SPG Old Dominion State is Filled with Fun Family Activities
VIRGINIA GUIDE • 2018
Three Key Reasons to Bring Your Event to Virginia
7 Site InSpections A Premier Travel Media publication • www.SportsPlanningGuide.com
of Event-Ready Destinations and Their Top Venues
Virginia Is For Sports Lovers Joni Johnson, National Sales Manager Virginia Tourism/Sports Virginia
On behalf of the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Sports Virginia, I would like to extend a warm welcome and invitation to bring your event to Virginia. From touchdowns to finish lines, those seeking a rush of adrenaline and the thrill of competition can find the perfect place to compete in Virginia. With diverse terrain from mountains to beaches, and all the valleys in between, Virginia is home to state-of-the-art venues for all types of sporting events. Sports Virginia is a statewide collaboration of professionals from local convention and visitor bureaus, sports commissions, parks and recreation offices and facilities. Sports Virginia’s goal is to make the planning and hosting of sporting events as seamless as possible. Good old southern hospitality paired with world-class venues and years of experience result in successful events that have kept athletes and their fans coming back to Virginia year after year. Centrally located in the mid-Atlantic region and accessible by major highway systems, Amtrak rail service and nine airports, Virginia offers great availability and value which make it an ideal destination for participants of sporting events and their families. After the competition is done and the trophies have been won, delight in all that Virginia has to offer with well-known historical attractions, unique dining, outdoor adventure at national and state parks and urban cities mixed with small town charm. And with its distinct climate regions welcoming visitors to enjoy a range of activities, Virginia is truly a year-round sports – and vacation – destination. Virginia has played host to a myriad of sporting events ranging from equestrian to gymnastics championships. The World Police & Fire Games, UCI Road World Championships, AAU Junior Olympic Games, Rock –n– Roll Half Marathon, and NCAA Division II and III Championships are just a sample of events held in Virginia. Visit SportsVirginia.org for more information or please contact me for personal assistance. For action-packed excitement, bring your game to Virginia, a premier sporting events destination. Remember…Sports Virginia is with you from start to finish!
Joni Johnson, National Sales Manager Virginia Tourism/Sports Virginia
BLUE RIDGE, VA
Family Fun After the Trophies are Won, Virginia is about Family Fun ore than just a buzzword, Virginia features a wide-range of opportunities for families to spend quality vacation time when your event is over. There’s no shortage of activities wherever you go in Virginia. Theme parks, water parks, historical attractions, events, outdoor adventures, lakes and beaches are all available for family fun.
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THEME PARKS The 400-acre Kings Dominion theme and waterpark will open for its 44th season in 2018. With more than 60 rides and attractions, the park is well known to roller coaster enthusiasts with its 12 world-class coasters. Located 20 miles north of Richmond and 75 miles south of Washington, D.C., Kings Dominion is easily accessed off I-95. Planet Snoopy has been a family favorite since 2013 and expanded in 2017 with new rides and attractions. The 20-acre Soak City also has new attractions with the Hurricane Heights slide complex and the Splash Island play area. Located in Williamsburg and voted “The World’s Most Beautiful Park” since 1990, Busch Gardens and its European setting is a delight for kids and adults. It’s the rides that thrill young and old with two of Busch Gardens’ six coasters rated in the top 25 in the world. The Vikings have taken over New France with InvadR added to the collection of world-class coasters. Recreating the signature stunts of the classic Italian daredevil, Tempesto features tight turns and a bracing ride and on Verbolten, guests ride through the Black Forest and Germany’s Oktoberfest area indoor and outdoor with unexpected twists, turns and plunges. Water Country USA is Virginia’s largest water park with more than 40 aquatic rides. The Colossal Curl is still a favorite of guests, while the 11,000-square-foot Rock ‘n Roll Island is filled with fun and adventure. It’s a cool and refreshing stop of family fun. 4
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HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS Eight presidents of the United States were born in Virginia – more than any other state – and many have a home where guests are welcome. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, is a majestic site with attention to subtle details. Nearby, James Monroe’s Highland is quaint compared to other estates, while James Madison’s Montpelier reflects the elegance Dolly Madison brought to their home. George Washington’s 21room Alexandria estate, Mount Vernon, features size, beauty and unmatched views of the Potomac River. Berkeley Plantation near Williamsburg in Charles City was the home of President William Harrison and the site of the first official Thanksgiving in 1619. John Tyler built Sherwood Forest Plantation in Charles City while president. Access to the house is by appointment only. In Staunton, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library affords the opportunity for visitors to learn about our 28th president’s life. Major events during colonial America are marked in America’s Historic Triangle – Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. All three are living history museums. Jamestown Settlement honors the first permanent English settlement in America, while the new American Revolution Museum at Yorktown tells the story of our nation’s founding. Colonial Williamsburg’s 18th-century city was the prosperous capital of Virginia and a place where visitors can experience tradespeople and historic sites of the times.
