Star-studded soccer tournament to remain in this Triangle town
A state grant will keep bringing an international soccer tournament to Cary for the next four years.
The Soccer Tournament (TST), a 7v7 soccer festival that drew over 50,000 attendees last year, will remain at WakeMed Soccer Park through 2029 thanks to $6.8 million from the N.C. Department of Commerce Major Events, Games and Attractions Fund.
“The Town of Cary and its residents have played a major role in TST becoming the preeminent small-sided soccer festival in the world,” TST chief executive officer Jon Mugar said in a news release. “Our number one goal is to deliver an unforgettable experience to fans and participants, further cementing TST as a worldwide destination. This support will go a long way toward ensuring we are able to continue to deliver on that.”
More than 2,000 players compete in seven-person teams for a $1 million prize. The tournament’s drawn big-name soccer stars including Carli Lloyd, Sergio Agüero, Heather O’Reilly, Luis Nani, Hope Solo, JJ Watt, Steve Nash, Ali Krieger and Pat McAfee, according to a news release.
“What makes Cary special is our people,” Mayor Harold Weinbrecht said in the release. “Our staff, our volunteers and our citizens always show up and take pride in making visitors feel welcome. The state’s investment is a recognition of that and how amazing our facilities are. We’re proud to keep hosting The Soccer Tournament and to continue sharing this experience with our community and the world for years to come.”
The 2025 tournament generated $14.7 million in direct economic impact, including over $547,000 in local tax revenue. This year’s tournament also included the inaugural Cary Cup, a youth tournament in the 7v7 format.
A kickoff party to celebrate the extension in Cary is set for Nov. 18 at Sports & Social in the Fenton mixed-use development featuring giveaways and a live watch party for the USA vs. Uruguay soccer match.
This story was originally published October 27, 2025 at 12:49 PM.
