Grants and funds targeting big sporting events and youth and amateur sports to elevate North Carolina’s position within the industry
North Carolina Grants and Funds Fuel the Future of Sports Tourism The Perfect Summer Weekend
Itinerary in North Carolina
Discover the best North Carolina has to offer and experience the state’s rich history, sporting events, and music scene
SportsNC and its winning team of partners invite you to choose North Carolina for your future sporting event. Anchored by Visit North Carolina, North Carolina Amateur Sports, and the North Carolina Sports Association, SportsNC channels the expertise of local sports commissions and authorities, chambers of commerce, and convention and visitors bureaus into helping you create tailored experiences and ensuring that every tournament, game and trip is a success.
With world-class indoor and outdoor venues, top professional and collegiate teams, and exciting vacation destinations, North Carolina builds the action from your arrival to beyond the final whistle. As your dedicated partner, we will work with you to create unforgettable events and experiences that drive attendance, interest and success for athletes, families and fans.
From amateur events to international championships, North Carolina can provide the perfect location for any sports activity. Situated in the center of the Eastern seaboard, North Carolina is an easy drive for the nearly 39 million potential event participants who live within 300 miles of our mountains, Atlantic coastline and Piedmont landscapes. With international and regional airports, extensive rail service and well-maintained highways, travel to, from and around North Carolina is fast and convenient.
For more information on the wide variety of sports-friendly communities and award-winning venues in North Carolina, please contact info@sportsnc.com.
We look forward to seeing you here soon.
Yours in Sports, The SportsNC Team www.sportsnc.com
Photo courtesy of Visit
Scan
Frisbee golf at Hyco Lake
Photo courtesy of Visit NC
Photo courtesy of Visit North Carolina
FLIP OUT.
WHETHER YOU’RE GOING FOR
or cheering in the stands, Greensboro has everything you need to succeed. We’ve got world-class facilities for swimming, tennis, basketball, and more, with luxury hotels to make sure you’re rested and ready for whatever comes next.
Fortnite Champion Series Invitational at the Raleigh Convention Center
North Carolina Grants and Funds Fuel the Future of Sports Tourism
Grants and funds targeting big sporting events and youth and amateur sports to elevate North Carolina’s position within the industry
By Christopher D. Silbernagel
North Carolina is emerging as a go-to state for sporting events and tournaments, with pro and semi-pro teams to take in and top facilities for amateur and youth competitions. To bolster this push in the sports tourism market, the state has carefully put together several grants and funds that not only aim to bring in larger tournaments to boost economic impact, but also to benefit their communities with places to play and be active.
Youth and Amateur Sports Grants
North Carolina has put together multiple opportunities for the industry’s growth. By taking a percentage of sports wagering tax revenues, which were introduced at the beginning of 2024, the State of North Carolina and North Carolina Amateur Sports established an annual youth sports grant fund to be used on sports equipment, facility upgrades and more. All 100 counties in the state receive $20,000 for the fiscal year, and then
$10,000 annually thereafter.
In addition to funding for equipment and facilities, the state is looking to assist with the number of financial difficulties that can exist for traveling teams. Out-of-state teams attending tournaments and events in North Carolina can apply for the Youth Sports Grant fund, which offers up to $5,000 for travel costs. Established by the North Carolina General Assembly and the N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission, the fund also offers up to
Photo courtesy of Greater Raleigh CVB
$25,000 to attract new sporting events and tournaments at the national, regional and state levels.
Major Events, Games and Attractions Fund
Also fueled by sports wagering, the Major Events, Games and Attractions Fund allows the N.C. Department of Revenue to collect an 18-percent tax, including 1 percent of the total wagers placed on horse race betting. North Carolina estimates that the fund will have $16.2 million collected by fiscal year 2027–28.
The idea behind this fund is not only to draw in major national and international sporting events such as the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, World Cup and other championships, which will provide the state a big boost in its tourism appeal, but amateur and youth sports and non-sporting events as well.
“We strive to be in the top five states across the United States that are identified as a true sports state, whether it’s our professional teams or amateur and youth in the sports tourism industry,” said Bonny Bernat, senior sports development manager at Visit Winston-Salem. “Wilkesboro is a great example of having done a great job bringing the NASCAR All-Star race to the home of motorsports. Accessibility to the fund will [further] help bring in more marquee events like that and establish the state at a higher level.”
The collection has been initiated, and once the application process has opened, the distribution will be an additional notch for the state’s ability to boost its travel and tourism industry. It is a creative approach to add additional means of bringing in visitors and athletes alike, one that only Pennsylvania also has in its repertoire but is sure to gain traction as success is calculated.
Esports Grants to Help the Esports Industry Move Up
With its state-of-the-art arenas and convention centers, powered by its strong fanbase, North Carolina has become a powerful hub for esports
events. To further boost esports and the state’s tourism industry as well, North Carolina offers producers financial rebates on production expenses up to 25 percent with a minimum of $150,000 spent to qualify. Officially called the N.C. Esports Industry Grant, a designated amount of $5 million is made available annually.