Virginia’s role in American history is unmatched as much of the American Civil War was fought in Virginia at Manassas, Fredericksburg, Richmond, Petersburg and others. Six National Historical Parks and National Battlefields commemorate those epic events. Virginia also played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement culminating with important legal landmarks. OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES To experience the natural beauty that is Virginia, there are outdoor recreation options from the beaches to the mountains and every place in between. A moderate climate and four distinct seasons allow for outdoor activities that appeal to every enthusiast. Families find that Virginia’s 37 state parks show the state’s diversity with parks found in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the coast, near major cities, at historic sites and along the Chesapeake Bay. National parks throughout Virginia add to the eclectic mix. Wherever a family’s interests lie, there’s an adventure waiting. Whether it’s lakes, beaches, camping, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, bicycling, fishing, mountain biking, golf, stargazing, or birding, there’s a perfect place for your Virginia outdoors experience. Begin planning your family fun vacation in Virginia online. (virginia.org/ FamilyFun). SPG
Busch Gardens in Williamsburg was voted “The World’s Most Beautiful Park.”
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stute planners and event holders know Virginia loves sports, and it shows. From the mountains to the coast and from starting blocks to finish lines, Virginia has a wealth of motivations why it’s an ideal choice to host your event. Here are three of the most important ones.
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VENUES The first thing to be checked off any planner’s list is the venues needed for their event. That’s where Virginia shines. There are world-class facilities for virtually every championship event. Community centers, bowling lanes, parks, complexes, sports centers, sportsplexes, aquatic centers, turf fields, grass fields, indoor courts, sand courts, indoor arenas, outdoor tracks and many more are here for the asking. More than just the number of great venues available for every imaginable sporting event, there are state-of-the-art amenities available, as well. Computerized timers for track events, PA systems and internet service to broadcast games back home, along with digital scoreboards to tell the competition’s story are all a part of the Virginia sports scene. This year, Liberty University has added a new 130,000-square foot indoor track and field facility, while later this year, the Liberty University Shooting Complex will come onboard. The new Cregger Center on the campus of Roanoke College, in Salem has opened. Six new lighted rectangular fields at the Parks at Embrey Mills are open for youth field hockey, football, soccer and lacrosse.
LOCATION Similar to real estate, sports tourism destinations are often all about location, location, location. For families, traveling teams and athletes, it’s easy getting to Virginia. Midway between New York and Miami, Virginia is less than a day’s drive from any city east of the Mississippi River. Thirteen welcome centers on six interstate highways service visitors to Virginia with hospitality and assistance. If travel time permits, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is a man-made wonder and worth the drive. There are nine airports providing commercial service including the recently renovated Washington Dulles International and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, plus Norfolk International Airport, Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, Richmond International Airport and Roanoke Regional Airport. Most major international and national carriers service Virginia. Amtrak also services Virginia as stations can be found in Newport News, Norfolk, Williamsburg, Lynchburg, Richmond and numerous Northern Virginia locations. A new Roanoke station is expected to open by the end of 2017.
From the mountains to the coast, Virginia has a wealth of beautiful outdoor sporting options for visitors to enjoy.
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Liberty University (above left) sports a new 130,000-square-foot indoor track and field facility while Roanoke College (above right) features the new Cregger Center.
EXPERIENCE Virginia is no stranger to year-round championship sporting events. In addition to professional events such as NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races and the PGA Quicken Loans Tournament, individual and team events have called on Virginia to host, including the ASA/USA Girls Class A Fast Pitch National Championship; the NJCAA Men’s Soccer D1 National Tournament; the UCI Road World Cycling Championships; the World Police and Fire Games and a USA BMX National Series event. In 2019, the State Games of America will come to Lynchburg on the campus of Liberty University. In 2020, the Hampton Roads Region will host the AAU Junior Olympics.
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Along with the experience of hosting big-time events are a group of professionals with the expertise to do what it takes to assure your event is as seamless as possible. Local partners throughout the state bring years of expertise hosting a variety of successful sporting competitions. More than 20 members the Sports Virginia team are ready to assist from the planning stage of your event through the awarding of the trophies. Begin planning your event online at Sports Virginia (SportsVirginia.org), or call Joni Johnson at 804-545-5544. Email Joni at jjohnson@virginia.org. SPG
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STAFFORD COUNTY, VA Impressive array of sports venues
A combination of scenic beauty and historical sites makes northern Virginia’s Stafford County an ideal location for sports tournaments.
1. Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center
3. Saint Clair Brooks Park
Sports: Swimming, basketball, cycling, volleyball, soccer Stafford County’s state-of-the-art, 76,000-square-foot Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center is a site to behold. Opened in 2016, it features a 50-meter competition pool, more than 800 spectator seats and a 25-yard recreation pool. It also possesses a warm-water wellness pool, a group exercise studio and a fitness floor that provides over 5,000 square feet of workout space.
Sports: Basketball, skateboarding, volleyball, horseshoes, baseball, football This park in historic Falmouth features 80 acres of wooded parkland and includes such amenities as picnic pavilions, grills, a skate park, basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, a horseshoe pit, two baseball fields, a football field, nature trails and playground equipment.
