Raleigh, N.C. (Dec. 8, 2025) – Greater Raleigh continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier destination for youth and collegiate soccer by welcoming a dynamic lineup of high-profile sporting events this fall. From the visitRaleigh.com Showcase Series to the ACC Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships and culminating with the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer College Cup, the region hosts some of the sport’s most competitive and celebrated tournaments. Combined, these events in November and December were expected to draw approximately 85,000 visitors and an estimated $31.1 million in direct economic impact — further cementing Greater Raleigh’s status as a hub for elite soccer events on a national stage.

“Greater Raleigh’s top-tier facilities continue to be a driving force in bringing major events to the region,” said Scott Dupree, executive director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance (GRSA). “We are proud to welcome soccer teams from across the nation to Wake County. These tournaments deliver tremendous economic impact and further strengthen Greater Raleigh’s well-earned reputation as the capital of collegiate and youth soccer in the United States.”

The packed fall soccer season in Greater Raleigh concludes in December with the NCAA Men’s Soccer College Cup, where the nation’s best will battle for the championship title. Out of a 48-team field, the final four teams in the NCAA Division Men’s Soccer Championship will travel to Cary to battle for the championship title. The semifinal round features two matches on Friday, December 12, with the two winning teams advancing to compete in the national championship game on Monday, December 15.

Multiple NCAA Men’s and Women’s College Cups have been held over the years at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. This year’s event marks the 10th year that the Men’s tournament will be hosted in Cary, with both the Men’s and Women’s tournaments returning for the 2026-2028 tournaments. Featuring a 10,000-seat stadium, WakeMed Soccer Park is a premier venue which is also home to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, the North Carolina Courage. With its world-class amenities and pristine field conditions, WakeMed Soccer Park offers an unmatched setting for one of the most elite collegiate soccer events in the nation.

The semifinal matchups are set for Friday, December 12, with Furman facing Washington at 6pm, and Saint Louis taking on Raleigh’s own North Carolina State (NC State) at 8:30pm. The last time NC State reached the final four (otherwise known as the College Cup) was in 1990. The winners will advance to the finals on Monday, December 15 at 7pm.

Broadcast all games on ESPNU or purchase tickets here.

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 businesses (tournaments, championships, special events and meetings) for economic development. Raleigh, N.C./Wake County welcomes 19 million visitors annually, whose spending tops $3.4 billion. The visitor economy supports more than 26,000 local jobs in Wake County and generates $321 million in state and local tax revenues, saving each Wake County household $720 in taxes annually. raleighsports.org

Media Contact:
Visit Raleigh
Dana Goodwin
Public Relations and International Tourism Manager
919.830.1289
dgoodwin@visitraleigh.com

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