SportsNC, part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, manages the esports grant and works as a liaison to public and private groups across the state. Event planners interested in hosting an esports event or tournament would then also have SportsNC’s direct connections with destinations and their sports commissions to find the best facility or multiple ones to host. This will not only help event planners get
the financial boost they’re hoping for but also eliminate part of the venue selection process.
“We’ve started to invest in becoming an esports educational hub for both the game publisher and production industry and an advocate for destinations,” said Loren Gold, executive vice president of Greater Raleigh CVB, speaking on Raleigh’s particular position and success within the esports industry. “We strive to host two or three major national or international events, two to four regional events and four to eight local events and programs per year [regarding esports].”
With esports grants on the table, destinations like Raleigh can further boost their position, while others in the state will be able to look at the City of Oaks’ success story and utilize funding to elevate their own game.
Photo courtesy of Raleigh Convention Center
Esports have taken off in North Carolina.
North Carolina The Perfect Summer Weekend Itinerary in
Discover the best North Carolina has to offer and experience the state’s rich history, sporting events, and music scene
By Michael Caravette
These itineraries cover a three-day weekend trip in North Carolina. While you won’t be able to see everything in the Tar Heel State, you can certainly experience some of the
best. You’ll be sent on a road trip to explore the history of pre-Civil War America, experience the thrills of being a NASCAR driver, listen to the local music while dining on delicious food and more.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
NORTH CAROLINA
SPORTS & HISTORY
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrive in Hickory early to late afternoon. Explore the picturesque Downtown Hickory, stopping for a bite to eat in one of the local restaurants. After getting your fill, take a short drive over to the historic Henry River Mill Village. This small village, built in 1905, preserves past generations and may be recognized by film buffs as District 12 from The Hunger Games. Admission is $18 and reservations are recommended.
After a brief break, drive over to L. P. Frans Stadium and watch the Hickory Crawdads play some good oldfashioned baseball to relax.
DAY 2
The next day pack up early for Concord in Cabarrus County. This is one location you won’t want to miss out on. Live out your motorsports dreams by driving real race cars at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time. The venue also hosts many racing events and tours, perfect to fit any schedule.
After testing just how fast you can handle a car, take it easy and take a short trip over to Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society Museum. The three-story museum explores the rich history of the surrounding area, with some antiques dating back to the Civil War.
Finally, take a step into the past and test your luck at Reed Gold Mine. North Carolina was once the leader of gold production back in the 1800s. While there, you can pan for gold and learn about the history of the site where gold was first discovered in the United States.
For the baseball fan, it’s well worth trekking northwest of Concord to enjoy a game at the beautiful Atrium Health Ballpark, home of the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers.
DAY 3
On the final day, pack your bags and hit the road for the Pinehurst-Southern Pines area, the home of American golf. A late morning tee time at one of the nearly 40 courses will allow you to settle in without feeling rushed. Plan ahead in case your chosen course comes with a lodging requirement, as is the case with Pinehurst Resort's No. 2 course. Beyond the action on the greens, a visit to the USGA's Golf House Pinehurst and the World Golf Hall of Fame adds to the destination experience.
Afterwards, visit the Weymouth Center for The Arts & Humanities which has conserved 100 years of art, literature and music.
NORTH CAROLINA
SPORTS & MUSIC
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrive for the start of your trip in Greenville, The Emerald City, early to late afternoon. Explore the beautiful town, visiting sites like the contemporary Greenville Mall or River Park North for a luscious stroll through nature.
As the day slowly turns to night, head over to Guy Smith Stadium to watch the Greenville Yard Gnomes baseball team of the Coastal Plain League. The stadium was renovated in 2024 for the collegiate summer team, featuring new seats, concessions and more.
After an exciting game, make your way to Native Fine Diner for beautifully crafted dishes and great drinks, with a menu that has something for everyone’s unique tastes.
DAY 2
Before leaving Greenville, support some local businesses such as Alley Cat Records or Uptown Brewing Company. There’s always something exciting and new to discover. Afterwards, start making your way to Raleigh, NC, but along the way be sure to pass through Rocky Mount for some food and live music at The Prime Smokehouse.
As you continue into Raleigh stop by The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop for a classic record shop experience. They also host live music at night from regional and touring artists. But the main event is at WakeMed Soccer Park where you can watch North Carolina FC battle it out on the field. This stadium is a must visit, especially for anyone who has never attended a soccer game before.
DAY 3
For the final day, pull into Greensboro in the late afternoon and arrive at First National Bank Field. Settle down for a tailgate or get some delicious food inside before watching the famous Greensboro Grasshoppers play America’s pastime.
Afterwards, take a short trip over to Winston-Salem for some live music at one of the many theaters, bars, and restaurants. May we suggest The Ramkat, an iconic venue that brings a mix of a classic art scene with contemporary style. With cocktails available on the second floor and live music on the first, it’s the best way to end the evening.
