Louisville · December 11–13, 2026
Boys Winter Invitational 2026: Louisville parent travel guide
Heading to Louisville for the Boys Winter Invitational (Dec 11–13, 2026, Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Ln)? Here's a quick, practical guide for families. Check the event site for schedules and rules.
Getting there and around · Where to stay · Eating near the Expo Center · Parking at the Kentucky Expo Center · Weather and what to pack · Schedule tips
Getting there and around
- Louisville Muhammad Ali International (SDF) The airport sits right next to the Expo Center, about 2 miles away; usually a 5–10 minute ride.
- Driving in The Expo Center is just off I-65 and I-264 south of downtown. Many families drive from nearby states; allow extra time on Friday evening.
- Getting around Hotels on Phillips Ln and Crittenden Dr are under a mile away. Downtown Louisville is about 5 miles north.
Where to stay
- Phillips Ln and Crittenden Dr A cluster of airport and Expo hotels (Crowne Plaza, SpringHill Suites, Courtyard, Hampton Inn, Residence Inn, Home2 Suites, Hilton Garden Inn and more) is within about a mile. Many include breakfast; suites with kitchens help bigger families.
- Downtown Downtown hotels (about 5 miles) put you near more restaurants but add a drive and Expo parking each day.
- Housing rules The organizer partners with Team Travel Source for hotel rooms; its page doesn't state a stay-to-play requirement. Check the event site and your club's rules before you book.
Details
Eating near the Expo Center
- Closest options (about 1 mi) Hotel restaurants on Phillips Ln and Farmington Ave and family chains on Crittenden Dr are the quickest between sessions. PlumJar has no confirmed deals with any restaurant listed here; these are public listings to help you plan. Call ahead for groups.
- Germantown and the Highlands (2–3 mi) Neighborhood pizza pubs, smokehouses and the Logan Street Market food hall, handy when players want different things.
- Downtown and Fourth Street Live (about 4 mi) Bigger restaurants and sports bars that are used to large groups. Book ahead for Saturday night.
- Food at the venue Check the Expo Center's rules on bringing outside food before you pack a cooler; delivered team meals usually go to your hotel.
- Team dinner tips Saturday is the busiest night. Book a big table at least a week ahead and ask about a set group menu. Tell PlumJar your team's needs once and we'll email options as restaurants confirm.
Go there
Parking at the Kentucky Expo Center
- Pay ahead or at the gate Parking is paid. Pre-pay on ParkMobile (allow 5 minutes for the pass to activate) or pay at the gate. Rates can change, so check before you go.
Details - Gates and re-entry Use Gate 4 or Gate 6; Gate 2 is temporarily closed. Parking is single-use; in/out passes are sold only at the gates, so keep the receipt.
Weather and what to pack
- For the player Two or three uniforms, knee pads, court shoes (plus spare laces), ankle braces or tape, a big water bottle and recovery snacks.
- For the family Louisville in mid-December is cold: highs often in the 40s°F and nights near freezing, with a chance of rain or snow. Bring warm coats for the walk from the lot, layers for the hall, a seat cushion, a portable charger and snacks.
Schedule tips
- Schedule release The organizer releases the schedule on AES the week of the event.
Details - Waves Play runs in Friday and Saturday AM and PM waves. On Saturday the AM wave starts at 7:30 AM and the PM wave at 2:30 PM. Plan dinner around your wave.
- Flights home Sunday bracket play can run into the afternoon. Book a Sunday evening flight or drive home if you can.
Prices, schedules and offers change; check each source before you go. PlumJar is an independent service for traveling families, and the PlumJar service is free for families. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Academy Events, the venue or any business listed, except where a deal is marked confirmed.