2. Embrey Mill Park
4. Chichester Park
Sports: Soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, football The beautiful new 50-acre, $26-million Embrey Mill Park offers six synthetic lighted rectangular fields and two lighted grass fields, plus a playground, concessions and ample parking. Centrally located in Stafford County, this complex that debuted in 2016 is a crown jewel in the area and attracts hundreds of athletes to the region.
Sports: Baseball, softball, Stafford’s Chichester Park includes a new baseball complex and park, making it a perfect place for groups to host tournaments, games or practices. It offers four 60/70-foot diamond fields, one 90-foot baseball field, protected spectator seating, a large picnic pavilion with restrooms and grills, concessions, ample parking and trails for hiking and jogging. It is located near major transportation thoroughfares, making it easy for families to reach.
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5. Curtis Memorial Park Sports: Baseball, skateboarding, volleyball, tennis, swimming, fishing, golf Hartwood’s Curtis Memorial Park is a lovely wooded area that can host virtually any outing thanks to its many options. The park features nature trails, an amphitheater, a baseball diamond, playground, skateboard park, sand volleyball courts and tennis courts.
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6. Duff McDuff Green Memorial Park Sports: Baseball, softball, soccer Duff McDuff Park in Ferry Farm is a spectacular 60-acre picnic spot consisting of open fields and woodlands and has an observation deck that overlooks the scenic Rappahannock River.
Activities galore in Stafford County Stafford County and the Fredericksburg region have a slew of activities to entertain everyone. Ferry Farm is George Washington’s boyhood home and the place where the famous “chopping down the cherry tree” tale stems from. Travelers can experience the living conditions of Civil War soldiers at the White Oak Civil War Museum, or they can visit Government Island, a historic 18th and 19th century quarry site that is also a 17-acre nature preserve. The site once provided Aquia sandstone to some of the U.S. Government’s most famous buildings, like the White House and U.S. Capitol. The accessibility of Washington, D.C., Richmond, Charlottesville, Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and Kings Dominion amusement park makes it easy for tournament participants to extend their trip into an entertaining vacation. Animal lovers can make their way to Maranatha Alpaca Farm, where they can spend time with the lovable creatures. The 36,000square-foot Riverside Theater in Fredericksburg, offers a Broadwaystyle experience for both large and small gatherings. On Saturdays, the establishment features special Children’s Theater offerings.
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Getting to Stafford is a Breeze Location is a major plus for Stafford County as it resides just 40 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. and 60 miles north of Richmond, Virginia. Vehicular transportation is the easiest way to visit Stafford as I-95, US 17, US 1, Route 610 and Route 3 all run through the Stafford area. All major airlines fly in and out of Dulles International Airport, Reagan National Airport and Richmond International Airport, which are all based approximately an hour from Stafford.
Planner Perspective “The opportunities that the Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center have given to the local swim community and the Commonwealth of Virginia have been phenomenal. We can use this state-of-the-art facility to provide a top-level swim meet experience to teams from all over the state. Having the ability to host the Short Course and Long Course Senior Championship Meets this year in a more central location for the teams has proved advantageous to the swimmers and their families. Stafford County, local hotels, restaurants, and businesses have made the swimmers feel right at home.” – Brian Cann, Aquatics Director, Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center
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STAFFORD COUNTY, VA Lisa Logan, Tourism Manager 540-658-4580 • lmlogan@staffordcountyva.gov TourStaffordVA.com
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HAMPTON, VA
The city offers a variety of fun activities to go with state-of-the-art sports facilities.
Hampton’s Facilities Make Event Planners Happy 1. Boo Williams Sportsplex
3. Hampton Coliseum
Sports: Aerobics, basketball, volleyball, body building, boxing, fencing, gymnastics, team handball, martial arts, table tennis, weightlifting, wrestling, cheerleading Accommodating such athletic events as basketball, indoor field hockey and volleyball, the center boasts eight hard-wood basketball courts and retractable bleacher seating for 4,000 (6,000 with perimeter seating) attendees. It includes eight tournament play basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts, a 200-meter, six-lane indoor track and two training rooms. A 4,238square-foot concession area is available as well as 64,000- and 31,000-square-foot playing pavilions.
Sports: Aerobics, basketball, body building, boxing, fencing, gymnastics, team handball, martial arts, table tennis, weightlifting, wrestling, cheerleading, indoor archery Former home to the Virginia Squires basketball team, the arena has hosted a plethora of world-class sporting events and concerts in its 46-year existence. The Coliseum holds a 26,263square-foot arena floor, 3,200 parking spaces, 10 Xenon Super Trooper Lights and a fully equipped sound system. The adjacent Hampton Roads Convention Center adds extra flexibility.
