Commerce highlights state-backed soccer events as economic development strategy
RALEIGH — North Carolina officials are pointing to a series of major soccer events as part of the state’s economic development and tourism strategy.
The N.C. Department of Commerce announced June 3 that the state’s “Summer of Soccer” includes events and international partnerships supported by the Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund, known as the MEGA Fund.
The fund is administered by Commerce and is intended to help local communities compete for high-profile sporting events, entertainment attractions and tourism-driving experiences.
Commerce said the summer lineup includes The Soccer Tournament in Cary, the U.S. Men’s National Team send-off match in Charlotte ahead of the FIFA World Cup and the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, planned for July 29 in Charlotte after the World Cup.
The department said The Soccer Tournament recently drew nearly 58,000 fans in Cary. Commerce also said the U.S. team’s 3-2 friendly victory over Senegal drew nearly 58,000 people to Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Three World Cup national teams are also using North Carolina as a training base for World Cup preparations. Germany will train in Winston-Salem, Norway in Greensboro and Scotland in Charlotte, according to Commerce.
The state has awarded more than $15 million through the MEGA Fund for 2026 events and attractions, including previously announced support for NASCAR events in Rockingham and Winston-Salem and a $984,850 grant for the Professional Pickleball Association National Championships in Cary.
Commerce cited sports tourism as an economic driver, saying The Soccer Tournament generated an estimated $14.7 million in direct economic impact for the Cary and Wake County area in 2025. The department also cited an estimate from the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association that youth soccer activities generated about $1 million in statewide spending in 2025.
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley said major events create economic value by supporting jobs, visitor spending and statewide visibility.
Editor’s note: This article was drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence and was reviewed and fact-checked by a member of the NC Political News editorial team before publication.
