NORTH CAROLINA GUIDE Tar Heel State Is an Esports Leader NC Is Filled With Arenas and Venues Perfect for Esports Events - Premier Travel Media
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2021 NORTH CAROLINA GUIDE
Tar Heel State Is an
Esports Leader
NC Is Filled With Arenas
and Venues Perfect for
Esports Events
An Outdoor Utopia
National Forests Abound
With Recreational
Opportunities
A Premier Travel Media publication
www.SportsPlanningGuide.com
NC 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 Dry Falls, a 65-foot waterfall in the
and around North Carolina is fast and convenient. Nantahala National Forest, just
northwest of Highlands, NC
For more information on the wide variety of sports-friendly Photo courtesy of Visit North Carolina
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
https://www.sportsnc.com
Croatan National Forest
Havelock Trail Over Water
Photo courtesy of Visit NC
2 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
NORTH CAROLINA
4 Home to Top Esports Competitions
6 Excellent National Forests
©iStock.com/bgblue
SI
8 Wilmington 18 Greensboro
10 Mooresville 20 Greenville-Pitt County
11 Cabarrus County 22 Hickory
12 Mecklenburg County
ON THE COVER:
14 Nash County Climbing the Looking Glass Rock in
Site InSpections 16 Haywood County
Pisgah National Forest
Photo courtesy of Meredith Travel Marketing
Disc Golf Competition at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Photo courtesy of NC Amateur Sports
SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 3
NORTH CAROLINA IS A LEADER IN
Bojangles
Photo courtesy of Visit Charlotte
Entertainment
ESPORTS
Complex
COMPETITIONS
State is filled with arenas and venues that are
perfect for hosting esports events
W
By Jason Paha
ith the Covid-19 pandemic forcing society to alter its
traditional ways of operating, SportsNC members are
getting creative with their venues.
From dodgeball on an ice rink to disc golf in minor
league baseball parks, North Carolina’s venues are being utilized
like never before.
One nontraditional sport the Tar Heel State is embracing is esports,
as more than a dozen North Carolina universities, colleges and
communities now feature esports clubs. Along those lines, multiple
North Carolina venues that were built for more classic sporting events
have opened for esports tournament competition in recent years.
Here are some of those:
RALEIGH MAJOR SIX TOURNAMENT
Last held in 2019, the Raleigh Major Six Tournament took place
at the Raleigh Convention Center. The largest Rainbow Six esports
event, this tournament gathered 16 of the best Rainbow Six teams
from around the world to compete for a prize pool of $500,000.
The event was so popular, VIP and general admission tickets for
the six-day competition were sold out.
The tournament, which is comprised of competitors playing
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, a game featuring an online
community of more than 40 million registered players, was the
direct result of Raleigh’s strategic effort to put the city on the
4 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide
@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
#SportsPG
map as a premier global esports destination. With more on the lower level for athletic programs and the large, flat
than a dozen developers and programmers in the region, space can be used for special events, performances and
nationally recognized video game design programs at meetings. The upper level features two meeting rooms with
North Carolina State and Wake Tech, the gaming industry an adjacent kitchen for catering.
in Raleigh is thriving.
The Raleigh Convention Center, located in the heart of CAROLINA GAMES SUMMIT
downtown Raleigh, is home to more than 500,000 square This hybrid festival of industry speakers, video game
feet of space including 20 versatile meeting rooms, a tournaments, product promotions, exhibition booths and
grand 32,000-square-foot ballroom, a mezzanine and a educational sessions was held in January of 2020 at the
sweeping 150,000-square-foot exhibit hall. Another Raleigh Maxwell Center in Goldsboro.
arena that may host esports events is the 19,700-seat The popular event enables fans to experience the latest
PNC Arena in west Raleigh. Home to the NHL’s Carolina games before they are released while also letting them
Hurricanes and the North Carolina State men’s basketball compete against gamers from across the country. Patrons
team, PNC Arena hosts an impressive array of major sports, enjoy their favorite platforms including arcade, computer,
concert tours and events every year. console, mobile and VR games with both tournament and
free play options available.
DBAP GAMING CHALLENGE The Maxwell Center opened in 2018 and in its first year,
Durham hosted the inaugural DBAP Gaming Challenge more than 50,000 guests attended more than 200 events.
at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The home to the Durham The center consists of two sprawling wings totaling 66,000
Bulls Triple-A minor league baseball team, the park seats square feet. Its quality rental areas include a 14,500-square-
10,000 and is considered one of the finest parks in minor foot ballroom, multiple smaller size rooms, pre-function and
league baseball. Opened in 1995, the $18.5 million ballpark post-event space in lobbies and halls and a 9,500-square-foot
features a number of unique elements, including a left outdoor courtyard.
field fence dubbed the Blue Monster, which is reminiscent
of Fenway Park’s Green Monster in Boston. CHARLOTTE ESPORTS
The park also has the distinction of being the first minor A Charlotte-based organization that provides quality
league baseball facility to host an esports tournament. The LAN tournaments and competitive teams, Charlotte
DBAP Gaming Challenge unfolded over three days and esports also hosts online tournaments, local competitive
was fueled by a community of sponsors. The challenge leagues and global esports coverage.
brought together gamers of all ages as they competed for With Charlotte angling to be the next major hub for
cash and bragging rights while playing games like Call of professional esports, and with the city being home
Duty: Infinite Warfare, Rocket League and Super Smash to facilities like Bojangles Coliseum (an 8,600-seat
Bros. The event also featured a myriad of exhibitors and multipurpose arena) and the Spectrum Center (an NBA
live music. arena that seats more than 19,000 and can be expanded
Located on the campus of North Carolina State University, to more than 20,000), Charlotte esports is poised to take
James T. Valvano Arena at William Neal Reynolds Coliseum advantage of the growing esports market.
is one of the most historic arenas in the country for college One of the teams in the Charlotte esports family, the
athletics. It recently completed a $35 million renovation and Charlotte Phoenix, are a professional esports organization
is primed to host esports competitions. that was founded in 2019. The Phoenix have competed in
several video game and pro leagues including Call of Duty,
TRIANGLE ESPORTS TOURNAMENT League of Legends and Rocket League.
