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Dear Sports Event Rights Holders,

Planners Score Big In North Carolina

Great events start with a great place and there is a reason why North Carolina is the state to play! North Carolina’s arsenal of sports venues is as impressive as the state’s wide-ranging and geographically diverse footprint. From the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to some of the highest mountains on the East Coast, it’s a footprint of unrivaled sports terrain whether you are a participant or spectator. Sports events rights holders choose North Carolina year after year due to our unbeatable venues, hospitality, temperate climate and central location on the East Coast.

Whether you are looking to bring a new event to North Carolina or already have an event in the state, SportsNC’ s partners are ready and willing to partner in the success of your event. SportsNC and its 37 partners are your ultimate planning resource. Please visit SportsNC.com to review our wide-ranging venue database and view our partners’ directory.

We look forward to seeing many of you at an upcoming sports tourism trade show and please visit us at the SportsNC booth. North Carolina would love to host your next event and remember…there is only one state to play!

Yours in Sport, Travis Dancy SportsNC Chair

NORTH CAROLINA Site InSpections

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■ Winston-Salem, NC ■ Fayetteville, NC ■ Wilmington, NC

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■ Greater Raleigh, NC ■ Cabarrus County, NC ■ Mooresville, NC

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NORTH CAROLINA

The Perfect Sports Partner

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weet tea, sports and Southern hospitality—we’re in North Carolina. With national titles in collegiate athletics, multiple professional teams, and as home to NASCAR, the state supports athletics. It’s a haven for spectators, a preferred destination for teams and event planners.

Why North Carolina as a sports event destination? It’ s affordable, beyond friendly, has a fervent fan base, enjoys four distinct, temperate seasons, and is easy to reach by air or car. The state consists of three diverse regional landscapes—mountains, the Piedmont and the Atlantic Coast. In a given weekend an adventurer can tee up outside Asheville, run a 5K in Charlotte and ride the sunset surf in Kill Devil Hills, voted one of the world’s top 10 best beach towns.

IT CAN HAPPEN HERE North Carolina knows sports events and if you can’t do it there, it most likely can’t be done. How many states can offer surfing AND snow skiing? Few sports destinations provide outlets and opportunities for such a wide range of activities.

North Carolina is a unique state, due in large part to its geographic variation. The state stretches from the Atlantic Coast to the Appalachian Mountains, with major cities offering premier event settings and crowd-

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pleasing attractions. With four international airport hubs located in key areas of the state, hosting an event—whether it’s a large-scale, multiday, multi-team competition or smaller, shorter, individual contest of endurance—is a cinch. Weather-wise, the state is reminiscent of Goldilocks’ experience with the bears—not too hot, not too cold, but just right.

ALL SPORTS, ALL THE TIME Large and small cities host top events such as the National Wheelchair Basketball Association's International Tournament of Champions, All-Star National Cheer and Dance Competition , FLW's College Fishing Northern Regional Championship , US Lacrosse Southeast Championship, 2016 USA Ultimate Division I College Championship and 2017 NBA All-Star Game.

The North Carolina Sports Association (NCSA) is a statewide collaboration of sports commissions, CVBs, parks and recreation entities, and sports authorities. NCSA, along with organizations such as Cycle NC, North Carolina Amateur Sports, North Carolina High School Sports Association and Visit North Carolina , is there to nurture and support events.

Communities across North Carolina are committed to building and maintaining the best in sports complexes. Take, for example, WRAL Soccer Center in Raleigh. Already one of the country’s top outdoor venues, it is currently undergoing an extensive renovation project thanks to a multi-million-dollar loan from community supporter Capitol Broadcasting Company. There’s also the USA Baseball National

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WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary hosts sports of all kinds.

Tough Mudder tests physical strength and mental grit.

Training Complex, which was built in partnership between the Town of Cary and USA Baseball.

The same principle of community partnerships applies on the shore.

Says Jenny Ash of Outer Banks Sporting Events, “[We] partner with many local businesses as well as the Outer Banks Visitors’ Bureau. The support from these partners comes from a joint ef fort to bring guests to our area in the shoulder season.” She adds, “100 percent of net proceeds from OBSE events is split between the Outer Banks Relief Foundation— helping those local folks in times of unforeseen need—and the Dare Education Foundation—improving our county school system’s resources.”

