Authority Breaks Ground on Regional Sports Center in Williamsburg
WILLIAMSBURG — The Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority (HTRFA) hosted a ceremony for the groundbreaking of the regional indoor sports center on Friday, Aug. 2.
The City of Williamsburg, James City County and York County have partnered to build
and operate the 200,000-square-foot regional sports center through the Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority on approximately 62.9 acres adjacent to the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center in the City of Williamsburg.
HTRFA will oversee the construction and management of the facility and leases the property from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
The ceremony featured remarks from Williamsburg City Manager Andrew Trivette, Ron Kirkland, Executive Director of the Williamsburg Hotel & Motel Association, Williamsburg Mayor Douglas Pons, James City County Board of Supervisors Chair Ruth Larson, York County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Sheila Noll and Retired State Senator Tommy Norment Jr.
Many local dignitaries were on hand along with representatives from all three localities.
“As we all know, the Greater Williamsburg area is already considered a premier tourism destination with world-class museums, championship golf, award-winning hotels and dining, incredible shopping and hiking, biking and water activities,” stated Larson. “So, what’s next? Visit Williamsburg and the HRFTA conducted research into the impact of sports tourism on the economy. They have found that even if there is a downturn in the economy, parents are still going to invest in their children and in sports.”
Several speakers thanked Norment for passing Senate Bill 942, termed the “Tommy Tax”. This bill sets aside tax revenue generated by the $2 room tax from hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts and a 1% increase in state sales tax. These tax dollars are funding most of the sports complex project.
“Several references have been made to the ‘infamous Tommy Tax,’” Norment explained, adding that many of his more fiscally conservative general assembly colleges did not agree with his imitative, “Well, sometimes you have to look over the horizon and anticipate what may come in the future.”
The complex is projected to open in 2026.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the Historic Triangle and it gets us one step closer to having a regional indoor sports center that so many have envisioned for so many years,” stated Pons, “This is a small town built on big ideas.”
“Sports tourism is the right investment, right now,” said Pons.
The addition of a live performance venue is also in the works.
