The Triangle region is poised for an economic surge as it prepares to host The Soccer Tournament (TST) in Cary, North Carolina. This highly anticipated event, set to take place from June 4 to June 9, has seen an increase in participation this year, with the number of women’s teams competing doubling, including a strong representation from NC Courage.
Notably, NBA superstar and North Carolina native Chris Paul is a part-owner of TST and expressed his excitement about the event, emphasizing the lively atmosphere and the enthusiasm of the fans. “Make sure you got your walking shoes or your running shoes so when you hear these loud screams, you want to go see this match,” Paul said, highlighting the energetic environment.
Local resident Alex Setzer, who is eager to attend, mentioned the significance of the event in bringing together visitors from around the globe. The tournament is expected to generate an impressive $9.2 million in economic revenue for the area, showcasing the substantial impact of such sporting events on the community.
Adding to the excitement, the NC Courage will feature a squad predominantly made up of all-star college and high school players. Previous competitions have garnered significant attention, with the team finishing second in the 2024 tournament and narrowly missing out on a million-dollar prize, which adds to their motivation to compete fiercely this year.
NC Courage spokesperson Jake Levy reflected on the prestige of hosting elite soccer talent at their home field, stating, “To see our home field play host to some of the greatest names in soccer history…and to be a part of it with a team competing on the women’s side is really fun.”
As TST continues to draw in fans—over 70,000 last year—the prospects for both the tournament’s growth and local community engagement are looking bright, and fans are eagerly anticipating what this year’s event will bring. The positive energy surrounding TST is not just about the game; it exemplifies community spirit and the joy of sport.