A-10 Women’s Basketball Championship to Remain in Virginia

The Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championship has extended its partnership to host the event at Henrico Sports & Events Center in Henrico, Virginia, through 2029, continuing a relationship that started in 2024.

The Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championship was played at the Henrico Sports & Events Center for the first time in 2024, with over 16,000 people attending the five-day event. The extension through 2026 guarantees three years for the A-10 in the 3,500-seat venue, which opened in 2023.

“This extension is a testament to the success we’ve built together and the high-caliber events the Henrico Sports & Events Center was designed to host,” said Dennis Bickmeier, executive director of the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority. “The Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championship has delivered tremendous energy and economic benefit to our community, and we’re proud to continue welcoming the A-10 family to Henrico for March Madness.”

Henrico offers a location in the middle of the conference’s geographic footprint, with Richmond and VCU both in the city of Richmond and George Mason and George Washington about 100 miles away. The Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority, in partnership with Richmond Region Tourism, originally submitted the bid to bring the championship to Henrico in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

“Following successful A-10 Women’s Basketball Championships in 2024 and 2025, and with excitement building for the upcoming 2026 championship, we are thrilled to share in the announcement that the Richmond region will continue to host this premier event for an additional three years,” said Jerrine Lee, vice president of sales at Richmond Region Tourism. “No one does March Madness better than our community and we can’t wait to continue cheering on the incredible athletes and teams competing in the championship. We’re extremely proud to work alongside our partners at the Henrico Sports & Events Center to keep the event in the region.”

The Henrico Sports & Events Center features amenities tailored for championship play including same hardwood floor used during the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball South Regional. Since opening in December 2023, the venue has elevated Henrico’s sports tourism reach and impact, with annual estimated economic contributions expected to surpass $100 million.

“The Henrico Sports & Events Center has been an exceptional host for the Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championship and we are excited to extend this true partnership through 2029,” stated A-10 Commissioner Bernadette McGlade. “From a first-class venue for our student-athletes and coaches to the fan experience and overwhelming support from Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority and Richmond Region Tourism, HSEC will continue to be an outstanding home for the Atlantic 10 championship.”