“Our community understands the importance of sports tourism as an economic driver, which has allowed Greater Raleigh to develop an impressive track record of hosting successful events,” says Jason Philbeck of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance. GRSA Executive Director Scott Dupree agrees: “The key to our success is our host partners; that’s our trademark and what makes this such a great sports town. It’s all about teamwork and partnerships.”

Over and over again it comes back to teamwork and, importantly for organizers, partnerships with area businesses. Travis Dancy, chairman of North Carolina Sports Association and Visit Lake Norman, says, “Lake Norman has a regionally collaborative sense of community. They love to embrace different events. There is a great sense of collaboration among the town, parks and rec departments and hospitality business.”

TEAM SPIRIT Anyone who has watched or participated in an athletic contest knows it’s about teamwork; nobody gets to any finish line or final quarter alone.

North Carolina more than understands this. With deep athletic roots, it is a state offering immeasurable opportunity, unparalleled statewide and community support and involvement, and a heaping helping of Southern charm. Jesse Newsom of the Fayetteville Area CVB illustrates the point: “My community fears no obstacles and doesn't understand the meaning of can't. We will find a way . We have people who have given their whole lives to the military and they still want to give to the community that embraced them.” Across the state the attitude is the same; everyone wants to help and communities want you there.

It’s not just that they come out and cheer, though, or simply distribute water. They “get it” in North Carolina.

READY, SET, GO Philbeck sums up the North Carolina experience: “Every destination focuses on ensuring a winning experience from the moment visitors land at the airport until the moment they depart. Event attendees comment all the time about how much they appreciated the helpful, friendly staff at hotels and restaurants and how welcoming the locals were during their visit.”

Offering premier services in a comfortable, accessible, af fordable environment with support from dedicated volunteers, where you’re greeted by smiles and kindness at every corner, North Carolina is an obvious choice. The challenge is picking where to go first.

The Winston-Salem Open features the game’s best in August at Wake Forest Tennis Center.

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Things Not to Miss in North Carolina There’s so much to see and do for families visiting North Carolina. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started.

1. Scenic Beauty at Every Turn

North Carolina has a well-deserved reputation for diverse and breathtaking scenery. It stretches from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the fruitful Piedmont to the shores of the Atlantic. Travelers to North Carolina should take the more leisurely highways and enjoy the state’s natural character.

There are more than 50 North Carolina Scenic Byway routes and two All American Roads/National Scenic Byways within the state’s boundaries. These alternatives to faster-paced traffic avoid commercial areas. The routes vary in length from three to 170 miles. From curvy mountain roads to ferry rides, your North Carolina visit will be filled with scenic beauty . Download the Scenic Byways Book at ncdot.gov/travel/scenic.

2. Beacons in the Night

Long ago lighthouses along the coast protected seamen, giving them direction and a sense of security and safety. Today, seven lighthouses invite visitors to learn their history and climb to the top for wonderful views.

The Currituck Beach Light House in Corolla, opened in 1875, was constructed of red bricks. The Bodie Lighthouse overlooks Oregon Inlet near southern Nags Head. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse opened in 1870, but the location has a rich history dating back to 1803. You’ll need to take a free ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke Island to visit North Carolina’s oldest operating lighthouse, Ocracoke Lighthouse. The Oak Island Lighthouse in Brunswick County requires a two-week advance notice to climb its 134 steps. Old Baldy on Bald Head Island, accessible by ferry, has a history dating back 140 years.

Fall colors paint Newfound Gap in the Smoky Mountains.

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North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh

3. The Lady was a Warrior

The Battleship USS North Carolina was brought to Wilmington in 1961 as an authentically restored National Historic Landmark.

Commissioned in 1941, she became the first of 10 fast battleships added to the World War II fleet. Her history of duty is inspiring.

From early August 1942 through mid-August 1945 the Battleship USS North Carolina participated in every major Pacific naval offensive, earning 15 battle stars. The Luzon Operation, Iwo Jima Operation and Okinawa Operation are just a few that have a significant place in our history. She carried out nine shore bombardments, sank an enemy merchant ship and destroyed 24 enemy aircraft while protecting American aircraft carriers and rescuing numerous downed airmen.

4. Marvelous Museums

In Raleigh the North Carolina Museum of Art features superb exhibits inside and out. The Mint Museum Uptown and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art are there to discover in Charlotte’ s artistic stroll district. The Harvey B. Gant Center for African-American Arts + Culture is close-by. Wilmington’s Cameron Art Museum features fine art collections and a Civil War site on its campus.

