champions

Minor League Baseball

On warm spring and summer nights, families head downtown to the ballpark to root for the home team and celebrate life’s simple joys: baseball, hot dogs, and a cold beverage. Here at Truist Stadium, once named “Ballpark of the Year” by BaseballParks.com, the Chicago White Sox’s High-A affiliate Winston-Salem Dash caters to even the youngest of fans, with special themed nights from Star Wars to Disney princesses, complete with fireworks and children’s activities on the field. wsdash.com

Minor League Hockey

For non-stop action on the ice, the Carolina Thunderbirds don’t disappoint.

The professional hockey team plays October to April at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex. Join in the fun at special events like mascot parties, autograph sessions, and Zamboni rides around the rink to benefit the local animal shelter. carolinathunderbirds.com

Setting Records

Winston-Salem is home to NASCAR’S first and longest-running weekly track. The quarter-mile asphalt flat, oval short track has steadied racing and roaring engines since 1949.

Auto Racing

North Carolina is synonymous with NASCAR. Since 1949, fans have flocked to Bowman Gray Stadium (aka, the Madhouse) for Saturday night races in the summer. Racing fans get a lot of bang for their buck — kids get in for $2 (adults for $12), and outside food and drinks are permitted. This year’s 75th anniversary season runs from late April to late August.

bowmangrayracing.com

Professional Cycling

Each year, pro and novice cyclists descend upon downtown’s Innovation Quarter for the Winston-Salem Cycling Classic, one of the country’s most prestigious professional cycling events. Now in its 10th year, the event is fun for all ages, complete with the Gears & Guitars Music Festival with nightly free concerts.

Professional Tennis

With one of the finest tennis facilities on the East Coast, Wake Forest University Tennis Complex is a well-known stop on the ATP Tour. Each August, professional tennis players compete in the Winston-Salem Open, the final tournament leading up to the men’s U.S. Open. winstonsalemopen.com

Collegiate Sports

Winston-Salem is the proud home of Wake Forest University (Go Deacs!) and Winston-Salem State University (Go Rams!). Both campuses boast a wide roster of athletic programs. Winston-Salem has also hosted championship events for the ACC and MEAC conferences well as NCAA basketball and tennis tournaments.

TRACK & FIELD

JDL Fast Track is one of the Southeast’s premier indoor trackand-field facilities with a 200-meter oval track, 100-meter warmup track, training room, and hospitality suites. The facility has hosted the USA Track and Field (USATF) Masters Indoor National Championships. jdlfasttrack.com

Youth Sports

Truist Sports Park has hosted the U.S. Club Soccer National Cup Southeast Regional and the Freedom Cup Challenge lacrosse tournament. Located 20 minutes from downtown, the park also hosts flag football, field hockey, and ultimate frisbee tournaments. Players also have access to the new RISE Indoor Sports Complex, a state-of-the-art training facility with basketball courts, volleyball courts, indoor soccer fields, and a fitness center. riseindoorsports.com