Stonewall Sports Norfolk announced earlier this week that Virginia Beach has been selected as the site for Stonewall’s 2026 National Tournament October 22-25. The selection was announced after a lengthy bid process that included a site visit this past winter by the Stonewall National selections committee.
Sports venues that will host the various competitions includes the Hampton Roads Soccer Complex, the new Virginia Beach Sportsplex, Pinboys at the Beach, and Q-Masters Billiards. The City of Virginia Beach will also provide beach volleyball courts. The Marriott Oceanfront will serve as the host hotel with the Cavalier and Embassy Suites providing overflow accommodations.
Stonewall Sports Norfolk Commissioner Nathan Ruckman said, “We’ve been working on this bid since last summer, and we’re honored to be selected for 2026.”
Ruckman noted that the tournament brings between two and four thousand people from 28 Stonewall chapters around the country and will have an economic impact not only in Virginia Beach but throughout the region.
Ruckman also said that they are putting together a sponsorship package and will roll that out once they identify a sponsorship manager.
“Along with all the other LGBTQ+ events that go on in Hampton Roads during the year, this tournament will solidify Hampton Roads’ reputation as a welcoming and inclusive destination for the LGBTQ+ community,” said Ruckman.
If you would like more information on volunteering or sponsorship, email Nathan Ruckman.
