Regional sports & events center anticipates $2.4M revenue, $674K net loss in FY27
Job fairs for front-line staff on April 14 and April 18; on-track for August opening
KemperSports, selected by the Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority (HTRFA) in 2024 to operate and manage the Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center, projects the facility will generate approximately $2.44 million in operating revenue in its first full year of operation, though total expenditures are expected to exceed that figure, resulting in an estimated net loss of around $674,000, according to a presentation given to the HTRFA Board of Directors on April 8, 2026. The HTRFA, a partnership between the City of Williamsburg, James City County, and York County, tapped KemperSports for its experience managing youth, amateur, and recreational sports facilities nationwide.
With an August 2026 opening scheduled, KemperSports is responsible for staffing, food and beverage services, marketing, and event coordination, and is already marketing the GWSEC to major youth sports organizations with bookings extending through 2029. The leadership team is headed by General Manager Ben Hardouin and includes an executive chef and full-time staff for financial management, operations, and sales and marketing, along with hourly employees in food and beverage, sports operations, and janitorial services. The adopted budget projects total payroll covering salaries, wages, taxes, and benefits at $1,691,556.
Overall, The HTRFA’s proposed FY2027 budget totals $5,650,000 on both the revenue and expenditure sides. Revenue comprises $1.6 million in operating subsidies from James City County and York County and $4.05 million in capital revenue from locality contributions, debt service, and interest. Expenditures are divided across operating costs of $1,999,789, lease expenses of $196,961, and capital expenditures of $3,453,250.
Job Fairs scheduled next week
The Greater Williamsburg Sports & Events Center is hosting two job fairs to recruit front-line staff ahead of its opening, with positions available in guest services, event operations, food and beverage, the Adventure Gym, housekeeping, and facility maintenance. Event details:
Dates: Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 5:00–8:00 PM and Saturday, April 18, 2026, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Williamsburg, 50 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Registration: Candidates can reserve a time at the facility’s “join the team” webpage: https://www.gwsportsandeventscenter.com/join-the-team
Construction Update
As of the March 2026 construction report provided by MBP, the project’s construction managers, the GWSEC is progressing steadily toward its August 2026 opening, with key milestones on schedule:
Site work: 80% complete, up from 75% reported at the March 11 meeting
Overall building: 85% complete
Main hub space: 90% complete
Sports courts: 90% complete, up from 85% in early March
Owner vendors (low voltage wiring, AV equipment, security cameras and wireless access): 50% complete
Storefronts: fully installed
Maple gym flooring installation and parking lot paving are scheduled for April 2026. Substantial completion is set for June 10, 2026, with a final completion date of August 4, 2026.