Why Virginia Should Be Your Next Destination to Host Sports Events

Virginia is the ultimate destination for sports events, offering an extraordinary combination of state-of-the-art facilities, warm hospitality, and a variety of attractions. No matter the scale and size of your event, the Commonwealth provides the perfect environment to ensure your event is both memorable and successful. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic landscapes add an extra layer of charm, making it a destination people will remember long after the final whistle.

Here’s why Virginia should be at the top of your list to host your next sports event!

New & Upcoming World-Class Sports Facilities

The 2023 USA Artistic Swimming Junior Olympics were held at the Hampton Aquaplex in Hampton.

USA Artistic Swimming Junior Olympics

Virginia boasts an impressive range of state-of-the-art sports facilities that cater to a variety of sports. Whether you’re organizing a soccer tournament, a swim meet, or a basketball championship, you’ll find venues equipped with the latest technology and amenities.

  • Virginia Beach Sports Center: The cutting-edge indoor sports complex features over 285,000 square feet of space, 12 basketball courts or 24 volleyball courts, as well as a 200-meter indoor track, making it one of the largest facilities on the East Coast.
  • Hampton Aquaplex: A state-of-the-art aquatic facility featuring an 8-Lane 50-meter Olympic sized pool with depth starting at 6’ 8” for 40-meters and then sloping down to 13’ at the diving board end. The facility can host 1,500 spectators making it perfect for local, regional as well as national level events.
  • James I. Moyer Sports Complex: Located in Salem, the newly upgraded Moyer Complex is a premier softball and pickleball facility in Virginia. The complex features 4 updated diamonds, 13 brand new pickleball courts, and a new community playground with special needs accessibility.
  • Patriot Park North: A state-of-the-art athletic complex located in Fairfax. Patriot Park North boasts four adjustable 90-foot turfed and lighted diamonds along with two 60-foot turfed and lighted diamonds. Additional amenities include spacious dugouts, covered bleachers for spectators, and convenient parking.
  • Hal & Berni Hanson Regional Park: Located in Loudoun County, the 257-acre facility features ten multi-purpose rectangle fields, four baseball/softball fields, a cricket pitch, four tennis courts/pickleball courts and much more.    
  • Henrico Sports & Events Center: A state-of-the-art facility with 12 basketball courts that can transform into 24 volleyball courts. The 185,000 square foot building can feature a center court with enough seating for 3,500 spectators along with a 4-sided LED scoreboard.
  • Williamsburg Sports & Events Center: Slated to open in 2026, the 200,000-squre-foot building will include 12 basketball courts that can convert into 24 volleyball or 36 pickleball courts, a conversion system that will allow it fit 3 indoor soccer fields.
  • The GreenCity Arena: Set to be a centerpiece of the sustainable development in Henrico County, the facility will have seating for approximately 17,000 spectators, making it one of the largest indoor arenas in the region.
  • USTA Mid-Atlantic Tennis Campus: Coming soon to Loudoun County, this facility will instantly become the premier destination for tennis players and competitions in the Mid-Atlantic region. The facility will feature 20 outdoor tennis courts, along with a stadium court, 10 indoor tennis courts, as well as 8 pickleball courts.

With facilities like these and many more, athletes and spectators alike enjoy a premium experience, setting the stage for memorable events.

Unmatched Hospitality

Rice Paper at Eden Center

Rice Paper at Eden Center

Virginia’s reputation for hospitality is second to none. From the moment visitors arrive, they are greeted with warm smiles and a can-do spirit that ensures every detail is handled with care.

  • Accommodations for Every Budget: Whether it’s luxury resorts in the Blue Ridge Mountains or budget-friendly hotels near urban hubs, Virginia offers lodging options that cater to all and conveniently located near our sports venues.
  • Exceptional Dining: The state is a foodie’s paradise, offering everything from farm-to-table cuisine to world-class seafood. Athletes and attendees will love fueling up at Virginia’s diverse eateries.
  • Professional Support: Event organizers will find a wealth of resources, from experienced staff to community volunteers, ensuring that events run seamlessly.

Endless Entertainment Options

Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens

One of Virginia’s strongest appeals is the wealth of activities available when the games are done. This is especially enticing for families looking to combine sports with exploration and fun.

  • Outdoor Adventures: Virginia’s natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for hiking, biking, kayaking, and zip-lining. Parks like Shenandoah National Park offer trails and vistas that leave visitors in awe. With 43 state parks and 8 National Parks in Virginia, visitors are sure to find one near them.
  • Historic Attractions: As the birthplace of America, Virginia is rich in history. Sites like Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello offer immersive experiences that make history come alive.
  • Vibrant Nightlife and Shopping: Virginia shines with vibrant nightlife and diverse shopping. Enjoy rooftop bars, craft breweries, and live music in cities like Richmond and Virginia Beach. Shop local boutiques, main streets, outdoor centers or outlet malls like Potomac Mills for a complete day-to-night experience.
  • Theme Parks and Festivals: Virginia is a treasure trove of fun, offering visitors a diverse mix of theme parks and festivals that cater to all interests. Thrill-seekers can head to Kings Dominion or Busch Gardens, where roller coasters and family-friendly attractions promise an exciting day. Virginia hosts vibrant festivals throughout the year, from the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival celebrating sand and surf to the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, an annual 3-day Americana music festival celebrating Bristol’s heritage as the “Birthplace of Country Music”. 

A Central Location with Easy Accessibility

Main Street Station, Richmond

Main Street Station, Richmond

Virginia’s central East Coast location makes it highly accessible for travelers coming from all directions. Easily accessible by major highways, airports, and train routes, it’s a breeze to reach from anywhere on the East Coast. Whether you’re planning a road trip or flying in, Virginia’s connectivity ensures seamless travel to its beaches, mountains, and historic landmarks.

A Winning Choice for Sports Tourism

Sports tourism is about more than just the game; it’s about creating an experience that participants and fans will never forget. Virginia excels in providing that perfect mix of competition and recreation, offering something for everyone. Whether it’s a championship tournament or a community sports gathering, the Commonwealth’s unique combination of top-tier facilities, warm hospitality, and endless entertainment makes it the ideal destination.

Bring your next sports event to Virginia and see why so many organizers return year after year. Let Virginia host your victory!