Williamsburg, Where America’s Journey Begins

For the July 2026 Facility Showcase edition, Williamsburg is a fitting destination to spotlight as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th Independence Day. Visit Williamsburg, the Counties of York and James, and key tourism partners have come together to build a game-changing indoor sports facility for the region and the state. The Greater Williamsburg Sports and Event Center (GWSEC) is more than a venue; it is a catalyst for growth.

In Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown—the Historic Triangle—America’s story first took root and continues to inspire. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the region remains a place where bold ideas rise, brave voices carry, and new visions take shape. GWSEC reflects that same spirit of forward-looking investment, advancing sports tourism and enhancing the sports experience in Virginia.

Virginia’s New Playbook 

Williamsburg may be best known for colonial history, but the destination is now building a stronger identity in sports tourism. GWSEC is changing the conversation by positioning one of America’s most recognizable destinations as a Mid-Atlantic leader for tournaments, championships, and marquee events. Built for competition and designed for flexibility, the 200,000-square-foot venue is bringing new energy to a destination already known for memorable visitor experiences.

For rights holders, that's a winning combination: a first-class facility in a destination that gives athletes and families every reason to extend their stay.

Built for Today's Events

The days of facilities built for a single sport are over, especially in Williamsburg, VA. Today's event owners need venues that can adapt quickly, maximize participation, and elevate the athlete's experience.

The Greater Williamsburg Sports and Event Center delivers on all three.

• 12 basketball courts or
• 24 volleyball courts or
• 36 pickleball courts
• The largest contractable turf system in the U.S. with enough space for one full size football field and three indoor soccer fields
• Climbing wall
• Hospitality amenities
• Full-service concessions and amenities

The Center’s versatile space is designed to accommodate a wide range of events—from sports tournaments and showcases to trade shows, corporate outings, and conventions. With over 4,000 square feet of customizable meeting space, the center is equipped to host conferences and breakout sessions tailored to any group’s needs. 

Revolutionary Sports Designs

Inside the 200,000 square foot facility are several notable design features. A standout feature is the largest retractable turf system in the country, which can be configured for small-sided soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, or expanded to a full-size pitch. This adaptability makes GWSEC a premier destination for sports and recreation, offering dynamic experiences for athletes and visitors alike.

Another unique feature is the Adventure Gym, a multi-use space designed to keep younger siblings and families engaged outside of competition. For guests looking to refuel after competition or playtime, the full-service concessions area offers hot and cold food options that can be adapted to group needs. A restaurant-grade back-of-house kitchen supports everything from casual favorites, such as chicken fingers, to elevated dining options, such as Chateaubriand.

More Than a New Facility

The Greater Williamsburg Sports and Event Center is more than a new building. It is the result of a regional collaboration among the City of Williamsburg, James City County, York County, and the Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority to grow sports tourism.

That investment is already paying off. Through the efforts of Visit Williamsburg, the facility has secured a strong calendar of events booked through 2026 and 2027, and the facility is attracting tournament organizers from a variety of sports. Those events are bringing more visitors to Williamsburg year-round, creating new business for local hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions.

The Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority (HTRFA) selected KemperSports, a leading golf, sports, entertainment and hospitality company, to manage the Williamsburg Sports & Events Center in Williamsburg, Va.  KemperSports Venues, a division of KemperSports, will aim to deliver a best-in-class indoor sports center experience as the facility looks to become a premier destination for youth sports tournaments and events as well as a recreational resource for the local community.

KEY TAKEAWAY: Rewrite the Narrative

Williamsburg is known for its history, but today it's also a destination built for play. Beyond the GWSEC, athletes and their families can experience world-class roller coasters at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, cool off at Water Country USA, step back in time in Colonial Williamsburg, explore the Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, paddle local waterways, enjoy a growing culinary scene, and discover countless family-friendly attractions, all within minutes of GWSEC. 

For tournament organizers, it's the best of both worlds: a flexible facility paired with a destination that gives teams and families plenty to enjoy before, during, and after the event. Williamsburg isn't just a place to compete; it's a place where people will have fun and want to come back.

What “narrative” does your facility tell?

How does your facility honor the past while showcasing its future for your destination?

Special thanks to the Selena Coles and the rest of the staff of Visit Williamsburg for their contribution to this facility showcase. Photos are credited to Visit Williamsburg.

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

Miss a previous Facility Showcase? Check them out here!