Welcome to the March 2025 edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, the spotlight is on eastern Virginia’s Henrico Sports & Events Center in the metro Richmond, VA area. Keep reading to the end for the “Key Difference Maker” as this insight can add perspective to your own facility. 

Behind-the-Scenes Innovation

The centerpiece of the Henrico Sports & Events Center (HSEC) is a state-of-the-art, center-hung Daktronics video board. This colossal display serves as a dynamic hub of information, delivering real-time game statistics, instant replays, and captivating visuals to enhance the spectator experience. The video board's high-resolution imagery and vivid colors ensure that every fan, regardless of their seating location, can feel intimately connected to the action at the Center. 

Complementing the video board's capabilities is an AV Control Room, a nerve center that orchestrates the seamless integration of audio and video elements. This control room facilitates live streaming and broadcasting, including ESPN+, CBS Sports and ESPN2. The control room's proven track record of success, highlighted by its flawless execution of high-profile events such as the Atlantic-10 Women's Basketball Championship, underscores its ability to handle the demands of large-scale productions with ease. 

Behind the scenes, a network of smart facility management systems works tirelessly to automate and optimize various aspects of the arena's operations. These systems control lighting, climate control, and other critical functions, leading to enhanced energy efficiency, reduced costs, and a more sustainable overall footprint.  

Success Stories

The opening of the HSEC has been met with considerable success, highlighted by several key achievements: 

• Successful Hosting of Major Events: The HSEC quickly established itself as a premier venue by successfully hosting the A-10 Women's Basketball Championship, a major Division I conference championship, within its first three months of operation. 

• Economic Growth and Tourism: There has been a significantly boost to the local economy and tourism sector. Notably, youth sports economic impact in Henrico experienced a substantial 38% increase during the facility's first year, rising from $72.1 million to $99.8 million. This demonstrates the its role as a catalyst for economic growth. 

• Community and Educational Use: The HSEC also serves as a valuable community resource. In a significant milestone, it hosted nine county high school graduations over three days, welcoming more than 30,000 attendees. This achievement fulfilled a long-standing vision of elected officials and underscored the facility's importance to the community within just six months of opening. 
   

Design & Architecture / Visitor Experience 

The HSEC, designed by Aria Group and commissioned by Rebkee Development, is a 185,000-square-foot facility that prioritizes both athlete and attendee comfort and experience. It boasts 12 basketball courts that can be converted into 24 volleyball courts and a 3,500-seat arena. Beyond the main attractions, the facility features a central bar with lounge seating, two concession areas, and a stand operated by local restaurant Industrial Tap House. 

Designed to serve as a community hub during the week and a premier destination for visiting teams and spectators on weekends, the HSEC incorporates thoughtful design elements to foster excitement, engagement, and connection. The flexible space can also seamlessly accommodate multiple events at once, thanks to features such as court dividers, a sound curtain, and adjustable partitions in meeting rooms. 

Community Engagement

The HSEC's dedication to community engagement and giving back is exemplified through partnerships with local organizations like the Salvation Army and local media for initiatives such as the Holiday Cheer & Gear donation drive, and a canned food drive with FeedMore. The center is also committed to creating new events that bring the community together, including college football watch parties, sports camps and other philanthropic initiatives. 

Additionally, the HSEC actively supports staff in attending networking events and community activities, which strengthens relationships within the region and enriches programming at the sports center. Hosting community events and outreach programs, and partnering with local schools, clubs, and associations have also increased attendance at center-hosted events. The creation of the A-10 Local Organizing Committee has further expanded opportunities to drive engagement and enhance tournament experiences. 

KEY DIFFERENCE MAKER: “Showtime, All the Time.” 

Henrico Sports & Events Center exemplifies their motto “Showtime, All the Time.”  This isn’t just a motto but more of a consistent force that has generated close to 400,000 visitors through their doors in just one year.  Their momentum is expected to bring the same amount in their second year.  

• What is your inspiring motto? 
• Is this present in all the actions of your organization & events?   
• How does your facility meet or exceed key performance indicators or goals? 
   

PS. Huge shout out to Megan Hazzard and Dawn Miller from the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority for this month’s feature. True sports professionals as they offered their knowledge and expertise on the Henrico Sports & Events Center during their hosting of the Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championship.
 

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SPORTS ETA 2025 FACILITIES SUMMIT - TULSA, OK APRIL 13-14
Want to learn more about how to add a game-changing facility to your destination or how to maximize the operations of your existing facility? Sports ETA's Facilities Summit is for you.

Want to showcase a facility in your destination?
Contact: Vince Trinidad at Vince@SportsETA.org

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