When the largest bodybuilding event of the season unfolds in Northern Virginia this fall, it won’t just be about muscle and posing — it will open with a veteran’s voice and a tribute to those who served. The Nov. 7 doubleheader in Woodbridge pairs two NPC competitions into one national qualifier, with a military champion set to perform the National Anthem just ahead of Veterans Day.
NPC MaxxMuscle Virginia competitors on stage. Organizers say every athlete has a story behind the physique.
Corry Matthews celebrates with an athlete on stage. Her shows are known for an athlete-first experience.
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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
WOODBRIDGE, VA, UNITED STATES, October 30, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — A military veteran who secured an overall bodybuilding title earlier this year will kick off the region’s premier bodybuilding competition of the season by performing the National Anthem. The NPC Mid-Atlantic Open & Armed Forces Show and the NPC Virginia State Show are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, landing just days before Veterans Day.
Presented by NPC MaxxMuscle Virginia, the combined two-show format represents the organization’s biggest event of the year and serves as a national qualifier, meaning top finishers can advance to compete on a national stage. Athletes will face off in men’s bodybuilding, classic physique, men’s physique, women’s physique, figure, wellness, bikini and fit model, with divisions ranging from teen and “true novice” (for those entering their very first NPC contest) through masters and open categories. Men’s prejudging starts at 9 a.m., women’s prejudging at 11 a.m., and finals kick off at 3 p.m.
“For us, this show is the Super Bowl of our competition season,” said Corry Matthews, who co-promotes the show with 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 is no stranger to the spotlight. 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 dedicated 30 years to coaching fitness and nutrition. Today, her focus is on helping women over 40 build strength, energy and confidence through midlife.
A tribute to those who serve
Growing up in a military family shaped Matthews’ perspective, and honoring service members sits at the core of the event. The show pays tribute to active-duty service members, veterans and the sacrifices made by 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 at the event as part of its recognition of the military community.
The person behind the physique
This competition stands out in another way: it publishes a digital magazine that shares competitors’ personal stories — the training they’ve endured, the hurdles they’ve cleared and what taking the stage means to them personally.
“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 rare, Matthews and Kelly have built NPC MaxxMuscle Virginia into a welcoming space for athletes at every level. Beyond the November event, they 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 ahead of time, prompt responses to questions, resources for first-timers, and a supportive atmosphere backstage. Athletes preparing for the Nov. 7 show have already expressed appreciation for that level of care.
“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 can be purchased online, with discounted cash tickets and kids’ tickets (ages 3 to 12) available 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.
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Why it matters: By weaving military recognition into a national qualifier and spotlighting the personal journeys of competitors, this event models how local athletic organizations can build community identity beyond competition. It also underscores the growing role of female promoters in reshaping the bodybuilding scene — a shift that broadens who feels welcome on stage and behind the scenes.