Prior to leaving the next day, take some time to explore the city, such as visiting the legendary Bowman Gray Stadium for some NASCAR history.
HICKORY, NORTH CAROLINA
Hickory, NC is conveniently located off Interstate 40, which connects Knoxville to the west with Raleigh to the east. Immerse yourself in the interactive opportunities presented at the SALT Block, which encompasses an entire city block filled with Science, Arts & Literature Together. Experience City Walk that connects shops, restaurants, and Lenoir-Rhyne University and runs through Downtown Hickory. Downtown Hickory is walkable and sits right along the newly added City Walk, which includes over 10 miles of pedestrian-friendly trail that traverses Hickory from Lenoir-Rhyne University to Lake Hickory and the River Walk. Bakers Mountain Trails features 189 acres of mature Chestnut Oak forest and nearly six miles of trails. The Hickory Crawdads are a Minor League Baseball team that has called Hickory home since 1993. The ‘Dads are the Texas Rangers’ High A affiliate and play their home games at L. P. Frans Stadium. Known as the furniture capital of the world, more than 500,000 visitors travel to Hickory Furniture Mart each year to find out why. Hickory Furniture Mart offers the highest quality of furniture designed by some of the most respected craftsmen in the industry.
HICKORY METRO CONVENTION CENTER
Multipurpose Indoor
The Hickory Metro Convention Center is newly renovated and expanded (adding over 46,000 square feet). The new space includes 35,000 feet of space for cheer, dance, eight volleyball courts, four basketball courts, or 12 pickleball courts. With over 136,000 square feet, this multisport complex can also host martial arts, fencing, wrestling, and more.
HENRY FORK REGIONAL RECREATION PARK
Soccer, Lacrosse, Flag Football
With 12 fields (some turf and some grass), an 8,000-square-foot picnic shelter, picnic tables and grills, an alpine tower ropes course, two playgrounds, a concession stand, walking trail, canoe launch and horseshoe pits, this multiuse park is ideal for soccer, lacrosse, rugby and other sports.
ROCK BARN COUNTRY CLUB & SPA Golf, Tennis
With a foundation tracing back to the early 19th century, this gorgeous country club has a storied history, one which grew to include golf in 1966 when it added The Rock Barn Club of Golf to its grounds. Today the club features two championship 18-hole golf courses which have yielded praise from Golf Digest and were designed by Robert Trent Jones.
Photo courtesy of Chad Austin, Inc.
HIGHLAND
RECREATION CENTER & STANFORD PARK
Fitness, Softball
Highland Recreation Center offers recreational opportunities for all ages and interests. The facility features a Gymnasium with 2 full basketball or volleyball courts or 4 pickleball courts, Fitness Center, Aerobics Studio, Community Room and Game Room. Just outside in Stanford Park, there are 2 playgrounds, a picnic shelter and 3 Softball fields.
LENOIR-RHYNE UNIVERSITY
SPORTS COMPLEX
Football, Soccer, Baseball, Softball Home to the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears of the SAC, Lenoir-Rhyne is dedicated to providing the best student-athlete experience in all of NCAA Division II and that experience starts with state-of-theart facilities. Lenoir-Rhyne announced the opening of the Moretz Sports Athletic Campus and is one of the few Division II schools to designate and name an athletic campus.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“Everybody loves it here, it’s beautiful. It (Lake Hickory) is the perfect size for a competition such as this one. It offers a variety of fishing experiences depending on how the anglers prefer to fish.”
— Secret York, Co-founder of
VISIT HICKORY
Sarah Jones sarah@hickorymetro.com (828) 322-1335 www.visithickorync.com
LBAA
Downtown Hickory
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA
You’re Welcome in Tournament Town – Greensboro, North Carolina – where sports legends are born. Greensboro’s state-of-the-art venues transform every event into an unforgettable experience. Experience the International Civil Rights Center & Museum at the site of the former F.W. Woolworth’s store, where on February 1, 1960, four students from NC A&T State University staged a lunch counter sit-in, igniting the modern-day Civil Rights Movement. Part museum, part zoo, and part aquarium, the Greensboro Science Center is the perfect place to spend the day with your family. The site also includes the SKYWILD Treetop Adventure ropes course, a zip line, and the Rotary Club of Greensboro Carousel. The Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum offers more than 20 indoor and outdoor hands-on exhibits, including the Edible Schoolyard teaching garden and two 30-foot-tall Neptune XXL Climbers. Children can explore, pretend and create.
GREENSBORO
COLISEUM COMPLEX
Basketball, Gymnastics, Figure Skating, Wrestling Volleyball, Roller Derby, Football
The Greensboro Coliseum Complex is comprised of nine venues that can host nearly any sporting event. The main staple, the Greensboro Coliseum, can seat anywhere from 4,500 – 22,000 people and has hosted NCAA and ACC Men’s and Women’s basketball tournaments.