The International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro houses the Woolworth’s lunch counter display where the sit-in movement began. In the Great Smoky Mountains the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and Oconaluftee Indian Village tell the history of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. The Airborne & Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville honors the troops that have contributed so much to our nation’s military history.

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Rafting on the Nantahala River, western North Carolina

5. That’s Racin’

What began as racing between North Carolina bootleg moonshine runners developed into the most watched sport. The Charlotte area is the hub for much of the racing world action. The NASCAR Hall of Fame celebrates the history of motorsports and honors its champions. For 50 years the Charlotte Motor Speedway has been entertaining fans of all ages.

The RCR Racing Museum in Lexington features more than 25 No. 3 Goodwrench Chevrolets driven by Dale Earnhardt, Sr. In nearby Randleman visitors explore the Petty Enterprises Historic Site with an inside look at Petty’s Garage and The Petty Museum.

6. Rails and Rafting

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City is one of the top fun things to do in North Carolina. A Raft and Rail combination is available on the Nantahala Gorge excursion. The train takes you to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, an hour from Asheville, to experience three levels of whitewater rafting. The center’s newest addition is a 550-foot zip line going as high as 60 feet above the forest floor.

Bodie Island Lighthouse, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, dates from 1872. Visitors can climb the 214 steps that spiral to the top.

All photos courtesy of VisitNC.com.

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WINSTON-SALEM, NC Choose from a Big Selection of Facilities That Host Big-Time Events 1. Wake Forest Tennis Complex Sports: Tennis Wake Forest Tennis Complex is a $3.5-million, 64,000square-foot building with eight climate-controlled, indirect-lighted Mondo-Ten tennis courts. The stands can fit up to 300 guests, and there’s a locker room for those competing in matches. The complex is located east of the Groves Complex. You will feel like a pro while playing at one of these courts.

Wake Forest Tennis Complex also has an outdoor facility that opened in the summer of 2011. It features 13 Deco-Turf II courts, the same court surface that is used at the US Open. In 2018, the Wake Forest Tennis Complex is host to the NCAA Division I men’s and women’s tennis championships.

2. LJVM Coliseum Sports: Basketball, cheer, dance Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum (LJVM) is one of the premier basketball venues in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The maximum coliseum floor space is 25,740 square feet.

It can seat 14,665 for an athletic event and 15,272 for concerts. In addition to regular season basketball games, LJVM has hosted the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship First and Second rounds in 1993, 1997, 2000 and 2007 and has been home to the MEAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament, the CIAA Tournament and the Davis Cup. 134

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Search no further—North Carolina’s Winston-Salem is a hole in one for planning a great championship experience.

3. BB&T Soccer Park Sports: Soccer, Ultimate, lacrosse, running This beautiful park features 13 full-size Bermuda fields right along the Yadkin River. Other perks are a filming tower for videoing practices or games, a fieldhouse to meet with the team, picnic areas and water stations to keep athletes hydrated.

4. JDL Fast Track Sports: Track, crossfit Among upcoming 2015-16 season events at JDL Fast Track are 2016 NJCAA Indoor National Championships, 2016 Camel City Invitational/Elite Races and CIAA Indoor Championships.

The 105,000-square-foot facility is one of the premier indoor track and field venues in the Southeast and houses a 200-meter oval track with a Mondotrack FTX surface. It has held three national championships: 2014 NCAA Division II, 2015 NCAA Division III and 2015 USATF Masters Indoor National Championship. The facility includes a 100-meter warm-up track, training room and hospitality suites for the coaches.

5. Winston-Salem Fairgrounds & Annex Sports: Wrestling, fencing, cheerleading, dance, martial arts, running, cycling This is where the annual Dixie Classic Fair is held. The grounds are roughly 70 acres and have multiple facilities offering approximately 34,000 square feet of unobstructed open floor space. @SportsPlanGuide #SportsPG

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Sports: Fishing, tennis, golf, mountain biking, BMX, cross-country, running, cycling Tanglewood Park, an 1,100-acre public park, offers pedal boats, tennis courts, an Aquatic Center, picnic shelters, walking and biking trail systems, horse stables and golf. Its BMX course was named the Top BMX Track in the state, and the venue hosted the 2013 USA BMX Redline Cup Finals East. Prior to that event, more than $20,000 in improvements were made to the course, including a redesign, new paved turn, and a viewing deck for family and fans at the start line.

