Coliseum Central Annual Meeting
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.
Events and Entertainment
Hampton Roads Tattoo Expo | March 6-8
The Hampton Roads Tattoo Expo comes to the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive) on March 6-8. The event will feature entertainment, contests, vendors and hundreds of tattoo artists accommodating both appointments and walkups. The event is open to guests of all ages but only those 18 or older can get tattooed. For more information, visit tattooingevents.com/hampton-roads.
Iverson Classic All-American Game | May 2
NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson brings the 10th Annual Iverson Classic to Hampton this May. The top high school basketball players in the country will battle in the 24K Showcase and The Iverson Games on April 30 at Bethel High School (1067 Big Bethel Road) and at the All-American Game at the Hampton Coliseum (1000 Coliseum Drive) on May 2. Get your tickets today at iversonclassic.com/2026.
Master P & Friends Celebrity Birthday Bash | May 15
The Master P & Friends Celebrity Birthday Bash will take place at the Hampton Coliseum (1000 Coliseum Drive) on May 15. The event will feature Master P with performances by Too $hort, Ying Yang Twins, Mia X, Choppa Style and more. For more information and to purchase tickets visit events.coliseumcentral.com/masterp.
Swim Competitions at the Hampton Virginia Aquaplex
February is a busy month at the Hampton Virginia Aquaplex (1908 Coliseum Drive) as it hosts three major swim competitions:
- February 12-15 | NJAC Swimming & Diving Championship
- February 18 – 21 | Atlantic 10 Conference Swimming & Diving Championship
- February 25 – 28 | CAA Swimming & Diving Championship
February 21 Hampton Comicon
February 26-March 1 Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival
March 13-15 Virginia RV Expo
February 21 We Them Ones Comedy Tour
February 28 The New Edition New Way Tour 2026
March 6-8 Monster Jam
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.
Hampton Roads Transit OnDemand
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) has launched its OnDemand pilot program in Hampton! Guests traveling within the designated 5.9 mile zone will be able to book a ride for pick-up and travel to a drop-off point located within the zone. Popular Coliseum Central points of interest include Peninsula Town Center, Coliseum Crossing, Power Plant Hampton Roads, Hampton Virginia Aquaplex and the Hampton Roads Convention Center.
HRT OnDemand is serviced by a fleet of branded vehicles, including wheelchair-accessible options, driven by certified drivers. Depending on your trip, you may be the only passenger or your vehicle may be shared with others traveling to a nearby location. Fares are $2 per ride, per person and free for qualified paratransit riders, Student Freedom Pass holders and children under 17 with a paying adult.
Service is available Monday-Friday from 5AM-9PM and Saturday-Sunday from 7AM-8PM. Rides can be booked via the HRT OnDemand mobile app or by calling 757-859-8294. Once booked, the vehicle typically arrives within 15 minutes. Visit gohrt.com/ondemand to learn more.
Business Resources
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.
Marketing Toolkit
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.
Grant Programs
Coliseum Central has a number of matching grant programs in place to help you promote your business and improve its safety and curb appeal.
Security Camera Grant Program
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.
Security Improvement Grant
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
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.
Marketing Sponsorship
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.