Sports

Cary is hosting 3 major sporting events in 2026. Here's what to know

Streetball FC Canada’s Lauren Sesselmann (4) takes down US Women’s Tori Dellaperuta (19) during Streetball FC Canada’s 3-0 victory over the US Women during the TST Soccer Tournament at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C., Friday, June 7, 2024.
Streetball FC Canada’s Lauren Sesselmann (4) takes down US Women’s Tori Dellaperuta (19) during Streetball FC Canada’s 3-0 victory over the US Women during the TST Soccer Tournament at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C., Friday, June 7, 2024. ehyman@newsobserver.com

The town of Cary will host three major sporting events this year, including international soccer, rugby and pickleball competitions. Tickets are now on sale for each event.

FULL STORY: 3 major sporting events are planned in Cary this year. Here’s when & how to go

Here are key takeaways:

  • The Soccer Tournament returns to Cary for its third year, featuring men’s, women’s and mixed 7v7 tournaments with a $1 million prize each. The state awarded a $6.8 million grant to keep the event in Cary through 2029. The event starts Wednesday, May 27.
  • Professional international rugby returns to Cary for the first time in more than a decade with the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup, featuring 12 national teams ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The USA Eagles will face Spain. The match is Saturday, July 18.
  • The Veolia Pickleball National Championships at Cary Tennis Park kicks off the Carvana Professional Pickleball Association’s 2026-2027 season, offering the largest prize money and ranking points in pro pickleball. Top-ranked players expected to compete include world No. 1s Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns, plus North Carolina residents Kate Fahey and Brooke Buckner. The event begins Monday, Aug. 31.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.

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Anna Roman
The News & Observer
Anna Roman is a service journalism reporter for the News & Observer. She has previously covered city government, crime and business for newspapers across North Carolina and received many North Carolina Press Association awards, including first place for investigative reporting. 
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