Welcome
Dear Friends, Partners, and Community Members,
Welcome to the Fiscal Year 2025 Tourism and Visitation Annual Report. It has been another exciting year for Chesterfield, Virginia as we continue to establish ourselves as a premier destination for sports, visitation, and entertainment.
Tourism plays a vital role in diversifying our local economy, supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and generating tax revenue that benefits all residents. Just as importantly, it enhances quality of life—bringing new experiences, enhancing public spaces, and growing community pride.
Our department remains focused on three strategic priorities:
• Enhancing Chesterfield’s brand and identity by sharing our story with authenticity and celebrating the people, places, and experiences that make us unique.
• Hosting and supporting tourism events that attract visitors from near and far while delivering exceptional service and unforgettable moments.
• Growing premier facilities that benefit residents and visitors through smart investments in infrastructure, access, and innovation.
This report highlights the progress we’ve made and the partnerships that power our success. We are deeply grateful to our community, partners, and supporters who continue to help us shape Chesterfield into a first-choice destination.
With gratitude,
Joe Casey County Administrator
J.C. Poma
Executive Director of Sports, Visitation, & Entertainment
Mission: To make Chesterfield a First Choice community for residents and a premier destination for visitors by delivering welcoming experiences, vibrant sports and entertainment opportunities, and amenities that strengthen both our quality of life and local economy.
Vision: To enhance the quality of life for citizens and diversify the economy through First Choice events, experiences, and storytelling.
Core Principles:
• Vibrant Economy
• Thriving Community
• Excellence in Public Service
Visitation Soars to New Heights
Chesterfield has seen a steady rise in visitors driven by its growing reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions.
1.8M
Overnight Trips (+3.6% YOY)
Growth
Resulting in
5.4M
Visitor Overnight Stays (+7.5% YOY)
52 Active Hotels 119.6K Average Monthly Supply 79.3k Average Monthly Demand 8.2M Average Monthly Revenue
$102.90 Average Daily Rate 66.33% Average Monthly Occupancy $68.56 Average Revenue Per Room
4,425 Active Hotel Rooms
19 New Hotels Planned
2,205 New Hotel Rooms Planned
*For overall visitation impact estimates, we use the Placer.AI platform that includes local visitors less than 51 miles and tourists greater than 51 miles. This does not include Chesterfield residents. Hotel data is from Richmond Region Tourism & CoStar STR Report.
Did You Know: According to Virginia Tourism Corporation, every Virginia household saves $990 annually on state and local taxes because of the revenue generated by visitors.
Destination: Chesterfield
Chesterfield’s visitor profile continues to evolve, but one thing remains constant: As one of the most accessible and drivable destinations in the Mid-Atlantic, it attracts a diverse mix of travelers—whether visiting friends and family, attending events, traveling for business, or simply passing through—making Chesterfield a well-rounded and dynamic destination.
Note: Analysis of people traveling from their primary residence and visiting Chesterfield for up to 31 Days. Only overnight stays are counted in this data set.
VISITOR ORIGINS: TOP FIVE TRIPS
River City Sportsplex expanded from 12 to 16 lighted turf fields in fiscal year 2025, increasing its ability to serve more local residents during the week while accommodating larger tournaments and strengthening Chesterfield’s position as a premier sports tourism destination.
Play Chesterfi eld
TOP FIVE LARGEST EVENTS
“We are thrilled to partner with Chesterfield County in bringing the Virginia Commonwealth Games to the area! From the first conversation, everything has been wonderful, and it is clear that the experience of our participants and their families is a top priority. From the exceptional staff to the outstanding facilities and everything the area has to offer, the future is even brighter for the Games and our athletes in the coming years!”
Charity E. Waldron | Director of Operations & Media Relations
Virginia Amateur Sports
In FY25, River City Sportsplex continued its tradition as one of the premier amateur sports facilities in the country, earning recognition as the No. 2 Outdoor Sports Venue by Sports Events Magazine in 2025. More importantly, it remains the ultimate home-field advantage for our residents and sports groups who proudly call it home.
Chesterfield County has proudly hosted the PONY League World Series for 16 years, welcoming teams from across the United States and around the world to celebrate its strong youth baseball
Moments That Matter
Chesterfield Restaurant Week
In its second year, Chesterfield Restaurant Week dished up a celebration of the county’s vibrant food and beverage scene. For 10 days, 60 local restaurants served signature flavors and creative bites—all while raising more than $16,000 for the Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center. All of this was made possible through a partnership with the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce.
Chesterfield Outdoor Fest
The second annual Chesterfield Outdoor Fest turned the spotlight on adventure with a family-friendly celebration of all things outdoors. On May 31, 2025, local businesses and organizations came together to show why Chesterfield is the ultimate playground for fun in the great outdoors.
Chesterfield Summer Bingo
The Chesterfield Summer Bingo Board returned with a bang, giving locals the chance to win weekly prizes from their favorite Chesterfield businesses. With a record number of participants this year, the fun culminated in an end-ofsummer Bingo Bash hosted in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Richmond—proving that summer in Chesterfield is full of surprises, prizes, and community fun.
CHESTERFIELD SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Established in 2024 and presented by Virginia Credit Union, the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame honors athletes, coaches, teams, and contributors whose achievements in Chesterfield County reflect integrity and excellence. The inaugural class of 10 local legends included gridiron stars James Farrior and Ken Oxendine, NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, PGA greats Bobby and Lanny Wadkins, Olympic hurdler Kellie Wells-Brinkley, professional baseball player Johnny Grub, softball standout Lacey Waldrop, and sports pioneers Dave Amsler and Vic Williams. The class was inducted on September 12, 2024, with their names permanently displayed at River City Sportsplex.
MAKING AN IMPRESSION
Meet Cole, Chesterfield’s spirited mascot and ambassador for fun! Whether he’s cheering on the community at local events, striking a pose for photos, or spreading smiles across the county, Cole delivers energy, excitement, and a big dose of Chesterfield pride wherever he goes.
History Happened Here shines a spotlight on Chesterfield’s rich past, inviting locals and visitors alike to explore historic sites, stories, and landmarks across the county. From hidden gems to well-known treasures, the campaign celebrates the people and places that have shaped Chesterfield’s unique story.
DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT: THE POWER OF PROMOTION
FY25 Social Media Data
1.58M Impressions 112K Engagements
76.7%
FY25 Social Media Data
770K
