District stakeholders and business partners celebrated 30 years of Coliseum Central on February 24 at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. The dinner program included a “walk down memory lane” showcasing key projects and initiatives over the past three decades as well as a presentation honoring the original Coliseum Central Board of Directors. Dr. Katherine Loflin discussed the key elements necessary to make people love your city. Police Chief Wideman and Mayor Gray also shared messages. The “Best of Coliseum Central” awards presentation, photobooths and DJ added to the festivities. We would like to thank all presenters, vendors and other contributors to the program. Visit events.coliseumcentral.com/annual26 to view the recording, recap and program.

Coliseum Central would like to welcome the following Board members who were elected during the Annual Meeting – Brian Bray (Embassy Suites), Chris Chase (Bass Pro Shops), Donna Frazier (Holiday Inn Express), Mary Harper (Rosie’s Gaming Emporium), Eric Harrell (Bryant & Stratton College), Drenna Love (Legacy School & Career Apparel), Karen Orie (Hampton Roads Educators Credit Union) and Caroline Peabody (U Rock Art).

Coliseum Central would like to thank the following Board members whose terms ended for their commitment and service to the District – Elizabeth Johnson (Bass Pro Shops) and Andy Ruckman (First Team Hampton Chevrolet).

“Feast Like a Local” during Hampton Restaurant Week from March 1-15. Select restaurants will offer special brunch, lunch and dinner menus. Participating Coliseum Central restaurants include Momo’s Cafe (1930 Power Plant Parkway) and Monsoon Eclectic Modern Indian (2150 Allainby Way). Visit some of your favorite eateries or take the opportunity to try something new. Go to visithampton.com/restaurantweek to view participating restaurants and menus.

Be a part of the fun at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank’s 30th Annual Tastefully Yours on April 2 from 6-9:30PM at the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive)! This premier food tasting event features craft beer and wine and samples from over two dozen local restaurants. Other activities include interactive photo booths, mini Vegas, live music, auction and more. This year’s theme is “There’s No Place Like Home” and guests are encouraged to participate in the costume contest dressed as their most creative Oz-inspired or home-themed attire. Each ticket purchased supports the foodbank and their network of 140+ community partners and programs. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit events.coliseumcentral.com/tastefully-yours.

Cookie lovers rejoice – Alibi Cookies (5050 Kilgore Avenue) is open in Peninsula Town Center! The treat shop serves up nearly two dozen cookie varieties sold individually or in multi-packs as well as brownie, ice cream, milkshakes, cookie cakes, beverages and more. Visit alibicookieshampton.square.site to learn more.

Join us as we celebrate 30 years at the Coliseum Central Annual Meeting on Tuesday, February 24 from 6-8PM at the Hampton Roads Convention Center(1610 Coliseum Drive). This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Katherine Loflin, will discuss “The Science of Place Attachment: Why We Love Where We Live and How it Drives Community and Commerce.” For almost two decades, Dr. Katherine Loflin has been the global trailblazer and leading voice in investigating what makes people love where they live — and how that emotional connection drives local economic vitality and community well-being. In this keynote, Dr. Loflin shares her empiricallybased place attachment model, including the four essential ingredients that strengthen emotional connection to place that grow local economies and community wellbeing, and the starter steps communities and businesses can do to put this research to work today.

The meeting will also include messages from Mayor Jimmy Gray and Police Chief Jimmie Wideman, as well as an awards ceremony highlighting the “Best of” Coliseum Central businesses. Pre-event networking and celebration begins at 5:30PM.

If you work, conduct business, own property or have another vested interests in Coliseum Central, we encourage you to attend! This event is free and open to all members of the BID. RSVP at: news.coliseumcentral.com/annual26. Registration ends on February 18.

Eggs Up Grill (2170 Coliseum Drive, Suite H) held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 29. The eatery is open from 6AM-2PM daily and serves a variety of sweet and savory breakfast and lunch options including omelettes, French toast, waffles and burgers. The restaurant has dine-in, carryout, delivery and catering options as well as a “Community Coop” – a private room available for groups up to 18 people. Visit locations.eggsupgrill.com/va/hampton/116/ or call 757-994-8902 to learn more.

Coliseum Central is proud to offer a variety of grants, programs and initiatives to help our businesses thrive. Read about select benefits below and visit news.coliseumcentral.com/benefits to learn more.