2. Darling Stadium Sports: Archery, football, field hockey, rugby, soccer, track & field Darling has been home to a number of state and regional athletic events and competitions. This state-of-the art stadium can accommodate archery, football, field hockey, rugby, soccer, and track and field. It features seating for 8,000 spectators, an eightlane track, a lighted field, two concession stands and is readily equipped for television and radio broadcasts. 12
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4. Hampton Roads Convention Center Sports: Aerobics, basketball, body building, boxing, fencing, gymnastics, team handball, martial arts, table tennis, weightlifting, wrestling, cheerleading, archery, field hockey, volleyball The Hampton Roads Convention Center, which boasts 35 flexible event spaces with the capacity for up to 14,000 delegates and a 102,600-square-foot exhibit hall (divisible by three), is the perfect venue for any indoor athletic event. The center is supported by over 2,000 hotel rooms in close proximity, including the Embassy Suites host hotel. It has 2,200 parking spaces, 11 loading dock bays and three concession stands. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
5. Hampton University’s Armstrong Stadium Sports: Archery, football, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, track & field Home to the Hampton University Pirates football team, Armstrong Stadium has hosted the NCAA Division II National Track and Field Championships as well as numerous Division I conference championships and competitions. The stadium seats 12,000 spectators and is easily equipped to handle outdoor sporting events like archery, football, rugby and track & field. It features one lighted field, an eight-lane track, state-of-the-art sound system, a press box and 2,000 parking spaces.
6. War Memorial Stadium Sports: Baseball War Memorial Stadium is home to the Peninsula Pilots of the Coastal Plain League, which features top collegiate baseball talent from across the United States. Accommodating 3,750 attendees, it is one of the few all-wooden ballparks remaining and features a state-of-the-art video/scoreboard, state-of-the-art field lighting system, 17 patio-style corporate boxes and a picnic area with a full-service Tiki Bar.
Some Fun Activities in Hampton Hampton’s location on the Chesapeake Bay makes it the perfect place to take advantage of a day at the beach. Paradise Ocean Club at Fort Monroe offers private cabana rentals, swimming pool, and a private beach. Hampton Watersports, located at Buckroe Beach and other waterfront locations, offers a wide range of watercraft rentals in the summer, including jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, and more. The world-class science and learning facility, and official visitor center for NASA Langley Research Center,
immerses guests into a full-throttle space and aviation experience. Peninsula Town Center (PTC) offers teams plenty of dining and retail options within a short distance of several athletic venues, with over 70 specialty retailers and a large variety of restaurants.
How Do I Get There? Served by Interstate 64, Hampton is three hours from Washington, D.C.; three hours from Raleigh, North Carolina; four hours from Baltimore; five hours from Philadelphia; and eight hours from New York. Hampton is serviced by two major airports: Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) and Norfolk International Airport (ORF).
Planner Perspective “Hampton, Virginia has been a great location to hold the annual kick-off event for the Mid-Atlantic Power League. MAPL Hampton is a select volleyball tournament for some of the top club volleyball teams in the mid-Atlantic states (North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey). With plenty of hotels and restaurants close to the venues as well as the support from Sports Hampton, Hampton Roads Convention Center, Boo Williams Sportsplex, and the Sheriff's Office, this tournament has become a favorite for players and staff alike.” — Chuck McCracken, Tournament Director MAPL Hampton
VISIT HAMPTON Brooks Hierstein Sports Hampton Sales & Services Manager 757-728-5315 • bhierstein@hamptoncvb.com SportsHampton.com
COMPETE IN A VENUE WORTHY OF CELEBRATION.
Boo Williams Sportsplex Hampton Roads Convention Center Hampton Coliseum Hampton University 800.487.8778 SportsHampton.com
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RICHMOND,VA
Book your next team trip to one of the nation’s oldest cities and experience a combination of high-quality athletic facilities and a lively city brimming with culture.
1. River City Sportsplex
3. SwimRVA
Sports: Soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, flag football River City Sportsplex encompasses 115 acres of top-notch athletic fields, including 12 all-weather turf fields, nine of which are fully lighted. In addition to warmup areas, River City Sportsplex includes a plaza and common area with access to electricity, bleachers on both ends, indoor restrooms and a concession stand. The Sportsplex takes spectators into consideration and creates a pleasant atmosphere for parents and families by supplying on-site wi-fi and over 1,200 parking spaces.
Sports: Swimming, water polo Swim RVA is the perfect destination for your team’s next swim meet. The 54,000-square-foot facility features a 50-meter competition pool that was used for the 2008 Olympic Team Trials, where records were broken by the world’s best swimmers. In addition, the facility provides athletes with a warmup pool and a warm-water therapy pool. Spectators will be comfortable in the 700-seat grandstand and will appreciate the five 50-inch HD TVs, free wi-fi access and ample parking space.
2. Greater Richmond Convention Center
4. RF&P Park
Sports: Volleyball, cheerleading, dance, fencing, field hockey, figure skating, taekwondo and gymnastics, meetings & conventions Teams will feel like champions no matter what the score at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, located only minutes from Richmond International Airport. The 700,000-square-foot facility boasts the title as largest convention center in Virginia with 180,000 square feet of exhibit hall space. Spectators will enjoy the 250-seat food court and lounge overlooking the courts, 1,100 parking spots for easy transportation, Cyber Café and business center with free wi-fi access.
Sports: Baseball, softball, football, soccer This park, which integrates four restored RF&P train cars into its grandstand design, includes three youth softball fields, one 13-and-up baseball stadium, three 12-and-under baseball fields and one football/soccer field. The park’s largest facility is Glen Allen Stadium, which seats 850 and has hosted many national tournaments.
