Virginia Beach Site Visit Report

Last weekend we conducted a site visit to the Virginia Beach site to commence our planning for the upcoming Veterans Cup. We all left with a very positive impression and this year’s tournament site will be an excellent venue. The local state association is very excited to be the host and they are well underway in their preparation. 

The Hampton Roads Soccer Complex is located in Virginia Beach on 75 acres of property owned by the City of Virginia Beach. The land has been privately developed into 21 quality soccer fields, consisting of 7 small-sided and 12 full size fields. These can be configured a number of different ways. For the tournament we will have access to 14 full size fields and a couple of 8 vs 8 fields.

The complex will provide us with a headquarters building, restrooms, concessions, meeting room and first aid trainer’s room. The building is flanked by two 30x44ft picnic pavilions which serve as tournament centers. Winding paved pathways lead to each fields as well as two other picnic shelters, the Fidler-Smith Memorial Garden, and a 2nd restroom & concession building for the convenience of the back fields. 

Like last year, every field will have team benches and USASA branded tents.  I can’t wait until you see the beer garden this year.  It will be placed right in front of the fields so you can watch 6-7 games at the same time!

Superb!  That is what comes to my mind after having completed an on-site tour of this year’s headquarters hotel (Holiday Inn – Virginia Beach).  This hotel has been fully renovated and is a top-notch hotel. Below are some of the amenities this hotel provides:

• Large seasonal outdoor pool
• BLU lobby bar serving beer, wine, specialty drinks, martinis and snacks (really nice)
• Tiki Poolside bar (summer weekends) providing drinks and snacks
• Ashley's Bistro featuring casual but upscale dining with fresh local and regional cuisine
• Xpresso Cafe serving specialty coffees and cappuccinos
• High Tech business center featuring touch screen PCs and iMacs
• Fitness center with free weights, equipment with built-in TVs and iPod docks

To make reservation for this hotel or anywhere else please contact Susan Smith. She can be reached at 757-639-6859 or via email at ssmith@showcasemgmt.com. Susan is a local agent with a great local network. 

Be aware there is only limited number of rooms (200) and our block of reservation is only available through Jan 31.  Don’t wait to the last minute to make your reservation.

Also be advised that on Wednesday evening between 5-6 PM the hotel will provide a reception with complimentary food and drinks for all of the players staying at the hotel.

Finally the rumor has it that the tournament party will be at HQ hotel. You will have to stay tuned for details but let’s just say that the pool will be part of the party.

Well, I can go on for hours and rave about the upcoming event. I am super excited, and I know the entire Committee can’t wait to put together this year’s event. 

Registration Information

To sign up for the tournament please click here. You can also find information about lodging or even visit the forum to look for players or look for a team at the following site http://www.veteranscup.us/

Don’t forget that December 31^st is the deadline for the early bird registration deadline and SAVE $50!

Tips & Important Announcements:

• The Holiday Inn (HQ hotel) will have a free shuttle that goes back and forth between the hotel and airport. 
• Per team and player request no games will start until 8 AM. 
• Did you know you can take the train from parts of the East coast down to Virginia Beach?  You are 5 min away from the HQ hotel if you take the train into Virginia Beach!  See following link for more details http://www.amtrak.com/northeast-regional-train

For general questions about the tournament, please visit us at the Contact Us section of our website or check out or Facebook page.

—Cezar, Veterans Cup Committee Chair