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Raleigh, NC

Sports & Recreation

The Sporting Life

Raleigh and the Triangle offer a winning lineup of teams, from amateur, to college, to professional. Given our rich heritage of ACC basketball and football, and the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, it’s no wonder we’re consistently ranked as one of the country’s hottest sports markets by The Sporting News.

With the fiercely competitive North Carolina Tar Heels — a.k.a. the 2005 NCAA Champions — in Chapel Hill, the North Carolina State Wolfpack in Raleigh, and the Duke Blue Devils in Durham all calling this region home, college hoops in the Triangle isn’t just a game; it’s a way of life. Area teams have won nine NCAA Men’s Division I National Basketball Championships. College basketball fans thrilled to hear the news that Raleigh’s RBC Center has been chosen as the site of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) men’s and women’s basketball tournaments for three years beginning in 2006.

The 2005 college football season was an exciting one with the addition of Boston College to the ACC. The Pack and the Heels engaged in a friendly North-South rivalry on the gridiron when they each took on the Eagles in the fall.

The National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes have taken the Triangle by storm, so to speak. In the spring of 2002, the Hurricanes captured the hearts of fans across the state and drew the eyes of the world to Raleigh when they won the Eastern Conference Championship and skated in the Stanley Cup Finals against the Detroit Red Wings. In 2005, the hockey world again descended upon North Carolina’s Capital City when the Hurricanes and the RBC Center hosted the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, drawing the largest crowd for an NHL Draft in more than a decade.

For those who prefer a knuckleball or a line drive, there’s plenty of baseball action here, too. The 2003 Southern League Champion Carolina Mudcats in Zebulon and the 2003 International League Champion Durham Bulls pack the stands during summer months. Durham is also the headquarters for USA Baseball, the governing body for amateur baseball in America. The organization chose Cary for its national training center.

Speaking of amateur sports, the Town of Cary — with its mecca of athletic- venues — was chosen by N.C. Amateur Sports as the 2005–2006 host city for the State Games of North Carolina, an Olympic-style sports festival of about 16,000 athletes.

For golf enthusiasts, the 2005 U.S. Open returned to Pinehurst No. 2, just six years after its last appearance here. Closer to home, the annual Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic and Senior PGA Tour SAS Championship suit spectators to a tee.


Cheers For The Home Team

Regional Collegiate Sports

Meredith College
(919) 760-8600
Meredith, a NCAA Division III college, fields teams in basketball, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball.

North Carolina State University
(919) 515-2102
Tickets: (800) 310-PACK
The N.C. State Wolfpack is a charter member of the Atlantic Coast Conference and holds two NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championships.

Saint Augustine’s College
(919) 516-5158
Saint Augustine’s College (Falcons) is a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).

Shaw University
(919) 546-8392
The Shaw University Bears are members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).

Duke University
(919) 684-2633
A charter member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, Duke University is the home of the Blue Devils and three NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championships.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
(919) 962-6000
The University of North Carolina Tar Heels are also charter members of the Atlantic Coast Conference and boast four NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championships.


Statewide Professional Sports

Carolina Bobcats
129 W. Trade St., Suite 700
Charlotte 28202
(704) 424-4120
www.nba.com/bobcats

The Bobcats joined the NBA for the 2004–2005 season. Charlotte became the first new franchise in the league since 1995. The Bobcats play in the new Charlotte Arena.

Carolina Hurricanes
(919) 467-7825
Tickets: (919) 861-2323(888) NHL-TIXI (645-8491)
www.carolinahurricanes.com

The National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes arrived in North Carolina in 1997 and settled into the RBC Center in Raleigh in 1999. Since then, the team has attracted more than 3 million “Caniacs” to the 18,730-seat facility.

Carolina Mudcats
1501 N.C. Highway 39
Zebulon 27597 (919) 269-CATS (2287)
www.gomudcats.com

The Carolina Mudcats, a Class AA affiliate of the Florida Marlins, play their games at Five County Stadium in Zebulon. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the team, the stadium was renovated and expanded, including the addition of nine luxury suites and a state-of-the-art restaurant called Cattails.

Carolina Panthers
800 S. Mint St.
Charlotte 28202 (704) 358-7000
www.cpanthers.com

In 2003, the Panthers celebrated the 10th anniversary of football’s arrival in Carolina by winning the NFC Championship. Bank of America Stadium, located in the Center City of Charlotte, was specifically designed for football. The 73,258-seat, open-air stadium is the year-round home of the Carolina Panthers.

Charlotte Sting
129 W. Trade St., Suite 700
Charlotte 28202
(704) 424-4120
www.wnba.com/sting

In October 1996, Charlotte was awarded one of the eight franchises in the newly formed Women’s National Basketball League (WNBA). The Sting concluded their historic first season with a 15-13 record. The Sting’s veteran players, Andrea Stinson and Allison Feaster, rank as the only two scoring leaders in franchise history.