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5. Dorey Park Sports: Baseball, softball, football, soccer, disc golf This 400-acre park is conveniently located 10 minutes from Richmond International Airport and features abundant competition fields and amazing amenities for the traveling fan. The park features six (4 slow pitch and 6 fast pitch compatible) softball fields, seven 12-and-under baseball fields, one 13-andup baseball field and seven football/soccer fields with one field featuring a 500 seat grandstand. There is also an 18-hole disc golf course, five miles of horseback riding trails, a fishing pier and nearly two miles of hiking trails.
6. Richmond Coliseum Sports: Basketball, boxing, indoor football, hockey, cheer & dance, gymnastics The Richmond Coliseum features concerts, sporting events and family shows throughout the year, and its 70,000 square feet of space can contain professional-sized layouts for basketball, indoor football and ice hockey. Home to the Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championship tournament and numerous other past championships including the Colonial Athletic Association Men’s Basketball Tournament and U.S. Figure Skating’s Synchro Championship, it also coordinates events with the adjacent Greater Richmond Convention Center.
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What Activities Does Richmond Offer? Down time is just as important as play time when it comes to team bonding and memory-making. When in Richmond, check out the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) to explore its abundance of acclaimed photographs and paintings. The VMFA also offers group tours to tailor your experience to your team’s interests. As far as sightseeing and enjoying Richmond’s gorgeous views, plan a day trip to Belle Isle.
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How to Get to Richmond The Richmond International Airport, located only eight miles from downtown Richmond, is home to all major air carriers, including low-cost carriers such as Allegiant Air, JetBlue and Southwest. Due to Richmond’s advantageous location, it’s only within a day’s drive to half of the U.S. population by Interstates 64, 295 and 95.
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We have worked with Tourism Departments all over the country on large scale athletic events and can honestly say that working with the Richmond Region Tourism team has been incredible. They have been accommodating at every turn and have helped make our events in Richmond very successful. Great event venues and great attractions keep all of our participants and fans excited about visiting Richmond every year. –Lee Corrigan, President, Corrigan Sports Enterprises
RICHMOND REGION TOURISM Danielle Vincenti CSEE, Senior Sports Development Manager 804-783-7422 • dvincenti@visitrichmondva.com SportsRichmondVA.com
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ROANOKE, VA Play In Virginia’s Blue Ridge 1. Salem Football Stadium Sports: Football Salem Football Stadium is a 7,157-seat municipal stadium that opened in August 1985 after a rapid construction process. Salem Stadium has been the home of the NCAA Division III Football Championship game since 1993. Since the Stagg Bowl debuted in southwest Virginia, the stadium has undergone several improvements to better accommodate both players and fans.
2. Salem Memorial Ballpark Sports: Baseball Haley Toyota Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark is a minor league baseball park located in Salem, Virginia, and is part of the James E. Taliferro Sports and Entertainment Complex along with the Salem Civic Center and Salem Football Stadium, approximately 1 mile southeast of downtown Salem. Opened on August 7, 1995, it is home to the Boston Red Sox Class A Carolina League farm team and can seat 6,300 people.
3. Berglund Center Sports: Basketball, hockey, volleyball, gymnastics, wrestling, boxing The Berglund Center (previously Roanoke Civic Center) is one of Western Virginia's premier full-service facilities. The multi-purpose facility can accommodate sports events of all sizes, and hosts more than 350 events every year. It features a 10,500 seat Coliseum, 2,148 seat Performing Arts Theatre, 10,000 square feet Exhibit Hall, and a new 46,000 square feet Special Events Center.
4. James I. Moyer Sports Complex Sports: Softball The James I. Moyer Sports Complex is home to the Salem High School Girls Fast Pitch Softball Team and the Roanoke College Women's Fast Pitch Softball Team. Some of the past, present and future events that have been held at this facility are the USA Softball
VIRGINIA BLUE RIDGE SPORTS Bree Nidds, Director of Sports Development 540-362-7848 ext. 127 • bnidds@visitvbr.com VBRSports.com
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Sports event planners will find everything they need to host a successful athletic tournament in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. National Team - Aiming for Athens 2004 Tour, NCAA Women's Fast Pitch Softball National Championships for Division II and Division III, NSA Girls Fast-Pitch Class B East World Series, ASA Men's East Class C & D Slow-Pitch National Championship, USSSA Class D State Tournament and Virginia Dixie Youth District and State Tournaments.
What is there to do in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Outdoor enthusiasts will love making a trek or taking a bike ride up Roanoke’s most famous mountain: Mill Mountain. It’s home to the iconic Roanoke Star, a great spot to take a selfie. After you’ve made your way to the top and taken your photo, you can enjoy over 10 miles of mountain biking trails. For those who enjoy a good scenic ride, head to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The 469-mile drive winds along the Blue Ridge Mountains, giving visitors some of the best mountain views in the country. Those traveling with small children should stop by the Mill Mountain Zoo, home to 85 species of animals and the famous Zoo Choo miniature train. Kids will also love exploring the underground world of the Dixie Caverns, the only caverns in southwest Virginia.
