Photo: Cheyenne Pagan, 8News
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A celebration Monday night marked the long-awaited grand opening of the brand new Henrico Sports & Events Center.
Whether it’s a concert or a basketball game, Henrico Sports & Event Center is officially open and ready to serve the community. Industrial His Taphouse, located in the nearby town of Ashland, has plenty of craft beers to choose from and is ready to welcome new customers to the area to its new facility.
“It’s just off I-95 and it’s great to be so close to places like that,” said Industrial Taphouse manager Delaney Lee. “Many groups and families come looking for local crafts and things they can’t get from their hometown or wherever they come from.”
Monday night’s ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration marked the beginning of a new era for Henrico County. Henrico High School’s Marching Band welcomed guests to part of its 185,000 square foot facility, which has been hosting events since October.
Several speakers, including Henrico County Supervisor Frank Thorton, emphasized the economic impact the center will have on the community.
“We already have reservations secured,” Thornton said. “Can you believe we have tournaments and events booked for 46 weekends? [of] 2024? ”
The facility has an arena that can accommodate up to 4,500 guests and space for up to 12 basketball courts or 24 volleyball courts at the same time.
The space will be able to host not only sporting events, but also high school graduations, concerts and even a children’s soccer league.
On Monday, Dec. 11, the center will host its first Division I college basketball game between the women’s teams of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Delaware.