Coliseum Central has partnered with Frequency Creative to create a free Marketing Toolkit packed with how-tos and best practices that will help your business make the most of your marketing efforts. Whether you need help with media relations, social media, photography, or graphic design, this toolkit will give you a solid foundation to build awareness for your business.

Coliseum Central has a number of matching grant programs in place to help you promote your business and improve its safety and curb appeal.

This grant helps business and property owners enhance the safety of their property. Funds may only be used for installation of exterior security cameras to businesses or property in the District which will be connected to the Hampton Police Division’s Real Time Information Center.

The Security Improvement Grant matches up to $2,500 of physical improvements to enhance the level of security and safety of businesses or public spaces. A Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design survey must be conducted by the Hampton Police Division Community Relations to be eligible for funding.

The Physical Improvement Grant provides matching funds of up to $10,000 to business owners who seek to improve the exterior appearance of their property. Funds may be used for facade, landscaping and/or public beautifications. Applicants must submit a plan for facades and streetscape improvements containing a description and illustration of planned improvements and an itemized budget, including design, installation, and fabrication costs. Free professional design consultation is provided to approved applicants of the grant program.

Coliseum Central is a proud sponsor of many community organizations and events. The Marketing Committee meets monthly (excluding February and December) to review submitted sponsorship applications and funds will be administered, budget permitting, based on the proposed goodwill as well as the marketing benefit received. Sponsorship applications must be received no later than 60 days prior to date of your event.

The Coliseum Central Annual Meeting will take place February 24 from 6-8PM at the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive). This year marks Coliseum Central’s 30th anniversary. Join us as we recognize and honor our past, present and future! The meeting will also include messages from Mayor Jimmy Gray and Police Chief Jimmie Wideman as well as an awards ceremony highlighting the “Best of” Coliseum Central businesses.

This event is free to attend. If you work, conduct business, own property or have another vested interest in Coliseum Central, we encourage you to attend! RSVP now at news.coliseumcentral.com/annual26

Coliseum Central wants to know who’s #1 in your book. Vote for the “Best of” Coliseum Central at events.coliseumcentral.com/best-of by February 3. Winners will be announced at the Coliseum Central Annual Meeting on February 24.

Geno’s Steaks Hampton + ARCADE (1976 Power Plant Parkway, Suite A) hosted a ribbon- and cheesesteak-cutting on January 8. The iconic eatery has been a mainstay since 1966 and the Hampton location is the first location outside of Philadelphia. The menu includes a variety of cheesesteaks, hoagies and French fry options. Additionally, the venue has a full-service bar, arcade and waterfront patio. Visit powerplanthamptonroads.com/venue/genos-steaks to learn more.

The annual Country for Kids charity concert will take place on April 25 from 5:30-10PM at the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive). Joe Nichols is the headliner with opening performances by TRACIELYNN and Alec Edmonds and pre-event entertainment by DJ Ty Street. 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, visit countryforkids.com.

To schedule an appointment please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.

Coliseum Central partnered with Vistity to create a 360° virtual tour of the entire District. The tour is prominently located on the front page of our new website, allowing visitors to see all that Coliseum Central has to offer.

Individual businesses can be included as points of interest. A brief description, photos, video, and website link can be included for each point of interest. Have your Coliseum Central business added to the virtual tour by submitting your information at news.coliseumcentral.com/vistity.

Coliseum Central’s updated website includes a free, personalized business page for each District business. Each page includes a description, address, phone number, email address, website and social links, photos, hours of operation, and Google map. Visit https://news.coliseumcentral.com/business-list to find your business page. Review your business page and submit any updates, photos, or information at news.coliseumcentral.com/submit-your-business.

Share your job openings with us. Our robust form allows you to share information such as employment type, job description, weekly and shift hours, duties, requirements, work conditions, benefits, and more. Visit news.coliseumcentral.com/post-a-job to share your job listing. Submissions will be reviewed prior to posting on the website.

Coliseum Central businesses may post their events on the coliseumcentral.com events calendar. Visit events.coliseumcentral.com/submit-event and complete the form to have your happenings published on the calendar. Your event may also be published in our monthly newsletter and posted on our social media channels.

Submit your nominations at events.coliseumcentral.com/nominate. Nominations will close on December 31, 2025. Stay tuned! Voting information will be included in the January newsletter. Winners will be announced at the Coliseum Central Annual Meeting.

We would like to extend a very special thank you to all the sponsors, volunteers and attendees who helped make Coliseum Central’s Whimsical Winter Wonderland presented by Bryant & Stratton College a success!

