Sports Watch: Winter 2025
Monday, February 03, 2025, 9am

#SPORTSWATCH
Upcoming events in Greater Raleigh, N.C.:
- NCHSAA Swimming and Diving Championships, Pullen Aquatic Center and Triangle Aquatic Center (Cary) • Feb. 5-8
- Raleigh President's Day Tournament (hockey), Wake Competition Center (Morrisville), Polar Ice House (Cary) • Feb. 15-17
- Conference Carolinas Swimming and Diving Championships, Triangle Aquatic Center • Feb. 19-22
- The Carolina Cup (gymnastics), Raleigh Convention Center • Feb. 21-23
- Rumble in Raleigh Gymnastics Invite, NetSports (Morrisville) • Feb. 28-March 2
- Carolina Crown (volleyball), Raleigh Convention Center • March 1-2
View our full 2025 calendar, here!
Upcoming travel:
- Sports ETA Chief Executive Summit, Fort Worth, Texas • Feb. 18-19, 2025
- Sports ETA Symposium, Tulsa, Okla. • April 14-17, 2025
Recent travel:
- United Soccer Coaches Convention, Chicago, Ill. • Jan. 8-12, 2025
Cary, N.C., chosen as long-term host for NCAA National Championships
The Town of Cary, along with its host partners, announced an expanded partnership with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), securing Cary as a host site for another decade of National Championships for Division II Baseball and four more years of Division I Women’s and Men’s Soccer College Cups. This extension builds on the recent award of six championships for the 2026-2028 seasons and will keep Cary as a pivotal NCAA host through 2038.
(L-R) Scott Dupree, executive director, Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance; Shelley Curran, assistant town manager, Town of Cary; John Collins, director of parks, recreation and cultural resources, Town of Cary; Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Town of Cary; Charlie Baker, president, NCAA; John Brunner, associate athletic director, University of North Carolina Athletics; Katharine Eberhardt, chief marketing & development officer, North Carolina FC Youth
Adding to the excitement, the NCAA President recently visited Cary during the 2024 NCAA College Cups for men’s and women’s soccer, meeting with local leaders and attending matches. His visit highlighted the strong relationship between the NCAA and the Cary community, a sentiment echoed by Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht in a recent blog post. The mayor praised Cary’s ability to host top-tier events and the lasting economic and cultural impact these championships bring to the area.
Raleigh to host ESL One Dota 2 Esports Tournament in April 2025
In a thrilling win for Raleigh, the destination will host the ESL One Dota Raleigh 2025 in April. Taking place at the Raleigh Convention Center, the event will feature the world's top Dota 2 teams competing for a prize pool of over $1 million. As esports continue to rise in global popularity, this tournament further highlights Raleigh as a leading destination for gaming and tech events. With immersive fan experiences, live broadcasts and the high-energy atmosphere of competitive gaming, the tournament is expected to attract thousands of attendees from around the world and generate significant local economic impact.
NCAA events in Raleigh: celebrating athletic history
Raleigh is gearing up to host the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lenovo Center, March 21 and 23, 2025. Known for its rich basketball history and passionate fanbase, Raleigh is an ideal location for these thrilling matchups. The games are expected to attract thousands of fans, filling hotels and restaurants across the area. These events underscore Raleigh’s commitment to celebrating athletic excellence and its ability to host major collegiate tournaments seamlessly. Be sure to save the date and secure tickets to witness this exciting chapter in NCAA history.
Save the date: The Soccer Tournament (TST) 2025
Mark your calendars for The Soccer Tournament (TST) 2025, returning to WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, June 4-9. Building on its tremendous success in 2024, TST 2025 will feature an expanded field of elite 7v7 teams competing for a $1 million prize. This year, the event will include both a men’s field and a women’s field, showcasing top talent from around the world. The addition of new international teams and exciting fan zones promises an unforgettable experience for soccer enthusiasts. With global attention and community engagement at the forefront, this event further cements the Greater Raleigh area as a must-visit destination for soccer fans from around the world. Join the ticket waitlist today!
PPA Tour will return to Cary
The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour will return to Cary, April 1-6, 2025, following its highly successful event in 2024. Drawing over 4,000 visitors from outside Wake County, the 2024 event generated an estimated direct economic impact of over $2 million. With top-tier pickleball athletes competing in state-of-the-art facilities, the PPA Tour continues to shine as a highlight of Cary's annual sports calendar.