Henrico Sports and Events Center Guide

The Henrico Sports & Events Center has rapidly become a beacon for athletic prowess and community gatherings in the Richmond region. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, an event organizer, or a local resident looking for exciting activities, understanding this state-of-the-art facility is key to maximizing your experience.

This comprehensive Henrico Sports and Events Center Guide is designed to provide you with all the essential information you need, from its impressive facilities and diverse event calendar to practical visitor tips. Get ready to explore everything this dynamic venue has to offer!

Discovering the Henrico Sports and Events Center

Opened in November 2023, the Henrico Sports & Events Center quickly established itself as a premier destination for sports and entertainment in Henrico, Virginia. This modern complex is more than just a sports arena; it's a versatile hub built to host everything from major championship tournaments to large-scale community events and conventions.

A Glimpse Inside: Size and Scope

Spanning an impressive 185,000 square feet, the center boasts a remarkable 115,000 square feet of contiguous court space. This expansive area can be configured to meet diverse needs, making it incredibly flexible for various events. The facility also includes a massive 39,000-square-foot event space, capable of accommodating up to 3,500 spectators for sporting events or staging and seating for up to 4,500 for meetings and other gatherings.

Beyond the main event areas, the center features:

• Four dedicated meeting rooms for collaboration and connection.
• Four team locker rooms and two officials' locker room areas.
• A coaches' room and a mezzanine viewing area, offering excellent vantage points.
• A four-sided LED scoreboard with live camera feeds, enhancing the fan experience.
• Full broadcast hookups and a professional broadcast studio, ideal for high-profile or televised events.

Sports and Events: What You Can Expect

The Henrico Sports & Events Center is a magnet for a wide array of athletic competitions and public events, solidifying its reputation as a true championship complex.

A Hub for Diverse Sports

The flexible court space is designed to host multiple sports simultaneously, making it a dream venue for tournaments and leagues. It can be set up to feature:

• 12 Basketball Courts: Perfect for large-scale basketball tournaments.
• 24 Volleyball Courts: Equipped with ceiling-mounted athletic equipment and electronic nets.

Beyond these primary sports, the center has already welcomed and is slated to host a variety of other events, including:

• Wheelchair Basketball National Championships
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) championships
• Cubing championships
• Futsal National Championships (starting in 2026)

Major Events and Community Gatherings

Since its opening, the center has quickly become a sought-after location for significant events, drawing thousands of visitors to the area. Highlights from its inaugural year include:

• The Atlantic 10 Women's Basketball Championship, which drew over 16,000 attendees in March 2024 and is set to return for future years.
• The NWBA Adult & Junior Wheelchair Basketball National Championships, featuring over 1,100 players.

Beyond competitive sports, the facility also hosts:

• Conventions and trade shows
• Graduation ceremonies for local schools
• Community-focused events

Looking for upcoming events? The center's official website provides a complete listing of all scheduled activities.

Essential Visitor Information for a Smooth Experience

Planning a visit to the Henrico Sports & Events Center? Here's what you need to know to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Location and Directions

The Henrico Sports & Events Center is conveniently located at: 1 All Star Boulevard, Glen Allen, VA 23059.

For detailed driving directions from various points (North, South, East, West), you can refer to the center's official directions page.

Parking

Good news for visitors: parking is free! The facility offers ample parking lots on all four sides of the building. ADA parking spaces are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that overnight parking and tailgating are not permitted in the parking lots.

Payment Information: A Cashless Venue

It's important to remember that the Henrico Sports & Events Center operates as a cashless facility. This means you'll need to use electronic payment methods for all purchases, including concessions and box office tickets. Accepted payment methods include:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Samsung Pay There are no ATMs on-site.

Food and Beverages

Outside food and beverages are generally prohibited inside the building, with the exception of one empty, refillable container that can be used at water fountains. The center features concessions offering a variety of food and drink options, including popular choices like Papa John's Pizza and Chick-Fil-A at Courtside Concessions during certain events. Alcohol may be available for purchase at specific events for guests aged 21 and older with valid ID.

Accessibility

The Henrico Sports & Events Center is committed to providing an accessible experience for all guests. Key accessibility features include:

• ADA seating available in Row A of all sections.
• Ground-level ADA seating on the Arena side.
• Two elevators for ADA use.
• ADA entry located at the main entrance (East 1).
• ADA parking available on-site.
• Accessible restrooms throughout the facility.

Hours of Operation

The center's main business hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Front desk hours extend to 9:00 PM on weekdays. Weekend hours are dependent on the specific events taking place, so it's always best to check the event calendar for the most accurate times.

Prohibited Items

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, certain items are prohibited within the facility. These include, but are not limited to:

• Animals (except service animals)
• Outside food and drinks (except empty refillable containers)
• Firearms and other weapons
• Glass containers
• Coolers and ice chests
• Selfie sticks, skateboards, hoverboards, wheeled shoes
• Noisemakers, bullhorns, laser pointers
• Chewing gum, chewing tobacco, sunflower seeds, confetti
• Banners, signs, or flags without prior approval

A full list of prohibited items and facility policies can be found on the center's "Know Before You Go" or FAQ sections on their official website.

The Henrico Sports and Events Center: More Than Just a Venue

Beyond the thrilling competitions and vibrant events, the Henrico Sports & Events Center plays a significant role in the local community and economy. It's a testament to Henrico County's commitment to sports tourism, bringing in thousands of visitors and generating substantial economic activity. This modern complex not only provides a world-class facility for athletes and spectators but also serves as a catalyst for local businesses and a source of pride for residents.

Conclusion

The Henrico Sports & Events Center stands as a testament to modern sports and event infrastructure, offering unparalleled facilities for a diverse range of activities. From high-stakes tournaments to community gatherings, it provides an engaging and accessible experience for everyone. Armed with this Henrico Sports and Events Center Guide, you're now ready to navigate and enjoy all that this impressive venue has to offer.

Have you visited the Henrico Sports & Events Center? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What types of sports can be played at the Henrico Sports & Events Center?

A1: The center is primarily designed for basketball (up to 12 courts) and volleyball (up to 24 courts), but it also hosts a variety of other indoor sports and events, including wheelchair basketball, futsal, and martial arts competitions.

Q2: Is the Henrico Sports & Events Center a cashless facility?

A2: Yes, the Henrico Sports & Events Center is a cashless venue. All payments for concessions, tickets, and other services must be made using credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. No cash payments are accepted, and there are no ATMs on-site.

Q3: Where can I find information about upcoming events at the center?

A3: The most up-to-date schedule of events can be found on the official Henrico Sports & Events Center website, typically under an "Events" or "Calendar" section.

Q4: Is parking available and is there a fee?

A4: Yes, free parking is available for all visitors in lots located on all four sides of the facility. ADA parking is also provided.