‘What’s Your Game Plan?’ will present Dec. 8 women’s basketball matchup versus Columbia
For the second consecutive year, the Henrico Sports & Events Center will host a major women’s college basketball game as the University of Richmond Spiders take on Columbia University in the Cheer & Gear Classic on Sunday, Dec. 8.
Presented by “What’s Your Game Plan? Choose a Sober Driver and Buckle Up,” a partnership of the nonprofit Drive Smart Virginia and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the early season matchup will mark the Spiders’ return to the Sports & Events Center, where the team captured the Atlantic 10 Conference Women’s Basketball Championship in March.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Richmond Spiders and college basketball fans back to the Henrico Sports & Events Center as the team prepares to defend its A10 title,” said Dennis Bickmeier, executive director of the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority. “Partnering with Drive Smart Virginia just makes sense for an event like this. Safety is paramount for our community and bringing that message directly to our guests aligns perfectly with our mission.”
The game will highlight Drive Smart Virginia’s traffic safety awareness campaign with messaging and a presentation at halftime. “What’s Your Game Plan?” promotes safety awareness among all road users and seeks to prevent deaths and injuries on Virginia’s roadways, particularly among those traveling to and from sports activities.
“We’re excited to partner with the Henrico Sports & Events Center to emphasize the importance of planning ahead for a sober ride and buckling up,” said Kristin Pettway, executive director of Drive Smart Virginia. “Through this collaboration, we hope to make a meaningful and lifesaving impact in our community.”
Tickets for the Cheer & Gear Classic are available at henricocenter.com for $5 to $9 if purchased in advance and for $12 if purchased on game day. The game will feature a 2 p.m. tipoff and be streamed on ESPN+.
The Cheer & Gear Classic also will highlight a weekend of celebration and support for youth athletics. The Henrico Sports & Events Center will commemorate the first anniversary of its opening, with details to be announced soon, as well as host the annual Cheer & Gear Donation Drive. Conducted in partnership with The Salvation Army Central Virginia and ESPN Richmond, the drive will collect new sports equipment for area youth, enriching the lives of children throughout the community.
Cheer & Gear Classic
Who: University of Richmond vs. Columbia University
What: Women’s basketball game
When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 2 p.m.
Where: Henrico Sports & Events Center
1 All Star Way, Glen Allen, VA 23059
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit henricocenter.com.
