In this feature on ABC 8’s Showcase Richmond, Craig Stover, General Manager at CENTERS at the Joan Perry Brock Center, highlights how the JPB Center is more than just a sports arena—it’s a hub for Longwood Athletics, major entertainment acts like the Harlem Globetrotters, and premier event rentals.
At CENTERS, we know that success isn’t just about flawless operations—it’s about building an audience. Strong media partnerships are essential to showcasing what a venue offers, engaging the community, and driving attendance. By strategically leveraging media, we ensure our facilities don’t just run smoothly—they become destinations.
That’s exactly what happened when Craig Stover, General Manager at CENTERS at the Joan Perry Brock (JPB) Center at Longwood University, appeared on ABC 8’s Showcase Richmond for a two-part feature on the venue’s impact. The segment highlighted Longwood Athletics, rental opportunities, and how the JPB Center is becoming a go-to entertainment destination in Central Virginia.
Reaching a Regional Audience Through Media
As a drive-market facility, the JPB Center depends on strong outreach to bring in fans, event organizers, and business leaders from beyond Farmville. Local media plays a critical role in that effort. By partnering with trusted outlets like ABC 8, CENTERS amplifies visibility for its venues and drives awareness beyond the immediate campus community.
In the segment, Craig shared the excitement of Longwood’s basketball season, including a buzzer-beater victory over High Point that electrified the JPB Center. This kind of exposure helps create a deeper connection between the teams, their fans, and the broader region—reinforcing why live events at the JPB Center are a must-see experience.
Beyond Game Day: Growing as an Entertainment Hub
While athletics remain a major draw, the JPB Center is also attracting top-tier entertainment and special events. The Harlem Globetrotters recently brought their world-famous basketball artistry to Farmville, demonstrating the venue’s ability to host large-scale performances and thrilling live entertainment.
With more concerts, comedy acts, and special events in the pipeline, the JPB Center is positioning itself as a premier destination for entertainment in the region. The Showcase Richmond feature helped introduce this side of the venue to event planners, sponsors, and community leaders, expanding its potential for future partnerships.
CENTERS’ Approach: Media as a Growth Strategy
This feature is just one example of how CENTERS leverages media as a key strategy for growth and engagement. Across the country, we work closely with athletics departments, universities, and community organizations to ensure our venues are not just operationally excellent, but also well-positioned in the market.
From high-profile sports moments to Harlem Globetrotters performances, concerts, and corporate events, the JPB Center—and all CENTERS-managed venues—deliver unforgettable experiences that benefit both our partners and the communities we serve.
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As a drive-market venue in Central Virginia, media partnerships like this one with ABC 8’s Showcase Richmond help bring fans, event planners, and the community into the action. Whether it’s a buzzer-beater basketball game, a sold-out concert, or a corporate event, the JPB Center is where unforgettable experiences happen.