Sports Watch: Spring 2025
Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 11am
#SPORTSWATCH
Upcoming events in Greater Raleigh, N.C.:
- Senior Softball-USA Atlantic Coast Championships, Walnut Creek Athletic Complex • May 13-18
- Phenom G3 Live, Raleigh Convention Center • May 16-18
- UNC Health Championship presented by Stitch, Raleigh Country Club • May 29-June 1
- NCAA Division II Baseball Championship, USA Baseball National Training Complex (Cary) • May 30-June 7
- The Soccer Tournament (TST), WakeMed Soccer Park (Cary) • June 4-9
- The Cary Cup (youth soccer), Multiple area fields • June 6-8
- Oak City Swing Softball Tournament, Walnut Creek Athletic Complex • June 7-8
View our full 2025 calendar, here!
Recent travel:
- Sports ETA Women's Summit, Tampa, Fla. • April 2-4, 2025
- Sports ETA Symposium, Tulsa, Okla. • April 14-17, 2025
March madness in Raleigh, N.C.: a slam-dunk success
Greater Raleigh once again showcased and reinforced its status as a premier sports destination by hosting the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lenovo Center in March 2025. The destination welcomed thousands of fans who filled local hotels and restaurants, contributing an estimated millions to the local economy. The event not only highlighted Raleigh's rich basketball history but also its capability to host major collegiate tournaments seamlessly. Looking ahead, Raleigh is set to host the NCAA Men’s Basketball Regional in 2028, further cementing its status in the college basketball landscape. Read more, here.
The Soccer Tournament (TST) returns to Cary, N.C.
Mark your calendars for June 4-9, 2025, as TST returns to WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. This year's event promises even more excitement with the addition of The Cary Cup, a youth tournament running concurrently with TST. A free-to-attend event, The Cary Cup will feature more than 125 teams, primarily from North Carolina but also drawing youth soccer clubs from across the country. It’s a chance for young athletes to compete on a big stage while being part of the energy and celebration surrounding TST.
Fans can also look forward to live broadcasts of The Pat McAfee Show on June 4 and 5, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. With international teams and expanded fan zones, TST 2025 is set to be an unforgettable experience for soccer enthusiasts. Purchase tickets, here.
Baseball season heats up in Cary
Baseball fans, get ready! The NCAA Division II Baseball Championship is set to take place from May 30-June 7, 2025, at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary. This marks the 15th time Cary has hosted the championship, showcasing its commitment to collegiate baseball. The event will feature top Division II teams competing in a double-elimination format, promising thrilling matchups and memorable moments for attendees.
UNC Health Championship tees off in Raleigh
Golf enthusiasts can look forward to the UNC Health Championship presented by Stitch, scheduled for May 29-June 1, 2025, at Raleigh Country Club. As a key mid-season stop on the Korn Ferry Tour, the tournament will feature 156 professional golfers vying for PGA TOUR membership. Beyond the competition, the event supports local charities, including N.C. Children’s Hospital and offers various attractions for fans and families alike.
Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour brings pickleball action to Cary
The PPA Tour made a triumphant return to Cary Tennis Park, April 1-6, 2025, for the Veolia North Carolina Open. The event attracted over 1,200 players and thousands of spectators, highlighting the growing popularity of pickleball in the region. For those inspired to pick up a paddle, Cary offers numerous pickleball facilities, catering to players of all skill levels. Interested in where to hone your pickleball skills in the Raleigh area? Learn more, here.
Lenovo Center: new name, history and planned renovations
Lenovo Center, formerly known as PNC Arena, is stepping into a new era as Raleigh, N.C.'s most versatile and innovative sports facility. This name change reflects a deepening partnership with Lenovo, one of the world’s leading technology companies, headquartered in Greater Raleigh. The rebranding signals an exciting future for the venue, which is set to undergo a massive expansion and renovations to enhance its offerings for athletes, teams and visitors alike.
Lenovo Center is slated for significant renovations aimed at expanding its size and modernizing its amenities. Additionally, they will begin construction of a multi-phase, mixed-use district around Lenovo Center in summer 2025. Highlights of the renovation and upgrade include:
- 200,000 square feet of entertainment and lifestyle retail to bring new shopping, dining and leisure experiences to visitors.
- A 150-key hotel, providing convenient accommodations for event attendees and travelers.
- A state-of-the-art, 4,300-seat ballroom that will host concerts, performances and large-scale events, adding to the region’s vibrant entertainment scene.
- A dedicated tailgating area, enhancing the fan experience for game days and major sporting events.
- New food and beverage options, along with multiple parks, plazas and promenades, creating inviting public spaces for visitors to gather, dine and relax.
- More than 500 apartments, with 10% designated as affordable housing for residents earning no more than 80% of the area median income.
- 150,000 square feet of office space, fostering business and innovation within the mixed-use district.
Read more, here.