Coliseum Central businesses may post their events on the coliseumcentral.com events
calendar. Visit events.coliseumcentral.com/submit-event and complete the form to have your happenings published on the calendar. Your event may also be published in our monthly newsletter and posted on our social media channels.

The Bryant & Stratton College Hampton Campus (5300 Kilgore Avenue) will hold its Winter Rapid Registration Open House event for the January 2026 semester on Saturday, December 13 from 10AM-1PM. Prospective students can learn more about programs, financial aid, admissions and speak with faculty and students. To register, visit events.coliseumcentral.com/bsc-rapidregistration. Classes begin January 14.

The Hampton Police Division will conduct a hotel security training for local hotel staff on January 14 from 9AM-Noon at the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive). This initiative aims to equip hotel employees with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to potential threats or emergencies. Topics will include human trafficking prevention, crisis management and response, reporting standards and more. Refreshments will be provided. Local hotel staff members, especially those in security roles, are highly encouraged to attend this FREE training. Visit events.coliseumcentral.com/security-training to register by December 19.

To schedule an appointment please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.

Visit news.coliseumcentral.com/benefits to learn more about benefits for Coliseum Central businesses.

The Coliseum Central Annual Meeting scheduled on February 24, 2026 will include an awards ceremony to recognize standout District businesses and owners. Help us identify the best of the best in Coliseum Central. We are currently seeking nominations in the following categories:

Submit your nominations at events.coliseumcentral.com/nominate. Nominations will close on December 31, 2025. Stay tuned! Voting information will be included in the January newsletter. Winners will be announced at the Coliseum Central Annual Meeting.

The holidays are in full swing at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland (1972 Power Plant Parkway)! Festivities include activities and giveaways. Read on for more details:

The largest and longest-running train and toy show in the northeast is coming to the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive) on December 28-29 from 8AM-5PM. Greenberg’s Great Train Show features thousands of trains and collectible toys for sale, hundreds of merchandising tables, huge operating model train displays, seminars and more. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit trainshow.com.

Add your events to the Coliseum Central website calendar! Visit https://news.coliseumcentral.com/events and complete the form with the details of your event. Once submitted, events will be published on the site calendar within one business day.

The holiday season is here and Coliseum Central is your one stop for all your holiday needs. With fourteen shopping centers and hundreds of stores you’ll find something for everyone on your list. And find the perfect place for a holiday get-together at one of our 70+ dining options. Visit https://events.coliseumcentral.com/shopping-dining for more information.

HOTWORX (2170 Coliseum Drive) is coming to Coliseum Central! HOTWORX is an exercise program that provides users with the opportunity to reap the benefits of infrared heat absorption while engaging in a 30-minute Isometric workout or a 15-minute High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session under virtual instruction. Visit the location on Friday, December 6th from 1-7PM for the VIP pre-sale event to unlock discounted enrollment, meet the staff and much more.

The Bryant & Stratton College Hampton Campus (5300 Kilgore Avenue) will hold its Rapid Registration Open House Kickoff Open House event for the January 2025 semester. The event will be held on Saturday, December 14th from 10AM-1PM. Classes begin January 15th.

Country for Kids, the annual charity concert to benefit the Center for Child & Family Services, is coming to the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive) on February 22, 2025. Country music artist Chayce Beckham will serve as the headliner. Ty Street, Alec Edmonds and Tracielynn will appear as special guests. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit countryforkids.com.

Coliseum Central presents the 4th Annual Whimsical Winter Wonderland presented by Bryant & Stratton College on Saturday, November 22 from Noon-5PM at the Hampton Coliseum (1000 Coliseum Drive). Step into the magic of the holiday season with your family and friends.

Indoor activities include stage shows, sensory area, roaming characters, carnival games, princess meet & greets, photo booths and holiday-themed areas. In addition, there will be face painting, balloon artists and glitter tattoos.

Outdoor activities include giant inflatable obstacle courses, petting zoo, 30′ inflatable snowman bounce house, Sensory Activation Vehicle and a DJ. There will also be an on-site food drive benefitting the Mayflower Marathon Food and Fund Drive (please see page four for more information).

This event is FREE and open to guests of all ages! Experience the Whimsical Winter Wonderland! For more information, visit events.coliseumcentral.com/wonderland2025.

The holidays are in full swing at Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland (1972 Power Plant Parkway) through December 24! Festivities include the following activities and giveaways:

Visit events.coliseumcentral.com/santas-wonderland to learn more.

Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park (2551 N. Armistead Avenue) will hold a
candlelight service on December 7 from 2-3PM. Guests are encouraged to come light a candle in remembrance of those who have passed on. The ceremony will also include live music, refreshments and ornament ordering.

The Hampton State of the City will take place December 3 from 11:30AM-1:30PM at the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive). This year’s theme is “Level Up Hampton” and will feature Mayor Jimmy Gray’s inaugural address which will detail the city’s accomplishment’s and future plans. Individual tickets and sponsorships are available. Visit news.coliseumcentral.com/sotc2025 for more information or to purchase tickets.

The Hampton Police Division will conduct a hotel security training for local hotel staff on January 14 from 9AM-Noon at the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive). This initiative aims to equip hotel employees with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to potential threats or emergencies. Topics will include human trafficking prevention, crisis management and response, reporting standards and more. Refreshments will be provided. Local hotel staff members, especially those in security roles, are highly encouraged to attend this FREE training. Visit events.coliseumcentral.com/security-training to register by December 19.

This 57 & 1/2 hour non-stop food drive is the VPF’s largest holiday food drive and will provide thousands of meals for families experiencing food insecurity in our community. It’s easy to give- simply drive through and donate food or money without getting out of your vehicle. Volunteers will be on-site to collect your monetary and perishable & non-perishable food donations.

The most-needed items include:

Visit news.coliseumcentral.com/food-drive to learn more.

The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank will be accepting non-perishable food and monetary
donations at the Whimsical Winter Wonderland on November 22 from Noon-5PM. All donations will benefit the Mayflower Marathon Food and Fund Drive. Interested in donating? Look for the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank tent located outside the Hampton Coliseum.

Coliseum Central’s 4th Annual Whimsical Winter Wonderland event kicks off the holiday season on November 22 from 12-5PM at the Hampton Coliseum. This FREE, festive celebration includes indoor activities such as aerialists, carnival games, photo booths and stage shows. In addition, there will be face painting, balloon and glitter
tattoo artists. Outdoor activities include inflatables, petting zoo, DJ and holiday-themed ponies. The Sensory Activation Vehicle will also be on-site.

This event provides a great opportunity to promote your organization by serving as a sponsor. Contact Eboni Council at 757-826-6351 or ecouncil@coliseumcentral.com to learn more.

Coliseum Central businesses may post their events on the coliseumcentral.com events
calendar. Visit events.coliseumcentral.com/submit-event and complete the form to have your happenings published on the calendar. Your event may also be published in our monthly newsletter and posted on our social media channels.

The Self Storage at E-Commerce Center of Hampton (1708 Todds Lane) will host its 4 Annual Trunk or Treat on October 25 from Noon-2PM. This event is open to the public. Guests can enjoy free food and candy and shop from selected vendors. Call 757-224-7024 for more information.

Sky Zone Hampton (2055 Executive Drive) will host a Fundraiser Day with proceeds benefitting the Center for Child & Family Services on October 19 from 10AM-8PM. Enjoy a day of fun with activities including wall-to-wall trampolines, rock climb foam pit, dodgeball, zipline, arcade and more.

Tickets must be purchased in-person on the day of the event. Make sure to mention the Center for Child & Family Services and 25% of your purchase will be donated to the organization; monetary donations will also be accepted in the lobby from 2-6PM. For more information, contact the Center for Child & Family Services at 757-838-1960.

Coliseum Central will host a Retail Security Training session led by the Hampton Police Division on November 5 at 2PM. This session is designed to address key security concerns ahead of the busy holiday season including:

The training will take place in the Coliseum Central Conference Room (2101 Executive Drive, Suite 550) and virtually via Zoom. Please visit events.coliseumcentral.com/security-training to register by October 24.

To schedule an appointment please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.

Coliseum Central is taking proactive steps to beautify the district and discourage graffiti through a creative new initiative. In collaboration with the City of Hampton, select traffic signal boxes along Coliseum Drive and Mercury Boulevard have been wrapped with vibrant images showcasing some of the area’s most iconic buildings. The designs feature well-known landmarks such as the Hampton Coliseum, the Hampton Roads Convention Center, and the Hampton Virginia Aquaplex. These colorful wraps not only deter vandalism but also turn previously overlooked utility boxes into attractive features of the streetscape. Each wrap is treated with a special coating that makes graffiti easier to remove, helping to ensure the installations remain clean and well-maintained over time. This project is part of Coliseum Central’s ongoing commitment to fostering a welcoming, vibrant, and visually appealing environment throughout the district.

