Last year as part of the newly established Sports, Visitation and Entertainment (SV&E) Department, Chesterfield County hosted a record-breaking slate of sports tourism events. Now, in 2025, the excitement continues as many new and unique event operators have made the decision to choose Chesterfield as their premier sports destination.
“Our conscious and strategic investment in venue development continues to showcase our commitment to growing sports at the grassroots level and providing world class facilities for both our residents and visitors alike.” said J.C. Poma, executive director of Sports, Visitation & Entertainment
Sports tourism has become a pillar of success in Chesterfield. From the Board of Supervisors to county administration, several departments working in partnership with SV&E — Parks and Recreation, Constituent and Media Services, Economic Development, and Community Engagement and Resources — as well as its continued collaboration with Richmond Region Tourism have all bought in on sports tourism as a vital economic engine.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Play Chesterfield team and welcome so many great new events to the Richmond region in 2025,” said Richmond Region Tourism Director of Sports and Events Danny Bonifas. “With sports tourism continuing to grow, along with Chesterfield’s investment in its venues, we have worked together to pursue and win new business for the area. From the Diamonds at Iron Bridge to River City Sportsplex, SwimRVA and more, these world-class venues will play host to top-tier events, bringing in athletes and their families from across the country.”
Copa Talento and the Girls Academy both hosted events for the first time in 2024 and will return to River City Sportsplex in 2025 with their national events. Also this year, after outstanding success at the newly renovated Diamonds at Iron Bridge, USA Softball and Starz Gold will expand its footprint and continue to make Chesterfield the national cornerstone for youth fastpitch softball. Joining the lineup at The Diamonds at Ironbridge, Perfect Game baseball makes its debut in Chesterfield with six tournaments throughout 2025.
As the Play Chesterfield brand continues to grow, there are many events to highlight, including the USA Softball Down Syndrome benefit tournament at the Diamonds at Iron Bridge and the Collegiate Club Soccer Championships at River City Sportsplex.
In partnership with Richmond Region Tourism, Chesterfield will also play host to the US Quadball National Championships at River City Sportsplex in April.
“As US Quadball starts the commemoration of our 20th year, we are excited to partner with Play Chesterfield, Experience Chesterfield, River City Sportsplex, and Sports Richmond, to host our annual US Quadball Nationals,” said US Quadball CEO Ashley Collier. “This amazing partnership will allow us an opportunity to use a state-of-the-art facility as well as organize an amazing weekend of activities for our players, coaches and spectators. The facility and staff are focused on providing a memorable event experience. We are excited for April to get here.”
Also new in 2025 are events like the USSSA Softball Cinco de Mayo Tournament and The Gauntlet, the Top Gun Softball Summer Nationals, and MARS Kickball’s ESPN Event.
In conjunction with Parks & Recreation, last year SV&E hosted the inaugural Chesterfield Outdoor Fest, a showcase designed to highlight all the fun and exciting ways to experience recreational opportunities in the county. From rock climbing to mountain biking, learn-to-fish demos, and more, Outdoor Fest had an activity for everyone. In 2025, the event will expand and continue to grow the Play Chesterfield brand nationally by partnering with the Tidewater Volleyball Academy to bring a new tourism twist to the event. The Digs, a grass volleyball tournament previously hosted in Chesapeake, is moving to Chesterfield and will host its event as part of Outdoor Fest.
“TVA is thrilled to move The Digs to Chesterfield County this May,” said Tidewater Volleyball Association Executive Director Kris Wojeck-Stein. “The Outdoor festival is a big part of the Chesterfield community, and we are excited to be able to give our players a more central location, which gives us an opportunity to have a more diverse competition while showcasing volleyball as a community event. We are grateful to Chesterfield County for allowing us to be a part of their event and looking forward to future partnerships.”
When SV&E was established in 2023, one of its primary goals was to create a “home field advantage” right here in Chesterfield. Rather than spend money to travel to competitive sports events across the country, residents can save time and money by competing in their own backyards.
As sports tourism continues to grow in communities across the United States, it is equally as important to partner locally and create homegrown events.
Last year, Chesterfield Quarterback League (CQL) hosted its first Fall Jamboree, which was a partnership with one of the country’s largest and oldest leagues. In 2025, growing events like the jamboree or working with other local partners like Richmond United (formerly Richmond Strikers and Richmond Kickers) to grow The Jefferson Cup series is vital for sustained success in the sports tourism industry.
For more information on sports events in Chesterfield, visit PlayChesterfield.com.