Planner Perspective The NCAA appreciates the long partnership with the City of Salem in hosting over 85 championship events since 1993. The teams, officials, and spectators leave Salem with fond memories of their championship experience. —John Bugner, NCCA
How Do I Get to Virginia’s Blue Ridge? The area is served by Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, which offers direct flights to eight international hubs with one-stop service to over 70 international cities and over 400 domestic destinations. The airport is located less than five miles of downtown Roanoke and within a couple miles of many accommodations and attractions. Roanoke Valley is within a four-hour drive of many metropolitan areas on the East Coast, and is easily accessed through Interstate 81, US 220 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Amtrak passenger trains will pull out of the new station in downtown Roanoke on Halloween, giving commuters a convenient way to get to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City. Sports Planning Guide
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PLAY & WIN in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The team with the most points is not the only winner. Entire tournaments are victorious when played here. That’s because the Roanoke Valley in Virginia’s Blue Ridge has world class facilities, exceptional southern hospitality and a setting amid the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Plus, we have more experience than any other region at running successful sporting events. That’s why NCAA, AAU, CIAA, ASA, VHSL, the Special Olympics and more have chosen to play in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
VisitVBR.com/Sports #BlueRidgeDay 800.635.5535
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NORFOLK, VA
Established in 1682, Norfolk is an ideal locale for lovers of art and history, and its sports facilities are among the finest in the country.
Superb sports facilities make their homes in Norfolk 1. Norfolk Scope
3. Harbor Park
Sports: Hockey, basketball Featuring the world’s largest reinforced thin-shell concrete dome, Scope is a beautiful multi-function complex that consists of a 12,000-person arena, a 2,500-person theater and a 10,000square-foot exhibition hall. Scope is home to the Norfolk Admirals hockey team, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference basketball tournament, conventions, concerts and family shows. The arena floor is 25,651-square-feet and seating for exhibition halls have a total of 76,000-square-feet plus five breakout rooms.
Sports: Baseball This AAA baseball stadium located on the Elizabeth River in downtown Norfolk was once rated the best minor league stadium in the country by Baseball America. With a seating capacity of almost 12,000, Harbor Park is renowned for its outstanding view and sound design. Opened in 1993, the park features almost 9,000 lower-deck seats, 2,800 upper-deck seats and 400 seats in 24 luxury skyboxes.
4. Norfolk Boxing & Fitness Center at Harbor Park 2. Ted Constant Convocation Center Sports: Basketball, wrestling A 219,330-square-foot multipurpose arena on the campus of Old Dominion University, the Ted Constant Convocation Center has seating for 10,000, a 23,000-square-foot arena floor and a multipurpose room with over 9,000 square feet of space that can be broken into five sections. In addition to being used for Old Dominion basketball games and wrestling matches, the center also hosts concerts and lectures. 18
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Sports: Boxing A 13,000-square-foot boxing facility that opened in November of 2016, the Norfolk Boxing & Fitness Center has two USA Boxing regulation-sized rings, twice as many bags as the previous boxing center, fitness equipment and classes, a homework and tutoring classroom, a parents’ lounge, and has the capability of hosting larger boxing shows and state championships.
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5. Old Dominion University Sports: Baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, tennis, field hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, golf, rowing, swimming and diving, sailing Old Dominion University is a public university in Norfolk that has an array of top-notch stadiums, with the newest being the Mitchum Basketball Performance Center, which opened in May. The $8.4-million complex is an impressive basketball complex that houses the men’s and women’s teams. The ODU football team competes in the state-of-the-art 20,118-seat multipurpose Foreman Field, which underwent extensive remodeling prior to the 2009 season.
6. Norfolk State University Sports: Baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, tennis, field hockey, lacrosse, track and field, volleyball, bowling Norfolk State University is a public four-year university with a 134-acre campus. The football team plays in the spacious William “Dick” Price Stadium, which was built in 1997, has a seating capacity of 30,000 and is one of the largest Division I Football Championship Subdivision stadiums in terms of capacity. Located on the south end of the campus, the stadium has a brick façade, a natural grass surface and an eight-lane synthetic track as well as two state-of-the-art LED video display boards on each end of the stadium.
Museum of Art is considered one of the finest museums in the country as it displays more than 30,000 objects in a collection that spans more than 5,000 years. The museum also houses the Perry Glass Studio, where every day a free glassmaking demonstration takes place. The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is dedicated to the study of naval history and is an official museum of the United States Navy. Since 1997, the Virginia Arts Festival has presented top-flight performers in the worlds of music, dance and theater and is renowned as a cultural destination. The Virginia Zoological Park is a 53-acre zoo that opened in 1900 and features hundreds of animals, including the endangered Siberian tiger. The MacArthur Memorial is a museum and research center that honors the life of General Douglas MacArthur, while the Police and Fire Museum pays homage to our nation’s heroes.