Now That I’m Hooked, What Activities Does Winston-Salem Offer?

Right in the backyard of bustling downtown Winston-Salem, enjoy the quieter pace of the 18th century Moravian lifestyle at Old Salem Museums & Gardens, one of the country’s most authentic and comprehensive history attractions.

It has more than 100 restored buildings.

The Downtown Arts District offers a unique shopping experience, innovative galleries and entertaining special events, such as the First Friday Gallery Hop. Or visit Reynolda House, listed as one of “The Great Houses of the South” and now one of the nation’s premier American art museums. Young children will enjoy Sciworks, which offers interactive, hands-on exhibits, a planetarium and an environmental park.

Airbound Trampoline Park features 12,000 square feet of custom-made trampolines in a family-friendly atmosphere. And it's worth noting that downtown Winston-Salem will be opening the National Cycling Center, a 42,000-squarefoot facility, in 2016.

Shopping enthusiasts in your group can visit Hanes Mall, the largest indoor shopping mall between Washington D.C. and Atlanta.

Forbes.com has recently recognized downtown Winston-Salem as one of the best in America. So when your group gets hungry after experiencing a fulfilling day in WinstonSalem, there are more than 100 locally-owned restaurants, eateries and entertainment options in the downtown area.

Centrally Located and Easily Accessible Winston-Salem is about a one-hour drive from Charlotte and two hours from Raleigh, North Carolina’s largest cities. Piedmont Triad International Airport, just east of Winston-Salem, serves approximately 57 non-stop flights serviced by six major airlines.

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Planner Perspective “Thank you for co-hosting the 2015 NCAA Division III Men's and Women's Indoor Track and Field Championships. It is a tribute to Visit Winston-Salem that you successfully conducted an outstanding event.”

— John Kuzio, Assistant Coordinator for Championships & Alliances at NCAA

VISIT WINSTON-SALEM

Bonny Bernat, CSEE, Senior Sports & Events Sales Manager 866-728-4200 • bonny@visitwinstonsalem.com VisitWinstonSalem.com

11,000 athletes, 22 contested events, more than a dozen state-of-the-art facilities, one city…Winston-Salem!

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6. Tanglewood Park

— Chuck Hobgood, President, North Carolina Amateur Sports

“As host of the Powerade State Games of North Carolina, Winston-Salem provided our participants and their families with first-class facilities, great hospitality and memories to last a lifetime.”

®

• Championship level baseball, basketball, tennis, and track & field complexes • 60,000 square feet of flexible space at the Winston-Salem Annex and Fairgrounds Complex • More than 30 soccer fields including two stadium fields • Affordable, central North Carolina location • More than 4,800 hotel rooms

CONTACT: Bonny Bernat, CSEE Senior Sports and Events Sales Manager Bonny@VisitWinstonSalem.com 866-728-4200 main • 336-728-4215 direct VisitWinstonSalem.com PHOTO: Triad Sports Coverage

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FAYETTEVILLE, NC

In the heart of North Carolina, Fayetteville has a historic charm packed with culture, excitement and top-notch sports facilities.

Inviting Venues for Everything from Soccer to Sand Volleyball 1. Crown Complex

3. Smith Lake

Sports: Indoor sports Home of a pair of Fayetteville professional teams, the Crown Complex has been a jewel of North Carolina sports since it opened in 1997. The Fayetteville FireAntz of the Southern Hockey League and Cape Fear Heroes indoor football team call the coliseum at the Crown Complex home. The facility seats 10,000 and has full concession and restrooms for spectators as well as locker rooms for players and coaches. It also features an overhead digital scoreboard and press box.

Sports: Sand volleyball, basketball, cross country, mountain biking, water sports North of Fayetteville in Fort Bragg is Smith Lake, with thousands of acres of property for hiking and miles of trails for running and biking, all surrounding a spacious lake. The lake’s beach has amenities for sand volleyball. At the Smith Lake Recreation Center, there is an outdoor basketball court. Off the beach are docks for boating sports, and the spacious lake has plenty of room for rowing competitions.

