NEWS: Sports & Events Center Builder Claims Construction, Site Prep Are 20% Complete
Joint effort between the City of Williamsburg, James City County and York County and is planned to open in 2026
This week, the Executive Board of the Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority (HTRFA)received updates from both the builder and facility operator of the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center. The facility is a joint effort between the City of Williamsburg, James City County and York County and is planned to open in 2026.
Building Construction Update
A memo written by building contractor MEB and published on the City of Williamsburg website reports that site preparation and building construction of the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center are both 20% completed. According to the company, more major milestones are planned to begin this month, such as underground rough-in for things like electrical cables and plumbing pipes as well as installing the roof deck.
MEB pointed out other unique aspects of the build currently still under consideration such as whether solar power will be utilized, a decision they note involves Dominion Energy. In terms of design inside the facility, Walltopia, a national supplier of climbing and activity walls has been engaged to provide design recommendations. Virginia retailers Ball Office Products based in Richmond and Workplace Solutions in Virginia Beach are being considered to provide furniture for the facility.
Facility Administration and Operation Update
Kemper Sports, the contracted operator of the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center, updated the HTRFA with a slide presentation posted on the City of Williamsburg website. One of the company’s responsibilities is hiring the General Manager for the facility. According to to Kemper’s presentation, the job posting received 27 qualified applicants, from which 2 will be selected to meet with HTRFA leadership. The position is expected to be filled in January next year.
Marketing and sales for use of the facility is also one of the priorities highlighted by the operator. Currently, the company reports 19 committed dates, which they claim is in line with projections. The document outlines other pending tasks meant to promote the facility, which includes brand development, social media and website launch.
Naming Rights
According to the HTRFA, naming rights for the facility are currently being pursued. Only one company responded to the Authority’s request for a proposal for assistance selling the naming rights. If hired, Cleveland-based Superlative Group stands to make at least $140,000 in fees plus 17.5% of sponsorship income with a successful sale of naming rights. Other details of the potential agreement are in the company’s service agreement posted to the City of Williamsburg website.
Financial Update
HTRFA also released detailed financial information in advance of their bi-monthly meeting in December. In terms of paying for the facility, the Authority reports receiving almost $64M in cash from the sale of public bonds, resulting in a total liabilities and fund balance of nearly $54M as of the end of November.
(Update: 1-6-25 The headline was updated to identify this piece as news.)
George Arbogust is Founder and Editor of the Williamsburg Independent. You can contribute too! Send stories and ideas to contact@williamsburgindependent.com.