Coming off another successful run of premier national events, highlighted by the annual Jefferson Cup and Ultimate Cup hosted by Richmond United, Chesterfield, Va., continues to build momentum as one of the Mid-Atlantic’s top sports tourism destinations.
As the calendar turns to April, that momentum only accelerates. With the spring season underway and a full calendar ahead, Play Chesterfield is gearing up for an exceptionally busy stretch across spring, summer and fall. Diamond sports are ramping up across the region, while a dynamic mix of bid-on championships and locally supported tournaments will bring high-level competition and continued visitation to Chesterfield.
Play Chesterfield is proud to announce an exciting slate of major sporting events coming to Chesterfield in 2026, reinforcing the destination’s growing reputation as a premier host for elite competitions, youth sports and national championships.
From lacrosse and softball to golf, cornhole and soccer, the 2026 calendar will welcome thousands of athletes, families and fans, delivering high-energy competition and meaningful economic impact to the community.
Building on a strong lineup of recurring events, Chesterfield will also welcome several new marquee events in 2026, including:
• Elite Tournaments’ Development Player League (DPL) Regionals: April 23 – April 24, River City Sportsplex – A nationally recognized regional showcase featuring top DPL clubs, offering high-level competition and a premier environment for player development and recruitment visibility
• Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Championships (MCLA): May 2 – May 10, River City Sportsplex – A premier national championship event featuring the top collegiate club programs in the country, competing at the highest level of club lacrosse
• Corrigan Lacrosse Future Champions: May 24 – May 25, Horner Park & the Lowe’s Athletic Complex – One of the nation’s premier youth lacrosse events, held over Memorial Day weekend in Chesterfield in conjunction with the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Final Four and National Championship in Charlottesville, Va., connecting the next generation of players to the sport’s biggest stage
• Premier Girls Fastpitch: June 19 – June 21, the Diamonds at Iron Bridge – One of the nation’s premier softball destinations will host elite girls fastpitch teams in a showcase of skill and competition
• American Junior Golf Association (AJGA): June 22 – June 25, The Golf Club at The Highlands – Play Chesterfield Junior Championship: Rising stars in junior golf will take center stage in this nationally recognized tournament
• Virginia Commonwealth Games: July 24 – 26 (Main Games Weekend) A premier multi-sport event bringing together athletes of all ages and abilities from across the commonwealth
• American Cornhole League (ACL) Play Chesterfield Major: October 23 – October 24, Stonebridge Recreation Center – A premier national event featuring the top cornhole players competing in a high-profile, fan-favorite championship atmosphere
• ECNL East Coast Gold Cup: October 31- November 1, River City Sportsplex – A premier national girls soccer event showcasing elite ECNL clubs and serving as a key recruiting platform for college programs
“We’re incredibly excited about the caliber of new events coming to Chesterfield in 2026,” said Matt Mullen, assistant director of sports and events. “These events are the result of years of relationship building and trust with our national and regional partners, combined with continued investment in premier facilities that can host competition at the highest level. Our team remains focused on creating great experiences for event owners, athletes and fans, while continuing to grow strong partnerships with events that choose to call Chesterfield home.”
The depth and diversity of Play Chesterfield’s 2026 event calendar reflect a long-term, community-focused approach to sports tourism. In 2025, local and regional participants accounted for approximately 40 percent of total tournament participation, demonstrating how a full slate of events creates meaningful opportunities close to home while continuing to attract competitors from across the country.
“I’m incredibly proud of the full slate of events we have lined up for 2026,” said J.C. Poma, executive director of Play Chesterfield. “That momentum is the direct result of the hard work and strategic vision of our sports and events division and the strength of both our local and regional sports tourism partners. These events create a true home-field advantage for our residents while also driving meaningful economic impact for our hospitality community, filling hotels, supporting local restaurants and businesses, and reinforcing Chesterfield’s position as a premier sports destination.”
For more information about upcoming events or to plan a visit, go to PlayChesterfield.com.