2. Arnette Park

4. Methodist University

Sports: Baseball, softball Five grass softball and baseball fields make up the ballpark complex at Arnette Park, each one equipped with lights for nighttime play. There are different sized fields for players of various abilities and ages. Bleacher seating with a capacity of 400 surrounds each of the fields. The beautifully wooded area just off the Cape Fear River offers a scenic backdrop for play. Concessions and restrooms are offered onsite.

Sports: Baseball, football Armstrong-Shelly Baseball Field is home to the NCAA Division II Methodist University Monarchs. The field, which has hosted dozens of conference championships, is lighted for nighttime play and offers batting cages and covered dugouts. There is bleacher seating for 700. The Monarchs football team plays in Monarch Stadium, across campus from the baseball field. Grandstand seating for 800 provides great views from every angle, and the natural-grass surface is surrounded by a quarter-mile track.

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5. Jordan Soccer Complex Sports: Soccer and other events Jordan Soccer Complex of Methodist University features eight full-sized soccer fields that can be striped for smaller fields for players of different ages and abilities. The championship field is equipped with lights for after-dark play. Concessions and restrooms are available at the picnic area in the center of the complex next to the large parking lot. Spectators can line the sidelines to take in the action. Nestled near the Cape Fear River for a picturesque backdrop, the complex has hosted numerous tournaments including Fall US Youth Soccer State Cup and several NCYSA tournaments.

6. Freedom Courts Sportsplex Sports: Indoor sports The 42,000-square-foot complex offers 10 volleyball courts, four basketball courts and two indoor soccer fields.

It also has amenities for sports like wrestling, gymnastics and indoor tennis. Freedom Courts has hosted numerous tournaments.

stretches north to Raleigh. Fayetteville Regional Airport is served

by American, Delta and United airlines.

Planner Perspective “Jesse has been instrumental in getting the right people in the room to assist Elite Tournaments with planning a new tournament in Fayetteville. His understanding of the youth sports market and the key decision makers has accelerated the planning and development process to get us on the way to creating a top-level event in a new location while working with excellent local partners.”

— Mathew Libber, Elite Tournaments

FAYETTEVILLE AREA CVB

Jesse Newsom, Director of Sports Marketing 910-483-5311 • jnewsom@visitfayettevillenc VisitFayettevilleNC.com

Fayetteville-Area Visitors Find Military Lore and Much More If your group likes hiking, they’ll find no shortage of trails to take in the gorgeous North Carolina nature. The All-American Trail circumvents Fort Bragg and stretches 70 miles in its entirety. Your guests can try their hand at strawberry picking at Bunce Brothers Farm or take in the natural beauty of Cape Fear Botanical Garden with 77 acres of flowers and other Southern plant life.

Fayetteville boasts a thriving culinary scene, offering more than 500 restaurants, like Steve’s Sweet Treats Bakery Cafe, which is sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. After a bite, indulge in some shopping at one of the 700 shops, boutiques and other retailers around the city, including A Bit of Carolina, a specialty shop with plenty for visitors to take home to remember their trip.

For history and military sights, Fayetteville has several memorials and locations with connections to the Civil War and American Revolution. Check out the Fort Bragg military community, the first one of its kind in the country.

Visitors can also visit the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum, 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum and Airborne and Special Operations Museum.

Getting to Fayetteville is No Problem Interstate 95, a major north-south artery, goes right through Fayetteville; Florida and Georgia drivers can take it up from the south, and it connects with New York, Baltimore and Washington D.C. to the north. U.S. Route 401 SportsPlanningGuide.com

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WILMINGTON, NC AND ISLAND BEACHES

Can’t decide between charming city life and relaxing ocean breezes? Book your next tournament in Wilmington, North Carolina and get the best of both worlds.

The Wilmington Area Offers Waterfront Settings and Other Impressive Venues 1. Wilmington Convention Center Sports: Volleyball, tennis, badminton As the largest convention venue on the coast of North Carolina, WCC offers 107,000 square feet of meeting space, 30k of which is the exhibit hall, that can accommodate indoor sports like volleyball, cheer and dance, and pickleball. This exhibit hall is equipped with two sets of restrooms and a concession area, and the center offers parking for almost 600 cars.

paved parking. The stadium offers a concession stand, press box, and home and visitor fieldhouses. The field itself is artificial turf.

4. Olsen Park Sports: Baseball, softball Located right next to downtown Wilmington, Olsen Park offers five fields that can be used for baseball and softball. Additionally, the park has a picnic area, concession stand and playground.

