Coliseum Central’s Annual Neighborhood Night Out Health & Safety Fair takes place at the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive) on Tuesday, August 1st, from 4-7PM. This free, family event takes place in conjunction with National Night Out to promote safety, wellness, crime prevention neighborhood unity, and, of course, fun.
Registration Ends July 12!
This is an excellent opportunity to show community support and promote your business. If your organization is located in Coliseum Central, you are encouraged to participate. Registration is free and all participation forms must be received by July 12. To register, scan the QR code or click here.
Family Fun
Local Police, Fire and Sheriff’s departments will be on-hand to demonstrate safety vehicles and equipment. Kid-friendly activities include inflatables, face-painting, balloon animals, games, music, and more!
Neighborhood Night Out is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive from 3-7PM. Help us reach our goal of 20 donors by registering today. Schedule your donation appointment here.
Events & Entertainment
Summer Fun
Summer’s here and that means finding ways to keep the kids busy while school’s out. Here are few things happening in Coliseum Central this summer:
- Hampton Virginia Aquaplex (1908 Coliseum Dr.) Summer Splash Camp runs through August 18. The week-long camps run 8AM-5PM daily and include themes such as Stars & Stripes, Sharks, Superheroes, Under the Sea, and more! For more information, click here.
- Sky Zone (2055 Executive Dr.) Summer Sky Camp has begun. SkyCamp Day Pass includes jump time, games, pizza, fountain drink, and tons of fun. For more information, click here.
- EVO Entertainment (4401 W. Claiborne Sq.) Kidflix Summer Movie Series features a different family movie each week throughout the summer, with showtimes at 10AM every day. All movies are only $1. Click here for a list of movies or to buy tickets.
- Cinema Cafe (1044 Von Schilling Dr.) Summer Kids Series runs through August 24 with a different movie each week. Showtimes are 10:30AM and admission is $1. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Promote Your Event
Add your events to the Coliseum Central website calendar! Click here and complete the form with the details of your event. Once submitted, events will be published on the site calendar within one business day.
Announcements
Hampton Named All-America City
The National Civic League named Hampton an All-America City during an awards ceremony in Denver last month. The award is presented to communities that involve and engage their residents.
This year’s theme was “Creating Thriving Communities Through Youth Engagement.” Hampton submitted three programs for consideration:
- The Academies of Hampton
- Youth and Young Adult programs
- Community policing and programs, including summer camps and community events.
This is the fourth time Hampton has been named All-America City.
Play Around This Summer
Whether you’re planning a staycation or just looking for a way to beat the heat, there’s lots of summer fun in Coliseum Central! We’ve got movies, trampolines, a climbing gym, escape rooms, waterpark, farm animals, and more! Click here to find out all there is to see and do.
Small Business Summer Cafe Series
Hampton Economic Development Department is hosting a series of events this summer to support small business owners. The series will cover a range of topics and will provide valuable insights, practical tips and networking opportunities. July events include:
- July 18 Finance & Accounting 11:00AM-1PM at Scratch Bakery Cafe (19 E. Mellen St.) Special guests from Small Business Administration, Commonwealth Payroll, and Business Banking Lender.
- July 25 City of Hampton Procurement and Department of Small Business Diversity 10:00AM-11:30AM at Ruppert Sargent Building (1 Franklin St.) DBE Certification Information, Transportation & Construction
Click here for information on upcoming events and to register.
Upcoming Blood Drives
July 16
9:30AM-2:30PM
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
2150 Cunningham Drive
July 25
11AM-3PM
Bryant & Stratton College
5030 Kilgore Avenue
August 1
3-7PM
Hampton Roads Convention Center
1610 Coliseum Drive
Development Updates
Now Open
Beauty Outlet
Peninsula Town Center
3460 Von Schilling Drive
757-825-2650
Latitude Climbing + Fitness
Peninsula Town Center
2021 Executive Drive
757-347-1441
Wisephone ER
Coliseum Square
2040 Coliseum Drive, Ste. 18
757-726-7652
McAlister’s Deli
Peninsula Town Center
2862 Kilgore Avenue
Christmas in July Party
Join Power Plant Hampton Roads for an exclusive Christmas in July party on July 20 at 4PM! Enjoy complimentary heavy hor d’eourves and a drink ticket when you RSVP by 12pm July 18. Experience PBR Hampton like never before!
