Sports Scene in Richmond VA

Metro Richmond's sports scene blends professional teams, collegiate athletics, NASCAR excitement, and a rich outdoor sports culture. The region's passion for athletics spans from The Diamond's baseball traditions to the rapids of the James River, creating a diverse sports landscape that continues to evolve.

Professional Baseball Teams in Richmond VA

Professional baseball has long anchored Richmond's sports identity. The Flying Squirrels, the San Francisco Giants' Double-A affiliate, carry on the tradition established by the Richmond Braves at The Diamond. Since their 2010 arrival, the Squirrels have become deeply woven into the community fabric, soon to be enhanced by a new stadium development on the Boulevard.

Richmond VA's Soccer Team

The Richmond Kickers are one of American soccer’s longest-running clubs. Founded in 1993, they remain one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating teams and currently compete in USL League One. They play at City Stadium, a historic venue near Carytown that has transformed from its collegiate football origins into a lively, soccer-specific home ground. The team continues to draw passionate support, with sold-out matches highlighting the city’s growing enthusiasm for the sport.
Metro Richmond is also home to the Virginia Ivy, a professional women’s team competing in the USL W League. Their presence underscores the region’s commitment to expanding access to high-level soccer and building a vibrant, inclusive community around the game.

Racing Culture in Metro Richmond

Metro Richmond’s motorsports roots run deep. The region’s racing history dates back to 1907, when the Virginia State Fairgrounds hosted its first automobile race on a one-mile dirt oval—on the very grounds where The Diamond baseball stadium now stands.

Today, Richmond Raceway in Henrico County carries that legacy forward. Originally opened in 1946 as a half-mile dirt track, it has evolved into a 0.75-mile asphalt oval renowned for its short-track action under the lights . The venue hosts the annual Cook Out 400, a staple in the NASCAR Cup Series calendar. Beyond the national spotlight, Richmond's local racing scene has cultivated talent and passion. Southside Speedway in Chesterfield County, affectionately known as "The Toughest Short Track in the South," operated from 1959 until its closure in 2020. It was instrumental in developing drivers like Denny Hamlin, who began his racing career there before ascending to NASCAR prominence.

From historic fairground races to modern NASCAR events, Metro Richmond's enduring connection to motorsports continues to fuel both community pride and the careers of racing legends.

College Athletics in Richmond VA

Metro Richmond boasts a vibrant collegiate sports scene, featuring a range of NCAA Division I, II, and III programs that contribute to the region's dynamic athletic culture.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

VCU's Rams compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic 10 Conference. The men's basketball team, known for its energetic "Havoc" style of play, gained national prominence with a Final Four appearance in 2011. Home games at the Stuart C. Siegel Center are known for their electric atmosphere. Beyond basketball, VCU fields competitive teams in baseball, soccer, and tennis, with the men's tennis program achieving a runner-up finish in the 2000 NCAA Championship.

University of Richmond

The Richmond Spiders, representing the University of Richmond, participate in NCAA Division I athletics within the Atlantic 10 Conference, with the football team competing in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Robins Stadium hosts the Spiders' football games, while the Robins Center is home to the basketball programs. The university offers a comprehensive athletics program, including baseball, soccer, and track and field.

Virginia Union University (VUU)

Located in Richmond, VUU's Panthers compete in NCAA Division II as members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The men's basketball program has a storied history, securing three NCAA Division II national championships (1980, 1992, 2005) and producing NBA talents like Ben Wallace and Charles Oakley. The women's basketball team also boasts a national title from 1983. VUU's athletic facilities include Barco-Stevens Hall and Hovey Field.

Virginia State University (VSU)

Situated in Ettrick, just south of Richmond, VSU's Trojans also compete in NCAA Division II within the CIAA. The university offers a broad athletics program, including football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. Rogers Stadium serves as the home field for VSU football, while the Multipurpose Center hosts basketball games.

Hampden–Sydney College

Approximately 60 miles southwest of Richmond, Hampden–Sydney College is a private liberal arts men's college competing in NCAA Division III as part of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). The Tigers' football team plays at Lewis C. Everett Stadium, and their basketball games are held at Kirby Field House. The college is renowned for its historic rivalry with Randolph–Macon College, known as "The Game," which dates back to 1893 and is considered the oldest small-college football rivalry in the South.