2. Althea Gibson Tennis Complex

5. Carolina Beach and Kure Beach

Sports: Tennis This complex offers 19 outdoor tennis courts complete with lighting and 1,500-square-foot clubhouse. The clubhouse includes a lounge, meeting rooms and snack counter. Althea Gibson offers ball machines for rent and has hosted events like the Smash Cancer Charity Tournament.

Sports: Water sports, fishing Home to crystalline waters and tons of fish, Carolina Beach has hosted fishing tournaments like the Carolina Spring Flatfish Tournament and Ruler of Kings Mackerel Tournament. Its surf is perfect for water sports like waterskiing, tubing and kite surfing.

Like Carolina Beach, Kure Beach naturally lends itself to popular water sports and has also hosted an impressive list of fishing tournaments. Anglers can drop lines right off the Kure Beach Pier during the annual Carolina Fall Flatfish Tournament, Carolina Fall King Challenge and the weeks-long King Tournament.

3. Legion Sports Complex Sports: Soccer This 6,000-seat stadium is home to Wilmington’s USL team, the Wilmington Hammerheads FC, and comes with four acres of 138

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6. Wrightsville Beach Sports: Water sports, sand sports Wrightsville Beach is equipped to host a plethora of sand and water sports. It’s North Carolina’s most accessible beach and known for its crystal blue, North Atlantic waters, spacious beach and lush greenery.

Kayak, swim, paddle board, take advantage of the world-class surf or reel in a prize-worthy fish. On land, set up for sand volleyball or make this beach a part of your next running or triathlon event. The Loop, the island’s fitness trail, is ideal for cycling and running along a stretch of paradise. Popular running events hosted here include Wrightsville Beach Marathon and Beach2Battleship Iron Distance Triathlon.

Water Park Thrills, Fresh Seafood and a Bounty of Beaches Since the Wilmington and Beaches area offers your teams both the excitement of a city and the relaxing vibes of the ocean, it has an almost endless array of activities that encompass each of its different “personalities.” Stay in Wilmington, where your teams can stroll along the Riverwalk and explore the charming shops, delicious cafes and scenic views that earned it the title of America’s Best Riverfront. Spend an afternoon hitting the rides at Jungle Rapids water park or catching a cruise down the Cape Fear River, then stop by one of the town’s seafood restaurants to enjoy freshly caught fish, crab or lobster. Once you’ve gotten your fill of Wilmington, head to the neighboring island beaches. Here, your teams can stroll down the Carolina Beach boardwalk and enjoy a fireworks show, catch family-friendly music in a park on Kure Beach or go paddle boarding through the Wrightsville Beach surf.

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Finding Wilmington on the Map Just up the coast from Charleston and Georgetown, Wilmington and the nearby island beaches hug the Atlantic Coast and are a mere two hours east of Raleigh. Wilmington is accessed by I-40 and highways 421 and 17. In addition to Raleigh, major cities under six hours away from Wilmington include Charlotte, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; Atlanta, Savannah, Georgia; Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Washington, D.C. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is just eight minutes away from the center of Wilmington and is serviced by American and Delta airlines. Myrtle Beach International Airport is an hour-and-a-half drive up the scenic coastline. Raleigh-Durham Airport is two hours away from Wilmington.

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“Carolina Beach has embraced our event and been great to work with! Our participants look forward to the laidback atmosphere and true Southern hospitality. The new boardwalk is the perfect location for our event [USA Beach Wrestling National Championships], and we look forward to our time in Carolina Beach each year.”

— Ed Duncan, North Carolina USA Wrestling

WILMINGTON AND ITS BEACHES

Bree Nidds, Sales Manager 910-332-8755 • bnidds@wilmingtonandbeaches.com SportsWilmington.com

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GREATER RALEIGH, NC Stellar Facilities to Write Home About 1. PNC Arena

There’s no doubt about it— Greater Raleigh is any sports event planner’s dream.

2,600 parking spaces. Additionally, the park has an outstanding cross country course with 5K, 6K and 8K runs.

3. USA Baseball National Training Complex

Sports: Hockey, basketball It isn’t hard to figure out why PNC Arena welcomes over 1.5 million guests every year. Home to NC State Men’s Basketball and the Carolina Hurricanes NHL team, this arena annually hosts more than 150 events. Amenities include over 68 concession stands, 37 restrooms and parking for 8,000 vehicles. For hockey games, the arena can seat 18,680 and for basketball, it can accommodate 19,722 fans.

