RMC to Host DIII Women's Volleyball National Championship

Randolph-Macon College has been selected as the host for the 2027 NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball National Championship. All matches will be held at the Henrico Sports & Events Center located in Glen Allen, Va., less than eight miles from the RMC campus in Ashland. The Center opened in December of 2023 and has an arena capacity of 3,500 chairback seats.

"RMC is exceedingly pleased to host this exciting competition," Randolph-Macon College President Robert R. Lindgren said. "This privilege acknowledges the College's tradition of outstanding women's athletics. It also allows us to showcase our valued partnerships with the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority and with Richmond Region Tourism, which will be central to this great event. We are also pleased that hosting this National Championship will enhance even further the exceptional vibrancy of the greater Richmond region, of which RMC is proud to be a part."

This marks the second time that an NCAA National Championship will be hosted by Randolph-Macon. The 2019 NCAA Division III Women’s Lacrosse National Championship was played on Day Field on the RMC campus. RMC has also hosted NCAA Tournament contests in football, men's basketball, women's basketball, women's soccer, baseball and softball.

“This is such a great opportunity for Randolph-Macon College, the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority, Richmond Region Tourism, and the talented volleyball community that currently exists within Central Virginia,” RMC Director of Athletics Jeff Burns said. “RMC has been fortunate to compete in many NCAA championships and understands the importance of running a first-class student-athlete-centered event. We look forward to showcasing the best in NCAA DIII volleyball, the spectacular Henrico Sports & Events Center, as well as all that Central Virginia has to offer players, coaches and fans.”

The Henrico Sports & Events Center sits at the intersection of interstates I-95 and I-295. It is equipped with state-of-the-art video capabilities on a four-sided scoreboard. The facility offers unique tournament warm-up possibilities with 16 backstage volleyball courts.

"Winning the bid to host the NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Tournament is an incredible honor and a testament to our commitment to delivering world-class sports experiences,” Dennis Bickmeier, Executive Director, Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority said. “This event will not only bring immense energy and excitement to our community but also showcase the Richmond region as a premier destination for collegiate athletics. It is also an opportunity to showcase our vibrant volleyball community and give them a national championship to experience. With our partners at Randolph-Macon and Richmond Region Tourism, we look forward to creating unforgettable memories for the athletes and fans.”

Richmond Region Tourism will partner with RMC and the Henrico Sports & Events Center in hosting the championship.

“We’re thrilled and proud to work alongside our partners at Randolph-Macon College and Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority to host the upcoming Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship,” Jerrine Lee, Vice President of Sales at Richmond Region Tourism said. “We can’t wait to welcome the fans, coaches and talented student-athletes to the Richmond region as teams compete for a national title. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase the vibrant community and unique charm that makes our region special.”

The dates of competition will be Dec. 1-4 in 2027. Eight regional winners will make their way to Central Virginia and will begin Championship Week on Tuesday, Nov. 30 by having practice, participating in a community service event and attending the championship banquet. The quarterfinals will be played on Wednesday, Dec. 1, and the semifinals will be on Thursday, Dec. 2. The national championship match will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4.

Central Virginia has hosted several NCAA National Championships. The University of Richmond and the Colonial Athletic Association co-hosted the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship from 1995-98, drawing sellout crowds to City Stadium. Virginia Commonwealth University hosted the 1994 Division I Women's Basketball Championship and the 2000 Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship, both at the Richmond Coliseum.

The 2024 NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Championship will be played at Cregger Center on the campus of Roanoke College. The championship will be hosted by the Old Dominion Athletic Conference and the city of Salem. Illinois Wesleyan University will host the 2025 NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship at the Shirk Center Arena in Bloomington, Ill. In 2026, the Finals will be held at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh.


RMC played in the 2015 NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship. The Yellow Jackets won their first regional title at Stockton before falling to Carthage in the national quarterfinals in Grand Rapids, Mich.