This competition is a grassroots expo based out of
North Carolina’s Triangle area (Duke University in Durham, GREENSBORO PARKS AND RECREATION
the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and North TOURNAMENT
Carolina State University in Raleigh). The tournament While much of the sports world has struggled to adapt
is dedicated to creating a safe esports ecosystem while to Covid-19, the social distancing involved with esports has
helping the community by working with local gamers and helped it thrive amid the pandemic. One such example
tournament organizers. of this is the Greensboro Parks and Recreation hosted an
TEC directly benefits local communities as all proceeds esports tournament in June 2020. The NBA2K Tournament
from the events help fund digital inclusion and literacy for PlayStation and Xbox was the department’s first
efforts in North Carolina offered by local nonprofits Kramden esports tournament. Residents played at home on their
Institute and the Triangle Literacy Council. By partnering personal gaming consoles and the tourney involved
together, TLC and Kramden have helped thousands across separate competitions for ages 7-11, 12-15 and 16 and older.
the area become digitally literate, employable and equipped “It’s a current trend in parks and recreation,” said Quentin
with technology tools. Jones, Warnersville Recreation Center supervisor and
The 2020 edition of the tourney took place at the Herbert tournament planner. “We are happy to bring it here to
C. Young Community Center in Cary. This venue contains Greensboro. We hope this will be the first of many more. We
several areas for recreation programs, special events and hope we can work it out where we could do a league with
meeting rooms. The center houses a double gymnasium the recreation centers.”
SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 5
LEAFY OASES
The national forests of North Carolina abound with recreational opportunities
By Randy Mink
A
t a time when people are looking for fresh air and U.S. Highway 276, which runs for 37 miles between
elbow room, North Carolina’s national forests extend Brevard and Waynesville, is part of Forest Heritage National
the options beyond well-traveled national parks and Scenic Byway and leads to various attractions, both
seashores. Though lacking a marketing push that natural and manmade. The Cradle of Forestry in America
would propel them onto bucket lists, these vast public lands Historic Site, 14 miles north of Brevard, showcases original
reward travelers with endless opportunities for quiet walks in log buildings on the rustic campus of Biltmore Forestry
the woods, rollicking raft rides on whitewater rivers, and even School, the nation’s first such school, which was started in
panning for gold. 1898 by Carl Schenk on land owned by tycoon George W.
Pisgah, Nantahala, Uwharrie and Croatan national forests all Vanderbilt. At the Forest Discovery Center, visitors can see
beckon the adventurer eager to commune with Mother Nature. a movie about the school and birth of science-based forest
Here are brief looks at what each wilderness empire offers: management, enjoy hands-on exhibits, ride a firefighter
helicopter simulator and go “underground” to see which
PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST animals live under the forest floor.
With two tracts of land in the mountains of western North The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and Bobby N.
Carolina, Pisgah National Forest is easily accessible from Setzer State Fish Hatchery, also north of Brevard via U.S.
Asheville, Blowing Rock, Linville Falls, Grandfather Mountain 276, produces brook, rainbow and brown trout for release in
and other tourist hotspots along the Blue Ridge Parkway, some 60 local streams. Visitors strolling along the 50 large
one of America’s great scenic byways. It’s a kingdom of mile- tanks, called raceways, can observe and feed the fish. Other
high peaks, heavily forested slopes, cascading waterfalls, features include a film on wildlife conservation, wildlife
rivers for rafting and hundreds of miles of hiking trails, exhibits and aquariums with fish, amphibians and reptiles.
including part of the Appalachian Trail. Mountain biking is Looking Glass Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls
a Pisgah specialty, and several outfitters offer rentals and in North Carolina. A walkway from the parking lot leads
guided rides. down to the falls, whose name comes from Looking Glass
Photo courtesy of Visit North Carolina
Sunset Camping at Badin Lake,
Uwharrie National Forest
6 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide
@SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
#SportsPG
Rock, a huge granite monolith that glistens like a mirror, or UWHARRIE NATIONAL FOREST
looking glass, when water freezes on its side in winter. Covering more than 50,000 hilly acres in the Piedmont
Sliding Rock, also reachable via U.S. 276, is a natural region of central North Carolina, Uwharrie is one of America’s
waterslide with sheets of cold water that plunge daredevils smaller national forests. Its ecosystems are closely related to
60 feet into a seven-foot-deep pool. It’s staffed with those of the Smoky and Blue Ridge ranges to the west, but
lifeguards in summer, and personal flotation devices are the pine-forested mountains are significantly lower.
available for rent. Situated east of Charlotte and south of Greensboro, the
Pisgah National Forest surrounds 6,684-foot Mount forest is traversed by the Uwharrie, Yadkin and Pee Dee
Mitchell, the highest summit east of the Mississippi River. rivers. Outfitters such as Uwharrie Hoof & Paddle offer canoe,
The peak, part of Mount Mitchell State Park, is a five-mile kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals. The Uwharrie
drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the parking area, River, with long pools of flat water and occasional Class I and
it’s a short but steep hike (100 feet) to the top. The wilderness II whitewater rapids, is ideal for beginners. Wildlife visible
park, north of Asheville, has camping, hiking trails, picnic along the shores might include otter, deer, osprey, wild
areas, a museum and a lookout tower with stunning views. turkey and great blue heron. Badin Lake Recreation Area, on
The summit of 5,721-foot Mount Pisgah, visible for miles the western edge of the forest, has two large campgrounds
around and also close to the parkway, is a moderate-to- and water activities like swimming, fishing, boating and
strenuous climb from the parking lot. paddle boarding.
