Emory & Henry University and Food City today celebrated the official opening of the Food City Sports Complex at Emory & Henry University with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The $15 million facility will serve not only student-athletes but also the region as a venue for community and sporting events.

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating the official completion and opening of the new Food City Sports Complex here at Exit 26,” said Emory & Henry University President Lou Fincher. “Not only have we already welcomed our soccer, track and field, and lacrosse teams to the new complex, but we look forward to welcoming tournaments and events through the coming years. We expect the sports complex will be an asset for Southwest Virginia, while also increasing Emory & Henry’s economic impact in the region.”

Locally-owned Food City acted as a lead donor to the new sports complex, giving $4 million to support the construction of the facility. The gift was part of a larger University-led initiative, the Collective Connections Campaign.

“Food City is proud to partner with Emory & Henry to make this new facility a reality,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Food City Steve Smith. “Our company has deep connections to Emory & Henry with multiple graduates working and interning at Food City each year. We’re excited to continue our partnership with the University and welcome families and communities to the new Food City Sports Complex.”

Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores, Food City’s parent company, operates over 160 retail outlets through the southeast including Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia and Alabama.

The new Food City Sports Complex was constructed by Burwil Construction and features a high performance Mondo track – the same track used in the London and Beijing Olympics – and turf field, stadium seats, restrooms and plenty of parking.

“I’m honored to have contributed to the completion of the Food City Sports Complex,” said Ann Sluder (’81), Chair of the Emory & Henry Board of Trustees. “This project represents so much more than new fields and facilities. It’s an investment in our students, our community, and the future of this region.”

Additional funding to support construction was provided via loans by local lender, The Bank of Marion.

The development of the Food City Sports Complex is in alignment with the University’s recent move to NCAA Division II Athletics and provides student-athletes state-of-the-art sports facilities and resources.

Since the completion of construction on the facility, the Food City Sports Complex has already hosted local high school soccer games and practices, a local club lacrosse tournament and several Rush Soccer matches. The sports complex is scheduled to host a Special Olympics in April 2026. Emory & Henry student Stephen Smith, who plays on the men’s soccer team, shared his thoughts about the new complex and its importance to athletes at Emory & Henry and the region beyond. Businesses and community members interested in hosting an event at the Food City Sports Complex are encouraged to reach out to Jamie Williams at jwilliams@emoryhenry.edu.

About Emory & Henry University

Emory & Henry University, founded in 1836, is a regional comprehensive university committed to excellence in academics, service and leadership. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, Emory & Henry offers a transformative education. The University fosters a close-knit, welcoming community and provides students with opportunities to grow intellectually, professionally and personally. To learn more, visit emoryhenry.edu.

About Food City®

Food City is proud to have served their friends and neighbors for over 100 years. Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, the company currently operates 164 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama.