Asheville, August 27, 2025

News Summary

UNC Asheville has been chosen to host the NAIA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Championships for two consecutive years. The selection is expected to elevate Asheville’s status as a sports destination and significantly benefit the local economy. A news conference is scheduled to discuss the event and its potential impact. The championships will bring in numerous athletes and spectators, contributing to sports tourism and local business growth.

Asheville to Host NAIA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Championships in 2026 and 2027

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has officially selected UNC Asheville as the host for the Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Championships in both 2026 and 2027. This decision was announced recently, promising to elevate Asheville’s profile as a sporting destination and to provide a significant boost to the local economy.

A news conference to further discuss this announcement will take place on August 27 at 11 a.m. at UNC Asheville’s upgraded running track. Representatives from Explore Asheville, the area’s tourism authority, as well as several other organizations, will be in attendance to promote the event’s potential benefits.

The championships are expected to draw numerous athletes, coaches, and spectators to Asheville, thus enhancing the region’s sports tourism offerings. This influx is predicted to have a substantial economic impact, contributing positively to local businesses and services.

Promotion of Women’s Athletics

UNC Asheville’s athletic department has been proactive in supporting and promoting women’s athletics. The recent “Our Turn to Play” fundraiser dinner, sponsored by First Bank, serves as a prime example of these efforts. Last year, the event raised over $330,000, which activated a $1 million matching challenge for women’s sports initiatives. This year’s dinner is set for April 29, featuring a keynote speaker and an emcee geared towards motivating attendees to contribute to the cause.

Growing Volleyball Community

In addition to track and field, the volleyball scene in Asheville is also on the rise. The newly formed AVL Hoppers, a competitive volleyball league made up of local mothers, is preparing to compete in a national competition in Denver from May 26-28. Highland Brewing Co. has responded to the sport’s increasing popularity by adding more sand courts, currently hosting nearly 200 players for pickup games on Friday nights.

The Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville has partnered with the AVL Hoppers for volleyball events, resulting in significant participation growth. The center has hosted more than 20 microtournaments in recent months. Furthermore, the Southern Conference will host its women’s volleyball championship in Asheville in November 2024, which is expected to draw significant attendance and boost the local economy.

Economic Impact of Sports Events

The upcoming men’s and women’s volleyball tournaments are expected to create a $500,000 economic impact, fostering community engagement and development in Asheville. This flourishing sports scene is indicative of the region’s increasing enthusiasm for volleyball, contributing further to its status as a sports tourism destination. Events such as the NAIA championships and the Southern Conference championships are expected to enhance this positive trend.

Conclusion

As Asheville prepares to host these prestigious sports events, the community can look forward to increased economic opportunities, heightened local engagement in sports, and a bright future for athletic endeavors in the region.

FAQ

• What events will Asheville host in 2026 and 2027?

  Asheville will host the NAIA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Championships.

• When will the news conference about the event take place?

  The news conference will occur on August 27 at 11 a.m.

• What is the expected economic impact of these events?

  These events are projected to have a significant economic impact on Asheville, boosting local businesses and services.

• What other sports events are happening in Asheville?

  Asheville is also hosting competitive volleyball tournaments, including the Southern Conference women’s volleyball championship in November 2024.

Key Features of Upcoming Events

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Additional Resources

• WLOS: Poll on Sporting Events Impact in Asheville
• AVL Today: Where to Watch NCAA Tournament in Asheville
• WLOS: Explore Asheville Sports Announcement
• UNC Bulldogs: Our Turn to Play Event
• Google Search: Asheville Sports Events

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.