Raleigh, N.C. (May 30, 2023) – On the tails of a lacrosse-filled Memorial Day weekend across Raleigh and Cary, Wake County is gearing up to host an impressive couple of weeks in professional, college and high school sports. In total, these upcoming events will draw an estimated 39,210 attendees. The Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance (GRSA), a division of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh), estimates the area will see $6.4 million in direct economic impact from hosting all these events.

Over Memorial Day weekend, WRAL Soccer Park hosted the USA Lacrosse Women’s National Tournament, bringing in nearly 60 high school-aged teams from across the country in one of the nation’s marquee college recruiting events. Meanwhile, WakeMed Soccer Park transformed into a lacrosse haven to host the NCAA Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championship. While WakeMed Soccer Park is no stranger to hosting world-class NCAA events, this was its first-time hosting a NCAA D1 Lacrosse Championship. Pre-event estimates anticipate a combined estimated $2.5 million in direct visitor spending.

"Greater Raleigh (including Raleigh, Cary and Holly Springs) is a premier location for these events,” said Tori Collins, Director of GRSA. “The world-class sports venues and staff as well as excellent lodging, culinary scene and cultural experiences throughout the area are what fans and athletes alike will enjoy during their stay.” 

Upcoming Sporting Events:
The Soccer Tournament (TST)
WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary • June 1-4

• The Soccer Tournament, a $1 million, winner-take-all-event, comes to Cary this week featuring 32 teams to compete in a “World Cup-style” format 
• Teams vying for the $1 million prize include: Wrexham, West Ham United FC, US Women, Club Necaxa and more
• More details can be found on the event website or by following their social media pages (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter)

UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH
Raleigh Country Club • June 1-4

• The UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH, formerly Rex Hospital Open is part of the Korn Ferry Tour and features a variety of activities scheduled throughout the week
• Details, including ticket information, are found on their website

N.C. High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) Baseball State Championships
Ting Park, Holly Springs • June 2-3

• Two classifications of the NCHSAA Baseball State Championships will take place in Holly Springs’ Ting Park
• The matchups and schedule are available on the NCHSAA website

N.C. High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) Softball State Championships
Dail Stadium, North Carolina State University • June 2-3

• One classification of the NCHSAA Softball State Championships will be contested this weekend on the campus of North Carolina State University

USA Fencing Raleigh SJCC & Division II North American Cup
Raleigh Convention Center • June 2-4

• The first USA Fencing event ever hosted at the Raleigh Convention Center
• Raleigh SJCC & Division II North American Cup takes place over three days and is expected to attract 1,000 athletes

NCAA Division II Baseball Championship
USA Baseball National Training Complex, Cary • June 3-10

• Eight regional winners will compete in the double-elimination championship beginning Saturday, June 3.
• 2023 marks the 13^th year the Town of Cary and University of Mount Olive has hosted the Division II Baseball Championship
• Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance, and the official program for the event can be viewed, here

About the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh):
As the official destination marketing organization for Wake County, the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh), is responsible for promoting Wake County as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, the organization strengthens the economic position of and provides opportunity for people throughout Wake County. Raleigh, N.C./Wake County welcomes nearly 16 million visitors annually whose spending tops $2.3 billion. The visitor economy supports more than 21,000 local jobs in Wake County and generates $243 million in state and local tax revenues, saving each Wake County household $592 in taxes annually. visitRaleigh.com

About the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance (GRSA):
A division of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh) – the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance (GRSA) markets and promotes Raleigh and all of Wake County in order to generate and/or retain sports-related businesses (tournaments, championships, special events and meetings) for the purpose of economic development. Raleigh, N.C./Wake County welcomes nearly 16 million visitors annually whose spending tops $2.3 billion. The visitor economy supports more than 21,000 local jobs in Wake County and generates $243 million in state and local tax revenues, saving each Wake County household $592 in taxes annually. Raleighsports.org

Media Contact:
Veronica Thring
Public Relations and International Tourism Manager
919.819.8292
vthring@visitRaleigh.com

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