Another Pisgah National Forest crowd-pleaser is Roan Major hiking paths running through the forest include
Mountain, located 18 miles north of Bakersville. The series of the 20-mile Uwharrie National Recreational Trail and 10-mile
ridges boasts the largest naturally occurring rhododendron Dutchman’s Trail, both of which begin 10 miles west of Troy
garden in the world, a vision in bright pink come mid-June. and are somewhat strenuous. Points of interest include old
homesteads and graveyards. The short and easy Denson’s
NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST Creek Trail, a 2.3-mile loop, starts two miles east of Troy. Also
North Carolina’s largest national forest, adjacent to Great available are mountain biking and equestrian trails, plus
Smoky Mountains National Park, anchors the state’s far trails for dirt bikes, ATVs and four-wheel-drive vehicles.
southwestern corner with over 528,000 acres of protected As home to the first large gold rush in the United States,
high mountain wilderness near Cherokee and Bryson City. the area abounds with mining history, and you’ll see ruins of
Within the forest, the Nantahala River flows through a gorge old mines on today’s national forest land and in surrounding
that sees only a few hours of sun at mid-day. Nantahala is Montgomery County. Tourists enjoy panning for gold in the
Cherokee for “land of the noon-day sun.” Uwharrie River and other streams, and Uwharrie Trails General
More than a quarter-million visitors each year come to Store in Troy has the needed supplies for amateur prospectors.
go rafting or kayaking in Nantahala River Gorge, one of the
world’s premier whitewater destinations. Outfitters like CROATAN NATIONAL FOREST
Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) do guided raft adventures Located south of New Bern, the only true coastal national
on the crystal-clear river and have helped Olympians train. forest in the East consists mostly of pine and swamp
In addition, NOC operates thrilling zip line canopy tours. Also hardwoods. Bordered on three sides by coastal rivers and the
in the forest, three picturesque reservoirs are nestled among Bogue Sound, it contains saltwater estuaries, bogs, waterfowl
the mountains, offering boating, water-skiing, fishing, nesting areas and public beaches. Visitor amenities are
swimming and camping. limited, but there are 40-site campgrounds with shower
The national forest has more than 200 miles of developed buildings at Neuse River/Flanners Beach (with two miles of
hiking trails, including 52 miles of the Appalachian Trail. bike trails) and Cedar Point recreation areas.
Horseback riding and mountain biking are big as well. Alligator and osprey habitats can be seen along the White
The area claims dozens of waterfalls, including 411-foot Oak River and other waterways. Wildlife watchers also may
Whitewater Falls, the highest falls in the East. It’s accessible spot black bear, river otter, deer, bobcat, mink and the
via a steep one-mile trail from the overlook. At Glen occasional bald eagle or falcon. Croatan National Forest is
Falls, the river plunges over a 50-foot ledge, providing a home to the carnivorous Venus fly-trap, which traps insects
spectacular show. in its leaves and digests them.
Much of Nantahala National Forest can be enjoyed from The 100-mile, water-based Saltwater Adventure Trail, which
the highway. Both the Waterfall Byway and Cherohala nearly circumvents the forest, invites explorers to navigate
Skyway (a 51-mile stretch known as the “mini Blue Ridge the coastal tidelands. The forest has eight sites for launching
Parkway”) wind through hardwood forests, across mountain a motor boat, canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle board. Great
ridges and alongside river gorges. Lake, surrounded by centuries-old cypress trees, is a popular
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, near Robbinsville, preserves place to paddle, and there’s fishing for crappie, perch and
one of the largest stands of old-growth trees in the eastern bullhead. White Oak River Outfitters in Maysville rents
United States. Part of Nantahala National Forest, it is a canoes and kayaks and offers guided tours of area waters.
paradise for walkers, with trails that lead beneath giant trees, Hikers can sample the swampy wilderness on two loops
some more than 300 years old and 100 feet high. The largest of the Tideland National Recreation Trail, which features
tulip poplars exceed 20 feet in circumference and heights boardwalks and smooth gravel paths through forest and
of 100 feet. At the center of an easy two-mile trail is a plaque marsh areas. Interpretive signs tell the story of the landscape
commemorating Joyce Kilmer, a World War I hero and and how it is constantly changing. Benches along the way
author of the famous poem “Trees.” (“I think that I shall never provide rest stops. Take time to watch the herds of fiddler
see/A poem lovely as a tree…”). crabs scuttling back and forth to the water’s edge.
SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 7
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 FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Cape Fear Regional Soccer Complex
interstate artery, I-40, leads Althea Gibson Tennis Complex at Soccer, lacrosse, running
to Wilmington and Beaches, Empie Park This soccer complex offers seven full-sized
which is located halfway Tennis soccer fields for challenge and classic soccer
between New York and The Althea Gibson Tennis Complex leagues, adult leagues and other soccer
Florida. The destination is also has 24 lighted hard courts, a clubhouse tournaments. Home to the Cape Fear Soccer
served by Highways 17, 74/76, and restrooms. Courts are open for Club, this complex also offers the opportunity for
117 and 421. Interstate I-95 is public play, while the City of Wilmington other events such as lacrosse and running races.
73 miles away. offers recreational programs throughout
the year, and the Greater Wilmington Legion Sports Complex
Tennis Association uses the courts for Football, soccer, baseball, tennis
tournaments and league play. With more than four acres of paved parking,
8 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG
this great complex includes Legion Stadium/ Carolina coast and can host sports events POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Jurgenson-Gabriel Field (which hosts football for up to 2,000 people. The convention ▶ Step back in time when you get
and soccer matches on artificial turf), the center has a 30,000-square-foot exhibit hall, onboard the Battleship NORTH
Legion Back Field, Buck Hardee Field (baseball), 12,000-square-foot ballroom, 5,784-square- CAROLINA, a WWII-era vessel
four lit tennis court and the Robert Shipp Pool. feet of meeting space, 15,000-square-feet of that faced fierce combat in the
pre-function space, ticket office, concessions Pacific Theater.
Olsen Park and an attached parking deck.
