Veteran champion to open Woodbridge bodybuilding show with National Anthem

NPC MaxxMuscle Virginia will stage its biggest event of the year Nov. 7 at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, with a military veteran and overall bodybuilding champion singing the National Anthem. The national qualifier spotlights service members, military families and first-time competitors ahead of Veterans Day.

Why it matters: - The Nov. 7 event is the region’s largest bodybuilding competition of the year and a national qualifier, giving top finishers a path to a bigger stage. - The show leans into a Veterans Day theme by honoring active-duty service members, veterans and military families. - The event also highlights an athlete-first model that aims to welcome first-time competitors and recognize their stories.

What happened: - NPC MaxxMuscle Virginia will present the NPC Mid-Atlantic Open & Armed Forces Show and the NPC Virginia State Show on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, Virginia. - Military veteran and overall bodybuilding champion Kassandra Gardner will sing the National Anthem to open the event. - Corry Matthews and Stacia Kelly co-promote the show. - The event features men’s bodybuilding, classic physique, men’s physique, women’s physique, figure, wellness, bikini and fit model divisions. - Competition categories range from teen and true novice to masters and open. - Men’s prejudging starts at 9 a.m., women’s prejudging at 11 a.m. and finals begin at 3 p.m. - Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for prejudging and 2:30 p.m. for finals.

The details: - The Armed Forces divisions are open to service members, spouses and dependents. - Entry into the Armed Forces divisions is free with any other registration. - Service dogs will also be part of the event’s military recognition. - The show publishes a digital magazine that shares competitors’ personal stories, their training, obstacles and what stepping on stage means to them. - Tickets are available online at more information. - Discounted cash tickets and kids’ tickets for ages 3 to 12 will be sold at the door. - The event address is 14000 Smoketown Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192.

Between the lines: - Matthews said the show is the “Super Bowl” of the competition season, underscoring how central the event is to the promoters’ calendar. - Matthews said the event is built around the military community and the people behind the physiques, not just the stage results. - Matthews and Kelly are among the few women running bodybuilding shows in the industry, and they have built a reputation for detailed communication and a welcoming backstage experience. - The athlete-first approach appears to be a differentiator for first-time competitors and returning athletes alike.

What’s next: - Athletes will compete on Nov. 7 for placements that can advance them to national competition. - Matthews and Kelly also plan their April NPC MaxxMuscle Virginia Classic and the all-natural NPC Clash of the Titans. - Media interviews with Matthews, Kelly, Gardner and first-time competitors are available on request.

The bottom line: - The Woodbridge show mixes a major bodybuilding qualifier with a Veterans Day tribute, positioning the event as both a competition and a community salute.