Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC

WILMINGTON AND ITS ISLAND BEACHES HAVE BECOME A SOUGHT-AFTER DESTINATION FOR SPORTS PLANNERS THANKS TO A VARIETY OF VENUES AND PLENTY TO SEE AND DO BEFORE AND AFTER THE EVENT

Althea Gibson Tennis Complex Ogden Park

Wilmington Convention Center

The major east/west interstate artery, I-40, leads to Wilmington and Beaches, which is located halfway between New York and Florida. The destination is also served by Highways 17, 74/76, 117 and 421. Interstate I-95 is 73 miles away.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

Althea Gibson Tennis Complex at Empie Park Tennis

The Althea Gibson Tennis Complex has 24 lighted hard courts, a clubhouse and restrooms. Courts are open for public play, while the City of Wilmington offers recreational programs throughout the year, and the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association uses the courts for tournaments and league play.

Cape Fear Regional Soccer Complex Soccer, lacrosse, running

This soccer complex offers seven full-sized soccer fields for challenge and classic soccer leagues, adult leagues and other soccer tournaments. Home to the Cape Fear Soccer Club, this complex also offers the opportunity for other events such as lacrosse and running races.

Legion Sports Complex Football, soccer, baseball, tennis

With more than four acres of paved parking,

this great complex includes Legion Stadium/ Jurgenson-Gabriel Field (which hosts football and soccer matches on artificial turf), the Legion Back Field, Buck Hardee Field (baseball), four lit tennis court and the Robert Shipp Pool.

Olsen Park Baseball, softball

This city park has five lighted baseball/softball fields along with concession stands and a picnic shelter. It is used to host regional and state athletic tournaments.

Long Leaf Park Baseball, tennis, sand volleyball, basketball, equestrian

Located in central New Hanover County, Long Leaf Park includes four Little League baseball fields with lights, four lighted tennis courts, a sand volleyball court and a full-sized basketball court with lights.

Wilmington Convention Center Cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, badminton, volleyball, eSports

The Wilmington Convention Center is the largest convention center on the North Carolina coast and can host sports events for up to 2,000 people. The convention center has a 30,000-square-foot exhibit hall, 12,000-square-foot ballroom, 5,784-squarefeet of meeting space, 15,000-square-feet of pre-function space, ticket office, concessions and an attached parking deck.

Ogden Park Tennis, baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, football, skating

Enjoy the outdoor experience provided at Ogden Park, which features three picnic shelters, restrooms, a playground, an off-leash dog park and more. Tournament planners will enjoy nine tennis courts, three baseball fields, one softball field, a full-size basketball court, three soccer/football fields and a youth football stadium, which are all equipped with lights.

WILMINGTON AND BEACHES CVB John Sneed, CSHP Vice President of Sales and Services 910-332-8757 JSneed@wilmingtonandbeaches.com SportsWilmington.com POPULAR ACTIVITIES ▶Step back in time when you get onboard the Battleship NORTH

CAROLINA, a WWII-era vessel that faced fierce combat in the

Pacific Theater.

▶Climb along the Adventure

Reef, witness an albino alligator, wonder at baby sea turtles or feel the smooth skin of a gliding stingray at the North Carolina

Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

▶The Jungle Rapids Family Fun

Park features water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, rock climbing, go-karts and more awesome family fun.

▶Get outdoors at Greenfield Lake

Park, where biking and walking trails, tennis courts, an outdoor amphitheater and boat and kayak rentals all await your next workout.

Bike Racers & Sand Chasers

From IRONMAN North Carolina to Carolina Cup paddle races on the World SUP Tour, Wilmington’s hosted many diverse events. Our welcoming year-round weather, breathtaking beaches and spacious riverfront are fan favorites. For planners in search of space best suited for socially-distanced sporting events, we’re here for you when the time is right.

From our venues to our walkable River District and three island beaches, consider a fresh possibility in North Carolina and at the coast.