Center
GREENSBORO AQUATIC CENTER
Swimming, Synchronized Swimming, Diving, and Water Polo
The Greensboro Aquatic Center is the largest indoor facility of its kind in the United States. The 105,323-square-foot facility houses four pools and seven diving spring boards and platforms. Its versatility offers Greensboro the opportunity to host high school and collegiate events and USA Swimming meets.
TRUIST STADIUM AT
NC
A&T STATE UNIVERSITY Track and Field, Javelin, Shot Put, Discus Throwing Areas
An IAAF-certified track, the Marcus T. Johnson Track at Truist Stadium at NC A&T State University is one of the country’s premier track and field facilities. Home to the NC A&T State University Aggies, the stadium can seat 23,000 spectators. It is a Mondo Super X Performance track with eight lanes as well as javelin and discus throwing areas.
BRYAN PARK TRUIST SOCCER COMPLEX Soccer
The Bryan Park Truist Soccer Complex includes 21 soccer fields, 20 full-sized and one designated 9v9. Of those fields, 19 are Bermuda grass and two have artificial turf. 11 fields have lights. Home of the NC Fusion – East, MacPherson Stadium is the crown jewel of the complex with a Europeanstyle roof, seating for 3,000, a press box, concessions, and parking for more than 1,900.
Greensboro Aquatic
GREENSBORO SPORTSPLEX
Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Hockey
The Greensboro Sportsplex is a 106,000-square-foot multi-sports facility featuring suspended hardwood floors on eight basketball and volleyball courts, four state-of-the-art indoor soccer fields, an inline roller hockey rink, a concession stand, and locker rooms.
J. SPENCER LOVE
TENNIS CENTER Tennis
The Spencer Love Tennis Center consists of 18 courts and five 10 & under tennis courts. A public/ private partnership will add an additional 12 courts, a new multipurpose athletic field, new parking, and a shelter with additional restrooms.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“As an officer with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and a longtime event host, I absolutely endorse Greensboro, North Carolina and Visit Greensboro, your choice for event operations and support. I have been hosting events in Greensboro for over a decade, and I found the facilities, the people, and the passion to be world class. My partners at Visit Greensboro have gone out of their way to ensure all of our events have been successful.
Over the years, AAU events have brought to the Greensboro area well in excess of $100 million in economic impact in the past decade. This would not have been possible without the insight, creativity, and vision of the hard-working teammates at Visit Greensboro.”
— Sean Kilmartin, Treasurer, Amateur Athletic Union
From National Beach Wrestling and USA Weightlifting to soccer and cheer competitions, Wilmington and its island beaches have hosted many diverse events filled with good times and record-breaking participation. Our welcoming year-round weather, breathtaking beaches and bustling riverfront are fan favorites. There’s something for every athlete and outdoor enthusiast here to turn ordinary sporting events into memorable, transformative experiences. Our distinctive venues and facilities are suited for sporting events of all kinds – especially youth and amateur events.
ALTHEA GIBSON
TENNIS COMPLEX AT EMPIRE PARK Tennis
The Althea Gibson Tennis Center has 24 lighted hard courts, a clubhouse and restrooms. The clubhouse has a concession stand and takes reservations for a nominal fee. The City of Wilmington offers recreational programs throughout the year and the venue hosts tournaments and league play year-round.
NCINO SPORTS PARK
Soccer, Lacrosse, Running
Offering 11 full-size soccer fields for challenge and classic soccer leagues, adult leagues and other soccer tournaments, the newly renovated nCino Sports Park is home to the Wilmington Hammerheads Youth FC. This complex also offers the opportunity for other events such as lacrosse and other sporting events.
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.
WILMINGTON CONVENTION CENTER
Cheerleading, Dance, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Badminton, Volleyball, Wrestling
The Wilmington Convention Center, the only convention center on the North Carolina coast, offers an ideal sportscentric atmosphere for sporting events up to 2,200 attendees. The convention center has 107,000 square feet of adaptable space, in addition to concessions and an attached parking garage.
OLSEN PARK
Baseball, Softball
This city park has five lighted baseball/softball fields, along with concession stands, a picnic shelter and a volleyball court. It is used to host regional and state athletic tournaments.
OGDEN PARK
Baseball, Football, Soccer, Tennis, Skateboarding
This park features nine tennis courts, three baseball fields, one softball field, a full-size basketball court, three soccer/football fields and a youth football stadium, all equipped with lights. In addition, enjoy the stateof-the-art 10,000 sq. foot concrete skate park equipped with a skate bowl, rails and steps and street features.
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.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“Wilmington, NC and Island Beaches is growing, and so is the attraction to attend events on the Atlantic Ocean, in Historic Downtown Wilmington on the Cape Fear River and at the nearby beaches.”
-Tom Clifford, Without Limits CEO (Wilmington NC Marathon; Battleship Half Marathon, 10K & 5K)
Only one sports destination offers the quintessential Carolina Coastal Experience. Waterside marathon runs. Largest tennis facility in coastal North Carolina. Diverse venues and events held in our historic riverfront town and island beaches, plus good weather year-round. Authentic, refreshing, energizing and rewarding – everything you need to host a memorable sports event all in one place.