Durham Bulls
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
409 Blackwell St.
Durham, 27701 (919) 687-6500
Tickets: (919) 956-BULL
www.durhambulls.com

Only 30 minutes away in Durham, the Durham Bulls play in a stadium that is considered one of the finest in minor league baseball. A Class AAA team in the International League, affiliated with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the team was immortalized in the classic baseball film “Bull Durham.” The famous “snorting bull” was originally only a prop for the movie, but has remained a Durham Bulls’ staple ever since. In 2003, the Bulls become the only team in the 119-year history of the International League to sweep back-to-back Governors’ Cup Finals.

North Carolina Renegades
www.maxbasketball.com
Last May, the American Basketball Association’s new 2005 expansion team, the North Carolina Renegades, officially announced their first open tryout to all those interested in playing professional basketball in the ABA. Renegades management worked with the North Carolina State Fair to use the Dorton Arena for their home court.

North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame
5 E. Edenton St.
Raleigh 27601 (919) 807-7900
www.ncmuseumofhistory.org

The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, located in the North Carolina Museum of History, exhibits items donated by approximately 200 inductees. The exhibit includes champion driver Dale Earnhardt’s racing jumpsuit, Richard Petty’s stock car, Jim Valvano’s N.C. State warm-up suit, Arnold Palmer’s Ryder Cup golf bag, Meadowlark Lemon’s Harlem Globetrotters basketball uniform, N.C. State coach Kay Yow’s Olympic team basketball, Jim Beatty’s running shoes, and Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice’s UNC-Chapel Hill football jersey.

SAS Championship
Prestonwood Country Club
Cary, NC
Tickets: (800) 531-7742
www.saschampionship.com

Played at scenic Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, the SAS Championship brings together the world’s top senior players on Prestonwood’s championship-caliber course, designed by Tom Jackson. Prestonwood features 54 holes on three unique courses, and the SAS Championship combines holes from two of them to create the most challenging round of golf for the pros.

Wake County Speedway
2109 Simpkins Road, 27603
(919) 779-2171
www.wakecountyspeedway.com

Stock car racing is an integral part of the South, and that tradition continues at the Wake County Speedway. Originally built in 1962, this speedway offers loud and fast action each Friday night from April through September. It is located off of 401 South heading away from Raleigh.

Golf Courses

Each of the following courses offers 18 holes or more, unless otherwise noted. Slope ratings for 18-hole courses are from the United States Golf Association.

Public
401 Par Golf
5715 Fayetteville Road, 27603
(919) 772-5261
Par 27, nine holes

Brevofield Golf Course
13601 Camp Kanata Road
Wake Forest 27587
(919) 562-1900
www.brevofieldgolf.com
Par 72, slope 101

Cheviot Hills Golf Course
7301 Capital Blvd., 27616
(919) 876-9920
www.cheviothillsgolf.com
Par 71, slope 130

Eagle Crest Golf Club
4400 Auburn Church Road
Garner 27529 (919) 772-6104
Par 70, slope 120

Eagle Ridge Golf Club
www.ergc.biz
565 Competition Road, 27603
(919) 661-6300
Par 71, slope 133

Knight’s Play Golf Center
2512 Ten Ten Road
Apex 27502 (919) 303-4653
www.knightsplay.com
Par 54

Raleigh Golf Association Inc.
1527 Tryon Road, 27603
(919) 772-9987
Par 70, slope 107

Semiprivate
Crooked Creek Golf Club
4621 Shady Greens Drive
Fuquay-Varina 27526
(919) 557-7529
www.playcrookedcreek.com
Par 71, slope 137

Hedingham Golf Club
4801 Harbour Towne Drive, 27604 (919) 250-3030
Par 72, slope 124

Heritage Golf Club
1250 Heritage Club Ave.
Wake Forest 27587
(919) 453-2020
www.heritagewakeforest.com
Par 72

Hidden Valley Golf Club
7900 S. Highway 55
Willow Springs 27592
(919) 639-4071
Par 72, slope 115

Lochmere Golf Club
2511 Kildaire Farm Road
Cary 27511
(919) 851-0611
www.lochmere.com
Par 71, slope 132

Meadowbrook Country Club
800 White Oak Road
Garner 27529 (919) 772-1636

Paschal Golf Club
555 Stadium Drive
Wake Forest 27587 (919) 556-5861
Par 35, 9 holes, slope 105

River Ridge Golf Club
3224 Auburn-Knightdale Road, 27610 (919) 661-8374
www.golfriverridge.com
Par 72, slope 139

Wake Forest Golf Club
13239 Capital Blvd.
Wake Forest 27587 (919) 556-3416
www.wakeforestgolfclub.com
Par 72, slope 132