Now Booking Holiday Parties: Save up to $2,500 on Venue Rental Fees when you book your next event before August 31, 2023. Email JWestnedge@watersidedistrict.com to RSVP or book your tour today!
Neighborhood Night Out
Coliseum Central’s annual Neighborhood Night Out Health & Safety Fair will take place at the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive) on August 1st from 4-7PM. This free, family event takes place in conjunction with National Night Out to promote safety, wellness, crime prevention neighborhood unity, and, of course fun!
Local Police, Fire and Sheriff’s departments will be on-hand to demonstrate safety vehicles and equipment. Kid-friendly activities include face-painting, balloon animals, games, music, and more!
In addition, Neighborhood Night Out is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive from 3-7PM. Help us reach our goal of 20 donors by registering today. Schedule your donation appointment here.
Register Today
If your organization is located in Coliseum Central, you are encouraged to participate. Registration is free and all participation forms must be received by July 12. To register click here.
FREE Customer Service Training
Two FREE Customer Service Training Sessions will be held on June 21st at the Hampton Virginia Aquaplex (1908 Coliseum Drive). Join Allison Moore, corporate comedian, human resources expert, and communications executive as she discusses:
- Highlighting strengths, talents, and authenticity
- Finding commonality and belonging in comedy/humor
- Diversity appreciation
- Customer service reset
Register here for Session 1 – 9:30-11:30AM
Register here for Session 2 – 1:30-3:30PM
For questions or registration issues contact Rita Bond at 757-826-3327. This event is sponsored by Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau, Newport News Hospitality Association, Newport News Tourism and Hampton Roads Workforce Council.
Events & Entertainment
Graduation Ceremonies
Congratulations to the Class of 2023! It’s going to be a busy graduation season for the Hampton Coliseum. High school students from Hampton to Williamsburg will walk across the Coliseum stage to receive their diplomas this month.
- June 3-4 Newport News Public Schools
- June 9 Williamsburg-James City County Schools
- June 10 York County Schools
- June 15-17 Hampton City Schools
Hampton Jazz Festival
Tickets are still available for the 53rd Annual Hampton Jazz Festival presented by Coliseum Central at the Hampton Coliseum (1000 Coliseum Drive) from June 23-25.
Artists scheduled to appear include Stephanie Mills, Charlie Wilson, The Chuck Brown Band, Babyface, Kenny G and Fantasia.
Tickets may be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or at the Hampton Coliseum Box Office. For more information, click here.
757 Experience & Marketplace
Keep the festival atmosphere going at The 757 Experience & Marketplace at the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive). The retail and after party experience includes local artisans and musicians as well as a Gospel Brunch and Wine Down Jam Session on Sunday.
Click here for more information, or to purchase tickets.
Announcements
Splashdown Park Now Open
The Splashdown Park at the Hampton Virginia Aquaplex officially opened for the season on May 27. The 26,000 sq. ft. water park features two waterslides, a lazy river, a play pool with a zero-depth entry, a play structure, and in-water basketball hoops, as well as tables, chairs, and poolside food and beverage service.
The park is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, Monday-Saturday 11AM-7PM and Sunday 12PM-6PM. Season memberships are available for youth, adults, and families, with resident and non-resident rates. Individual day passes are also available. For more information or to purchase passes, click here.
Bluebird Gap Farm
Renovations are currently underway at Bluebird Gap Farm which will enhance the visitor experience. Contractors will be renovating the silo near the goat and donkey habitats, creating a photo op spot for visitors. In addition, a new pathway between the goat and donkey habitats is under construction. Once open, the pathway will provide guests more access to the animals.
