After a two-year hiatus, College Park Day officially returned on August 9th, 2026!
Going into the weekend, we spent days watching the forecast and worrying about the thunderstorms that were supposed to hit. Instead, it felt like we got one of the hottest days in Virginia Beach. But the heat didn’t stop College Park from showing up.
With Level Green Park undergoing renovations for the past two years, we had to put one of our favorite community traditions on hold. So for our 5th Annual College Park Day, we knew we had to come back BIG.
Bringing Back That 2000s Feeling
Our goal this year was to give out 300 bags stuffed with school supplies to help local students get ready for the upcoming school year. But we also wanted the entire event to feel special.
We started by dropping AND1 streetball themed flyers, bringing back that nostalgic early 2000s basketball feeling many of us grew up on. We carried that same theme into custom AND1 inspired CPDAY jerseys, giving supporters the opportunity to purchase a jersey and customize it with their own name and number. It was our way of mixing College Park history, basketball culture, and a little nostalgia into this year’s celebration.
Basketball Brought Everybody to the Court
We hosted four basketball events throughout the day, beginning with our Elementary School Game. Even in the heat, the kids competed hard, with the Blue Team coming away with the win.
Next was our Knockout Competition, which brought out around 50 participants of all ages. After a fun and competitive battle, a 9-year-old champion took home the trophy and gift basketball special thanks to Raising Cane’s.
Our Next Generation Game brought middle and high school players together. The Blue Team jumped out to a huge first-half lead, but the Red Team battled all the way back and completed the comeback for the win.
Before the Old Timers Game tipped off, our host led the crowd in the College Park Elementary School song, originally written by the school’s longtime music teacher. Hearing different generations join in together was one of those moments that captured exactly what CPDAY is all about.
Then came the main event: the Old Timers Game.
By tip-off, a full crowd had surrounded the court for the Old Timers Game, but this year came with a twist. Some of the youngsters decided they wanted to challenge the old heads, so that’s exactly how we split the teams up, youngsters vs. old timers. It made for one of the most entertaining games of the day, with both generations competing, talking a little trash, and putting on a show for the community. Big shots had the crowd going crazy, and there were plenty of memorable moments throughout the game. When it was all said and done, the White Team, led by the old timers, walked away with the W in a two-point thriller, proving the old heads still had a little something left in the tank.
After the final buzzer, it was time for one of the biggest reasons we were there. We began handing out our back-to-school bags to kids and families throughout the community. Seeing families leave Level Green Park with bags packed with school supplies was the perfect way to close out the basketball portion of the day and send local students into the new school year with some extra support.
More Than Basketball
While basketball was a big part of the day, College Park Day has never been just about basketball.
The community cookout brought everyone together, with longtime residents and elders mixing with younger generations. Kids played, families talked, music filled the park, and people who hadn’t seen each other in a while had another reason to reconnect.
Families also enjoyed bounce houses, a gaming truck, music, food, and much needed ICEEs from Flavorz.
We even had a special guest, Joe Smith, the 1995 #1 NBA Draft pick, who came out to show love and support to the youth and the community.
This Is What CPDAY Is About
After waiting two years to return to Level Green Park, seeing the basketball court surrounded by people again meant everything.
Young kids were playing alongside the next generation. Old timers were back on the court. Elders were enjoying the cookout. Families were laughing, eating, and reconnecting. And kids were heading home with bags full of school supplies to help them start the school year prepared.
That’s College Park Day.
It’s not just an event. It’s an opportunity to bring people back to the neighborhood, connect generations, celebrate where we come from, and give the next generation something positive to remember.
Two years away only made the return that much sweeter.
Thank you to every volunteer, sponsor, partner, player, parent, resident, and supporter who helped make the 5th Annual College Park Day possible.
Greenbox Foundation 