You may know that Virginia is the most populous state without a major pro sports league team. But that definitely does not mean that there is nothing for sports lovers in the Old Dominion State – and especially in Virginia Beach itself. We have plenty of activities to enjoy, as well as sports teams to cheer on if you are planning a visit to our beautiful part of the world.
More and more people are looking to combine their love of sports with their vacation time these days and we believe that Virginia Beach is the perfect place to get the best of both worlds. Our sports might not be as common on the range of top sportsbooks in Virginia available these days but they will captivate any visitor and have you thinking of returning as soon as possible.
In this article, we wanted to take a look at the options for sports fans coming to Virginia Beach and the southeast Virginia area. There is a lot going on down here and we would love to share it with you.
Pro Sports
Although there have been numerous attempts to bring a major league sports franchise to Virginia Beach, there are still no pro teams in the area – or even in the state. Locals tend to favor the DC teams, like the Commanders in the NFL and the Capitals in hockey. So you will always find a friendly face in a sports bar in town if you are getting behind them too.
But don’t think that just because there are no pro teams in the state that Virginia Beach and the surrounding area is devoid of sports entirely. There is a lot to do and enjoy around here for anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle – or even just wants to watch entertaining sports close up. Here are a few more ideas for anyone interested in making sports part of a trip to the region.
Watersports
The clue is in the name of the main city in this part of the world. We might be biased but we think Virginia Beach is the most beautiful coastal town in the world and the miles of sandy beaches and stunning shoreline provides a whole host of opportunities for people who cannot wait to get out onto the water.
Swimming is extremely popular in these parts and the ocean is just warm enough to take a dip at virtually any time of the year. But if you are looking for a little more excitement, you might want to check out other watersports options, like surfing and sailing. Virginia Beach is actually home to North America’s oldest surfing contest, the East Coast Surfing Championships. Held annually, it attracts top professionals as well as talented amateurs and is a great way to enjoy the water. It might even inspire you to take a board out yourself!
Outdoor Activities
Although the water is a huge draw for many visitors to Virginia Beach, there is plenty of things to do more inland too. The countryside surrounding Virginia Beach is picture perfect and ideal for anyone looking to camp, hike, and generally take in the very best that Mother Nature can offer.
If you want to bring in a greater sports element to your time in the sun in Virginia Beach, there is a range of golf courses to suit any level of player. The Hell’s Point Golf Club and the Virginia National are the most well-known – and there is also the Kingsmill Resort in nearby Williamsburg that holds an annual LPGA Tour event.
College Sports
As with many places in the US, local sports fans don’t really worry about a lack of a major league franchise as there are some very good college sports programs in southeast Virginia. The big schools in the state – the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech – are a little further away. But if you are after Division I sports action then there is still a lot of choice locally.
Hampton, Norfolk State, and Old Dominion are all in our immediate area and play at the highest level in football and basketball in both the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments. There is something very pure about college sports that offers a different experience from the money-fixated pro leagues. The crowds can be very enthusiastic, to say the least, so why not join in on the fun?
America’s Pastime
Baseball historians can point to professional teams in Portsmouth and Norfolk as far back as the 19th century. But if you are after the quintessential American sports experience these days you just have to head to Harbor Park in downtown Norfolk. Home of the Tides Triple-A team, it holds just over 12,000 fans and even has its own party deck overlooking the bullpen.
The Norfolk Tides are an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, although there has been a connection with other Major League Baseball teams in the past. The Tides offer a good mix of top sports action – they are the current Triple-A champions – and old-fashioned fun. The local transport links have stops just outside the ballpark too, so there is no problem in finding the place when you are in town.
Figure 2 Minor League Baseball offers a quintessential American experience – Source: Unsplash
Make Sports Part of Your Visit to Virginia Beach
We know there is lots to do in Virginia Beach and you may just be looking to relax and take some time out from your normal life when you visit the area. But if you are looking to incorporate sports into your vacation, it is good to know that there is range of options – either as a participant or a fan.
Sports vacations are a great way to enjoy new places and experience the way we locals enjoy Virginia Beach. The only problem might be having to wait too long before your next visit!
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