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.

As a thank you for giving blood, platelets, or AB Elite plasma, donors will receive a $15 electronic gift card to a merchant of choice as well as free A1C testing. Visit events.coliseumcentral.com/blooddrive and enter the code NNOHAMPTON or scan the QR code to schedule your appointment.

IJoin Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park (2551 N. Armistead Avenue) for the
following community events:

Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park is collecting food donations through July 31 to benefit the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. Even better? Participants will be entered to win a threeburner gas grill for every three items donated. The winner will be announced on August 1. Most needed items include: canned meats, canned fruits and vegetables, soups, spaghetti sauce, pasta, rice, canned or dry beans, healthy snacks, peanut butter and jelly.

The FREE Stuff-A-Backpack event will take place on August 16 from 11AM-1PM. Attendees can select a free backpack and fill it with school supplies. Please note, items are available on a firstcome, first-served basis. A Hampton Fire & Rescue fire truck will be on-site beginning at 11AM and hot dogs and drinks will also be provided.

For more information contact Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial park at 757-827-4670.

Attendees will enjoy free refreshments, games, photos ops, guided campus tours and opportunities to learn more about admissions, financial aid and career services. There will also be a raffle to win a JBL Bluetooth speaker!

To register visit bryantstratton.edu/calendar/summer-splash/registration.

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

The Hampton Police Division has noticed an increase in stolen Hyundai and Kia vehicles due to the lack of ignition immobilizers in certain models produced between 2010-2021. Owners of affected models are urged to contact Kia (800-333-4542) and Hyundai (800-633-5151) to learn if their vehicle is eligible for software updates.

The City of Hampton has been made aware of a recent scam in which individuals are impersonating city staff using fraudulent email addresses and documents. These scammers are targeting applicants involved in the planning and rezoning process, attempting to collect unauthorized payments through falsified invoices. Please note the following to avoid being scammed:

If you receive a suspicious email that claims to be from a city department, please verify the sender’s email address carefully. When in doubt, contact the department directly using the contact information listed on the official City of Hampton website – www.hampton.gov. The city of Hampton urges all residents and business partners to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the Hampton Police Division’s non-emergency line at 757-727-6111.

The Hampton Police Division and Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney Office will conduct a FREE Hotel Security Training for local hotel staff on Thursday, June 26 from 9AM-Noon at the Hampton Roads Convention Center (1610 Coliseum Drive). The training will provide hotel employees with the knowledge to understand local laws and skills to recognize and respond to potential threats or emergencies. The training will consist of the following sessions:

9AM – City of Hampton Ordinances and Regulations
10AM – Human Trafficking Awareness
11AM – Responding to Domestic Violence

Each session will last approximately 45 minutes to allow for breaks and networking opportunities. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP for any or all of the sessions. Light refreshments will be provided. CLICK HERE to RSVP no later than Friday, June 13.

Register Now
Coliseum Central businesses related to health, safety or crime prevention are invited to participate at no cost. This is a great opportunity to promote your business, show your community support, and network with other District businesses. The registration deadline is July 12. To register CLICK HERE.

Summer is heating up, and there’s no better place to cool off than at Hampton Virginia Aquaplex’s SplashDown Park — a 26,000-square-foot outdoor water wonderland open now through Labor Day. Whether you’re seeking thrills or relaxation, this park offers something for everyone.

Dive into excitement with two exhilarating waterslides, float along the lazy river featuring a jetted bench area, or enjoy the zero-depth entry play pool perfect for younger guests. Challenge friends to a game at the in-water basketball hoops or explore the interactive play structure. When it’s time to refuel, the on-site Hampton Aquaplex Café has you covered with a variety of snacks and beverages.

SplashDown Park is open to both members and day-pass visitors. Please note that day passes are available for purchase at the facility on the day of your visit and cannot be bought online. All guests ages 2 and up require a pass and must complete a waiver before entry.

Don’t miss out on making a splash this summer. For more details on passes, memberships, and park policies, CLICK HERE.

June 17 – 9AM Security Committee
June 19 – 9AM Marketing Committee
June 19 – 10:30AM Physical Improvements Committee
June 24 – 9AM Board of Directors
Please join us in the BID office at 2101 Executive Drive, Suite 550 or virtually.

Is your business or organization hosting an event? Spread the word by sharing it on our events calendar! Our robust calendar allows you to include information such as photos, category, social links, description and more. Submitting your event is easy and can be done via a form on the Coliseum Central website. Once completed, events will be published online and considered for inclusion in our monthly newsletter that gets sent digitally and via postal mail to our stakeholders. Share your event HERE.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a crime prevention method that uses architecture, urban planning and facility management to help deter crime. Hampton Police Division (HPD) offers a CPTED survey to local businesses at no cost. An HPD officer will assess your business, reviewing factors such as lighting and landscape design and offer suggestions and actionable steps to help minimize any onsite design barriers that may potentially result in the aid of unsafe or unlawful activities in your business. To request a complimentary security survey at your place of business, contact HPD’s Community Engagement Unit at 757-727-2260. To improve your security efforts even further, the Coliseum Central BID offers a Security Improvement Grant that matches up to $2,500 of exterior improvements to enhance the level of security and safety of businesses or public spaces within the Coliseum Central district. In order to be eligible for this funding, a CPTED survey must be conducted. To learn more about the Security Improvement Grant program, CLICK HERE.

Sidewalk construction has begun along Power Plant Parkway between Briarfield Road and Pine Chapel Road. The project will construct missing sections along both sides of the road and install a pedestrian crossing signal. Construction is expected to be completed this fall.