Sports: Baseball This nationally renowned complex offers four baseball fields – one stadium field and three training fields – that are maintained to MLB standards. The stadium field has a press box and seating for 1,760 people, and all four fields have access to restrooms and concession areas. The complex has hosted the National High School Invitational and a variety of other baseball events.

2. WakeMed Soccer Park

4. Raleigh Convention Center

Sports: Soccer, cross country, lacrosse, rugby, Ultimate At 150 acres, this multipurpose complex is one of the hottest sports destinations in North Carolina. The park features one lighted stadium field, two lighted match-only fields and five additional fields, with permanent stadium seating for 10,000.

WakeMed hosts events that range from the youth to professional level, and offers concession areas, locker rooms, restrooms and

Sports: Volleyball, basketball, wrestling, martial arts, cheer, dance, gymnastics With its easy floor plan and soaring ceilings, Raleigh Convention Center’s 150,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall provides the perfect space for indoor sports of all kinds. Seating and concession areas are available upon request, and the hall can be separated into two or three separate rooms upon request.

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5. Cary Tennis Park Sports: Tennis This award-winning park offers 29 championship courts, four permanent QuickStart courts, a snack bar, a pro shop and several ball machines. The ACC Tennis Championships, USTA Tennis on Campus National Championships and Boys NCHSAA State Championships were all hosted at the park in 2015.

6. WRAL Soccer Park Sports: Soccer, lacrosse, Ultimate Located in northern Raleigh, this 21-field complex includes five synthetic turf fields with lighting. Upcoming renovations include paved parking, new restrooms and shelters, new nets and improved landscaping. WRAL Soccer Park has hosted state, regional and national events that bring in thousands of teams every year, including the annual CASL visitRaleigh.com National Soccer Series.

Some of these events have been the U.S. Youth Soccer Southern Regionals, U.S. Lacrosse Southeast Championships, U.S. Open Ultimate Championships and Powerade State Games of North Carolina.

Planner Perspective “Our entire program can't stop saying positive things about their experience [at the NCAA DII Baseball Championship] this year.

Every time I visit the Raleigh and Cary area, I realize more and more that the attitude and demeanor of everyone there rises above and beyond any expectations that an outsider could possibly have.”

— Tyler Madsen, Assistant Director for Athletics Communications for Truman State University and NCAA DII Baseball Committee Member

GREATER RALEIGH SPORTS ALLIANCE Scott Dupree, Executive Director 919-834-5900 • sdupree@raleighsports.org raleighsports.org

There’s Never a Dull Moment off the Field From rock concerts and movies in the park to late-night scuba dives and wild go-kart rides, the opportunities for entertainment in Greater Raleigh are as varied as they are abundant. No matter what your teams’ interests are, they’re sure to find their own perfect adventure during their stay.

Outdoor enthusiasts can find a wide variety of hiking trails, kayak tours and one-of-a-kind parks, while athletes who want to stay inside can enjoy some of America’s best shopping malls and museums. Regardless of your inclinations, Raleigh locals suggest all young visitors try looking for excitement at Fantasy Lake Scuba Park and Rush Hour Karting.

Getting to Greater Raleigh is a Cinch Raleigh is nestled between I-40 and I-440, with connections to highways 70 and 401.

I-85 and I-95 pass within 25 miles of the city.

Major cities under six hours from Raleigh include Richmond, Virginia; Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; and Tallahassee and Jacksonville, Florida. RDU International Airport, only an 18-minute drive from the city center, is served by Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest and United airlines.

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Great Facilities Draw Tournaments to Cabarrus County 1. Charlotte Motor Speedway

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CABARRUS COUNTY, NC

Known for its action on the speedways and historic NASCAR presence, Cabarrus County has taken this fame and made a name for itself as a premier destination for sporting events and tournaments.

CABARRUS COUNTY CVB

Danielle Kijowski 704-456-7972 • danielle@visitcabarrus.com WhereRacingLives.com

Sports: Motorsports, Multipurpose Cabarrus County is “Where Racing Lives,” so it’s no question that this destination is unrivaled for motorsports.

At the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, major NASCAR events are held in May and October on the 1.5-mile superspeedway. Throughout the year fans fill the 140,000-seat facility for numerous other events, including three of the country's largest car shows. The speedway’s state-of-the-art Dirt Track seats 14,500, its four-tenths-mile red clay oval featuring late model stock cars, sprint cars and monster trucks. The zMAX Dragway hosts NHRA events, including the NHRA Carolinas Nationals.