Did you know Coliseum Central is home to the Waterwalk Trail—a beautiful, 2.25-mile linear park that stretches from the Power Plant shopping center all the way to the historic Air Power Park. This multi-use trail is perfect for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, offering a safe and scenic route through the district. Along the way, you’ll find a quiet nature observation deck with stunning views of Newmarket Creek—a haven for local wildlife and a perfect spot to unwind. Whether you’re enjoying a brisk bike ride, a relaxing stroll, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, the Waterwalk Trail offers a unique way to experience Coliseum Central. For more information, visit this link.

The City of Hampton has announced several staffing updates:

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce invites you to a business Connection after hours event on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM at the Work/Place at the E-Commerce Center, located at 1702 Todds Lane. Connect with fellow professionals, expand your network, and build relationships in a relaxed, after-work setting! For more information, contact Allie Carson.

Retail Security Training: Coliseum Central together with the Hampton Police Division will host a Retail Security Training session on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The training will take place in the Coliseum Central Conference Room and will also be available virtually via Zoom: events.coliseumcentral.com/Security. This session is designed to address key security concerns ahead of the busy holiday season.

To schedule an appointment please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.

Coliseum Central has rolled out a new Property Signage Program aimed at helping property owners clearly communicate guidelines and expectations to visitors. As part of this initiative, free signage is now available to hotels, individual retailers, office buildings, and shopping centers located within the Coliseum Central district.

Participating businesses can request signage with messages such as:

Registration is now open and will continue through September 30.
To request your signage, visit: https://form.jotform.com/252296368528065.

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen communication, reinforce property rules, and create a safer, more welcoming environment for your guests and patrons.

Mark your calendar! Coliseum Central’s 4th Annual Whimsical Winter Wonderland event kicks off the holiday season on November 22 from 12-5PM at the Hampton Coliseum. This FREE, festive celebration includes fun for the whole family. Indoor activities include aerialists, carnival games and stage shows. 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. Outdoor activities include inflatables, petting zoo, DJ and holiday-themed ponies. The Sensory Activation Vehicle will also be on-site. Stay tuned for more information!

This event provides a great opportunity to promote your organization by serving as a Whimsical Winter Wonderland sponsor. For sponsorship information, contact Eboni Council at 757-826-6351 or ecouncil@coliseumcentral.com.

All Coliseum Central member businesses are eligible to create a landing page that’s included in the coliseumcentral.com business directory. Improve your business’s visibility by allowing users to discover your business while browsing our site and via web search. Visit news.coliseumcentral.com/submit-your-business to provide your business information.

Hosting an event? The coliseumcentral.com events calendar serves as a promotional tool for happenings ranging from meetings to annual signature events, entertainment, fundraisers, social happenings, festivals, concerts, sporting events and more. Submit your events year around by visiting news.coliseumcentral.com/events.

Registration is now open for the Citizen Fire Academy. This 8-week, interactive course runs from 6-9PM on Wednesdays from September 3- October 29. Residents will receive a first-hand perspective into the work of firefighters including EMS services. The classes will take place in a variety of settings and include unique experience such as using the Jaws of Life, standing on a tower truck or boarding a fire boat. Participants must be at least 16 years of age (if accompanied by a parent or guardian). Visit news.coliseumcentral.com/fire-academy to register. Email nverser@hampton.gov or rasnapp@hampton.gov to learn more.

The Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority is hosting a chemical and computer collection event on September 20 and November 15 from 8AM-12PM in the Hampton Coliseum parking lot (1000 Coliseum Drive.) A variety of household cleaning/maintenance, lawn & garden, and other chemicals and computer-related items will be accepted for disposal. Please visit, news.coliseumcentral.com/disposal-event for a complete list of acceptable items.

To schedule an appointment please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.

There is no cost to participate. Adams Outdoor Advertising creates the ad and businesses have final approval before it runs. Billboard campaigns run for up to two weeks on three digital billboards located across Hampton Roads. To participate in the fall campaign, please visit news.coliseumcentral.com/billboard. Deadline to submit materials is September 30.

The Hampton Police Division is warning residents about a dangerous phone scam involving individuals impersonating police officers or members of the Chief’s Office. These scammers use fake names, spoofed numbers, and social engineering tactics to convince residents they’re involved in a missing person investigation, or worse.