Dads & Grads Gift Guide
Finding the perfect gift for Father’s Day or graduation can be hard. Coliseum Central’s got you covered! With 14 shopping centers and hundreds of retailers, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for. Check out our gift guide here.
Upcoming Blood Drives
June 16
12:45-4:30PM
YMCA Health & Wellness Center
4001 Coliseum Drive
June 30
10AM-3PM
Bass Pro Shop
1972 Power Plant Pkwy
July 5
1-5PM
Embassy Suites
1700 Coliseum Drive
Business Information
One-on-One Merchant Visits
Coliseum Central staff will be out in the District once a week, meeting one-on-one with our business owners and managers. We want to understand the issues and concerns of our businesses and provide resources to assist them. If you would like to schedule a visit, please email Angie Ewton at aewton@coliseumcentral.com or call 757-826-6351.
Retail & Hospitality Security Meetings
Coliseum Central and the Hampton Police Division’s Business Improvement District (BID) Unit will be hosting security meetings for District businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors. At these meetings BID officers will discuss their current initiatives and provide an opportunity for businesses to address issues and concerns.
The meeting for businesses in the Hospitality and Tourism industry will take place on June 8th at 2PM. The Retail security meeting is scheduled for July 15 at 2PM. Both meetings will be in the Coliseum Central office.
Please note, these meetings are in addition to our monthly Security Committee Meetings. If you are interested in attending one of these meetings or joining our Security Committee, please contact Angie Ewton at aewton@coliseumcentral.com or call 757-826-6351.
Member Benefits
Businesses located in the Coliseum Central Business Improvement District (BID) have access to programs (many of them free!) that can assist with marketing, security, and physical improvements. As a BID member you can claim your business page on our website, promote your events in our newsletter, and participate in BID events. To learn about all the programs available to BID members, scan the QR code or click here.
Networking Opportunities
Mark your calendar for these networking opportunities taking place this month:
- June 2 9AM-2PM – Virginia Peninsula Chamber’s Open House, 11850 Merchants Walk, Suite 110- Stop by and see the Chamber’s new office and conference center in City Center at Oyster Point. RSVP here
- June 13 8-9AM – Coffee Connection hosted by The Chamberlin, 2 Fenwick Road – Connect with other business professionals and learn about Peninsula businesses. Free for Chamber members/ $5 for non-members. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Business Roundtable
The 2023 Business Roundtable Series kicks off this month with an updated format. Meetings will be held quarterly in the BID office (2101 Executive Drive, Suite 550) as well as virtually via Gotomeeting. Networking opportunities will be available 30 minutes before and after the meeting for those attending in person.
Join us Tuesday, May 9 at 9AM for a presentation on Programs to Benefit Small Businesses. A panel of speakers will discuss various programs and resources for small business owners including:
- Access to Capital
- Recordkeeping, including software solutions
- Branding & Messaging
- Lobbying & Advocacy
Click here to RSVP. Please indicate whether you will attend in person or virtually.
Post Your Jobs For Free
We have added a jobs board to our website, coliseumcentral.com. District businesses can post job openings at no charge. Posted jobs are searchable by the general public.
To post a job, click here. Once submitted, job listings will be published upon staff review (typically within three business days.)
Events & Entertainment
Spring Plant Sale
The Master Gardener’s Spring Plant Sale will take place in the Arboretum at Bluebird Gap Farm (60 Pine Chapel Rd.) on Saturday, May 6 from 9AM-12PM. Annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and seasonal vegetables will be available for purchase and Master Gardeners will be available for free plant advice. Bring your own wagon, cart or wheelbarrow for easier shopping. Cash, check or credit cards accepted. Admission is free.
Bodacious Bazaar
The Bodacious Bazaar Spring event takes place at the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive) June 2-4. The three-day extravaganza features over 250 vendors, artists, crafters and several of Virginia’s finest wineries. The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Friday, June 2 from 9:30AM-1:30PM. Schedule your donation appointment at redcrossblood.org. For more information about the Bodacious Bazaar, click here.
