New Innovative Indoor Venue is a Catalyst for the Region
The long-awaited Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center (GWSEC) is set to open in 2026. Over the past several years, construction has been underway for building a state-of-the-art sports and events center on the campus of the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center, a central location near top area attractions and a short distance from Interstate 64.
Strategically designed to fulfill the growing need for additional sports and recreation venues in the region, the 200,000-square-foot indoor sports center has a highly anticipated opening projected around summer 2026 for welcoming sports athletes and spectators, and event attendees through its doors. GWSEC will boast a configurable space equipped with the latest technologies and designed to transition seamlessly for all types of activities and agendas, from tournaments and training to festivals, expos, galas and meetings. The new facility will feature 12 basketball courts, 24 volleyball courts, 36 pickleball courts, an Interactive Adventure Gym and 100,000 square feet of turf, making it the largest indoor roll-out turf system in the country. The flexibility of this adaptable turf system will allow GWSEC to host a variety of additional indoor sports including soccer, lacrosse, football and field hockey. Additional impressive features will include automatic ceiling-mounted athletic equipment and tip-and-roll bleachers, as well as top-notch cuisine, with menus carefully crafted by an in-house culinary team.
Historic Triangle Recreation Facilities Authority (HTRFA) selected the exceptional design-build team of experts to handle the construction of the GWSEC facility and campus, ensuring the architecture was designed to complement the region’s historic character. Clark Nexsen Client Engagement Practice Leader Richard Hibbett, Jr. weighed in on the project: “We’re grateful for the forward-thinking leaders of this region who have made this project a reality, including the City of Williamsburg, James City County, York County, the Williamsburg Hotel & Motel Association, Colonial Williamsburg, and so many more. The partners of MEB, Clark Nexsen, GuersneyTingle, Timmons Group, Henderson, and Victus Advisors are excited for the grand opening in 2026!”
Shortly after its opening, GWSEC will start hosting high-profile tournaments, such as Phenom Hoops starting in 2027. In addition to basketball, other sports competitions will range from volleyball, pickleball and wrestling to cheer & dance and gymnastics.
Greater Williamsburg is already widely known as a premier sports destination with existing high-quality recreational fields and facilities, as well as championship golf courses, and the new venue will further elevate its reputation as a top sports and entertainment area, boosting tourism and attracting more visitors from all over the region and nation. Even so, not only will visitors to the region benefit from the new facility, local residents will enjoy numerous perks as well, including recreation and class programs, especially during the week.
Nonetheless, the goals behind GWSEC reach much further than hosting sporting competitions and great events. This regional initiative is an investment in the Greater Williamsburg community, enhancing its capabilities as a tourism destination and setting up the entire region for future economic growth.
Sports tourism in Virginia generated $2.7 billion in direct spending in 2022, resulting in a total economic impact of $4.5 billion statewide, according to a study by the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Tourism Economics. The Coastal Region, which includes Greater Williamsburg, accounted for 27% of this spending, contributing $1.2 billion in total economic impact.
With the addition of a regional sports center in the Historic Triangle, the Greater Williamsburg area has the potential to capture a larger market share, further boosting economic benefits for the entire Coastal Region.
Come see firsthand how GWSEC is a win-win for Greater Williamsburg and the entire region.
htrfa.org
401 Lafayette Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185
For More Information about the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Event Center:
Dana Youst
Historic Triangle Recreation Facilities Autority
dyoust@htrfa.org