GREATER FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Conveniently located in the Sandhills in the western part of the Coastal Plain region, Fayetteville is a vibrant town known for incredible attractions and opportunities for outdoor adventure. From historic sites like the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum to high-flying journeys at ZipQuest, this Tar Heel State gem offers plenty of options for fun —and its state-of-the-art sports complexes make it the perfect destination for hosting events. Whether you are a sports enthusiast, adventure seeker, or lover of military history, Fayetteville has something for you. A visit to Segra Stadium to watch the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, the Houston Astros’ Low-A affiliate, is a necessity for baseball fans. This modern stadium provides an intimate, familyfriendly atmosphere where fans can enjoy thrilling games and experience the excitement of Minor League Baseball. Beyond sports, Fayetteville is home to the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum, where visitors can explore the rich history and heroism of some of the U.S. military’s most courageous forces through interactive exhibits and immersive displays. Those seeking an adrenaline rush should head over to ZipQuest Waterfall & Treetop Adventure, which features one of the most exceptional zipline experiences in the United States, with eight exhilarating zips that take you soaring over lush landscapes and stunning waterfalls. Nature lovers will likewise appreciate the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, a 77-acre oasis with scenic walking trails.
CROWN COMPLEX
Indoor Football, Basketball, Soccer, Hockey, Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Wrestling
This top-of-the-line arena is versatile and wildly popular, catering annually to a variety of sports and entertainment events. It is a five-venue complex with 105,000 square feet of multi-purpose space, including a 10,000-seat coliseum, a renovated 4,500-seat vintage arena, a 2,400-seat intimate theatre, a 60,000-square-foot adaptable expo center, and a 9,000-square-foot ballroom. The logical question: What can’t be done in this sprawling event space?
Need field space? This facility has 1.5 acres of it and also has plenty of space for spectators to watch the games. Need a flexible venue that soccer, flag football, and lacrosse fans will appreciate? The Jordan Soccer Complex is your best option, with its eight fields and reputation as one of the finest facilities in the South. Coaches and athletes love Jordan, which is adjacent to Methodist University, features highquality grass fields, and has all the necessary elements for a successful sports tournament.
Freedom Courts Sportsplex is a premier attraction in Fayetteville designed primarily for basketball, volleyball, and other court sports. Featuring multiple full-size courts, the sportsplex is ideal for hosting tournaments, leagues, and practices. It is equipped with high-quality flooring, 34-foot ceilings, showers, and ample seating, ensuring a top-notch experience for athletes and spectators alike.
Segra Stadium
WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA
If exceptional venues were a competition, WinstonSalem would take the gold. Pristine college facilities, North Carolina’s only fully-dedicated indoor track & field facility, a 150,000-square-foot downtown convention center, and the region’s largest multi-sport complex are all part of the winning team in the Greater Winston-Salem area. Athletes and sports planners can count on top-tier venues perfectly suited for year-round sporting events, from youth and amateur to professional tournaments and competitions. Visit Winston-Salem offers expert planning support, including venue selection, team lodging, group dining, and more. Centrally located in North Carolina, the mild climate makes it a year-round destination for sports of every season.
JDL FAST TRACK
Indoor Track & Field
This premium 105,000-square-foot facility is no stranger to prestige. Sporting a 200-meter oval track made of Mondotrack FTX surfaces, this complex has held multiple national championships since opening in 2012. Teams also have access to a 100-meter training track and an athletic trainer room. Hospitality suites are ideal for game day officials and coaches.
Newly opened in 2021, RISE Indoor Sports is home to more than 123,000 square feet of flexible, programmable space including eight high school regulation basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts, 28,000 square feet of sports indoor turf, performance and fitness training center, 6,000 square feet of fitness and cardio space.
TRUIST STADIUM Baseball
Truist Stadium is host to the Winston-Salem Dash, a Class-A advanced minor league affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. This downtown ballpark features 5,500 stadium-style seats, 16 luxurious suites on the Club Level, three concession stations, and a 200-foot LED outfield wall scoreboard with video and animation capabilities.
TRUIST SPORTS PARK
Lacrosse, Soccer, Field Hockey
Truist Sports Park boasts 15 full-sized fields (14 lighted), including four artificial turf (450,000 total square feet) and 11 with Bermuda grass. The field house provides concessions, office facilities and a multi-purpose meeting room with multi-media, audiovisual and seating for 120. Spectators enjoy elevated viewing areas, including the 1,400-seat stadium field.
WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY
TENNIS COMPLEX
Tennis, Pickleball
Built as the home to the Wake Forest men’s and women’s tennis teams along with the ATP’s WinstonSalem Open, the Wake Forest Tennis Center opened in the summer of 2011 as one of the finest facilities in all of college tennis. The state-of-the-art complex features 13 DecoTurf II courts, the same court surface that is used at the US Open.
