WILLIAMSBURG – The Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center features what is described as the country’s largest retractable indoor turf, measuring up to 114,141 square feet, and has generated over 100,000 hotel room nights around the Historic Triangle through 2028.
Local leaders, tourism officials and facility operators gathered at the center on Thursday to highlight its expected impact on Williamsburg, James City County and York County.
The facility was developed through a partnership among the three localities and the Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority. Officials described the center as a “tourism asset” and a community gathering space designed to serve residents and visitors.
“It really is something that this community is going to benefit from enormously, not just in terms of economy, but also because it’s an opportunity for our citizens to utilize this space,” said James City County Board of Supervisors Chair John McGlennon.
At a James City County Board of Supervisors meeting May 26, Ben Hardouin, general manager of the facility, said more than 100 events have already been secured, with additional events under negotiation and bookings extending into 2030.
He said the facility will host a range of sports, including futsal, cheerleading, wrestling, volleyball, basketball and ultimate frisbee, along with a women’s flag football league.
Officials said the center will also accommodate conferences, meetings, weddings, graduations, musical performances, car shows and other community events.
According to Visit Williamsburg Chief Executive Officer Ed Harris, more than 100,000 hotel room nights have already been attributed to sports tournaments scheduled between now and 2028.
Harris said the tournaments and events hosted at the center are expected to bring visitors who will stay in local hotels, dine in area restaurants, shop at local businesses and visit regional attractions.
Kemper Sports, an Illinois-based sports facility management company, will operate the center. Company officials said the focus will be on community engagement and customer experience.
“We know that when people walk through these doors, whether they’re here for a birthday party or a tournament or a local basketball rec league practice, we know that the experience has to be top-notch and we intend to deliver that,” said Andrew Fleming, executive vice president of strategy for Kemper Sports.
The grand opening for the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center is scheduled for June 24.
