Impressive Sporting Facilities Lead to Elite Competition in Greater Raleigh

Greater Raleigh continues to emerge as a powerhouse for sports championships and events, boasting world-class venues that set the stage for athletic excellence and unforgettable moments. North Carolina’s capital city area is known to be passionate about their sports – whether playing, watching on TV or supporting their favorite team in person, the Raleigh area has proven itself time and time again to be one of the most sports-friendly regions of the country. Nestled in a centrally located and naturally beautiful region with pleasant weather year-round, Greater Raleigh has carved its niche as one of America's hottest sports destinations. 
 

“We are extremely fortunate to have a wealth of world-class sporting facilities and venues in Greater Raleigh," said Scott Dupree, Executive Director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance (GRSA). “These top-tier amenities, combined with our community’s vibrant atmosphere, enthusiasm and dedication to hosting premier sporting events are what make Greater Raleigh a standout destination for athletes and fans alike."
 

Elite swimming can be found at Cary’s Triangle Aquatic Center (TAC), which now boasts four pools ranging from an indoor 50-meter eight-lane competition pool to a warm water instructional pool. Home to the No.2-ranked TAC Titans, the facility recently underwent a $2.4 million HVAC renovation to improve air circulation throughout the facility in addition to unveiling a new 50-meter heated outdoor pool. Not only can the 102,000 square feet facility accommodate a wide array of activities including swim lessons, water fitness classes, competitive swimming and water polo, but it will also be the domestic training site for the men’s and women’s U.S. Olympic Swim teams ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics from June 30 through July 10.

An exclusive event entitled the "Stars and Stripes Soiree" will take place on July 5, providing an exclusive opportunity for fans to watch Team USA train ahead of the Paris Olympics and supports TAC's non-profit mission of "Developing Swimmers for Lifelong Success". Followed by a specially dedicated media day on July 6, TAC's selection as a domestic training site is a testament to its support for USA Swimming and elite athletes. The facility showcases an impressive track record, sending 14 swimmers to the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials. Among its accomplishments is the production of two swimming Olympians, one triathlete on the USA Olympic Triathlon team, two USA Paralympians for the U.S. Paralympic Swim team and one additional international athlete on the Columbian Olympic Swimming team.
 

Nearby, the USA Baseball National Training Complex serves as the home for USA Baseball’s on-field programming. Nestled within Cary’s Thomas Brooks Park, the training complex sits on a 224-acre piece of land that is discreetly tucked away from the city bustle. This $11 million facility features four fields, a stadium and three training fields all maintained to Major League Baseball standards. The training complex is the host for USA Baseball's Collegiate, 18U, 15U, 12U and Women's National Team, as well as the 17U and 14U National Team Development Program.

The National Training Complex is now the official home of USA Baseball’s Executive Offices, located in a newly constructed 40,000 square-foot building which also houses the 22,000 square-foot Training Center. The Training Center, executive offices and USA Baseball retail shop are conveniently located at the entrance to the National Training Complex. Among the many elite sporting events hosted here, the USA Baseball National High School Invitational (NHSI) presented by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance (GRSA), recently brought 16 of the top prep teams nationwide to the facility to compete in what has become a leading event on the high school baseball calendar.
 

The area’s newest sports facility is Pleasant Park in Apex, which brings a new era of recreation and community engagement to the area. Expanding across 92 acres, this sizable facility offers a myriad of options for residents and visitors alike. With six versatile multipurpose fields, six pickleball, four tennis and basketball courts and a cross-country course, it's a sports enthusiast's dream come true. Yet Pleasant Park's allure extends beyond traditional sports group amenities. The park features a magical 1.5-acre playground (accurately named Enchanted Forest) with impressive climbing structures and a giant, 35-foot-tall slide. Excitement abounds as Pleasant Park looks toward the future, with plans for additional amenities in the pipeline. A future phase of construction will introduce four baseball/softball fields, a grand lawn for open play and a sand volleyball court, further enhancing the park's recreational offerings.