2. Cabarrus Arena & Events Center Sports: Multipurpose event space With 150,000+ square feet of temperaturecontrolled event space, there is certainly something for everyone here, including sports events. Inside you’ll find 2,300 fixed seats, additional seating for up to 6,000 and seven VIP suites.

3. Frank Liske Park Sports: Outdoor activities, tennis, soccer, softball A premier outdoor facility covering 230 acres, this public park includes an 11-field soccer complex, 10-acre lake for fishing and paddle boating, miniature golf, softball fields, six tennis courts and fitness trails.

Shopping, Auto Racing, Music and Gold In Concord, a quaint town in the heart of the county, take some time to explore historic downtown, where you’ll find specialty shops, restaurants, museums and plenty of art. In neighboring Kannapolis follow The Dale Trail to learn about one of NASCAR’s greatest legends – Dale Earnhardt. Wind through his hometown to see the community’s tribute to the late racer. North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in Kannapolis celebrates the state’s musical heritage. Reed Gold Mine in Midland is the only underground gold mine in the state that is open to the public. Great Wolf Lodge in Concord offers themed rooms, water rides, pools, arcades and restaurants.

How Do We Get to Cabarrus County?

Interstate 85 offers easy access to Cabarrus County, 25 miles outside of Charlotte. I-77 is just 15 miles to the west, I-40 about 30 minutes to the north.

You’ll find an Amtrak station conveniently located in Kannapolis. Allegiant Air serves Concord Regional Airport.

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3. Talbert Recreation Center Sports: Basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, volleyball, martial arts This 26,000-square-foot facility has two full-size basketball courts and space for other indoor sports tournaments. Since opening in 2012, Talbert has played host to events such as the Powerade State Games Wrestling championships, the NC State Girls Gymnastics Bronze/Silver Meet, and the NC AAU Basketball 4th Grade Boys Division II National Championships.

Fun off the Field Mooresville, known as Race City USA, is proud of its connection to the auto racing industry, with Charlotte Motor Speedway only 20 miles from town and plenty of local attractions devoted to this pastime. Race-themed things to do in Mooresville include the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame, Memory Lane Museum, GoPro Motoplex and Pit Indoor Kart Racing. Guided fishing tours, boat and jet ski rentals, paddle boarding and wakeboarding lure visitors to Lake Norman. Lazy 5 Ranch and Zootastic Park offer wild animal encounters.

How to Find Mooresville

MOORESVILLE, NC

In Mooresville, sports planners find more facilities, more sports, more fun and more hospitality—making the most out of any event.

Mooresville, on the shores of Lake Norman, is 20 miles north of Charlotte. Situated between I-85 & I-40, the Town is immediately accessible from I-77 via several exits. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is 30 miles from Mooresville; Concord Regional Airport is less than 20 miles away.

MOORESVILLE CVB Leah Mitcham, Executive Director 704-799-2400, ext. 203 • leah@racecityusa.org RaceCityUSA.org

Outstanding Facilities for a Variety of Sports 1. Lake Norman Tennis Center Sports: Tennis The new, state-of-the-art Lake Norman Tennis Center is located on 10 acres with easy access from Interstate 77. It features 11 outdoor courts including three hard courts, six Har-Tru sub-irrigated clay courts and two pickleball courts. LNTC also boasts five indoor heated and ventilated PlexiCushion hard courts. There is high-quality lighting both indoors and outdoors. The clubhouse includes an agility gym, locker rooms with showers, indoor and outdoor elevated viewing, classrooms, event space and a pro shop. The first major event was the USTA NC Adult 18+ State Championships in June 2015.

2. Mazeppa Road Park Sports: Soccer, lacrosse, softball, baseball As the hosts of Lake Norman Soccer Club, it’s no surprise that this park features six full-size soccer fields, two turf fields and four grass fields. Mazeppa Road Park also boasts lights, concessions and 374 parking spaces. In addition, it has one regulation baseball field (with a 60-foot, 6-inch dirt pitching mound and 90-foot bases) and three softball/baseball fields that have 300-foot fences and temporary fences adaptable to 200 feet and 250 feet, with 50-60-foot, 60-70-foot bases.

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