NC kicks in $6.8M to keep The Soccer Tournament in Cary for the next 4 years
The four-year extension is expected to generate tens of millions in economic impact for Wake County
CARY, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Town of Cary and The Soccer Tournament (TST) have announced a new long-term agreement that will keep the 7v7 soccer festival at WakeMed Soccer Park through 2029.
The partnership is supported by a grant from the NC Department of Commerce's Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund.
The fund will reimburse eligible in-state expenses up to $6.8 million over the duration of the agreement.
"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," said Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrect.
The 2025 event doubled the size of the women's tournament to 16 teams and achieved a record attendance of 51,730.
Nearly 2,000 players representing 34 countries competed across the men's and women's fields.
"The Town of Cary and its residents have played a major role in TST becoming the preeminent small-sided soccer festival in the world," said TST CEO Jon Mugar.
An estimated 31,657 fans traveled to Cary from outside Wake County, including visitors from all 50 states, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
According to the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, TST has generated $23.9 million in total economic impact for Cary and Wake County since 2024.
TST has been held at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary since its inception in 2023.
Details for TST 2026, including dates, participants, and expanded fan experiences, will be unveiled in the coming months.
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