Scammers call pretending to be from the HPD or another law enforcement agency. They may reference missing persons, police emergencies, or threats of arrest to scare victims. Some use real officer names or mimic official phone numbers. Others post fake missing person notices on social media—then later edit them to include scam links or donation requests.

New tactics include: AI-generated voices pretending to be police chiefs, deepfake videos claiming to show officers, requests for urgent payment or personal information, claims that you failed to appear in court or need to assist in a police matter.

As a reminder, HPD will NEVER demand payment or personal info over the phone or ask you to send money, buy gift cards, or click links to “help with a case.” Real missing person cases will be shared exclusively through verified HPD platforms.

If you receive a suspicious call: hang up. Do NOT give out personal info. Call the Hampton Police Division directly at 757–727–6111 to verify any claim. Report scam attempts to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. These scammers prey on trust, urgency, and fear. Spread the word to protect friends and family, especially the elderly, students, and anyone who may not recognize the warning signs.

Hampton Restaurant Week returns March 5-19, with area restaurants offering specials including $10 and $15 lunches and $25 and $35 dinners. This year’s theme “Sip, Savor & Stroll” invites guest to explore the paths, waterways and historic districts in a location with a wide variety of culinary choices. For more information, click here.

Participating restaurants include:

The Hampton Jazz Festival is returning to the Hampton Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Drive, after a three-year break. The 53rd Annual Hampton Jazz Festival will take place June 23-25 with a star-studded lineup. Artists scheduled to appear include Stephanie Mills, Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, Babyface, and Kenny G. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and the Hampton Coliseum Box Office. For more information, click here.

Boo Williams Sportsplex will be hosting events every weekend in March. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

For more information, click here.

Some of the biggest names in comedy will be coming to the Hampton Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Drive, on March 25. The Straight Jokes! No Chaser Comedy Tour hosted by Mike Epps features Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, Earthquake and D. C. Young Fly. Tickets are available at the Hampton Coliseum Box Office or Ticketmaster.com.

For more information, click here.

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.

To help our businesses succeed, Coliseum Central hosts a series of free Business Roundtable meetings where speakers present information related to the current business environment. We are asking for your feedback to help us enhance these meetings. Please click here to complete a short survey.

Everyone who completes the survey by March 8th will be entered for a chance to win 2 tickets to the March 26th Country for Kids concert featuring Sara Evans. Tickets are provided by the Center for Child & Family Services.

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.

Smoothie Stop, 3150 Allainby Way, reopened its Peninsula Town Center location in January. Vice Mayor Jimmy Gray was on-hand at their Grand Reopening event on February 3rd.

Stop by and try their new menu items which include homemade soups, paninis, juices, and smoothies. For more information about Smoothie Stop, click here.

March 31
8AM-2PM
City Hall
22 Lincoln St.

Cannabist
Coliseum Specialty Shops
2400 Coliseum Drive, STE. 600
757-659-6440

Crown Jewelers
Peninsula Town Center
2510 Mcmenaminst.
757-304-3118

Beauty Outlet
Peninsula Town Center
3460 Von Schilling Dr.

Ivy Glam Beauty Bar
Peninsula Town Center
3460 Von Schilling Dr.

Mcalister’s Deli
Peninsula Town Center
2860 Kilgore Ave.

U Rock Art
Coliseum Crossing
70 Coliseum Crossing

The Coliseum Central Annual Meeting will take place Tuesday, February 28 at 8:00AM at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. The meeting will provide a review of the previous year, status reports from key constituents, and a look at the year ahead.

If you work, conduct business, own property or have other vested interest in Coliseum Central, we encourage you to attend! This event is free and open to all members of the BID. Click here to RSVP no later than February 14.

How will economic trends influence the business environment in 2023? This presentation will explore the effects of:

Professor Robert M. McNab currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Economics and Director of the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy at Old Dominion University. He edits the annual State of the Region: Hampton Roads and State of the Commonwealth reports. Professor McNab has appeared in the Associated Press, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post, among others.

The 34th Annual Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival comes to the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive) February 23-26. Attendees will have the opportunity to shop in the Merchants Mall, attend workshops, lectures and demonstrations, and view quilt, garment, and fiber art exhibitions at largest quilt festival on the Eastern Seaboard.

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Country for Kids presented by Old Point National Bank will take place on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive). This annual charity concert benefits the Center for Child & Family Services, which has been serving the community since 1943.

