TST Named Large Market Champion With $16.2 Million Economic Impact to Greater Raleigh

RALEIGH, N.C. (Nov. 4, 2026) – Sports Destination Management (SDM), the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, has announced the 2026 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism. This year’s winners are responsible for contributing a more-than-welcome boost of more than $1.85 billion to the national economy over the past year (a significant increase over the 2025 figure) and consuming a whopping 943,810 room-nights.

Among the winners was The Soccer Tournament (TST) produced in conjunction with the Town of Cary and community partners including the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance (GRSA). TST’s record-setting fourth year generated an estimated $16.2 million in direct economic impact. Of the tournament’s 57,942 attendees, an estimated 34,488 traveled from outside Wake County, including 23,304 overnight visitors. The six-day event in May/June generated an estimated 22,385 room-nights, more than $607,000 in direct local tax revenue, featured 76 teams, more than 2,000 athletes and 159 matches. TST returns to Cary June 8-14, 2027.

“The growth of TST over the past four years in Cary has been incredible and we are proud of the economic impact the tournament continues to bring to the region,” said TST founder and CEO Jon Mugar. “This recognition is a testament to the support we have received from the local community and our partners at the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance. We look forward to building on that success for years to come.”

“TST has evolved into one of the most impactful sporting events hosted in Greater Raleigh, generating substantial economic benefits while creating an atmosphere that energizes our entire community. The tournament attracts visitors from across the country and around the world, delivering meaningful spending to local businesses and showcasing our destination to a rapidly expanding global audience. We are proud to partner with TST and the Town of Cary on an event that exemplifies how sports can drive economic growth, strengthen community connections, and elevate Greater Raleigh's profile on the world stage,” said Scott Dupree, executive director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance (GRSA).

All winners of awards have been recognized in a special feature published in the November/December 2026 issue of Sports Destination Management. The entire article with full details on the winners listed below can also be found here: “Champions of Economic Impact”

“The nominations we saw were incredible. What really struck us was the variety of events. We had everything from a bucket-list marathon that draws international runners to a collegiate club aviation event – and everything in between. It is absolutely clear that there is a demand for quality sports events at every level, and that event owners and destinations are answering that call,” said SDM publisher Scott Swoger.

 

About Sports Destination Management (SDM):
Sports Destination Management is written for the largest audience of sports event managers and tournament directors in the sports tourism market and maintains a focus on the important issues surrounding event location decisions and event management. With content from experts and thought leaders, SDM provides in-depth coverage of sports event planning and execution through incisive and relevant articles as well as insightful, real-world case studies showcasing best practices and successful event production. In addition to the publication, SDM offers extensive digital resources through www.sportsdestinations.com and the e-newsletter, SDM Blitz, both providing decision support tools for organizers to ensure successful events at all levels of play.

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 to generate and/or retain sports-related business (tournaments, championships, special events and meetings) for economic development. Raleigh, N.C./Wake County welcomes 19.1 million visitors annually, whose spending tops $3.43 billion. The visitor economy supports more than 26,000 local jobs in Wake County and generates $342 million in state and local tax revenues, saving each Wake County household $743 in taxes annually. raleighsports.org

Media Contact:
Visit Raleigh
Jessica Holt
Director of Public Relations
919.645.2654
jholt@visitRaleigh.com

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