis. Whether you are looking for a local neighborhood recreational game with friends or true competitive play in a structured league, there are several options to choose from in the region
SOFTBALL
Geisinger organizes an employee softball league each summer. Many residents join teams, some teams even being composed of just residents. Games are played on Monday thru Thursday evenings from April until June each year. Its a great way to hang out with your work colleagues, make new friends and satisfy your competitive edge.