Although Virginia lacks a professional sports franchise, that doesn’t mean that it lacks exceptional sporting events. Each year, these sports attract millions of visitors from all around the country. With tons of college sports, minor league affiliates, and other miscellaneous sports, Virginia has it all. Here are some of the Virginia sporting events you can’t afford to miss.
1. The Commonwealth Cup
Each year, the football teams of Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia clash in what’s known as the Commonwealth Cup. While the teams first met on the gridiron in 1895, the modern rivalry game didn’t become an annual event until 1970. However, this fierce battle brings together fanatical supporters of both sides into a single maniacal venue. The 2016 affair takes place on Nov. 26 at Lane Stadium, which is the home of the Virginia Tech Hokies. This stadium packs in over 65,000 fans, providing an unbeatable atmosphere.
2. Richmond Flying Squirrels Home Games
With a team name like the Flying Squirrels, you know it has to be good. This Richmond-based minor league baseball team is the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, offering 72 chances to catch one of their home games. The Flying Squirrels have had numerous famous players on their roster, including current major leaguers Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford, and Joe Panik. Perhaps the best part is that you get the entire baseball experience at only a fraction of the price. Don’t forget to head by the concessions stands which serve up all your favorite baseball game fare.
3. The Federated Auto Parts 400
Even if you aren’t a big racing fan, heading to a NASCAR event is still a memorable experience, thanks to the plethora of diehard fans and the entire experience. Taking place at Richmond International Raceway each September, the race is all the more exciting due to its importance in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. As the last regular season event, the Federated Auto Parts 400 is often a deciding factor in who wins the championship. Last year, over 3.1 million people tuned in to watch the excitement, when Matt Kenseth took home the hardware. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind event.
4. Twilight Polo
Unless you’re a polo enthusiast, the closest you’ve probably been to watching a game is wearing a Ralph Lauren shirt. However, this bizarre, yet intriguing sport is way more entertaining than you think. On Saturdays from May to September, the outdoor arena in The Plains, Virginia, holds Twilight Polo, featuring three games from 6 p.m. until they finish. To make matters more interesting, Twilight Polo event themes include Pirate Night, Disco Night, and Star Wars Night. Prices are per carload and are $35 before the event or $40 at the gate. All proceeds benefit the Great Meadow Foundation, and you can even write them off on your taxes.
No matter which sporting event you choose to attend in Virginia this year, you’ll never regret the decision you make. So, make sure you gather up the family or your friends and head off to an evening of fun.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cipherswarm/52179654/sizes/m/
Photo by cbowns | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0
Connect with us
