2013 IS YOUR YEAR TO GET IN THE GAME!

 With spectators filling venues from sandy beaches to indoor tracks, Hampton is home to dozens of sporting events throughout the year.   Indoor venues such as the Boo Williams Sportsplex, Hampton Coliseum, and the Hampton Roads Convention Center, plus a wide range of outdoor venues including the Chesapeake Bay, give Hampton the potential to host virtually any athletic competition.   With such annual events as Virginia Duals, NIKE Boo Williams Invitational, and Hampton Cup Regatta, Hampton has carved out a niche for itself among sports-friendly destinations.

  Spectators can experience high-energy events with hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of athletes gathered to compete, such as during the annual Hampton VA Sports Festival February 15-17 (pictured above).  This particular event celebrates its fourth year in February, bringing in over twenty different sports in one weekend. Some of the most diverse competition is simultaneously featured as men and women from all over the country battle to win medals in futsal, power lifting, corn hole, chess, body building, gymnastics, Taekwondo and more. One ticket allows you to catch 20 sports in three days under one roof!  

  You don’t have to be part of a team to get in the action. For those fun-seeking people who are not peak-conditioned athletes, the new Life’s A Beach “Slacker” Triathlon in June encourages even the most devoted couch potato to get off the sofa and have some fun! Starting with a 200-yard ocean swim at Buckroe Beach, followed by a five-mile fat tire bike ride and a two-mile beach run, the race will finish with an awards ceremony and Bodacious Beach Bash.

  Hampton will again host the Peroni Crawlin’ Crab Half Marathon and 5K this October. This event, presented by Bon Secours in Motion, celebrates its second year as runners “crawl” past the beautiful waterfront in downtown Hampton, making their way through historic neighborhoods, and finishing at the Hampton Roads Convention Center where they are greeted with unique keepsakes and a post-race party.

  Many nationally-known athletes were born, raised, and educated in Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and York County. Sports fans will enjoy a visit to the Athletic Hall of Fame of the Lower Virginia Peninsula located at the Boo Williams Sportsplex. Established in 1971, the free display recognizes the competitive achievements of athletic notables who have brought honor and recognition to themselves and to this region.

  Hampton venues and events support athletes of all capabilities and fitness levels, even if spectating is more your speed! Spend the day on the water enjoying boating, fishing, or bay play; finish your day at a Peninsula Pilots baseball game or enjoying the thrill of NASCAR racing at Langley Speedway. Walk or bike the scenic trails at Grandview Nature Preserve and Sandy Bottom Nature Park. Or catch the Hampton University Pirates in action during a NCAA Division 1 football game.

Visit our Calendar of Events http://visithampton.com/events/2013/01/ for details on upcoming opportunities to get in the game!