Asheville, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Asheville will unveil a new collegiate track championship tournament at a press conference, contributing to the region’s sports landscape and tourism. The event, set for 2026 at UNC Asheville, marks a strategic shift for Explore Asheville as it separates from the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission. Amid efforts to boost tourism through sports, Explore Asheville aims to host high-profile events, including a PGA-related golf tournament. The announcement reflects the ongoing commitment to enhancing local sports opportunities.
Asheville is set to unveil a new collegiate track championship tournament scheduled for 2026 during a press conference on August 27, 2025. This announcement comes as part of a focused strategy by Explore Asheville, the region’s tourism organization, to enhance the local sports landscape and attract visitors.
The press conference will take place at 11 a.m. at the recently upgraded running track at the University of North Carolina Asheville (UNC Asheville). This collegiate track event will be distinct as it is not affiliated with the NCAA, marking a new direction for Explore Asheville in its initiative to foster sporting events.
This move follows Explore Asheville CEO Vic Isley’s decision to end his organization’s partnership with the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission. With a vision to establish a dedicated sports event division within Explore Asheville, Isley has already hired new staff members to actively pursue opportunities for spectator sports events.
Previously, the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission has successfully hosted various sporting events since 2011, including the Southern Conference (SOCON) basketball tournament and the Fed Cup, which showcased tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams in 2018. However, following the breakup of the partnership with Explore Asheville, the commission now functions independently and has pivoted its focus toward building local sponsorships rather than bidding for national events.
Despite this separation, the SOCON basketball tournament remains a staple in Asheville, having been held for 26 consecutive years. Its continued relevance speaks to the strength of the local sports culture and the community’s support for these events.
In enhancing Asheville’s appeal as a destination for sports, Explore Asheville has developed specific sections on its website dedicated to sporting events. The organization also manages the Tourism Product Development Fund, which finances various projects, including potential upgrades to local sporting venues. Funding for these initiatives primarily derives from hotel and lodging taxes paid by visitors, underscoring the interconnectedness of tourism and local economic development.
Explore Asheville has a strategic interest in capturing high-profile televised events, recognizing the economic benefits these can bring to the area. For example, hosting prestigious events like ice-skating competitions can require significant bids, with examples indicating a minimum bid of $800,000. Currently, Explore Asheville is pursuing a PGA-related golf tournament to add to its sporting portfolio.
Recognizing the necessity for increased tourism, local business manager Vince Charbonneaux emphasized the decline in visitors over the past two years. He acknowledged that hosting new sports events is pivotal for increasing local exposure and attracting tourists. In addition to the collegiate track championship, Asheville will also host a college women’s volleyball championship at Harrah’s Cherokee Center in November, reflecting ongoing efforts to diversify its sporting events.
Key Details of the Announcement
- Event Type: Collegiate track championship tournament
- Announcement Date: August 27, 2025
- Location: UNC Asheville’s running track
- Year of Event: 2026
- Affected Organizations: Explore Asheville (new sports division), Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission (operating independently)
Background Context
Explore Asheville has historically aimed to bid on sporting events to promote the area, especially large televised competitions. The separation from the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission has prompted a re-evaluation of their approach to securing events, focusing now on establishing their sports division. The experiences of the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, which became independent, highlight the potential for local sponsorship success in lieu of national event bidding.
FAQ
What is the new sports event being announced in Asheville?
A collegiate track championship tournament scheduled for 2026.
When will the announcement take place?
The announcement will occur on August 27, 2025, at 11 a.m.
Where is the event being held?
The event will take place at the upgraded running track at UNC Asheville.
Is this event affiliated with the NCAA?
No, the tournament is not affiliated with the NCAA.
Who is responsible for pursuing this new sporting event?
Explore Asheville CEO Vic Isley and his newly recruited staff are responsible for this initiative.
What has been the focus of the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission since separating from Explore Asheville?
The commission has focused on securing local sponsorships rather than bidding for high-profile events.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Type | Collegiate Track Championship |
| Announcement Date | August 27, 2025 |
| Event Year | 2026 |
| Location | UNC Asheville Running Track |
| NCAA Affiliation | Not affiliated |
| Organizing Body | Explore Asheville |
| Previous Hosting | Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Explore Asheville UNC Sports Announcement
- AVLtoday: Where to Watch NCAA Tournament in Asheville
- UNC Bulldogs: Sold Out Our Turn to Play Event
- Mountain X: Asheville Sends Volleyball Team to National Competition
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
- Google Search: Asheville sports
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