Baseball, softball ▶ Climb along the Adventure
This city park has five lighted baseball/softball Ogden Park Reef, witness an albino alligator,
fields along with concession stands and a picnic Tennis, baseball, softball, basketball, wonder at baby sea turtles or
shelter. It is used to host regional and state soccer, football, skating feel the smooth skin of a gliding
athletic tournaments. Enjoy the outdoor experience provided stingray at the North Carolina
at Ogden Park, which features three picnic Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
Long Leaf Park shelters, restrooms, a playground, an off-leash
Baseball, tennis, sand volleyball, dog park and more. Tournament planners will ▶ The Jungle Rapids Family Fun
basketball, equestrian enjoy nine tennis courts, three baseball fields, Park features water slides, a wave
Located in central New Hanover County, Long one softball field, a full-size basketball court, pool, lazy river, rock climbing,
Leaf Park includes four Little League baseball three soccer/football fields and a youth football go-karts and more awesome
fields with lights, four lighted tennis courts, a stadium, which are all equipped with lights. family fun.
sand volleyball court and a full-sized basketball
court with lights. ▶ Get outdoors at Greenfield Lake
Park, where biking and walking
Wilmington Convention Center WILMINGTON AND BEACHES CVB trails, tennis courts, an outdoor
Cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, John Sneed, CSHP amphitheater and boat and
martial arts, badminton, volleyball, Vice President of Sales and Services kayak rentals all await your
eSports 910-332-8757 next workout.
The Wilmington Convention Center is JSneed@wilmingtonandbeaches.com
the largest convention center on the North SportsWilmington.com
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.
SportsWilmington.com • 800.650.9064 ext.125
SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 9
Mooresville, NC
LOCATED 25 MILES NORTH OF CHARLOTTE ON BEAUTIFUL LAKE NORMAN
WITH EXCEPTIONAL SPORTS VENUES AND ATTRACTIONS OFF THE FIELD
TO MAKE ANY EVENT ONE THEY WILL LOOK FORWARD TO EVERY YEAR
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“For 7 years now we have
partnered with Leah and her
Mazeppa Park
staff to host successful lacrosse
tournaments. In my mind
Mooresville offers a lot to families
with the restaurants, hotels, and
beauty of Lake Norman.”
— Trent Brown
Carpetbagger Lacrosse
Talbert Recreation Center
When driving, Mooresville is FACILITY SPOTLIGHT with portable pitching mounds and 300 foot
located off Interstate 77. I-85 Talbert Recreation Center fences and lights. Six full size soccer fields,
is located south of Mooresville, Basketball, wrestling, volleyball, two are artificial turf and four are grass and all
while I-40 is located north of gymnastics, martial arts six have lights. Mazeppa Park also features a
Mooresville. For those traveling This 26,000-square-foot facility offers two 5-mile mountain bike trail.
by plane, the closest major regulation basketball courts and has hosted
airport is Charlotte Douglas basketball, gymnastics, martial arts and Cornelius Road Park
International Airport. wrestling events. Softball, baseball, tennis, lacrosse, soccer
Cornelius Road Park features four baseball
Edgemoor Park and softball fields with dirt infields, portable
Tennis pitching mounds and 250 foot fences. The
POPULAR ACTIVITIES This state-of-the-art tennis facility park also contains three multipurpose fields
▶ Get in touch with your wild side offers seven lighted courts, including a for lacrosse and soccer. Six lighted tennis
at the Zootastic Park and championship court with bleachers and a courts, a disc golf course and a walking trail
Lazy 5 Ranch. hitting wall. Edgemoor also has f ree Wi-Fi, a round out this facility.
state-of-the-art playground and two shelter
▶ Fulfill your need for speed at Pit areas. Edgemoor Park has hosted numerous
Indoor Kart Racing and GoPro USTA events. VISIT MOORESVILLE
Motorplex. Leah Mitcham
Mazeppa Park Executive Director
▶ Adventure through the outdoors Baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse 704-799-2400
at Lake Norman State Park. This sports complex features a regulation- leah@visitmooresville.com
sized baseball field, three softball fields visitmooresville.com
10 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPGCabarrus County, NC
ONE OF THE TOP MOTORSPORT DESTINATIONS IN THE COUNTRY,
CABARRUS COUNTY ALSO FEATURES PLENTY OF GREAT
RESTAURANTS, VENUES AND ATTRACTIONS
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“The Team at Cabarrus County
CVB have been amazing to work
with. With each of our events
in Cabarrus County, they have
been more than helpful and
accommodating from start to
finish. Cabarrus County CVB is
among the best support team we
deal with in the country.”
— Kevin Williams
President
Frank Liske Park Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
Just outside of Charlotte is FACILITY SPOTLIGHT The facility can host large basketball and
a motorsport fan’s dream West Cabarrus Turf Complex pickleball tournaments as it features seven
destination: Cabarrus County. Brand new and game-day ready full-size basketball courts and 17 possible
The closest major airport to West Cabarrus High School Turf Complex pickleball courts.
Cabarrus County is Charlotte is home to three new turf fields including
Douglas International Airport, one stadium and two practice fields. Ready Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
which is located 20 minutes for competition, all fields feature T°Cool® Consumer shows, sporting events
southwest of the county. evaporative cooling technology and are Cabarrus Arena & Events Center in Concord
equipped with lights. These versatile fields is one of the best places to host events in the
are lined for soccer, football, and tic-marked county. This huge arena can host weddings,
POPULAR ACTIVITIES for lacrosse. With three additional stadium banquets, business meetings, the Cabarrus
▶ Cabarrus is home to the Charlotte fields, Cabarrus County offers a total of six county fair, and plenty of shows and exhibitions.
