If you have attended an all-star cheer competition, you have likely seen the phrase "stay-to-play" in the event registration packet. For families new to the competition world, it can feel confusing — or even a little alarming. This guide explains exactly what stay-to-play means, why events use it, how the booking process works, and what you can do to protect your budget and your spot.
What Is Stay-to-Play?
Stay-to-play is a housing policy that requires competing teams (and often all attendees traveling from outside the area) to book their overnight accommodations through the event's official housing partner. If your gym's team must stay somewhere overnight to attend the competition, you must book through that designated system — not Expedia, Hotels.com, or the hotel's own website.
The policy typically applies to teams coming from a certain distance away (commonly 50–75 miles), though some events apply it universally to all registrants. The event producer contracts a block of hotel rooms at nearby properties in advance, and those rooms are only accessible through the official booking portal.
Which Events Require It?
Stay-to-play is most common at large Varsity Spirit events — including competitions run under brands like JAMfest, Spirit Celebration, Spirit Cheer, Spirit Sports, Spirit Fest, Cheersport, and ACDA. Varsity uses two primary housing partners depending on the event: Team Travel Source (TTS) and Connections Housing.
For events like Cheersport Nationals in Atlanta, Spirit Cheer Grand Nationals in Atlantic City, and Spirit Fest Grand Nationals in Providence, stay-to-play is strictly enforced and clearly stated in the event registration materials. ACDA Reach the Beach events — particularly at Ocean City, Maryland — are well-known for requiring official event housing.
Major one-off championships at venues like ESPN Wide World of Sports (Worlds, Summit, UCA/NCA College Nationals) handle lodging differently because Disney World resort hotels are the default option, though some events within that complex still use housing blocks.
Smaller regional and local competitions, JAMZ events, AYC, and Pop Warner events generally do not require stay-to-play.
How the Booking Process Works
Once your gym registers for a stay-to-play event, the event producer will share a housing link — often through the gym's coach or program director. That link opens a portal (hosted by Team Travel Source, Connections Housing, or Athletes Hospitality) where you can browse available hotels, compare rates, and make reservations.
Gyms typically receive the housing link before families do, and in some cases, the head coach is expected to reserve a block for the entire team first. Once the team block is established, individual families book their own rooms within that block (or separately if the gym does not coordinate a group block).
Important: room blocks within the official system often sell out quickly. As soon as the housing portal opens — which can be weeks before the event — book your rooms. Waiting even a few days can leave you scrambling for whatever is left in the system, often at higher prices or less convenient locations.
The rooms are real reservations at name-brand hotels (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt properties are common). Rates are negotiated by the housing partner and are sometimes comparable to public rates, though not always cheaper. You will typically pay the hotel directly at checkout, not through the portal itself.
Why Do Events Require It?
Event producers negotiate large room blocks with hotels months or years in advance. Those contracts include guarantees — the event must fill a certain percentage of the rooms or pay a penalty. Stay-to-play ensures the event can fulfill those contracts, which in turn gives them leverage to negotiate better rates and secure prime venues.
Hotel partnerships also provide event producers with additional revenue (room block commissions), which helps subsidize venue costs, awards, and production. This is simply a business reality of running large multi-day events.
It is not a scam. It is a standard practice in the sports travel industry, used by youth hockey tournaments, dance competitions, volleyball nationals, and cheerleading events alike.
Money-Saving Tips for Stay-to-Play Events
Book early — the moment the portal opens, if possible. First-released rooms are often the best combination of price and location. Rooms added later may be farther from the venue or at higher rates.
Room-share with another family. Many families split a two-queen hotel room, cutting the per-family cost in half. Coordinate with your team before the portal opens so everyone can be strategic.
Check if spectators are covered. At some events, only competing teams are required to use official housing; spectators and family members who are not part of the gym registration may be able to book independently. Read the specific event's housing policy carefully.
Ask about the distance threshold. Many stay-to-play policies only apply if you live more than a set distance from the venue. If you're close enough to commute, you may be exempt — but get confirmation in writing from your gym or the event directly.
Use hotel loyalty points. Even though you must book through the official portal, many hotels in the block still award loyalty points (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, etc.) for stays. Confirm with the hotel at check-in.
Request a medical exemption early if needed. If your family has legitimate medical reasons for requiring a specific type of accommodation (e.g., ADA accessibility, proximity to medical facilities), contact the housing company before the event — not after — and document everything in writing.
What About Spectators Who Are Not on the Team?
Grandparents, extended family, and friends attending just to watch are typically not required to use official housing. Stay-to-play obligations almost always fall on registered participants — coaches, athletes, and immediate family traveling with the competing squad.
That said, policies vary by event. Some events define the requirement broadly; others only enforce it for the primary contact on the gym's roster. When in doubt, contact the event's housing partner directly and ask in writing — keep the email thread in case there is a question at the venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to book through the event's official hotel portal?
Yes, if your gym's team is required to stay-to-play and you are traveling from outside the distance threshold (commonly 50–75 miles). Booking outside the official system while competing is a policy violation that can result in your team being disqualified or removed from the competition. Always read the event's specific housing policy.
What if I have a medical exemption?
Most events allow medical exemptions for legitimate needs (ADA accessibility, proximity to specific medical facilities, etc.). Contact the housing partner — Team Travel Source, Connections Housing, or Athletes Hospitality — before the event, explain the situation, and request a written exemption. Do not assume verbal approval is enough; get it in writing.
Can I book through a third-party site like Hotels.com to save money?
Not if you are subject to the stay-to-play policy. Booking outside the system risks disqualification. If you believe you qualify for an exemption (commute distance, spectator-only status), confirm this in writing with the event producer before booking elsewhere.
What are Team Travel Source and Connections Housing?
Team Travel Source (TTS) and Connections Housing are the two primary housing management companies used by Varsity Spirit events. They manage hotel block contracts on behalf of the event producer and operate the online booking portals that teams use to reserve rooms. Neither company owns the hotels — they simply manage the reservation system.
Do the rooms cost more through the official portal?
Rates vary. At some events, negotiated block rates are competitive with or lower than public rates. At others, especially in high-demand markets, block rates may be higher than what you could find independently. The trade-off is that booking through the system is required to maintain your team's eligibility to compete.
What happens if the official hotel block sells out?
Contact the housing partner immediately. They typically have a waitlist and may add additional hotel options as the event approaches. If you wait too long, your choices may be very limited. This is the primary reason to book the moment the portal opens.
More Travel Guides
Your First Cheer Competition: A Parent's Survival Guide
What to Pack for a Cheer Competition: The Complete Checklist
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