ASM Global to Operate Henrico Sports & Events Center

ASM Global will operate the new Henrico Sports & Events Center, which is scheduled to open at Virginia Center Commons in Glen Allen, Virginia, in October.

The 185,000-square-foot facility will feature an arena with 3,500 capacity, as well as a flexible event space that can be configured for 12 basketball courts or 24 volleyball courts simultaneously. The Atlantic 10 Conference will bring the 2024 and 2025 A-10 Women’s Basketball Championships to the $50 million venue, which is being developed through a partnership between Henrico and Rebkee Co., which is redeveloping the former Virginia Center Commons mall property.

“We are excited to partner with ASM Global to make the new Henrico Sports & Events Center one of the premier destinations for sporting events and other entertainment along the eastern seaboard,” said Dennis Bickmeier, executive director of the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority. “ASM Global has unmatched expertise managing venues of all types and sizes, as well as an outstanding record of delivering great experiences for everyone associated with events.”

The Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority Board of Directors, which oversees the center, approved a five-year contract with ASM Global that may be extended annually up to five additional years. ASM Global will provide onsite staff and oversee the venue’s daily affairs. The company will also oversee food and beverage concessions and catering.

“Between our global experience and our stake in this region, we are confident that ASM is fully equipped to successfully manage this new venue and we are excited at the level of potential of this partnership with the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority,” said Doug Thornton, executive vice president of stadiums, arenas and theaters for ASM Global.

The Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority will continue to take the lead on scheduling to ensure the center is available for priority county events, like Henrico’s high school graduations, and major tournaments and events that the authority and its partners, including Richmond Region Tourism, may submit bids to host.