Motor Speedway and several NASCAR turf fields. All include the same features and The facility has more than 140,000 square feet
racing teams. A motorsports lovers are located near each other as well as top and hosts more than 150 events on nearly 300
paradise, the Speedway hosts multiple attractions and hotels. event days each year.
major events including the 2021
Coca-Cola 600. Carolina Courts
Basketball, volleyball, pickleball VISIT CABARRUS
▶ Concord Mills Mall is where visitors Carolina Courts is Charlotte’s premier Jarrod Rabatin
can get plenty of shopping done with basketball, volleyball and pickleball facility. 704.456.7972
a number of popular brands and stores This massive indoor facility features 48,000 jarrod@visitcabarrus.com
to choose from including Adidas, square feet of available space for various www.visitcabarrus.com
Aeropostale, Coach and Forever 21. sporting tournaments and event needs.
SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 11Mecklenburg County, NC
HOME TO A DIVERSE POPULATION OF MORE THAN 1 MILLION
RESIDENTS, THIS THRIVING COUNTY, WHICH IS HOME TO CHARLOTTE
AND ITS PRO TEAMS, IS ABLE TO HOST ANY SPORTS TOURNAMENT PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“The Sportsplex at Matthews is one
of the finest venues in the South
Region. The Sportsplex has served as
American Legion Memorial Stadium the home of the USL Championship
(Opening Spring 2021) Charlotte Independence for the past
three years. The facility, along with
their outstanding staff, is recognized
across the USL as one of the best
places to play and train.”
— Rich Posipanko, Director of Operations,
Charlotte Independence
Professional Soccer Team
Mecklenburg County Sportsplex
Alex Cason
Mecklenburg County Sportsplex
With such bustling cities as FACILITY SPOTLIGHT be temporarily lined for other sports including
Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Mecklenburg County Sportsplex rugby, lacrosse, football and field hockey.
Huntersville, Matthews, Soccer, football, rugby, lacrosse, The Sportsplex also contains a 5,000-capacity
Mint Hill and Pineville in its field hockey stadium with a natural grass field, public
boundaries, Mecklenburg The Sportsplex in Matthews, 12 miles address system, lights, videoboard, conference
County is filled with great southeast of Charlotte, is one of the premier room and a balcony overlooking the field. It
amenities and attractions. The athletic facilities in the region as it is home also houses locker rooms (for home, away and
county can be reached via I-77, to 11 multiuse fields featuring permanent officials). The locker rooms are equipped with
I-85, I-277 and I-485 and it also lighting. Nine fields feature synthetic turf lockers, showers, an athletic training room and
houses the Charlotte Douglas while two fields sport natural grass. Two restrooms. The conference room can be used
International Airport. fields have been installed with football for meeting space, VIP space and team space.
goalposts and only the nine synthetic fields The Sportsplex offers 1,600 parking spaces,
are permanently lined for soccer. They can also event staff, and off-duty officers.
12 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPGPOPULAR ACTIVITIES American Legion Memorial Stadium most recognized and well-visited facilities ▶ Greenways and Nature Preserves Football, lacrosse, soccer in the city. The Charlotte Hounds of Major in Mecklenburg County has 30 This 9,500-seat stadium in the Elizabeth League Lacrosse called Memorial Stadium miles of nature trails, 7,600 acres community of Charlotte is located on a home f rom 2012 to 2018. The venue has also of natural resource management, complex along with the Grady Cole Center hosted several big-name concerts throughout 52 miles of developed greenways and was the first major spectator sports its history including Christina Aguilera, Jimmy and is home to 210 parks and facility erected by the city of Charlotte. Buffett, Hootie and the Blowfish, Pearl Jam facilities on approximately 21,000 Opened in 1936, Memorial Stadium was and Lynyrd Skynyrd. acres of parkland. the first stadium in Charlotte that could accommodate thousands of visitors. ▶A shrine to the history and In 2019, Mecklenburg County Parks and heritage of NASCAR under one Recreation broke ground on a $31.7 million MECKLENBURG COUNTY PARK AND RECREATION — roof, the NASCAR Hall of Fame renovation to the stadium, which will be MEMORIAL STADIUM features evolving exhibits and the new home of the USL Championship Aaron Cheeks interactive experiences. Charlotte Independence. The renovation will 980-722-2263 add new concourse buildings, a memorial, aaron.cheeks@mecknc.gov ▶One of the world’s finest outdoor a new scoreboard and other amenities. www.parkandrec.com facilities, the U.S. National Historical elements of the stadium, such Whitewater Center features as the stone wall and ticket booths, will be MECKLENBURG COUNTY PARK AND RECREATION — whitewater rafting, biking, zip preserved. SPORTSPLEX lines, live music and craft brews. Memorial Stadium has hosted a multitude Matt Whirley of local civic events for the community 980-314-7539 ▶Carowinds Amusement Park throughout its storied history, f rom ice shows matthew.whirley@mecknc.gov features world-class roller to beer festivals, making the venue one of the www.parkandrec.com coasters, shows and attractions. SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 13
Nash-Rocky Mount, NC
NASH-ROCKY MOUNT IS YOUR PREMIER DESTINATION FOR FIRST-CLASS SPORTS
EVENTS AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURE IN THE TAR HEEL STATE
Gerry Brabham
Rocky Mount Event Center
Nash County Miracle Park
Garry E Hodges
Rocky Mount Sports Complex
Nash-Rocky Mount is easily FACILITY SPOTLIGHT The complex includes six youth baseball
accessible by both land and air. If Rocky Mount Sports Complex fields, four interchangeable baseball and
you’re flying in, Raleigh-Durham Soccer, baseball, softball, disc golf, softball fields, one championship baseball
International Airport is located 60 basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, field, eight soccer/lacrosse fields, a football
miles to the west and primarily football field, a professional disc golf course, two
serves the Raleigh, Durham and Nash-Rocky Mount’s leading sports facility, outdoor basketball courts, outdoor volleyball
the Research Triangle region of Rocky Mount Sports Complex is dedicated courts, picnic shelters and a walking trail.
