WILLIAMSBURG — The Historic Triangle is anticipating almost 90,000 hotel stays over the next few years for upcoming sports tournaments that have already booked as part of the area’s efforts to increase sports tourism.
That was the number from Visit Williamsburg’s Monday presentation to City Council focusing on Sports Williamsburg, the organization’s initiative to attract sports tourism, tournaments and athletic events in the Historic Triangle area. The presentation focused on the organization’s marketing efforts through advertisements, sports apparel and tradeshow conferences.
The Greater Williamsburg Sports and Event Center, a joint effort among Williamsburg, James City County and York County, is expected to open in summer 2026 and already has dozens of events scheduled to take place there.
The center has already booked tournaments with the Phenom Hoops and Southern Volleyball Tournaments, resulting in more than 16,000 hotel room nights “already secured” for those events alone, said Edward Harris, the CEO of Visit Williamsburg. Phenom Hoops runs boys basketball tournaments and produces “mega tournaments” with over 100 teams competing over a weekend, Harris said.
The Historic Triangle is expecting to host lacrosse, volleyball, darts and pickleball tournaments — and more — over the next few years at the regional sports center as well as at other facilities such as the Warhill Sports Complex. Harris said the economic impact of youth sport businesses amounts to $50 billion on an annual basis as families, teams and coaches all need places to stay, to eat and for entertainment.
“We are going to be a key player in that world very soon,” Harris said.
James W. Robinson, 757-799-0621, james.robinson@virginiamedia.com