This complex encompass a roughly 70-acre property minutes from downtown. This multi-purpose complex features over 55,000 square feet of programmable event space, including a 4,000-seat arena at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena and Event Center, home to the Carolina Thunderbirds.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“USTA North Carolina has been blessed to work with Bonny Bernat and the Visit Winston-Salem team. The organization brings forth so many opportunities for us to bring events to Winston-Salem. Bonny is a leader in her field and does a wonderful job for the client allowing us to run the best event possible.”
Bonny Bernat, Senior Sports Development Manager
336-728-4215
bonny@visitwinstonsalem.com
www.visitwinstonsalem.com/sports
— Kelly Gaines, Executive Director. USTA North Carolina and NC Tennis Foundation
Bailey South, Winston-Salem
GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Greenville is widely recognized as the thriving cultural, educational, economic, and medical hub of Eastern North Carolina. Enjoy world-class events and East Carolina University and the Greenville Convention Center. Experience its vibrant art, live music, and culinary scene in the Downtown Greenville and Dickinson Avenue Districts Wildwood Park, a 364-acre park located minutes from Downtown Greenville, is one of the best places to enjoy the outdoors in Pitt County. There are a variety of things to do, from kayaking in the lake and on the Tar River, exploring the trails, or taking a lap around the BMX pump track or mountain bike trails. Sawyer’s Fun Park is the place for kids in Greenville! Kids of all ages can enjoy their trampoline park, laser tag arena, and arcade. Spend your day trying your hand at trampoline dodgeball and basketball.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“We are proud to host the Little League Softball® World Series in Greenville, North Carolina. We bring people from all over the world to celebrate the beautiful game of softball and this allows all those participants and their families to enjoy what Greenville truly has to offer.”
— Ashlea Miller, Director of Softball Development, Little League International
PLAY GREENVILLE, NC
SPORTS
Ce’Nedra Dillard, STS Director of Sports Development
Just 10 minutes from the East Carolina University campus, you’ll find a selection of versatile playing fields, all surrounding a quaint lake that makes for the perfect backdrop to any event. The North Recreational Complex features eight multipurpose fields including one championship field, along with walking and jogging trails. This is the perfect setting for cross-country.
East Carolina University’s facilities are state-of-theart and home to some exceptional collegiate talent. These same venues are also available for tournaments, meets, competitions, and other events that sports planners are putting together throughout the year. Check out the 50,000-seat, fully lit Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, home to the Pirates’ football team.
GREENVILLE CONVENTION CENTER
Martial Arts, Gymnastics, Dance, Cheer, Cornhole
Situated on 32 sprawling acres, the Greenville Convention Center Campus features over 91,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space, including a 57,000-squarefoot convention center with 28-foot-high ceilings. Three on-site premiere hotels offer over 400 rooms, two restaurants and bars, indoor and outdoor pools, ample parking, on-site catering, and much more.
STALLINGS STADIUM
Baseball,
Softball
Greenville has a strong connection to baseball, and in particular, Little League. Stallings Stadium at Elm Street Park is a premier choice when planning an event in the region, and played host to the Little League Softball® World Series in 2021 for the first time and looks forward to being its new home through at least 2027! The stadium is also the permanent home to the Greenville Little League’s City Championship Series, and could be the site of your next big event!
Greenville, North Carolina
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
Greater Raleigh is your ultimate sports destination, offering premier venues and a dynamic atmosphere. From hosting top-tier tournaments to welcoming passionate fans, this destination is built for champions. Explore Raleigh’s world-class venues, vibrant sports culture and unbeatable energy that make it the perfect place for athletes and spectators alike. Whether you’re here to compete or cheer, Raleigh guarantees a winning experience every time.
“I cannot adequately express how welcomed, supported and appreciated we feel by you and your entire organization. The GRSA is a model sports-directed civic support organization. Your love of our wonderful city and commitment to its success and future development is evident in all that you do. Both the City of Oaks Challenge and MAPL Raleigh were tremendously successful.”
– Sherry Fadool, Executive Director, Triangle Volleyball Club
2023
TRIANGLE AQUATIC CENTER
Swimming, Fitness
The TAC is a state-of-the-art facility in Cary, N.C. The TAC is a premier aquatics facility that provides a wide range of aquatic programs and services. The facility boasts a 50-meter Olympic-sized competition pool, which can be configured for various events and swim meets. It also features a warm-water instructional pool and a therapy pool. These pools cater to a diverse range of activities, including swim lessons and competitive
WRAL SOCCER PARK Soccer and Lacrosse
Home to 22 soccer fields, including 14 grass fields, eight full-sized turf fields, three restroom shelters, a clubhouse and an indoor fitness center, this 122-acre soccer park is one of the best soccer facilities in the South. The park, located in Raleigh, N.C., serves as a hub for soccer enthusiasts and hosts a variety of soccer events, tournaments and games throughout the year. The average field dimensions are 110 x 65 yards, and the fields are lined for soccer and lacrosse.