State Bowling Tournament
Sparetimes (1 Family Fun Pl.) will host the team event in the VA State Open Bowling Championships. Each weekend from May 13 through June 11th, teams from all over the state will travel to the area to compete. The singles and doubles event will be held at AMF York in Yorktown. For more information, click here.
Announcements
Coliseum Nursing & Rehabilitation
Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (305 Marcella Rd.) was one of three Virginia Health Services’ centers recognized on Newsweek’s Best Nursing Homes 2023 list. Nursing homes in the 25 states with the highest number of facilities are evaluated according to key performance data, peer recommendations, accreditation, and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
VHS CEO and President Mark Klyczek says “This honor reflects the dedication of our team members to our mission, which is to support individuals to live their best life. We are proud the hard work of our team is being recognized on a national level.”
Mother’s Day Guide
Mother’s Day is May 14th! Find everything you need to make Mom’s day special in Coliseum Central. Need suggestions for the perfect brunch spot, where to shop for the perfect gift, or fun things to do? You’ll find it all in our Mother’s Day Guide.
See Something, Say Something
We can all do our part to make the District a safe, clean place to work, live, and play. If you see something that needs attention, call the appropriate number to get the issue resolved.
If the issue is concerns streets or property, call the city’s 3-1-1 Citizen Contact Center. Dial 3-1-1 from a landline inside the city or 757-727-8311 from your cell. Citizen Services advocates are available every day from 7AM-11PM.
To report panhandling, trespassing, or similar issues, use the Hampton Police Division non-emergency number- 757-727-6111. And of course, in the case of an emergency, dial 911.
Upcoming Blood Drives
May 5
10AM-2PM
Sentara CarePlex Hospital
3000 Coliseum Dr.
May 25
Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home
11AM-3PM
2551 N. Armistead Ave.
June 2
9:30AM-1:30PM
Hampton Roads Convention Center
1610 Coliseum Drive
Private Development Updates
Now Open
Peninsula Town Center
Canvas Social Cuisine
3110 ALLAINBY WAY
(757) 826-0430
Coliseum Square
Peach Rose Waxing
2040 COLISEUM DR., STE. A31
(757) 726-7751
Crown Jewelers
Crown Jewelers (2510 McMenamin St.) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 28, with Mayor Donnie Tuck on hand to welcome them to the District. Crown Jewelers has a wide selection of gold and sterling silver jewelry as well as watches, and more. Stop by today to find the perfect gift for yourself or someone special. Click here for more information.
U Rock Art
Councilwoman Hope Harper was on hand April 1 as U Rock Art (70 Coliseum Crossing) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony. U Rock Art has an expansive collection of rocks, minerals and fossils for all ages. Their ultra-violet lighted mineral hallway allows visitors to see how certain minerals change colors or glow under UV light. For more information, click here.
Annual Meeting Recap
The 2023 Coliseum Central Annual Meeting was held at the Hampton Roads Convention Center on February 28. Business owners, City Council members, city staff and other members of the District came together to network, learn, and look to the year ahead. Coliseum Central would like to thank the Academies of Hampton students Jahmir Callahan, Aiden Davis, and Charles Moore for assisting with registration; Mayor Donnie Tuck for his opening remarks; Karla Reeves, Director of Hampton Victim Witness Unit, for singing the National Anthem; Dr. Brian Williams, Pastor of Ivy Memorial Baptist Church for leading the invocation; and Dr. Robert McNab, Chair of the Department of Economics at Old Dominion University for delivering an engaging keynote address. Lastly, Coliseum Central would like to extend its sincerest thanks to all who attended for their continued support of Coliseum Central Business Improvement District’s efforts.
Hampton Roads Regional Job Fair
The Hampton Roads Workforce Council is hosting a job fair at the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive) on April 13 from 10AM-3PM. Job seekers throughout the Hampton Roads region are invited to attend. Bring copies of your resume and meet over 100 potential employers who are ready to hire.