How to Get to Norfolk Located in the southeastern corner of Virginia at the junction of the Elizabeth River and the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk is linked with nearby cities through a network of interstate highways, tunnels and bridges. The major east-west routes are Interstate 64, U.S. Route 58 and U.S. Route 60, while the major north-south routes are U.S. Route 13 and U.S. Route 460.
Never a Dull Moment in Norfolk The Legends of Music Walk of Fame on iconic Granby Street pays homage to Hampton Roads natives who have made significant contributions to the world of music. The Chrysler
VISIT NORFOLK Kate Castano, Sales Manager 1-800-368-3097 • kcastano@visitnorfolktoday.com VisitNorfolk.com
With plentiful venues to accommodate just about any game, match, or tournament, Norfolk is the perfect place for you next big event. There’s even a new, state-of-the-art boxing center adjoining the Harbor Park baseball stadium. No matter what your sport, Norfolk is the place to play. Contact Kate Castano today to learn about our world-class facilities.
1-800-368-3097 visitnorfolk.com
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WILLIAMSBURG, VA Something for Every Sporting Need
Named one of the top 15 cities in the United States, Williamsburg is a living museum and lively college town that has something for everyone, especially tournament organizers.
1. Kiwanis Park
3. Millie West Tennis Facility
Sports: Baseball, softball, basketball, tennis Whether your team dons a glove, bat or tennis shoes, Kiwanis Park is the place for you to host your next sports tournament, championship or competition. This 27-acre park in Williamsburg has three softball fields with electronic scoreboards, dugouts and bleachers.
Sports: Tennis One of the newest athletics venues at the College of William and Mary, the Busch Courts tennis complex opened in September of 2001. It is the outdoor home of the Tribe tennis squads. The complex features eight individual hard court surfaces.
4. Warhill Sports Complex 2. Quarterpath Park and Recreation Center Sports: Softball, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, dance, aerobics Quarterpath can simultaneously hold outdoor or indoor league play, championship tournaments or showcase events. This 23-acre facility in Williamsburg features three lighted softball fields, three tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts, a picnic shelter with tables and grills and a children’s play area. The park also houses the Quarterpath Recreation Center, a 35,000-squarefoot indoor facility that offers a wide array of recreational activities and amenities. Among the facility’s amenities are an 18,000square-foot gymnasium and a 1,900-square-foot multipurpose room as well as two meeting/team rooms. 20
Sports Planning Guide
Sports: Baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, hiking, fishing The Warhill Sports Complex in Williamsburg is an excellent facility for indoor and outdoor sports. The venue features three lighted youth baseball fields, one lighted majors baseball field, four T-ball fields, outdoor batting cages and a concession building with restrooms and a playground. Warhill also houses a soccer/multi-use complex that contains four intermediate grass soccer fields, four premier full-size soccer fields, six synthetic turf multiuse fields and a concession building. The Complex also features three lighted outdoor basketball courts, two ponds for shoreline fishing, a two-mile paved multiuse trail, a 3.5-mile wooded multi-use trail, a picnic area and 3,000 seat multi-use Wanner Stadium. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
5. McReynolds Athletic Complex Sports: Baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse A multi-use venue, the McReynolds Athletic Complex in Yorktown is a 70-acre park with 13 lighted athletic fields that are available to rent for games, tournaments and camps. The complex features four regulation soccer fields, two instructional soccer fields, two youth baseball fields with grass infields, three youth baseball/softball fields with skinned infields, one adult softball field and one adult baseball field. It also sports 31 picnic shelters, two playgrounds and a 1.8-mile multipurpose asphalt path through the park.
6. Chisman Creek Park Sports: Baseball, softball This 13-acre site in Yorktown opened in 1991 and has two lighted softball fields that are primarily used for the county’s adult softball program in the spring, summer and fall, but are also open to the public. The fields with 300-foot fences and lighted scoreboards are made up of skinned infields and Vamont Bermuda-irrigated outfields.
Entertainment for all ages Those looking to experience life in early America can do so in Colonial Williamsburg, where they can travel back in time and immerse themselves in an 18th-century city. This year, Colonial Williamsburg unveils new programming at sites including the Geddy, Wythe and Randolph houses and Anderson’s Blacksmith Shop and Public Armoury. Along with other shops and sites like the historic Raleigh Tavern, guests of all ages can meet the nation’s founders. The Jamestown Settlement features gallery exhibits and
films that explore Jamestown’s beginnings as a business venture. Explore recreations of a Powhatan Indian village and a 1610-1614 fort, and board a replica of one of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607. Busch Gardens offers fun for the whole family. Whether it’s feeling a rush aboard thrill coasters, fulfilling an appetite for world-class dining, or making memories that will last a lifetime at one of its KIDsiderate attractions, there’s something to experience for everyone.
Planner Perspective Great organization to work work. Very involved in the whole planning process and execution. Made our National Softball Association World Series a success. —Frank Rachubka, National Softball Association Hall of Fame
How to get to Williamsburg Williamsburg is located adjacent to Interstate 64 and U.S. Route 60, which connects the city with Richmond to the northwest and Norfolk to the southeast. The primary airport for the Virginia peninsula is the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport in Newport News, a 20-minute drive from Williamsburg. Norfolk International Airport and Richmond International Airport also serve passengers from the city.