Wendell Country Club
180 Jake May Drive
Wendell 27591 (919) 365-7337
Par 71, slope 123

Wildwood Green Golf Club
3000 Ballybunion Way, 27613
(919) 846-8376
www.wildwoodgreen.com
Par 70, slope 129

Wil-Mar Golf Club
2300 Old Milburnie Road, 27604 (919) 266-1800
www.wil-margolf.com
Par 71, slope 125

Zebulon Country Club
2424 Pearces Road
Zebulon 27597 (919) 269-8311
Par 72, slope 107


Private
Bentwinds Golf and Country Club
6536 Dornoch Place
Fuquay-Varina 27526
(919) 552-5656
Par 71, slope 120

Brier Creek Country Club
9410 Club Hill Drive, 27617
(919) 206-4653
www.briercreekcountryclub.com
Par 72, slope 135

Carolina Country Club
2500 Glenwood Ave., 27608
(919) 787-2134
Par 71, slope 129

Devils Ridge Golf Club
5107 Linksland Drive
Holly Springs 27540 (919) 557-6100
www.devilsridgecc.com
Par 72, slope 138

Garner Country Club
7605 Old Stage Road, Garner
(919) 772-2587
Par 35, nine holes, slope 109

MacGregor Downs Country Club
430 St. Andrews Lane
Cary 27511 (919) 467-1895
www.macgregordowns.org
Par 72

North Ridge Country Club
6612 Falls of Neuse Road, 27615 (919) 847-0796
Lakes Course: par 72, slope 132
Oaks Course: par 72, slope 128

Prestonwood Country Club
300 Prestonwood Parkway
Cary 27513 (919) 467-9601
www.prestonwoodcc.com
Fairways Course: par 70, slope 128
Highlands Course: par 73, slope 141
Meadows Course: par 73, slope 132

Raleigh Country Club
400 S. Peartree Lane, 27610
(919) 231-6451
www.raleighcc.com
Par 72, slope 116

TPC at Wakefield Plantation
2201 Wakefield Plantation Drive, 27614 (919) 488-5100
www.tpcatwakefieldplantation.com
Par 71, slope 131


Major Parks — City of Raleigh

Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department
Call the Recreation Division at (919) 831-6640 for programs and activities.

Lake Johnson
5600 Avent Ferry Road, 27606
(919) 233-2121

Located in southwest Raleigh, Lake Johnson features a 150-plus-acre lake surrounded by 300-plus acres of land. The facility offers boating, fishing, boat rental, picnic shelters, paved greenway trails, and a variety of educational programs. Waterfront concerts are held during summer months.

Lake Lynn Recreation Center
7921 Ray Road, 27613
(919) 870-2911

This facility in-cludes a community center, lighted ballfields, tennis courts, greenway trails and a lake.

Lake Wheeler
6404 Lake Wheeler Road, 27603
(919) 662-5704

This 650-acre lake is host to many recreational water sports, including kayaking, canoeing, sailing, fishing and rowing. On any given weekend, look for fishing tournaments, outdoor equipment expos, boat shows, water/nature-based educational programs and evening waterfront concerts. Lake Wheeler also serves as the home for the annual Tarheel Regatta.

Millbrook Exchange Off-Leash Dog Park
1905 Spring Forest Road, 27615
(919) 872-4156

This unique two-acre facility, designed for dog owners and their canine friends, consists of three separate, fenced-in areas for large and small dogs, as well as a picnic shelter area. Open sunrise until the lights turn off, seven days a week.

Pullen Park
520 Ashe Ave., 27606
Amusements (919) 831-6468
Aquatics Center (919) 831-6197
Arts Center (919) 831-6126
Community Center (919) 831-6052

Adjacent to the N.C. State campus, Pullen Park is home to Theatre in the Park, an arts center, a 1911 carousel, the C.P. Huntington train, and a lake with paddleboats. The Pullen aquatic center houses an Olympic-sized, warm-water swimming pool and seating for 300 spectators.

Shelley Lake
1400 W. Millbrook Road, 27612
(919) 420-2331

This 53-acre lake in North Raleigh is surrounded by two miles of paved greenway trails with workout stations and is home to Sertoma Art Center. The park provides visitors with boat and bike rental, water sports, a playground, facilities for bird watching, and three open fields where free yoga classes are held Sunday mornings.

Walnut Creek Softball Complex
1201 Sunnybrook Road, 27610
(919) 250-2725

This unique complex contains nine state-of-the-art lighted and irrigated fields in a “two wheel” configuration. The center of each wheel contains a two-story press box/restroom/concession building. The facility can accommodate up to 1,500 spectators and regional, national and international competition. The complex is available for rental and special events.


