Raleigh, NC offers a variety of sports for both participants and spectators. Here are just some of the popular sports in the Raleigh area:
Basketball
Raleigh is home to the NC State Wolfpack, who compete in the NCAA Division I and play their home games at PNC Arena. Duke and UNC basketball, both known for their basketball, are just a short 20 to 30 minute drive away.
On the participants side, the YMCA of the Triangle offers adult and youth leagues, as do several other organizations.
Ice Hockey
The Carolina Hurricanes, an NHL team, is based in Raleigh. They play their home games at PNC Arena.
The Polar Ice House offers youth leagues.
Soccer
North Carolina FC, a professional soccer team that competes in the USL, calls Raleigh home. They play their home matches at the Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.
The NC FC also offer youth recreational and competitive leagues for all ages, starting at 2 1/2 with the Kickstarters! The North Carolina Football Club is the largest youth-to-pro club in the nation and is the parent organization of North Carolina FC and North Carolina Courage (NWSL) and North Carolina FC Youth. NC FC Youth is ranked as one of the top 20 youth soccer clubs in the nation.
The NC Courage are a Division I professional women’s soccer team that play in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The NC Courage play home games at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC.
Baseball
The Durham Bulls, a Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, play their home games in Durham. The 1988 film Bull Durham, featured the Bulls and the Durham Athletic Park, the team's stadium at the time. The Durham Bulls also offer a Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League. Supported by the Durham Bulls, the Durham Bulls Youth Athletic League provides recreational baseball free-of-charge to youngsters in the City of Durham.
Carolina Mudcats: A proud Wake County staple since 1991, the Carolina Mudcats have provided affordable and family-friendly baseball fun for over 30 years at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, NC. Known for their famous mascot Muddy the Mudcat, spectacular fireworks nights, souvenir giveaway events and their iconic swimming catfish logos, the Mudcats have routinely maintained their status as one of Minor League Baseball’s most popular franchises.
Track and Field
Saint Augustine's University has sent over 40 athletes to the Summer Olympics for track and field since 1988, thanks to their former coach, George Williams, who is also a former US Olympic track coach. They have had an athlete on the Olympics team ever since '88.
Track Xplosion is one of the elite track and field clubs in the Triangle area dedicated to teaching and inspiring youth ages 4-18 through the competition and hard work that track and field offers.
RDU Xpress Track Club was founded in 2022 with the merging of Bull City Express and Run U Xpress, two of the most successful and competitive track clubs in the state of North Carolina.
Golf
Raleigh and its surrounding areas have many golf courses, both public and private, where golf enthusiasts can enjoy the sport. Public courses include: Lonnie Poole Golf Course, River Ridge Golf Club, Reedy Creek Golf Course, The Preserve at Jordan Lake Golf Club, Eagle Ridge Gold Club, Riverwood Golf Club, The Crossings Golf Club, Hedingham Golf Club, Olde Liberty Golf Club, Heritage Golf Course in Wake Forest, Pine Hollow Golf Club in Clayton, UNC Finley Golf Club, and Duke University Golf Club.
Running and Cycling
Raleigh has an active running and cycling community, with various clubs and events organized throughout the year. The city also hosts the Rock 'n' Roll Raleigh Marathon and Half Marathon annually. There is even Krispy Kreme Challenge! Participants begin the Challenge at the belltower on the campus of NC State. Runners then travel 2.5 miles through historic downtown Raleigh to the Krispy Kreme, where they attempt to consume one dozen original glazed doughnuts. The hardest part of the Challenge awaits them as they run 2.5 miles back to the belltower!
Bicycle Motocross is a bicycle motocross race track located at the Lions Park in Raleigh.
Tennis
There are tennis facilities and clubs in Raleigh that offer both recreational and competitive play.
The Raleigh Tennis Association (“RTA”) serves as the primary resource for all things tennis in the greater Raleigh, NC area. They offer tournaments, USTA leagues, social tennis, and junior tennis.
College Sports
Raleigh is part of the "Research Triangle" area, which includes several universities. NC State, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill all have a strong sports presence, competing in various NCAA sports.
Charity Events
Many local charities offer events all year, including biking, walks, running, and kickball tournaments, among many other events. You can find some type of activity year round to support our area non-profits, even a polar plunge!
These are just a few examples of the sports available in Raleigh, NC and the surrounding communities. We have a vibrant sports culture with opportunities for people of all ages and interests to participate or spectate.
