Henrico to host new DIII Champions Classic basketball tournament

Henrico County will host a new men's basketball tournament designed to bring together former NCAA Division III championship programs under one roof.

The inaugural DIII Champions Classic, will take place Dec. 28–29, 2026, at the Henrico Sports and Events Center in Glen Allen. The 2026 field will feature four programs with deep championship pedigrees and a collective 98 NCAA Tournament appearances, 35 Sweet 16 runs, 12 Final Four berths, and five national titles:

• Randolph-Macon College – 2022 national champions;
• Christopher Newport University – 2023 national champions;
• Babson College – 2017 national champions;
• University of Scranton – 1976 and 1983 national champions.

Organizers hope that the tournament will become the premier in-season national event in Division III men’s basketball.

“The DIII Champions Classic was created to raise the bar for regular-season competition in Division III men’s basketball,” said Dennis Bickmeier, the executive director of the Henrico Sports and Entertainment Authority. “By bringing together former national champions in one place, we’re providing an environment that challenges teams early and gives student-athletes a true championship-caliber experience ahead of the championship push in March.”

“This event represents everything we value about Division III basketball — great programs, great coaching, and meaningful competition,” said Randolph-Macon head coach Josh Merkel. “Playing fellow national champions in a setting like the Henrico Sports and Events Center is exactly the type of opportunity that elevates our program and the student-athlete experience.”

“This is a first-class field with historic basketball programs in a first-class facility. We are honored to participate,” said Christopher Newport head coach John Krikorian. “Events like this give our student- athletes a chance to compete against elite opponents on a national stage. This unique event provides an outstanding setting for that experience.”

Additional event details, including game times, ticket information, and media credentialing, will be announced in 2026.