WAKEMED SOCCER PARK Soccer
WakeMed Soccer Park is a premier sports facility in Cary, N.C. It is one of the largest soccer-specific stadiums in the Southeast and serves as the home stadium for North Carolina Football Club. The park features a main stadium with a seating capacity of approx. 10,000 and boasts a natural grass playing surface and excellent amenities, including concession stands, restrooms and ample parking.
RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER
Sporting Events and Esports Events
The Raleigh Convention Center is a versatile event venue located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, N.C. Spanning over 500,000 square feet, the center offers ample space for a wide range of events, including conferences, conventions, trade shows, exhibitions and meetings. The center features a variety of flexible meeting rooms and exhibit halls that can accommodate gatherings of all sizes.
NHL Stadium Series, Carter–Finley Stadium
PINEHURST, NORTH CAROLINA
Most visitors’ first stop in this sparkling region in North Carolina is the World Golf Hall of Fame, which has returned to its original home in Pinehurst. It is a hotbed for golf history—including artifacts, biographies, and endless information about the beautiful game—and presents the perfect option for golf fans to learn and enjoy. Another top attraction is Tufts Archives, located within the Given Library across from the Holly Inn. The Tufts collection houses original maps of Donald Ross’s course designs, photos of Pinehurst Village in its earliest days, and so much more. One display includes James W. Tufts’ marble and silver 19th century soda fountain, alongside more than 125,000 historic photographs of the area. Old-school gamers will appreciate Rec Room Arcade, which boasts arcade games like PacMan, Galaga, and Donkey Kong.
“The Pinehurst area of North Carolina has hosted the U.S. Kids World Championship for nearly 20 years and it is the perfect destination to for this event that welcomes more than 2,000 of the best junior players in the world from every state and more than four dozen countries.”
– Dan Van Horn, President/ Founder, U.S. Kids Golf
We host the world for the U.S. Open and U.S. Kids Golf World Championships. But we are more than just golf. Learn more about planning your sports event in the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area of North Carolina. HomeofGolf.com/sports-tourism • 800.346.5362 • info@homeofgolf.com
Located in Carthage, the Moore County Sports Complex is a Tar Heel State treasure and one of the premier athletic facilities in the South, offering a versatile environment for athletes and sports enthusiasts. The complex features four baseball and softball fields, which are well-maintained and designed to accommodate tournaments and local leagues.
ABERDEEN RANSDELL SPORTSPLEX
Soccer, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Flag Football
The Aberdeen Ransdell Sportsplex is a premier sports facility that offers state-of-theart amenities in a welcoming environment. The complex boasts spacious indoor courts, ideal for basketball, volleyball, and other court sports, as well as an expansive outdoor field for soccer and other field sports. With its modern design, top-notch facilities, and 250 parking spaces, the Sportsplex caters to athletes of all ages and skill levels.
NATIONAL ATHLETIC VILLAGE
Soccer, Lacrosse, Field Hockey, Adventure Sports
This Southern Pines attraction is a unique sports destination that blends traditional and adventure sports. Spanning over 70 acres, it is a popular facility that offers a wide range of activities, including soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey on professional-grade fields. What sets it apart is the inclusion of obstacle courses, trails, and a fitness area designed for outdoor enthusiasts.
MORGANTON ROAD
SPORTS COMPLEX
Soccer,
Baseball
The pride of Southern Pines’ Parks and Recreation Department, the Morganton Road Sports Complex is made up of the Armory softball/ baseball field, the Optimist baseball field, and four soccer fields. Amenities include restrooms, concession stands, and plenty of spectator seating and parking. The playground and fields and are open dawn to dusk, while fields with lights are open until midnight.
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CABARRUS COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
Just minutes northeast of Charlotte, Cabarrus County is home to many experienced hosts and venues for traditional and non-traditional sporting events. The area offers top-of-the-line indoor and outdoor venues for competitions of all kinds including several turf fields, state-of-the-art MONDO track and field facility, 5,000-seat arena, downtown baseball stadium and more.
Accommodations with a wide range of amenities and price points are available within minutes of the area’s outstanding venues. Choose from over 3,000 rooms at 30 hotels, including Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park resort, where hospitality experts work to ensure a seamless experience for all.
Before or after events, groups can explore everything from thrilling adventures to relaxed local shopping and dining in charming downtowns with attractions such as Charlotte Motor Speedway, NC Music Hall of Fame, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and the state’s largest outlet and value retail shopping center, Concord Mills
The Cabarrus County CVB provides a dedicated services team that works to connect community partners and planners to successfully service events. Home to Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA), the destination is situated along I-85 with easy access to Charlotte Airport (CLT).
JAY M. ROBINSON MONDO TRACK & FIELD FACILITY
Track & Field
Featuring a turf field, as well as a MONDO Super X 720 Track and Field surface, the recommended surface of the World Athletics and Paralympics. The facility has a 400-meter equal quadrant design. It can host eight 42” lanes with 6’ of surface outside, and is able to run 100m, 200m and 4 x 100m in both directions. Permanent restrooms, concession stands, a field house and Wi-Fi.