Major Parks — Wake County

American Tobacco Trail
2112 County Park Drive
New Hill 27562
(919) 387-2117

Once completed, this 23-mile rails-to-trails project will run from southwest Wake County to historic downtown Durham. Wake County currently has 5.5 miles of the trail open for walking, hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Blue Jay Point County Park
3200 Pleasant Union Church Road, 27614
(919) 870-4330

Located on the shores of Falls Lake, this 234-acre county park is home to the Blue Jay Center for Environmental Education, which provides environmental education programs and features several exhibits concerning water quality and the natural environment of the Piedmont North Carolina basin. The park also offers picnicking, hiking trails, playfields and a playground.

Crowder District Park
4709 Ten Ten Road
(919) 662-2850

This 33-acre park offers a variety of educational and recreational outdoor activities, including a 2.7-acre pond, an open-play field and a one-mile paved trail, as well as shelters, picnic sites and fishing areas. Staff members also provide environmental education.

Fred G. Bond Metro Park
801 High House Road, Cary
(919) 469-4100

Bond Park is a 310-acre facility with athletic fields, fitness and hiking trails, picnic shelters, a 42-acre fishing/recreation lake, boat rentals, a playground, a ropes course, an amphitheatre, a community center, and the Cary Senior Center.

Harris Lake County Park
2112 County Park Drive
New Hill 27652
(919) 387-4342

This 680-acre park forms a peninsula on the Shearon Harris Reservoir. Known for excellent fishing in both its lake and farm ponds, the park offers recreational and educational programs, playgrounds, picnic shelters, individual picnic sites, and several miles of mountain biking and hiking trails.

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
2616 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary
(919) 387-5980

The preserve includes nearly 150 acres along Swift Creek, with north-facing bluffs supporting vegetation more typical of the mountains, including Eastern Hemlocks. The trail system highlights its unique natural features. Nature programs are conducted at the Stevens Nature Center in the park.

Historic Oak View County Park
4028 Carya Drive (I-440 Beltline and Poole Road), 27610
(919) 250-1013
www.wakegov.com/county/parks/oakview

This 27-acre park features a 19th-century farmstead, a cotton museum, a plank kitchen, picnic sites, a fishing pond, an herb garden and a pecan grove. The site offers educational programs, special events, exhibits and passive recreational opportunities. Special exhibits throughout the year include a new exhibit opening in spring 2006 on the history of North Carolina’s textile mill communities. Visit Oak View each fall for the annual Storytelling Festival and Heritage Day. The park sponsors the annual “Holidays Around the World” exhibit in December.

Historic Yates Mill County Park
4908 Penny Road
(919) 856-6675

This 574-acre park is under development and is scheduled to open in May 2006. The centerpiece is the restored gristmill — the last one remaining in Wake County — which has been preserved thanks to a public-private partnership with Yates Mill Associates, North Carolina State University and Wake County Government. The mill was originally built in 1756 and operated up to the late 1950s. A major feature of the park will be the environmental education and research center.

Lake Crabtree County Park
1400 Aviation Parkway Morrisville 27560
(919) 460-3390

This 200-acre park is situated next to a 520-acre lake. It offers hiking, mountain biking, nature trails, fishing piers, boat rentals, picnic shelters and playgrounds, as well as environmental education.

Thomas Brooks Park
111 Brooks Park Avenue Cary 27512
(919) 469-4061

This new, multi-purpose park features four lighted baseball/softball fields, a batting cage, two lighted basketball slabs, two soccer fields, a playground and two picnic shelters. The park is also the site of the USA Baseball National Training Center.


Major Parks — State

Falls Lake
13304 Creedmoor Road Wake Forest 27587
(919) 676-1027
With a 12,000-acre lake and 26,000 acres of woodland, Falls Lake is one of the largest recreational areas in the state. The facility offers seven sites for water activities — fishing, boating or swimming — and land activities such as hiking, biking and camping along a portion of the state’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

Jordan Lake
280 State Park Road
Apex 27523
U.S. Highway 64
and Fearrington Road
(919) 362-0586

The state operates eight recreation areas fronting the 46,768-acre Jordan Lake. Just 21 miles southwest of Raleigh off U.S. 64, the nearly 14,000-acre lake provides water for surrounding cities as well as boating, swimming, fishing and camping. The park is also a habitat for the bald eagle and has an observation deck for viewing our nation’s symbolic bird.

William B. Umstead State Park
8801 Glenwood Ave., 27612
(919) 571-4170
Tucked between Raleigh, Cary, Durham and the corporate world of Research Triangle Park, Umstead State Park is easily accessible. With over 5,400 acres of woodland, the park offers a peaceful haven on Crabtree and Reedy creeks. Recreational activities include boating, hiking, horseback riding, camping, cycling, fishing or picnicking.