Get your cleats ready – Asheville will host the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) track and field spring championships in 2026 and 2027.
At a press conference Wednesday morning Vic Isley, president and CEO of Explore Asheville said the events highlights the Asheville area as a sports destination.
“ In the Southeast, our combination of outstanding athletic venues, weather, vibrant downtown and unmatched outdoor recreation makes Asheville a fitting home for championships of this caliber.”
The three-day event is expected to draw over 1,300 people and generate $1.3 million in direct spending in Buncombe County, according to officials at the press conference.
NAIA Vice President Austin Bennett said it became clear to him that Asheville was the right location for the event after site visits and a competitive bid process from interested locales.
“ This is one of our most anticipated competitions in track and field,” Bennett said. “... We're so excited that it'll culminate in a host city like this one that reflects the qualities such as resiliency, dedication, excellence. Asheville embodies all of that.”
The championships will take place on UNC Asheville’s Karl Straus Track on May 20-22 in 2026 and May 26-28 in 2027.
More details, including information on tickets and schedules will be made available closer to the event.