Multi-platinum entertainer Sara Evans will return to headline Country for Kids 2023. Sara has five No. 1 singles, including “A Real Fine Place to Start” and “Born to Fly,” and was named Top Female Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music in 2006.

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Hampton Restaurant Week, sponsored by the Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau, is back March 5-19, 2023. This year’s theme is “Sip, Savor and Stroll.” Participating restaurants may offer any combination of $10 and/or $15 lunches and $25 and/or $35 dinner specials. Patrons will be encouraged to visit a variety of restaurants during the two-week period.

Sign up today and be a part of the action:

The first ten restaurants to sign up will receive a special social media promotion. Click here for more information. Email media@hamptoncvb.com to receive a link to the online application. Deadline to register is February 8.

In December 2022, Sentara CarePlex Hospital celebrated 20 years serving the Hampton community. Since its opening, Sentara CarePlex Hospital has become home to the region’s first dedicated orthopedic hospital, has a newly opened Family Maternity Center, and has achieved Magnet Recognition for nursing excellence.

In honor of Financial Aid Awareness Month, Bryant & Stratton College (5030 Kilgore Avenue) will be hosting a special event for college degree seekers (traditional HS graduates & adult learners). The 2023 Financial Aid Information Summit will take place Thursday, February 16th from 6 – 8 PM.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

Special information sessions will address scholarships, loans, and military educational benefits.

For more information and to reserve your space, please call 757-896-6001. This event is free and open to the public.

February 9
1-5PM
YMCA Health & Wellness Center
4001 Coliseum Drive

There are no Board or Committee meetings in the month of February.

Colony Square
Collaborative Health
304 Marcella Rd., Ste. A
(757) 872-3800

Coliseum Crossing
Popshelf
15 Coliseum Crossing
(757)726-7986

Coliseum Specialty Shops
Cannabist
2400 Cunningham Drive
Ste. 900

Peninsula Town Center
Crown Jewelers
2360 McMenamin St.

Peninsula Town Center
Kay Jewelers
2854 Kilgore Ave.
(757) 262-0490

Coliseum Marketplace
Onelife Fitness
2170 Coliseum Drive

The Coliseum Central Annual Meeting will take place Tuesday, February 28 at 8:00AM at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. The meeting will provide a review of the previous year, status reports from key constituents, and a look at the year ahead.

How will economic trends influence the business environment in 2023? This presentation will explore the effects of:

If you work, conduct business, own property or have other vested interest in Coliseum Central, we encourage you to attend! This event is free and open to all members of the BID. Formal invitations will be mailed shortly. Click here to RSVP today.

The Professional Box Lacrosse Association (PBLA) kicked off its inaugural season in December 2022 with nine teams from Maine to North Carolina. The Hampton Hammerheads, one of two Virginia teams, will play home games in the Hampton Coliseum (1000 Coliseum Drive). The Hammerheads first of seven home games takes place January 9 at 7PM. Tickets are on sale now and start at $15. For more information, click here.

The largest and longest running train and toy show in the Northeast is coming to the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive) February 4-5. Greenberg’s Great Train and Toy Show, part of the Great American Train Show, features thousands of trains and collectible toys for sale, hundreds of merchandising tables, huge operating layouts, free modeling seminars and more! Modelers, collectors, families, and children of all ages will find lots to see and do. For more information, click here.

The PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour comes to the Hampton Coliseum (1000 Coliseum Drive) on February 25 for the Hampton Classic. This event features some of the sport’s best athletes going head-to-head with the fiercest bulls in the country. Upgrade to the PBR Elite Experience and get premium seating, concession voucher, pre-show tour, and more! For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

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.

Mayor Donnie Tuck delivered the 2022 State of the City address on December 1 at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. In a presentation titled “Making a Splash”, Mayor Tuck highlighted the newly-opened Hampton Virginia Aquaplex and the impact it will have on sports tourism in the area. The 2023 USA Artistic Swimming Junior Olympic Championship, an 8-day event to be held this summer, is expected to fill more that 2,100 local hotel room nights and generate an economic impact of $3.7 million for Hampton Roads.

Click here for more information or to watch a video of the full event.

The new year means new resolutions. Let Coliseum Central help you keep those resolutions with options for healthy eating and staying fit. Find out more about dining and fitness options in Coliseum Central here.

Sentara CarePlex Hospital ranks among the nation’s best for patient care and safety in 2022. The hospital received an A rating for Fall 2022 from the Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog organization that advances patient safety in hospitals. Grades are based on how well hospitals protect patients from preventable medical errors, accidents, injuries, and infections.

