The Sports Tourism Grant Program, administered by the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, aims to support the development of athletic events in the City of Virginia Beach. The program is strategically designed to help launch and grow new sports competitions, exhibitions, tournaments, and other related activities. Its overarching mission is to enhance the city’s tourism appeal through sports, increase overnight visitation throughout the year, stimulate economic benefits, and elevate Virginia Beach’s regional and national media presence.
The primary goal is to attract high-quality amateur and professional sporting events that take place year-round. These events are expected to contribute to the local economy and community well-being by bringing in out-of-area visitors and promoting the city through sport-driven tourism. The program is not intended to be a permanent funding solution but rather a short-term catalyst to help events become sustainable.
Grant applications are accepted in two annual cycles. The January 15 deadline supports events scheduled between July 1 and December 31, while the July 15 deadline supports events from January 1 to June 30 of the following year. Application windows open approximately six weeks before each deadline. Applications must be submitted using the designated form, and events must last at least two days to be eligible. Single-day events do not qualify. Applications are reviewed twice a year by the Sports Tourism Grant Committee.
The maximum funding award for a single event is $10,000. Funds may be used for specific promotional and event-related costs such as out-of-region marketing, site fees, rights fees, non-monetary awards, travel for special officials, and on-site hospitality (excluding alcohol). Disallowed expenses include general administrative costs, equipment purchases, facility renovations, debts incurred prior to the grant, and off-site hospitality involving alcohol. The grant reimburses applicants post-event, contingent upon submission of a completed post-event form and supporting documentation within 60 days after the event concludes.
To receive funding, awardees must comply with several terms, including co-branding event materials with the Virginia Beach logo and website, allowing event signage from Sports Tourism, providing financial reporting, and agreeing to notify the organization of any event changes. Only Virginia Beach hotel bookings are considered in calculating room night impacts. Final payment is contingent on submission of all required post-event documentation.
