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2026 Fall Championships

Fall Championships 2026 Opening Ceremony and Activities

Everything you need to know about Opening Ceremony, the dance, and what’s happening all weekend in Virginia Beach

Opening Ceremony

When: Saturday Nov. 7th at 7pm
Where: Virginia Beach Sports Center

  • National Anthem Performer – Amanda Simpson, Sentara
  • Media Co-Host, Blaine Stewart, WTKR

    Blaine Stewart

    WTKR's Blaine Stewart will host Opening Ceremony along with athlete Andrew Starr
  • Athlete Co-Host, Andrew Starr, Area 14
  • Performance by Shark City Drumline

After the Ceremony

Dance

Right on the floor after Opening Ceremony

Bingo

On the court side (opposite of Opening Ceremony) right after the ceremony ends.

Athlete Game Lounge

Second floor of the Virginia Beach Sports Center. Open all weekend!
Find board games, card games, jenga, connect 4, ping pong and some arcade games.

Sensory Friendly Hangout Spaces

#1 – Glass room above the track side
Do you like the dance but find it too loud and crowded? Enjoy the music and beats from afar in the sensory friendly dance space. You can still hear the music and see the party happening, but it won’t be as loud or crowded.

#2 – Classroom across from pickleball courts
Need a break from the loud music and bingo callers? Come play some board games or do relaxing coloring activities in this sensory friendly space.

New this year – Earplugs! Earplugs will be available for those who need them during the Opening Ceremony and the Dance. Look for them at the table near the track entrance on your way into the ceremony. If you need something stronger, we recommend bringing noise cancelling headphones.

Throughout the Weekend

Athlete Game Lounge

Second floor of the Virginia Beach Sports Center. Open all weekend!

Find board games, card games, giant jenga, connect 4, ping pong and some arcade games.

Sensory Friendly Hangout Spaces

  • #1 – Glass room above the track side
  • #2 – Classroom across from pickleball courts

You will find coloring pages and other calming activities if you need a break from the action.

Fitness Information Tables

VBSC, Soccer & Golf will have fitness tables (Roller Skating & Bowling will have flyers/information on the existing registration tables) that feature:

  • Affiliate Gym information – find out what gym programs are in your area.
  • Fitness & Walking Club information – find out more about these opportunities in your area.
  • Warm Up & Cool Down – find sport specific stretches to do on site with your teammates. You can even take them home!

Cornhole

Find cornhole boards at Hampton Roads Soccer Complex near the pavilion to play in-between games!

Food & Bev Offerings

Virginia Beach Sports Center

  • Concession stand – food and drink for sale. CARD ONLY!

Hampton Roads Soccer Complex

  • Concession stand – food and drink for sale during tournament hours. Cash and card accepted.
  • Mello Beans Cocee Truck – cocee, tea, and snacks for sale
  • Blue Bell – giving away free ice cream!

Pinboys at the Beach

  • Concession stand – food and drink for sale during tournament hours. Cash and card accepted.

First Tee of Hampton Roads

  • Buzz Stop Cocee Truck

Merchandise

SOVA Merch Table

Right by the main doors at the Virginia Beach Sports Center! They will be selling during competition Saturday and Sunday, plus during Opening Ceremony + the dance Saturday night.

Fine Designs

Right by the main doors at the Virginia Beach Sports Center! They will be selling during competition Saturday and Sunday, plus during Opening Ceremony + the dance Saturday night.

Order Online

Buy Special Olympics merchandise all year long on our online store!

Virginia Beach Resources

Virginia Beach Restaurant Association Partnership

For delegations and/or families who travel down early and are looking for meal options Friday night and Saturday before competition begins. The Virginia Beach Restaurant Association has put together a list of local places who are prepared to take larger groups and/or might be offering a meal deal/discount for the weekend.

Virginia Beach Savings Pass

Consider this your personal invite to explore Virginia Beach like a VIP during your down time at Fall Championships — and save while you do it. The Virginia Beach Savings Pass is your all-access mobile pass to exclusive year-round deals at some local favorite restaurants, attractions and experiences.

[Add link to Savings Pass flyer PDF here]

Jeep Fest

Have some down time over the weekend? Check out Jeep Fest!