In addition, it was one of eight Sentara hospitals recognized by U.S. News & World Report with a High Performing designation for providing high-quality labor and delivery services. These rankings are designed to assist expecting parents in making informed decisions about where to receive care.

Learn more about the hospital here.

January 27
8AM-1PM
Ruppert Sargent Bldg.
1 Franklin St.

Panera
Coliseum Crossing
2155 Coliseum Drive

Latitude Climbing + Fitness
Peninsula Town Center
2021 Executive Drive

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers held a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 30 to officially open its location at 1123 W. Mercury Blvd., Suite A. Lorri Powers with the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Sonja Morrell with 106.9 The Fox and Raymond Tripp, Executive Director of Coliseum Central, were on-hand to welcome store manager Brian and his team to the District.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers serves fresh cooked-to-order steakburgers and sides, as well as premium custard shakes, malts and sundaes. Find out more here.

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 has a number of matching grant programs in place to help you improve the safety and curb appeal of your business. For a complete list of grant programs, click here.

Coliseum Central is pleased to present Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland sponsored by Sentara. This world-class circus experience is coming to the Hampton Coliseum (1000 Coliseum Drive) on December 11 at 7PM. The talented cast of Cirque Musica will dazzle you with acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer. Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is an unforgettable experience for the entire family.

Tickets start at $45 and are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and the Hampton Coliseum Box office. Now through December 9, get four tickets for the price of three by selecting “Family Four Pack” when you order online, while supplies last.

Upgrade your experience by treating you and your family to VIP tickets. Create holiday memories you will cherish forever with an experience that includes premium seating, a post-show meet and greet with members of the cast, a chance to take photos, and official Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland tour merchandise. VIP tickets are $129 and quantities are limited.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is part of the Coliseum Central Holiday Extravaganza presented by Sentara.

Visit coliseumcentralholiday.com to learn more about Coliseum Central’s Holiday Extravaganza presented by Sentara. You’ll find season’s greetings videos from our sponsors and community partners as well as holiday stories read by city dignitaries. You’ll even hear from the big guy himself, Santa Claus!

Visit with Santa, take a Holiday Wonder Walk, or explore Santa’s Wonderland. Here are the holiday events happening in Coliseum Central this month:

Monster Jam returns to the Hampton Coliseum (1000 Coliseum Drive) January 20-22, 2023 with world-class athletes in intense competitions of speed and skill. Tickets are on sale now. Upgrade your experience with entry to the Monster Jam Pit Party and the Monster Jam Post-Event Driver Meet and Greet. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Hampton has been named a Top 10 Digital City by the Center for Digital Government. This is the 20th time the city has receive recognition, this year placing eighth on the list of cities its size.

The city was recognized for its innovative use of technology and citizen engagement. Some of the city’s initiatives that were highlighted include increase in cybersecurity efforts, network upgrades and increased citizen communication and interaction.

The holiday season is here and Coliseum Central is your one-stop for all your holiday needs.

Check off everything on your gift list. With fourteen shopping centers and hundreds of stores you’ll find something for everyone on your list. For more information, click here.

Find the perfect place for a holiday get-together. With over 70 dining options, you’re sure to find something to suit every appetite. Click here for more information.

December 4
9:30AM-2:30PM
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
2150 Cunningham Drive

December 16
9AM-2PM
Freedom Life Church
2200 Coliseum Drive

December 27
8AM-1PM
Sentara CarePlex Hospital
3000 Coliseum Drive

December 30
9AM-2PM
Bass Pro Shops
1972 Power Plant Pkwy.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
1123 W. Mercury Blvd.
Suite A
757-504-3545

Banfield Animal Hospital
1123 W. Mercury Blvd.
Suite E

City dignitaries, including Vice Mayor Jimmy Gray, Councilman Chris Bowman, Councilman Steve Brown, and Economic Development Director Chuck Rigney were in attendance as Raising Cane’s (1044 W. Mercury Blvd) held its grand opening celebration on November 17. Hampton University drumline, cheerleaders and Pirate mascot also participated in the festivities.

Raising Cane’s is know for its chicken fingers combos. In fact, that’s the only thing on their menu. They call it their “One Love.” Find out more about Raising Cane’s here.

Coliseum Central has a number of matching grant programs in place to help you improve the safety and curb appeal of your business. For a complete list of grant programs, click here.