North Carolina. If you’re driving, to providing the highest level of customer
Interstate-95 runs through the service by offering first-class facilities, Rocky Mount Event Center
heart of the county to the west of outstanding staff and a professional level Cheerleading, dance, basketball,
Rocky Mount, while U.S. Route 64 of maintenance. This 143-acre facility is volleyball, gymnastics, pickleball
runs east and west on the way to home to an assortment of recreational Rocky Mount Event Center is the ultimate
or from Raleigh. programming. sports tourism, events and entertainment
14 @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPGdestination in North Carolina. The facility fields. This park also has a state of the art All POPULAR ACTIVITIES
opened in the fall of 2018 and has eight Inclusive playground, two soccer fields, two ▶ The Imperial Center for Arts and
basketball courts and 16 volleyball courts. basketball courts, walking trail, and a special Sciences gives you a close-up
This 165,000-square-foot, multimillion-dollar events lawn. look at alligator and crocodile
facility is dedicated to providing spectacular skulls, while its galleries feature
event, tournament and competition more than 400 works or art from
experiences. ROCKY MOUNT SPORTS COMPLEX around North Carolina.
Lynn Driver
Rocky Mount Athletic Stadium Sports Complex Supervisor ▶ Explore the region’s only beer
Football 252-467-6483 incubator and tour seven on-
Part of Rocky Mount Sports Complex, lynn.driver@rockymountnc.gov campus breweries at Rocky
Rocky Mount Athletic Stadium seats more rockymountsportscomplex.com Mount Mills.
than 5,000 spectators and features a natural
grass playing field, team field house, large ROCKY MOUNT EVENT CENTER ▶ Catch a live show at The Rocky
press box and elevated coaching areas. Briuna McKenzie Mount Event Center.
Further amenities at the stadium include an Event Manager
upgraded athletic training facility, a private 252-366- 8521 ▶ Hike the walking trails at City
locker room, weight training area and the bmckenzie@sportadvisory.com Lake on your quest to find an
Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Practice Field. www.sportadvisory.com exotic waterfowl.
Nash County Miracle Park at NASH COUNTY RECREATION & SENIOR ▶ All of your boating and fishing
Coopers SERVICES needs can be met with a trip to
Baseball, softball Thomas Gillespie, Parks & Recreation Tar River Reservoir.
The anticipated Grand Opening for this Director, CPRP, CYSA
park will be in the spring of 2021. It has two 252-462-2685
225’ baseball fields and two 300’ softball Thomas.Gillespie@nashcountync.gov
SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 15Haywood County, NC
THIS LOVELY PORTION OF THE COUNTRY OFFERS A TRUE AUTHENTIC OUTDOOR
EXPERIENCE FILLED WITH ADVENTURE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES AND
UNIQUE EVENT LOCATIONS
Blue Ridge Parkway
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“The NC Smokies is a great place
for hosting our annual event. All of
our participants enjoy staying in the
mountains, exploring the national park
and parkway. They especially love the
fresh mountain air and open space.”
— Matthew Bounds, SOWO Partners
Lake Junaluska
Maggie Valley
Haywood County, home to FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Asbury Trail. An on-site golf course is perfect
the Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Junaluska for a tournament while visitors can also get
is located 20 miles west of Running, swimming, canoeing, competitive with a game of tennis, pickleball,
Asheville, 20 minutes east of paddleboarding, golf, tennis, sand volleyball basketball, sand volleyball and mini golf.
Cherokee and two hours and 30 Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of
minutes from Atlanta. Haywood Western North Carolina, Lake Junaluska is a Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
County resides around 30 tranquil body of water that covers 200 acres Concerts, festivals, car shows, archery,
minutes from the Asheville amid a peaceful mountain setting. Groups grass volleyball, 3v3 soccer
Regional Airport, which offers can savor the beauty of the Lake Junaluska These grounds, which reside in the heart
daily flights across the country. walking trail that wraps 2.3 miles in a loop. The of the Great Smoky Mountains, are a perfect
trail includes the Rose Walk, which features venue for events and festivals. Over the years,
more than 200 hybrid tea, grandiflora and the venue has hosted a wide range of events
floribunda roses, the tranquility of the Frances from arts and crafts festivals to major concerts.
16 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPGSmoky Mountain Event Center comprise a log cabin village with lake views POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Horse shows, dog shows, barrel racing, and the Eastside Cabins are made up of white ▶ The most visited park in the
Cornhole, timber-sports, car shows clapboard with spacious porches. The Retreat country, Great Smoky Mountains
Comprised of two large exhibit halls, a house, with a full kitchen, is ideal for small National Park encompasses
covered regulation size arena, a livestock groups of up to 14. 522,419 acres and is internationally
barn, 30 box stalls and beautiful grounds recognized for its mountains,
with Smoky Mountain views, these versatile Blue Ridge Parkway waterfalls, biodiversity and forests.
facilities satisfy a range of client needs. Cycling, hiking, trail running
The center covers 15,000 square feet and The first national rural parkway to be ▶ Considered by many to be
contains a full-service kitchen, concession designed for a leisure-type driving experience, America’s Favorite Drive, the
stand, restrooms and roll-up doors on the Blue Ridge Parkway’s varied topography Blue Ridge Parkway passes
both ends of the building. It also houses and numerous vista points offer easy public beautiful topography and
propane heating, a PA system, a dance floor access to spectacular views of Appalachian rural picturesque vista points.
and available stage, sealed concrete floors, landscapes and forested mountains. Considered
ceiling fans, electrical outlets along facility one of the best drives in the country, the ▶ Dale’s Wheel Through Time
walls and various ceiling outlets and paved parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in Museum, in Maggie Valley, is
handicapped-accessible parking. Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National home to the world’s premier
Park in North Carolina. collection of rare American
Lake Logan motorcycles, memorabilia
Running, biking, swimming, and a distinct array of unique
concerts, festivals, conferences VISIT NC SMOKIES American automobiles.