CABARRUS ARENA & EVENTS CENTER
Consumer Shows, Sporting Events Cabarrus Arena & Events Center in Concord is one of the best places to host events in the county. This huge arena can host weddings, banquets, business meetings, the Cabarrus county fair, and plenty of shows and exhibitions. The facility has more than 150,000 square feet, 2.500 parking spots and hosts more than 150 events on nearly 300 event days each year.
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“This is Mid-South Pop Warner 4th year working with Cabarrus County Visitors’ Bureau and the service has been nothing less than spectacular! The customer service and facilities are outstanding, This team has been a complete joy to work with!”
EXPLORE CABARRUS COUNTY NC
Paul Sheehan
paulsheehan@ explorecabarrus.com (704) 575-3738
ExploreCabarrus.com/Sports
WEST CABARRUS TURF COMPLEX
Brand New and Game-Day Ready Home to three new turf fields including one stadium and two practice fields. Ready for competition, all fields feature T°Cool® evaporative cooling technology and are equipped with lights. These versatile fields are lined for soccer, football, and tic-marked for lacrosse. With three additional stadium fields, Cabarrus County offers a total of six turf fields. All include the same features and are located near each other as well as top attractions and hotels.
- Jeff Bolden, Sr., Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc., Mid-South Region Director
By Jon Schmieder
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jon Schmieder is the Founder of the Huddle Up Group LLC, a sports industry consulting company led by award-winning executives. Schmieder has 28 years of experience in leading sports tourism and events organizations through strategic growth and increased community collaboration. The Huddle Up Group has worked with more than 450 sports organizations and destinations since its founding in 2012. In 2017 the Huddle Up Group was given the Superior Service Award, the highest honor a consulting firm can earn from the National Association of Sports Commissions. We can be reached at Jon@ HuddleUpGroup.com or 602.369.6955. To receive the weekly “Monday Huddle Up” visit www.HuddleUpGroup. com or sign up at www. tinyletter.com/JonSchmieder.
10 EMERGING FORCES
Shaping a Milestone Year Ahead
This year marks the 10th edition of our annual Sports Planning Guide trends article. So, we brought our “A” game this year to celebrate such a grand milestone. Let’s get right to it! Here are the 10 sports tourism and events trends we are following as we launch into the new year.
1
Statewide Alignment – Our team at Huddle Up Group (HUG) has seen a lot more intentional involvement in sports tourism from the state level across the country. There is a lot more strategic thought and political influence than in the past. Seems like state tourism leaders have figured out that a majority of those they serve (DMOs and CVBs) count sports tourism as their top priority. Good to see the higher ups leaning into our industry.
2
National Leadership – One year into the role as the leader of our national sports tourism association, John David is coming up aces. His vision and engagement of people and organizations across our industry has made for a stronger SportsETA and has set the table for longterm success. It’s no secret that John and I have been friends for a long time. That said, his energy is contagious and his team has exceeded even my wildest expectations. We believe that even greater things are to come.
3
Transitions – There are a lot of great sports tourism leaders that are nearing the end of their careers. A few have retired recently and there will likely be more to come soon. Given the migration of these historically important figures to our industry, we will be looking to see how each of their organizations transitions into their next iteration as these leaders phase out.
4
Facility Development – There are new and creative funding models out there today that have historically not been available in our industry. Those that are leaning into these mechanisms are delivering tourism driving facilities faster and more effectively than those that use traditional voter-approved bonding mechanisms.
5
The Portal – As the NCAA recently announced their future event sites, what will the destinations that don’t fare well do for future business? The tea leaves say the NCAA portal is also about to change, which is worth monitoring in 2025 and beyond.
6
“Favored Nation Status” – Those that have worked with our team have this term ingrained in their brains. If you are a tourism driving entity and can’t get access to college or high school or parks venues, there are ways for you to move your way up the food chain. We are experiencing a larger number of intentional partnerships revolving around using tourism dollars for facility development, usually between a CVB/DMO and a parks district or academic institution (athletics).
7
External Partnerships – If you are a small CVB and you want to build your sports presence without adding headcount, a few solutions have popped up this past year. Airstream Ventures out of Jacksonville has been the lead in this space. If you don’t want to add head count with payroll and benefit costs, a third party may be a good option to handle your business development (sales) and event execution needs.
The last three are carryovers from last year…
8
Overflow – Our country is about to host two of the largest events the world has to offer (World Cup and the Olympics). You may say, “Our destination isn’t in the mega events game.” However, the spillover of these major events offers opportunities for international visitation for communities both large and small. What is your destination doing to be part of these legacy events?
9
Data – There has never been more research and data specific to the sports tourism industry than there is today. Those that lean into it will be able to make intentional and intelligent decisions on where they invest their time and money. What sources are you using in your sector of our industry? If the answer is “nothing” let’s rethink things.
10
Highest
Best Use – The three biggest parks/city trends we see across the country on the facility side are: (1) get pools off our books, (2) get golf courses off our books, and (3) convert tennis courts to pickleball. The theme here is what is our highest and best use of the real estate and facilities we have?
