Historic Triangle Breaks Ground on Williamsburg Sports and Events Center
Williamsburg, VA — Today marks a monumental day for the Historic Triangle as community leaders and officials broke ground on the highly anticipated Williamsburg Sports and Events Center.
The groundbreaking ceremony signifies the beginning of a project set to transform the region into a premier destination for sports tourism and community recreation.
Community Leaders Celebrate a New Era of Sports Tourism
The ceremony featured inspiring remarks from Williamsburg Mayor Douglas Pons, James City County Board of Supervisors Chair Ruth Larson, York County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Sheila Noll, and other distinguished guests. Each speaker highlighted the importance of this project in enhancing the region’s appeal as a top-tier destination for sports and events.
Mayor Douglas Pons expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It is exciting to see the Historic Triangle another step closer to having the regional indoor sports center that so many have envisioned for this area for so long. This type of big thinking is only possible when people reach beyond assigning credit, push past conventional practices, and persist through political pressure.”
James City County Board of Supervisors Chair Ruth Larson shared personal insights on the project’s impact on sports tourism, saying, “By joining together with the City of Williamsburg and York County in building this sports and events center, we will attract larger tournaments and events to our community, with increased overnight stays and return visits.”
York County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Sheila Noll emphasized the community partnership aspect, remarking, “York County, James City County, and the City of Williamsburg are so much more than ‘adjacent localities.’ We are neighbors. That sense of neighborhood – of community – is what this Sports and Event Center will represent to us all.”
Building a Legacy for the Future
The Williamsburg Sports and Events Center is a collaborative effort by the City of Williamsburg, James City County, and York County, under the Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority (HTRFA). This state-of-the-art facility, adjacent to the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, will encompass 200,000 square feet of recreation space, including basketball courts, volleyball courts, pickleball courts, a climbing wall, meeting spaces, and food and beverage areas.
Former State Sen. Thomas K. Norment Jr., who serves on the VA250 Commission, highlighted the center’s role in upcoming historical celebrations. “In the 18th century, Williamsburg was the epicenter of culture, education, and political discussions,” he said. “One of the objectives with this project, and with the collaborative support of all three local governments and the VA250 Commission, is to make Williamsburg the epicenter of the 2026 commemoration. Nowhere else in America can they offer the full continuum of the history of this country.”
Economic and Community Benefits
The sports center is expected to boost the local economy by attracting national and regional tournaments, increasing tourism, and providing much-needed recreational space for residents. Research by Visit Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle Recreational Facility Authority indicates that sports tourism remains resilient even during economic downturns, with families continuing to invest in their children’s athletic activities.
Looking Ahead
Scheduled to open in 2026, the Williamsburg Sports and Events Center is poised to become a landmark community asset, offering extensive benefits for both residents and visitors. As Mayor Pons concluded, “When we cut the ribbon in 2026, the Williamsburg Sports and Events Center will join the list of legacy enhancements to the Greater Williamsburg community as part of what we hope to be a complex of recreational facilities including a live performance venue.”
The groundbreaking event symbolizes the start of a transformative journey for the Historic Triangle, bridging its rich historical past with a promising future in sports tourism and community engagement.
For more information on the project, visit williamsburgva.gov/sportscenter.
