 Virginia does not allow state appropriated funds to be used for either operational or capital expenses for intercollegiate athletics . Despite this , both the Virginia Cavaliers and Virginia Tech Hokies have been able to field competitive teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference and maintain modern facilities . Their rivalry is followed statewide . Twelve other universities compete in NCAA Division I , particularly in the Atlantic 10 Conference , Big South Conference , and Colonial Athletic Association . Three historically black schools compete in the Division II Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association , and two others compete in the Division I Mid @-@ Eastern Athletic Conference . Several smaller schools compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference and the USA South Athletic Conference of NCAA Division III . The NCAA currently holds its Division III championships in football , men 's basketball , volleyball and softball in Salem . 
