Score Some Fun This Fall at Smith River Sports Complex

The Smith River Sports Complex in Axton, VA, is a 90-acre multi-use sports facility that has drawn athletes and families from all over the country to Henry County, VA.  The Complex hosts youth matches, high school and college tournaments, sports camps, recreation leagues, festivals, and a variety of other events to continue to fulfill its mission statement of providing diverse sports and tourism opportunities in Martinsville-Henry County. Field sports such as soccer, lacrosse, football, field hockey, Ultimate Frisbee, T-ball and cross-country running are the main activities played at the facility throughout year. In 2017, the outdoor sports facility hosted organized activity 300 out of the 365 days in the year.

Past tournaments include the 2015 NJCAA National D1 Soccer Championship, 2014 USA South Fall Festival Soccer Tournament, multiple Atlantic Coast Regional Ultimate Frisbee tournaments, the Cardinal Cup Lacrosse Tournament, the PCLA LaxFest and many, many more. The Complex also prides itself with a 100 percent return rate for annual tournaments.

Amenities that set the Smith River Sports Complex apart include: two Synthetic Field Turf championship fields with Musco Sports Lighting, electronic scoreboards, and fixed seating for 500, three full-sized Bermuda grass fields with lights and a Cambridge Sand-Slit Drainage System that can drain water at up to 12 in. per hour, a full-sized Ryegrass field to provide optimal playing conditions in cooler months, two picnic pavilions, and a state-of-the-art playground on a synthetic play surface containing areas for tots and older children. The facility also features the Legacy Courtyard which houses restrooms and a meeting space, along with a concession building. SRSC is also very accessible with paved parking for 350 cars, plus 600 to 800 overflow spots and convenient access from Highway 58 Bypass.

Smith River Sports Complex is also home to a semi-pro football team, the Martinsville Mayhem, plus the Patrick Henry Community College Patriots, Carlisle Chiefs and Piedmont Youth Soccer League Hurricanes.

New in 2018: Battle Virginia Football Tournament

October 20 & 21, the complex will host Battle Virginia presented by The Flag Football World Championship Tour! The Flag Football World Championship Tour hosts and travels to flag football tournaments all over the globe and this year, teams from all over the east coast will come out to Martinsville, Va. to compete for a chance to advance to the national championships in Orlando, plus be crowned the Virginia State Champions. The tournament is open invite, so anyone can enter a team and you do not have to qualify for this event.  

Participants can choose their team size and make up across multiple 4v4, 5v5, 7v7 and 8v8 formats with divisions for all ages and skill levels for men, women and co-ed. All 4v4 and 5v5 divisions are 4 game guarantee and all 7v7 and 8v8 divisions are 3 game guarantee, with pool play + single elimination in which everyone makes the playoffs. All teams will use Sonic Flag-a-Tag flags for 4v4 & 5v5 divisions, while 7v7 and 8v8 divisions will use Triple Threat flags. 

Even if you are not competing in the event, make plans to head out to Smith River Sports Complex. This will be two fun-filled days of flag football that the whole family will enjoy!

Wine by The River Festival

The Smith River Sport Complex is also home to a variety of special events and festivals throughout the year. One of the biggest is the upcoming 4^th Annual Wine by The River Wine Festival that will be held on September 22, 2018 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Smith River Sports Complex Festival Grounds.

Attendees can enjoy a variety of wines from local and regional wineries as well as local foods, live music, and artisan vendors. This year's music will be performed by the band Wag the Dawg. Wag the Dawg, is 4 music veterans that perform a variety of classic rock, country and blues. From Allman Bros to ZZTop, Wag the Dawg will be sure to have you dancing! The wine selection will also feature its best variety yet with two new wineries confirmed, plus the same award-winning wineries from 2017. Proceeds from this event will go to the Matthew Wayne Wade foundation, a local nonprofit organization that promotes heart health in individuals. This is a great day to experience the best Henry County has to offer, from the festival location by the Smith River to the wine, music, food and art. Purchase your tickets today by visiting www.SmithRiverSportsComplex.com.

So, whatever you are in to, keep Smith River Sports Complex in mind the next time you are planning an event, looking for something fun to do, or ready to get active. Stay up to date on all the latest news and happenings by following Smith River Sports Complex on Facebook.