The Regional Job Fair is open to all employers. Registration is required and the deadline to register is April 10. If your business is hiring, click here to reserve your spot.
Events & Entertainment
Nike Invitational Tournament
The Boo Williams Girls NIKE Invitational Basketball Tournament will take place April 21-23. Over 200 elite teams from across the country and several teams from Canada will be competing at Boo Williams Sportsplex (5 Armistead Pointe Pkwy.) and the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive) during this three-day event.
Community Clean Up Day
Coliseum Central will join the Hampton Clean City Commission to Walk Hampton Clean on April 27. This will be our first event since 2019. We are looking for individuals or teams to assist in this year’s clean up. Volunteers will meet at Central Security Services, 2101 Executive Drive, Suite 375, at 3:00PM and finish by 5:00PM. Coliseum Central will provide the litter pick-up tools, vests, gloves, and trash bags. To sign up, please click here or email Angie Ewton at aewton@coliseumcentral.com.
Promote Your Event
Add your events to the Coliseum Central website calendar! Located on the Calendar page of coliseumcentral.com, choose “Submit an Event” and complete the form with the details of your event; an event photo may also be added. Once submitted, events will be published on the site calendar within one business day.
Announements
Small Business Events
The City of Hampton Economic Development Department has made it easier to access information and events for new and existing small businesses. Scan the QR code to access the SWaM events calendar, register for upcoming events, and subscribe to the small business newsletter. The information can also be found by visiting https://events.coliseumcentral.com/SWaM.
Spring Shopping Guide
Spring is here! From apparel to home décor and more, you’ll find everything you need for spring at Coliseum Central. Click here for our Spring Shopping Guide.
Shred Day
Hampton Roads Educators’ Credit Union (2130 Cunningham Dr.) will hold its annual Shred Day event on April 7 from 10AM-1PM. The public is invited to bring up to three banker sized boxes or bags of confidential documents for shredding. The credit union will be accepting non-perishable food items or monetary donations for the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. Click here for more information.
Retail Alliance Retailpreneur Series
Retail Alliance is launching a new education series for business owners. Each Retailpreneur Series will be a virtual three-part workshop. In the first series, Retail Alliance member Kisha Moore, owner of Hummingbird Macarons & Desserts, will speak on leadership. Are you a great leader and do you realize that your success as a retailer starts with leading a dynamic team? Join Kisha for a real retail world leadership talk that will give you implementable strategies for:
- Handling the difficult team member
- Empowering your store manager
- Delegating
- Assessing your leadership style and culture of your team
Workshops will be held via Zoom from 8:30AM-9:45AM on April 4th, May 2nd, and June 6th. The price for the series is $30 for members and $60 for non-members. Click here for more information.
HRT Bus Stop Community Clean-Up
In honor of Earth Day, Hampton Roads Transit will host a Bus Stop community Clean-Up event on April 21. Get your team together, pick your time, and register to help clean up the stops in Coliseum Central. Trash bags and gloves will be provided. Click here to register.
Upcoming Blood Drive
April 16
9:30AM-2:30PM
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
2150 Cunningham Dr.
Hampton Coliseum Events
For more information click here.
Legendz Of The Streets
Presented By Tetrarch
April 15
Joyce Meyer Ministries
April 21-22
Mother’s Day Celebration
May 14
WWE Sunday Stunner
May 21
Hampton Jazz Festival
June 23-25
Ganja White Night
Presents Wobble Coliseum 2
July 7-8
Whimsical Winter Wonderland
Coliseum Central is excited to announce a new, FREE, family-friendly event for the holiday season. Join us for a Whimsical Winter Wonderland at the Hampton Coliseum (1000 Coliseum Drive) on Saturday, November 19 from 12-5PM.
This indoor event will transform the Hampton Coliseum into a festive wonderland with fun for the whole family. There will be stage shows by aerialists, jugglers and illusionists in addition to roaming entertainers and stilt walkers. There will be ample opportunities for photos in the various photo booths and holiday-themed areas. In addition, there will be face painting, balloon and glitter tattoo artists. Stay tuned for more details for this event!
