NCAA lacrosse championships latest major draw for UVA event venues

Virginia Athletics has all event information available on its website, as Grounds continues to be a magnet for destination experiences. 

Let’s look at some recent highlights. 

The home team enjoys Scott Stadium, too. Last September, an electric UVA football crowd was on hand for the Cavaliers’ thrilling win over Florida State University. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

Saturday-Monday: NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championships – Scott Stadium

UVA is hosting the lacrosse championships for only the third time in school history, and the first time since 1982.

The opportunity adds to the longstanding relationship between this sport and the community, said UVA alumnus Doug Tarring, a member of the Cavaliers’ 1970 and 1972 national title teams and a major figure in local lacrosse circles. 

“I think it reminds people that Charlottesville is a lacrosse town,” said Tarring, who coached lacrosse at St. Anne’s-Belfield School for three decades. “We don’t have to look up to Baltimore or any other school or city. 

“And I’m sure our community will be in full support.”

May 6-9, 2026: ACC Softball Tournament – Palmer Park

For the first time in school history, UVA hosted the Atlantic Coast Conference softball tournament at its stunning, 6-year-old venue.

The home fans were treated to opening-night drama when the Wahoos rallied to beat the University of Pittsburgh.

THE HOOS ARE MOVING ON‼️#GoHoos | #4for40 | #PeopleMakeThePlace pic.twitter.com/pvsfPByz7A

— Virginia Softball (@UVASoftball) May 7, 2026

Florida State University secured the conference title with a 2-1 win over Virginia Tech in the championship game. 

April 17, 2026: Billy Strings concert – John Paul Jones Arena

Billy Strings is one of several Grammy winners who have hit JPJ recently. The bluegrass musician played a doubleheader, performing on April 16 and 17. Strings, known for his rapid guitar picking, played for college jam-band fans and Deadheads alike. 

The night took a turn when Strings injured himself attempting a skateboard trick before an encore. The show went on, however, and Strings quickly went to UVA Health for treatment. 

“The staff here at UVA rules,” he wrote on X.

April 6, 2026: Luke Combs concert – Scott Stadium

Jelly Roll performs for a sold-out crowd at John Paul Jones Arena in October 2024. The country star described the night as one for “love, forgiveness and freedom.” (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

Luke Combs performed Scott Stadium’s first concert in a decade, selling a record number of tickets and literally stopping traffic.

The Grammy-nominated musician made Charlottesville the second stop of his “My Kinda Saturday Night” tour, which largely consisted of football stadiums during the tour’s American leg. 

“Go out and follow your dreams. Because if I can do this, you can do something incredible,” Combs told the 60,000 people in the stands.

Oct. 30, 2024: Jelly Roll concert – John Paul Jones Arena

October 2024 was a busy month at JPJ. Chart-topping country musician Jelly Roll sang hits for a sold-out crowd just days after pop star Sabrina Carpenter’s sold-out show in the same venue.

Despite the crowd size, he insisted the concert was a “dysfunctional family reunion.”

“This is a night for love, forgiveness and freedom,” he said.

Before the concert, Jelly Roll, who estimates he’s been in and out of jail 40 times, visited Chesterfield County Jail. There, he met with inmates in the jail’s addiction recovery program, recalling Johnny Cash’s famous visit to Folsom State Prison. They performed one of his songs for him, so he brought a group of them on stage. 

“This is my first time doing this,” he said.

Oct. 20, 2024: Sabrina Carpenter concert – John Paul Jones Arena

John Paul Jones Arena is a regular stop for pop stars on the rise. Lady Gaga brought her “Monster Ball” tour here in 2010, and before she was the most powerful woman in music, Taylor Swift performed there in 2013.

Grammy winner Sabrina Carpenter fits the trend. Her sold-out show at JPJ drew fans from across the region – and became a favorite memory for many UVA students in attendance.