September 27, 2007

Cary soccer park to carry WakeMed's name

By Rachel Carter, Staff Writer

SAS Soccer Park is getting a new name in January.

On Jan. 1, the multi-field facility will be renamed WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary officials announced today. Cary operates and maintains the facility, which is home to the United Soccer Leagues' First Division Carolina RailHawks and frequently hosts the ACC and NCAA Tournaments.

WakeMed Health & Hospitals and Cary have a three-year deal for naming rights, with the WakeMed paying $300,000 a year. The park includes a 7,000-seat stadium, a cross country course and eight training fields.

The park is getting another tenant in 2008 as the RailHawks add a women's team, which will feature professional and college athletes.

The park was originally built by Wake County in 2002 as the home of the WUSA's Carolina Courage, and SAS signed on as the park's naming rights partner. The WUSA folded in 2003, but the park saw steady growth before the RailHawks began their first season this year.

According to Cary officials, more than 360,000 people visit the park annually.

rachel.carter@newsobserver.com or 829-8953