(GLEN ALLEN, Va. – Dec. 6, 2023) – Residents throughout Henrico County attended the Henrico Sports & Events Center debut to experience the region’s newest state-of-the-art sports and entertainment complex.
Managed by the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority and ASM Global, the world’s leading venue-management company, the much-anticipated facility opened its doors to the public for a community-focused grand-opening event.
The opening event featured appearances by Henrico Board Chairman Frank J. Thornton and other county officials, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, games, music, giveaways and more. That evening attendees were also able to see the facilities live and in action with more than eight courts fully booked with basketball, futsal and volleyball practices, and games.
The facility features an arena that can accommodate more than 3,500 guests in retractable, tiered and floor seating as well as a flexible event space that can be configured for 12 basketball courts or 24 volleyball courts simultaneously. The center includes a mezzanine level with viewing areas, multiple entrances and exits, meeting and changing rooms, bar/restaurant and concession areas, and a broadcast room, among other amenities. The venue will also accommodate high school graduations, concerts and other gatherings as well as its first NCAA Division 1 basketball game on Dec. 11 featuring the women’s teams from VCU and the University of Delaware.
“We’re thrilled to open the doors to this beautiful new facility and show our community what we mean when we say we’re delivering ‘Showtime. All the Time!’” said Dennis Bickmeier, executive director of the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority, which oversees the facility with operator ASM Global. “The Henrico Sports & Events Center is already boosting our economy with sports tourism, providing great opportunities for our local athletes and enhancing our quality of life by providing great entertainment for our entire community.”
“Together the teams at the Authority and ASM Global have been working diligently to bring exciting shows and events to this multipurpose venue,” said Will Berryman, general manager of the Henrico Sports & Events Center. “We are very pleased with the progress, as 90+ organizations have already scheduled 46 weekends through 2024, including tournaments, practices, meetings and other events. It’s great to see just how excited the community and surrounding region is to utilize this new center, and we were fortunate to experience it in person at the grand-opening event. We truly look forward to continuing the momentum and success here.”
Built through a partnership between Henrico and Rebkee Co., which is redeveloping the former Virginia Center Commons mall property with housing, retail and other uses, the $50 million, 185,000-square-foot Sports & Events Center began hosting tournaments and other events in late October.