Norfolk, Virginia – The United States Collegiate Athletic Association is excited to announce that the 2021 and 2022 USCAA Basketball Small College National Championships will be held in Richmond, Virginia. The Championships will be administered jointly by the USCAA National Office and Richmond Region Tourism.
The Richmond area is no stranger to the USCAA. The 2016 and 2018 National Conventions were held in Richmond and the region is only an hour and a half drive from the association’s National Office headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia. “We are thrilled to partner with Richmond Region Tourism for next generation of the USCAA’s Small College National Championships,” states USCAA Executive Director, Matt Simms. “The first-class facility at Virginia State, coupled with an outstanding destination featuring exceptional lodging, dining, and entertainment will make for an unmatched experience for small college student-athletes across the country.”
Noted as “Best Destination” by Travel + Leisure, the Richmond Region welcomes all with world-class dining, outdoor adventure and more than 400 years of authentic history. “We’re proud to work with so many great partners to bring a dynamic and highly-regarded event like the USCAA basketball tournament to the region,” said J.C. Poma, director of sports relations at Richmond Region Tourism. “We can’t wait to cheer on 36 of the best small college basketball teams as they play at a world-class facility on the campus of VSU.”
The USCAA members in attendance will spend the majority of their time at the Multipurpose Center at Virginia State University. The newly constructed, state-of-the-art multipurpose venue located in beautiful Chesterfield County, has all the amenities that will enhance the student-athlete experience. The Arena offers four team locker rooms that each have a training area within them.
The Arena gives the USCAA the opportunity to host the banquet and skills competition under one roof. The banquet space that will be provided at the Arena looks over the main court and has space for approximately 680 people. The facility will not only give the student-athletes and fans a great experience, it will also cater to USCAA member Athletic Directors, dignitaries, and VIP with more than five hospitality areas that overlook the court. Furthermore, the experience will be enhanced for those that can’t make the trip to Richmond as the Arena offers professional streaming devices on a tri-caster platform that will be utilized to broadcast in the arena and on the USCAA Network to fans nation-wide.
The second venue that the USCAA will be using for the championship event will be Statesman Hall at Richard Bland College. Statesman Hall is home to Richard Bland College men’s basketball team, and features an upgraded hardwood court, center court seating, five locker rooms as well as athletic training facilities.
The tournament will bring an estimated 800 participants to Chesterfield County. “We are thrilled to welcome the USCAA basketball tournament to Chesterfield in 2021 and 2022,” said Chesterfield County Administrator Dr. Joe Casey. “Sports tourism continues to thrive, making Chesterfield a sports tourism destination. Thanks to first-class facilities, like the VSU Multipurpose Center, and our continued partnership with Richmond Region Tourism and VSU, we are able to bring high-quality, competitive tournaments to the county. We look forward to rolling out the red carpet to show the players, coaches and spectators everything Chesterfield has to offer.” The USCAA will be utilizing multiple hotels, restaurants, and shops throughout the championship event, increasing its economic impact on the region. Additionally, Richmond Region Tourism will be making generous contributions to the USCAA Small College National Championships, enhancing the experience of the student-athletes, coaches and fans.
The Richmond Region is centrally located right along the I-95 corridor where it intersects with I-64. By car or train, Richmond is two hours from Washington, D.C. and just two hours from the beach. From museums to historical sites to delicious food options, Richmond has something for everyone.
Tournament dates for the USCAA Basketball Small College National Championships in Richmond, VA are March 7-11 in 2021 and March 6-10 in 2022. The USCAA is a national governing body that exists to provide opportunities for small colleges to compete against like institutions for National Championships and student-athlete recognition. The 86-member association was founded in 2001 as a reformation of the National Small College Athletic Association and is headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia.