News Release

Richmond, Va. (January 5, 2012) - Swimmers, ice skaters, soccer players, cyclists and all athletes in between, take note of Virginia's new and updated sports venues and events in 2012. From the new construction of one of the fastest pools in the world in Richmond, to a newly rebuilt ice center in Northern Virginia, to Bike Virginia's 25^th anniversary and more, there is much for athletes to experience in Virginia this year. Below are some highlights of what's new in sports in Virginia for 2012. Visit www.SportsVirginia.org for more information. 

The Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership facility is under construction and slated to open in spring 2012. The new 50,000-square-foot aquatics facility is central Virginia's first world-class aquatics center and will house a therapy pool, a fitness center, a 25-yard practice pool, a rehabilitation center, seating for 700 spectators and, most notably, the Myrtha pool from the 2008 Olympic trials in Omaha. In this pool, which is considered among the fastest in the world, America's top swimmers attained new levels, achieving nine world records, 21 national records and 17 U.S. Open records.

The Prince William Ice Center was founded in 1996; however in February of 2010 the roof collapsed due to a record heavy snow storm and the building was demolished. Prince William Ice Center, now rebuilt, celebrated their grand-reopening in October 2011 and provides Northern Virginia with a premier facility for full range of figure skating and ice hockey programs on the NHL and Olympic-sized rinks. The professional staff of ice hockey and figure skating instructors offers lessons for all ages and skill levels to assist skaters and players to reach their optimum level of performance.

Ukrop Park is a 45.5-acre sports complex in Chesterfield, Virginia that is home to the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club. The park features seven Musco lighted athletic fields, which include two fields with artificial Sportexe surface and five fields with natural grass.  Adjacent to Ukrop Park, Chesterfield County Parks & Recreation plans to develop two additional synthetic turf soccer fields with lights, several miles of trails and parking. 

The University of Virginia's renovated track facility will officially open in 2012.  The $14 million project will feature permanent stands with a capacity of 1,500, spectator facilities, and a permanent meet operations booth that will allow the University to host and run high quality meets and provide spectators a better experience. The overall facility will allow the University to attract high school and collegiate track meets.  Phase one of the construction including the installation of the track, entrance to the stadium, lighting and electrical infrastructure is set to be finished in January 2012.  Phase two will follow later in 2012 and will include the construction of the permanent seating, locker rooms and meeting areas. 

Botetourt Sports Complex, located within the 125-acre Greenfield Recreation Park in Botetourt County in southwest Virginia, is scheduled for many new additions in coming years. The Sports Complex contains a regulation 5k competitive cross-country course, paved parking for 350 vehicles, five natural grass soccer fields and four natural grass baseball/softball diamonds. Slated to open in 2012 is a new 650-square-foot concession restroom building and a paved parking lot for the soccer fields.  

Deep Creek Park is slated to open in the fall of 2012 in Chesapeake, Virginia.  The complex offers four lighted baseball fields - (three bronco and one pony field) - all with grass infields.  The park will also offer four multi-purpose fields - one lighted dog park; an extensive trail system, several picnic areas, permanent concession and restrooms and ample free parking.  The park will hook into a trail system that extends along the border of the Historic Great Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge making for a great biking, running or hiking experience. 

Highlights of New Sporting Events in Virginia in 2012:

Bike Virginia's rolling celebration through Virginia marks its 25th year, June 22-27, 2012. 

Virginia Beach and Richmond:

• USA Field Hockey will be hosting their National Indoor Tournament (NIT) in Virginia Beach on March 2-4, 2012 and in Richmond on March 9-11, 2012.

Richmond:

• Dominion Riverrock added three new events and expanded to three days for 2012.
• Project Athena, a 501c3 nonprofit that helps survivors of medical or traumatic setbacks live an adventurous dream as part of their recovery, is bringing a fundraising adventure - a "Relay Marathon" - to Richmond in July 2012.
• The Greater Richmond Convention Center has two new USA Volleyball events coming in 2012.
• o Old Dominion Region Bid Tournament, April 13-15.
• o Old Dominion Championships, May 18-20, 2012.

Martinsville and Axton:

• The National Club Baseball Association will bring the 2012 Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament May 11-13. It will be a double elimination tournament played at Hooker Field.
• NCAA DIII USA South Conference Fall Sports Festival (Men's & Women's Soccer & Volleyball) at Smith River Sports Complex & Patrick Henry Community College, November 2-4, 2012.
• USA Ultimate South Atlantic Regional Championships, May 5-6, 2012.
• Cardinal Cup Youth Lacrosse Tournament at Smith River Sports Complex, June 30-July 1, 2012.

Williamsburg:

Run for the Dream, May 19, 2012 - new Kids Fun Run added for 2012.

Looking ahead to 2015:

• 2015 Road World Cycling Championships Coming to Richmond in 2015

Cycling's pinnacle event, the 2015 Road World Championships will take place September 19 - 27 and will feature 12 races for elite men and women, men under 23 and junior men and women.

• World Police and Fire Games Celebrates 30^th Anniversary in Fairfax in 2015

Fairfax Virginia will host the 30th anniversary of this prestigious event that gives first responders from more than 65 countries around the globe the chance to showcase their athletic abilities.

Sports Virginia is a statewide collaboration of professionals geared toward making the planning and hosting of sporting events as seamless as possible by providing everything needed to create a flawless sporting event.  

Visit www.SportsVirginia.org for information on sports in Virginia including details on sporting events, venues, transportation, participating partners, local sports marketing contacts and more. Sports Virginia - we're with you from start to finish. 

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