Sponsorship packages are available. If your organization is interested in a sponsorship opportunity, please contact Eboni Council at ecouncil@coliseumcentral.com.
Coliseum Central Benefits
Are you taking advantage of all of the programs and resources allotted to you as a member of Coliseum Central? Each month we’ll highlight one of the benefits available to District businesses.
Coliseum Central businesses can claim a free business page on the coliseumcentral.com website. Allow potential customers to learn more about your business, including hours of operation, amenities and features, and more. If you already have a page, we encourage you to make sure all your information is up-to-date. To fill out the business information form or learn about other benefits, click here.
Events & Entertainment
Haunted Screams Expo
Haunted Screams Expo is coming to the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive) September 17-18. This haunted and Halloween-themed experience includes costume contests, special celebrity guests, and more! For more information, or to purchase tickets, click here.
Tastefully Yours
Tastefully Yours returns to the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive) on September 29 from 6-9:30PM, after a two-year pause. This food tasting event features samplings from over 30 local food establishments, craft beer, wine, live music, mini-Vegas games, photo booths, and more!
Come aboard and be part of this fun and tasty event and help with the fight against hunger. All proceeds benefit the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, which provides food assistance to those across the Peninsula who are experiencing food insecurity. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Country For Kids Concert
Country for Kids, the annual charity concert to benefit the Center for Child & Family Services, will take place on October 15 from 5-11PM at the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive). Headlining this year’s event is Joe Nichols, a mainstay of country music for two decades. Nichols is best known for his Number One hits “Gimme That Girl”, “Sunny and 75” and “Yeah”. He is currently on tour promoting his new album “Good Day for Living.”
All proceeds from the concert benefit the Center for Child & Family Services, a non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1943. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Announcement
Retailer of the Year
Retail Alliance will hold its Retailer of the Year (ROTY) Awards Ceremony at the Virginia Air & Space Science Center (600 Settlers Landing Road) on September 22 from 6-9:30PM. Awards will be given to Retail Alliance members for Excellence in Retail as well as Rising Star, Lifetime Achievement, and Overall Retailer of the Year.
Tickets are available for members and non-members. Special early bird pricing ends on September 8. To purchase tickets, click here.
Coliseum Central is a Co-Op partner of Retail Alliance. This allows District business owners to receive a $50 discount on annual membership. To learn more about Retail Alliance, click here.
Live Music at PTC
Peninsula Town Center is bringing live music back to Town Square (Kilgore Avenue across from Barnes & Noble) this fall featuring two local favorites. Mark your calendar for these concerts:
- September 20 6-9PM – Slapnation
- October 18 5:30-8:30PM – Good Shot Judy
Concerts are free. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the music.
Lunch & Learn Series
The Peninsula Home-based Business Network is hosting a virtual Lunch & Learn Series. The final session takes place September 14. Anne-Lise Gere, Gere Consulting, will address the topic From Solopreneur to Small Business: How to take the First Steps to Grow. The session is free. To register, click here.
Upcoming Blood Drives
September 16
9AM-2PM
Freedom Life Church
2200 Coliseum Drive
September 18
9:30AM-2:30PM
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
2150 Cunningham Drive
Private Development Updates
Now Open
Executive Crossing East
29Th & Green
2274 Executive Drive
757-527-4043
Riverpointe
Ivy Rehab For Kids
1062B W. Mercury Blvd.
757-644-0644
Coliseum Square
Kung Fu Tea
2040 Coliseum Drive, Ste. A13
Coming Soon
Coliseum Crossing
Pop Shelf
15 Coliseum Crossing
BioLife Plasma Services
Vice Mayor Jimmy Gray and Councilman Chris Bowman were on-hand for BioLife Plasma Services (1076 W. Mercury Blvd.) ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 15. BioLife is a state-of-the-art plasma collection facility. Plasma from BioLife donors is used to make life-saving plasma-based therapies. For more information about becoming a plasma donor, click here.