Located in a pristine valley near the Blue Ben Wilder
Ridge Parkway, Lake Logan is a 300-acre 828-944-0762 ▶ Scenic Lake Junaluska is
sanctuary that houses lakeside cabins ben@visitncsmokies.com home to the Lake Junaluska
featuring decks with incredible views, visitncsmokies.com Conference and Retreat Center,
fireplaces and kitchenettes. Six cozy cabins which hosts a variety of events.
SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 17Greensboro, NC
WITH ITS FAMOUS GREENSBORO COLISEUM COMPLEX AND OTHER
FACILITIES, GREENSBORO IS WILLING AND ABLE TO HOST ANY
SPORTS TOURNAMENT THAT COMES ITS WAY PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“A heartfelt thank you to Henri
Fourrier and our primary contact
Brian Ambuehl at the Greensboro
Greensboro Coliseum Complex CVB office for seeing the incredible
value in youth sports. From the
very beginning, their insight and
service have been a guiding force
in NC AAU consistently growing
our event base in the Gate City.”
— Sean Kilmartin, Governor, NC
Amateur Athletic Union
Greensboro Aquatic Center
Truist Stadium at
NC A&T State University
Three major thoroughfares FACILITY SPOTLIGHT Women’s basketball tournaments. Other
in the Piedmont region (I-85, Greensboro Coliseum Complex venues within the complex include the
I-40 and I-73) all intersect Basketball, gymnastics, figure Fieldhouse — a state-of-the-art structure that
in Greensboro, making it skating, wrestling volleyball, roller features a 30,000-square-foot, column-free
easy to travel here by car. If derby, football area and currently houses the Greensboro
coming by air, Piedmont Triad The Greensboro Coliseum Complex is a Swarm NBA G League team—and the Special
International Airport is 12 miles multibuilding facility with eight different Events Center, a 167,000-square-foot space
west of central Greensboro. venues that offer the unique opportunity that include three exhibit halls.
to host nearly any sporting event one could The complex has hosted several ACC Men’s
imagine. The main staple, the Greensboro and Women’s Basketball Tournaments.
Coliseum, can seat anywhere from 4,500 Additionally, it was the host of the AAU Junior
- 22,000 people depending on the need Olympic Games and the USA Gymnastics
and has hosted NCAA and ACC Men’s and American Cup.
18 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPGGreensboro Aquatic Center Truist Stadium at NC A&T State POPULAR ACTIVITIES
Swimming, synchronized swimming, University ▶Experience a zoo, aquarium and
diving and water polo Track and field, javelin, shot put, hammer/ museum all in one day at the
The Greensboro Aquatic Center (GAC) discus throwing areas Greensboro Science Center.
is a 105,323-square-foot facility with a long An IAAF-certified track, Truist Stadium at NC A&T
history of hosting national swimming State University previously played host to the track and ▶ SKYWILD offers 60 different
meets. Located in the Greensboro field component to the AAU Junior Olympic Games. challenges aimed at giving you an
Coliseum Complex and only one minute Home of the NC A&T Aggies and capable of seating inside look into animal movement
from the Greensboro Visitor Center, it offers 23,000 spectators, it is a Mondo Super X Performance and behavior among the trees.
plenty of lodging and eating options in the track with eight lanes as well as javelin and discus Waddle, leap, brachiate and crawl
surrounding area. The Aquatic Center has throwing areas. A newly constructed stadium press through a variety of zip Iines,
five, seven and 10-meter diving boards and box offers state-of-the-art amenities. bridges and climbs.
a 25-yard pool that can be transformed
into 10 different configurations based on ▶ Check out the 84-feet wide
event needs. A new pool was constructed GREENSBORO AREA CONVENTION & tsunami waves at Wet n’ Wild
and opened in August 2019 that provides VISITORS BUREAU Emerald Pointe, one of North
19 additional lanes making the GAC the Brian Ambuehl, Sports Sales Manager Carolina’s largest water parks.
largest indoor aquatic facility in the 1-800-344-2282
country. In the past, the GAC has hosted bambuehl@visitgreensboronc.com ▶ Get a glimpse of the world’s
the U.S. Synchronized Swimming 2012 www.VisitGreensboroNC.com largest china shop at
Olympic Team trials, the 2012 U.S. Masters Replacements Ltd.
Swimming Spring National Championships Kayla Adams, Sports Sales Manager
and the 2019 USA FINA Synchronized 1-800-344-2282 ▶ Step back in time to the forefront
American Open. kadams@visitgreensboronc.com of the civil rights movement with
www.VisitGreensboroNC.com a visit to the International Civil
Rights Center and Museum.
ensboro
Vis it Gre
WE’RE READY FOR YOU.
From world-class championships to youth
tournaments, Greensboro makes sporting
events safe and successful. We’re taking extra
precautions to keep you healthy. You will be
surprised by all we have to offer. VisitGreensboroNC.com
SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 19Greenville, NC
SOUTHERN CHARM, A PASSION FOR SPORTS, AND A GROWING
METROPOLITAN REGION MAKE THE EAST COAST’S EMERALD CITY A
SPORTS PLANNER’S DELIGHT
ECU’s North Recreational Complex
Play Greenville, NC Sports
Greenville is mainly accessible FACILITY SPOTLIGHT follow any of the six trails or the 5k running
from the east and west via ECU’s North Recreational Complex route. The 18-hole disc golf course offers a
future Interstate 587. About an Cross-country, disc golf, lacrosse, rugby, unique layout, and the fields are a popular
hour and a half to the west of soccer, Ultimate Frisbee spot for Ultimate Frisbee, with invitational
downtown Greenville is Raleigh- Just 10 minutes from the East Carolina tournaments taking place throughout the year.