SPORTS WILLIAMSBURG Lisa Pacheco, CSEE, Director of Sports Development 757-253-2313 • pacheco@visitwilliamsburg.com SportsWilliamsburg.com
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LOUDOUN, VA Loudoun Has All the Facilities You Need 1. Brambleton Sportsplex Sports: Baseball, softball The newly updated Brambleton Sportsplex recently played home to the 2017 Senior Softball Atlantic Coast Championships as well as the 2017 PONY Nationals and 2017 USSSA Class C National Championships.
2. Philip Bolen Memorial Park Sports: Baseball, softball, football, lacrosse, soccer, recreational This 405-acre regional park has something for everyone – from the outdoor enthusiast to the seasoned athlete. The expansive property features baseball, softball, football, lacrosse, and soccer complexes, as well as trails, natural woodlands, picnic areas and a visitors’ center. Bolen Park is only a short drive from downtown Leesburg and minutes from Dulles International Airport.
3. Morven Park Sports: Soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, flag football, ultimate frisbee, gaelic football, equestrian The Athletic Field Complex at Morven sits on 19 acres of land and is the home to many sports disciplines including soccer, 22
Sports Planning Guide
Ensure your players play on the best facilities in the best area. Planning a sports tournament in Loudoun is an easy choice. lacrosse, rugby, field hockey, flag football, ultimate Frisbee, and Gaelic football. The International Equestrian Center also regularly hosts hunter/jumper competitions, dressage shows, carriage driving, and their twice-annual Horse Trials. Located on the northern edge of Leesburg, Morven Park was once home of Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis. Morven Park is a 1,000-acre estate in Leesburg, Va. In between games, check out the Morven Park Mansion and Winmill Carriage Museum. Bringing in over 250,000 guests per year, Morven Park is so much more than just a sports facility.
4. Claude Moore Park Sports: Baseball, softball, swim & dive, recreational Claude Moore Park Sportsplex features five softball fields with 200’ fences and two 300’ baseball fields. The sportsplex has over 500 parking spaces and has been one of many Loudoun County venues to host large tournaments including the PONY Nationals, USSSA Class C National Championships, ASA/USA Softball Eastern Nationals and the Senior Softball Atlantic Coast Regional. When not on the athletic fields, participants can enjoy the adjacent Recreation Center which includes a 50 meter, 10-lane pool, a leisure pool with a waterslide and hot tub spa, a 10,000 square-feet gymnasium and a rock climbing wall. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
5. Potomack Lakes Sportsplex Sports: Softball, soccer The Potomack Lakes Sportsplex is a 47-acre athletic complex with softball and soccer fields, as well as a large playground, picnic pavilion, concession kiosk and rest rooms. The complex also includes a maintenance building and meeting room.
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
6. ION International Training Center Sports: Hockey, skating The 85,000-square- foot, $19.5 million ION International Training Center is anticipated to open in mid 2018 and will initially feature two National Hockey League size sheets of ice. The two-story building also will include a full-service gym, cafe, pro shop, medical room and hockey training room, among other amenities. The NHL-sized rink’s multifunctional floor will be accessible for non-ice-related sporting events, school graduations, community events and concerts. It will be encircled by 4,000 seats. The center, with nearly 1,000 parking spaces and room to expand to four ice sheets, will encompass roughly 13 acres at The Peterson Cos.’ 450-acre Compass Creek development next to Leesburg Executive Airport.
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What can my team do in Loudoun? During your tournament’s downtime, teams can visit the Indoor Autobahn Speedway - the largest indoor karting facility in the state. For those that appreciate speed but don’t want to be behind the wheel, see the world-renowned Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum at the Steve F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Loudoun or the historical monuments around Washington D.C. But what do most athletes want to do when their games are over? Play more sports! Practice your swing at TopGolf or hit the lanes at Bowlero - both options located right in Loudoun.
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Planner Perspective As someone who puts on dozens of baseball events each year throughout the country, I’m incredibly fortunate and thankful for the relationship I have w/ Loudon County. They have provided our organization with everything we could possibly need to execute our events to the level demanded by our Collegiate Club Baseball teams. To be given the opportunity to use a facility with such history as Fireman’s Field is something we value very much. When you also factor in the support & resources we receive from the County, it becomes a no brainer why we come back each and every year. I highly recommend any event organizer to look into Loudon County for any of their needs as you surely won’t be disappointed! –Eric Curitore, Director of DII Baseball Operations, National Club Baseball Association
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How to Get There Given that there are a myriad of highways leading into the metro-D.C. area, all of the following states can reach Loudoun in a day’s worth of driving: Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Coming from north or south, take Interstate 95 into D.C. then Highway 267 into Loudoun County. Loudoun is also home to Dulles International Airport. The Metro Rail System will come to Loudoun in late 2019.
VISIT LOUDOUN Torye Hurst, National Sports Sales Manager 703-669-2005 • hurst@visitloudoun.org VisitLoudoun.org
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