The Roanoke Valley in Virginia’s Blue Ridge has developed a national reputation for hosting great sporting events. Our location in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia on the East Coast of the United States makes the Roanoke Valley easily accessible for athletes, teams and families. The setting and climate also means great weather throughout the year for all kinds of outdoor sports.
Sports are part of our culture in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Between hosting over 85 NCAA, CIAA, ODAC and MEC Championships, cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium, professional ice hockey with the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs, minor league baseball with the Salem Red Sox, and being home to the Blue Ridge Marathon – America’s Toughest Road Marathon, we’re always playing for something!
We have an impressive inventory of well-maintained, centrally-located fields and facilities that can accommodate all types of sports – ranging from collegiate to professional events. In addition, we have hosted non-traditional sports such as orienteering, archery, quidditch, mountain biking, disc golf, and cyclocross. In addition, Virginia’s Blue Ridge will be the host of the 2020 Carilion Ironman 70.3.
The City of Salem, known as “Virginia’s Championship City,” has hosted over 87 NCAA Championships including football, softball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse and volleyball.
The variety of hotels within close proximity to the sports facilities is something athletes and spectators will appreciate.
You’ll be only minutes away from award-winning facilities such as the Botetourt Sports Complex, Moyer Sports Complex, Salem Civic Center and Berglund Center.
Whether you’re planning a marathon that incorporates the challenging elevations of the mountain landscape, an amateur tournament that attracts some of the top young talent from around the country, or an official collegiate event, the facilities in the region have extensive experience working with all kinds of sports organizations.
When you’re not at the game, fans and players will love the broad range of attractions and things to do in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, including the Launching Pad Trampoline Park, guided outdoor adventures such as floating the James River, and exploring the various museums in Downtown Roanoke. You can also make the most of being in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with over 1,000 miles of trails for hiking, biking and paddling.
Local attractions and restaurants also work with Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge and tournament planners as partners, offering discounts and group rates to accommodate your event.
It’s a fun-filled, family-friendly experience for everyone!
From arriving via the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, by rail on Amtrak or the convenient road access provided by Interstate 81, the region is well-positioned in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic to draw large attendance and participation, which is also highlighted by the affordability of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
Most importantly, the experienced tournament directors and facility managers in Virginia’s Blue Ridge know how to organize sporting events and provide services to help make yours a success.
Elevate your next event to a championship level in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
VBR Sports
800-635-5535 www.visitvbr.com
Mary Cywinski, Sports Development Manager, mcywinski@visitvbr.com
Brady Woolwine, Sports Development Manager, bwoolwine@visitvbr.com