Durham International Airport, University campus, you’ll find a selection
which offers countless domestic of versatile playing fields, all surrounding ECU Sports
and international flights to meet a quaint lake that makes for the perfect Baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer,
travelers’ needs. For connections backdrop to any event. The North Recreational softball, swimming, tennis, track and field,
to and from Charlotte, local Pitt- Complex features eight multipurpose fields volleyball
Greenville Airport offers flights including one championship field, along with East Carolina University’s facilities are state-
via American Eagle. walking and jogging trails. This is the perfect of-the-art and home to some exceptional
setting for cross-country, where runners can collegiate talent. These same venues are also
20 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPGavailable for tournaments, meets, competitions, Sara Law Softball Complex POPULAR ACTIVITIES
and other events that sports planners are Softball ▶ Knee Deep Adventures is a
putting together throughout the year. Be sure In the world of softball, Greenville is arguably watercraft outfitter that rents
to check out the 50,000-seat, fully lit Dowdy- among the top contenders. The all-female out kayaks and stand-up
Ficklen Stadium, home to the Pirates’ football Pitt-Greenville Babe Ruth squads have won paddleboards so you and your
program; the 8,000-seat ECU Williams Arena several World Series titles in recent years, and group can navigate the Tar River
at Minges Coliseum for both basketball and made it all the way to the World Series in 2018, and explore the forests at a
volleyball games; and the 1,000-seat Stewart too. So, it makes sense that Greenville would be leisurely pace.
Johnson Soccer Stadium. home to some of the best softball facilities that
the nation has to offer. The Sarah Law Softball ▶ For another peaceful getaway,
Stallings Stadium Complex has hosted its share of champions check out River Park North, a
Baseball and is home to the Pitt County Girls Softball 324 acre park with outdoors fun
Greenville has a strong connection to League as well as many fastpitch tournaments for everyone.
baseball, and in particular, Little League. throughout the year. It offers a 4-field
Stallings Stadium at Elm Street Park is a lighted complex with restrooms, parking, a ▶ For a bit of educational insight
premier choice when planning an event in concession stand, and meticulously maintained into the natural surroundings and
the region, and is scheduled to host the Little landscaping – all creating the perfect recipe for waterways of Greenville, pay a
League Softball World Series, starting in August a successful softball event. visit Walter L. Stasavich Science
of 2021. The stadium is also the permanent & Nature Center.
home to the Greenville Little League’s City
Championship Series, and could be the site of ▶ Taste real southern barbeque on
your next big event! While players have been the Pitt County Brew & Cue Trail.
stepping up to the plate here since the 1950s,
the stadium itself was completely renovated in GREENVILLE-PITT COUNTY SPORTS ▶ Treat your sweet tooth at Simply
2012, making for a state-of-the-art experience. COMMISSION Natural Creamery & Jersey Farm
There are 234 stadium seats, 400 right field Paul Sheehan, Director of Sports Dev. in Ayden where there are ice
bleacher seats, and additional space for lawn 252-329-4200, ext. 4232 cream sundaes and cones galore.
seating - in all the stadium can seat around paul@visitgreenvillenc.com
1,000 spectators. www.visitgreenvillenc.com/sports
ECU Sports
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“FIRST North Carolina was thrilled to work
with the Greenville-Pitt County Convention
& Visitors Bureau both before and during our
high school robotics competition at ECU last
March. They were instrumental in helping
us secure hotels for our teams, meals for
our volunteers and so much more. They are
one of the best CVBs we have ever had the
privilege to work with in our planning.”
— Marie E. Hopper, President
Cliff Hollis
FIRST North Carolina
Stallings Stadium
Aaron Hines/City of Greenville
Sara Law Softball Complex
SportsPlanningGuide.com Sports Planning Guide 21Hickory, NC
WITH A WORLD-FAMOUS RACING SHORT TRACK, PROFESSIONAL
AND COLLEGIATE FACILITIES AND A GREAT HISTORY AND HERITAGE,
HICKORY’S ROOTS RUN DEEP IN NORTH CAROLINA SPORTING LORE
PLANNER PERSPECTIVE
“Everybody loves it here, it’s
Hickory Metro Convention Center 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 LBAA
Henry Fork Regional Recreation Park
Hickory is conveniently FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
located off Interstate 40, Hickory Metro Convention Center Lake Hickory (Catawba River)
which connects Knoxville Multipurpose indoor Boating, fishing, swimming
to the west with Raleigh As one of the premier trade show and meeting Take in the magisterial beauty of the
to the east. If you’re flying locations in the Southeast, the Hickory Metro surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains when you
in, Charlotte Douglas Convention Center features more than 76,000 plan an outdoor tournament on Lake Hickory.
International Airport is around square feet of meeting space, making it ideal for Fishing tournaments are popular here during
42 miles away in Charlotte. tournament planners looking to host fantastic the summer months, when the lake has an
indoor events. This facility has been the home to abundance of largemouth bass, striped bass,
a variety of indoor sports including: Bull riding, crappie and channel catfish. Lake Hickory
POPULAR ACTIVITIES soccer clinics, martial arts, wrestling, gymnastics, hosted a Lady Bass Angles Association Pro
▶ Immerse yourself in the interactive dance and more. The center hosted the XCEL Tour event in late March 2019 and an episode
opportunities presented at the Regional Gymnastics Competition in May 2019, of “Fishing University” in 2018. the Lady Bass
SALT Block, which encompasses which drew in more than 1,500 gymnasts. Anglers Association will be returning to Lake
an entire city block filled with Hickory Spring 2021.
Science, Arts & Literature Together. Henry Fork Regional Recreation Park
Canoeing, running, soccer
▶ Downtown Hickory yields a With eight soccer fields, an 8,000-square-foot VISIT HICKORY METRO
fantastic communal feel as you picnic shelter, picnic tables and grills, an alpine Sarah Davis, CMP
explore a bevy of local retail shops, tower ropes course, two playgrounds, a concession Director of Sales & Marketing
locally owned restaurants and stand, walking trail, canoe launch and horseshoe 828-322-1335
breweries, entertainment options, pits, this multiuse park is ideal for soccer, lacrosse, sarah@hickorymetro.com
theatrical pursuits and more. rugby and other sports. www.visithickorymetro.com
22 Sports Planning Guide @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPGYou can also read
