When a sport’s biggest local showdown is also a tribute to the military, the stage becomes about more than muscle. That’s exactly the setup for Northern Virginia’s largest bodybuilding event of the year, set for Saturday, Nov. 7, at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge — just days before Veterans Day.
The NPC Mid-Atlantic Open & Armed Forces Show and the NPC Virginia State Show will unfold as a two-in-one national qualifier, meaning top competitors can punch their ticket to the national stage. But the moment that might stop the crowd first will be the National Anthem, performed by Kassandra Gardner — a military veteran who captured an overall bodybuilding title earlier this year.
NPC Mid-Atlantic Open & Armed Forces Show and NPC Virginia State Show bring athletes, service dogs and military families to Woodbridge ahead of Veterans Day
Also worth a look: HandicapMD launches California REG 195 guide to simplify disability parking placard applications and BlackVue brings 4K infrared cabin dashcam and fleet tools to SEMA 2026.
WOODBRIDGE, VA, UNITED STATES, October 30, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The event, presented by NPC MaxxMuscle Virginia, covers a wide range of divisions: men’s bodybuilding, classic physique, men’s physique, women’s physique, figure, wellness, bikini, and fit model. Athletes can enter as teens, “true novice” (first-ever NPC contest), masters, or open competitors. The day kicks off with men’s prejudging at 9 a.m., followed by women’s prejudging at 11 a.m., and finals at 3 p.m.
“For us, this show is the Super Bowl of our competition season,” said Corry Matthews, who co-promotes the event alongside Stacia Kelly. “It’s where we bring everything together. Incredible athletes, first-time competitors coming back for a bigger stage, and a celebration of the military community that means so much to us.”
Matthews brings a rare depth of experience to the promotion side. She earned her IFBB pro card in 2006 and competed as an IFBB professional bodybuilder, holds a master’s degree in sports medicine, and has spent three decades coaching fitness and nutrition. These days, she focuses on helping women over 40 build strength, energy, and confidence through midlife.
A tribute to those who serve
Growing up in a military family, Matthews made honoring service members a central pillar of the event. The show celebrates active-duty personnel, veterans, and the sacrifices of military families. Its Armed Forces divisions are open to service members, their spouses, and dependents — and entry is free with any other registration. Service dogs will also be present as part of the military community recognition.
The person behind the physique
One feature that sets this competition apart from most bodybuilding shows is a digital magazine that tells each competitor’s personal story: the training they endured, the obstacles they overcame, and what stepping onto the stage means to them.
“What makes this show special isn’t just what happens under the stage lights. It’s the people and the stories behind them,” Matthews said. “Every competitor has a reason they’re there, and we want them to know that we see them, appreciate them, and are proud to give them a stage.”
A different kind of show, run by women
In an industry where female promoters are still rare, Matthews and Kelly have built NPC MaxxMuscle Virginia into a welcoming home for athletes at every level. Beyond the November event, they also produce the NPC MaxxMuscle Virginia Classic each April — their longest-running show — and NPC Clash of the Titans, an all-natural competition. Their reputation rests on an athlete-first approach: detailed information shared well in advance, prompt answers to questions, resources for first-time competitors, and a supportive atmosphere backstage. Athletes preparing for the Nov. 7 show have already thanked the team for that level of detail.
“We want to put on an incredible competition, absolutely,” Matthews said. “But we also want every athlete to walk away saying, ‘That was one of the best shows I’ve ever been part of.’ That’s what we work toward every single time.”
Spectators are welcome. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for prejudging and 2:30 p.m. for finals. Tickets are available online, with discounted cash tickets and kids’ tickets (ages 3 to 12) sold at the door.
Event details:
• What: NPC Mid-Atlantic Open & Armed Forces Show and NPC Virginia State Show, a national qualifier presented by NPC MaxxMuscle Virginia
• When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. Men’s prejudging at 9 a.m., women’s prejudging at 11 a.m., finals at 3 p.m. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
• Where: Gar-Field High School, 14000 Smoketown Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192
• Highlights: National Anthem performed by a military veteran and overall champion Kassandra Gardner, service dogs, Armed Forces divisions for service members and their families, and a digital magazine of competitor stories
• Tickets: Available online at https://linktr.ee/MMVANPC Discounted cash and kids’ tickets (ages 3 to 12) at the door.
• Media: Interviews with Corry Matthews, Stacia Kelly, the veteran anthem performer Kassandra Gardner and first-time competitors are available on request.
About Corry Matthews
Corry Matthews is a fitness, nutrition and hormone health expert with 30 years of experience, a master’s degree in sports medicine, and an IFBB pro card earned in 2006. A former IFBB professional bodybuilder raised in a military family, she co-promotes NPC MaxxMuscle Virginia competitions with Stacia Kelly and coaches women over 40 through midlife changes in strength, metabolism and confidence. Learn more at corrymatthews.com.
About NPC MaxxMuscle Virginia
NPC MaxxMuscle Virginia, led by promoters Corry Matthews and Stacia Kelly, produces NPC bodybuilding and physique competitions in Northern Virginia, including the NPC MaxxMuscle Virginia Classic each April, NPC Clash of the Titans and the NPC Mid-Atlantic Open & Armed Forces Show. The NPC (National Physique Committee) is the amateur division of the IFBB Pro League. Learn more at mmvanpc.com.
Jasmine Bloemhof
Bloom Into The Spotlight
+1 310-722-5861
Why it matters: By weaving military recognition into a national qualifier and spotlighting athletes’ personal journeys, this event shows how local competitions can build community far beyond the stage. It also underscores how women-led promotions are reshaping a traditionally male-dominated sport into a more inclusive and story-driven experience.
