Located in the historic city of Williamsburg, Virginia, the Williamsburg Sports and Event Center will provide state-of-the-art facilities and spaces for the local community and the region’s growing sports tourism industry. A collaborative effort of the Historic Triangle Facilities Authority (HTRFA), which is comprised of the City of Williamsburg, James City County, and York County, this new facility will spur new economic growth and development while providing quality of life improvements for the residents in the region.
Scheduled to open in 2026, the Williamsburg Sports and Event Center will be directly adjacent to the Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center. At 200,000 square feet, the center will feature a wide array of courts, fields, and rooms. The complex will have a 6,000 SF clip and climb area, food and beverage areas, meeting rooms, multipurpose spaces, and 12 basketball courts, which can convert into 24 volleyball courts and 36 pickleball courts. Additionally, the facility will have the largest conversion turf system in the country, capable of transforming hard floors into cushioned, synthetic grass. The turf will fit a regulation-length football field and three to four indoor soccer fields. On the second floor is a balcony that overlooks a lawn area that connects the facility to Williamsburg, the city center, and the other developments in the area.
Due to the historic significance of Williamsburg, it was key to design a building that blends modern and historic design by incorporating elements of the colonial architecture recognizable throughout the city. For example, the main façade features two colors of brick, which reflects the local style. However, modern elements like curtain wall glazing are interspersed throughout the design, allowing natural light to spread throughout the building.
Transforming a parking lot into a modern sports and events facility is no easy feat, and Clark Nexsen is proud to work with the HTRFA; MEB; Guernsey Tingle; General Contractors; Timmons Group; Henderson, Inc.; and Victus Advisors on this project. Once complete, the regional indoor sports center will join forces with attractions like Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, and Water Country USA to bring visitors to the Historic Triangle. Moreover, with its anticipated 2026 opening date, the Williamsburg Sports and Event Center will be perfectly positioned to participate in the ceremonies celebrating the 250th anniversary of America and the 100th anniversary of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
