Make a point to catch these 10 Triangle athletic teams and sporting events in action for exciting, inexpensive, family-friendly entertainment
by Lily Kane and Addie Ladner
What better spring or summer pastime than watching baseball with popcorn in hand? With Raleigh’s warm weather likely here to stay (no matter if you like it or not) and long summer days on the horizon, bookmark this comprehensive spectator sports guide with something for everyone. We’ve got legendary teams like the century-old Durham Bulls, our championship-winning women’s soccer team, the Carolina Courage and a championship-winning semi-pro basketball team, the Raleigh Firebirds! Then there’s some of the Triangle’s more niche — but no less enthralling — sports like roller derby, ultimate frisbee and sailing. Together, they offer plenty of fun, family-friendly, affordable ways to enjoy this time of year and observe some exciting competitions. Here are our top 10 to select from.
Baseball
Durham Bulls
There’s no summer tradition more classic than a good old-fashioned baseball game. First established in 1902, the Durham Bulls have called the Triangle home ever since, and have been in their current home at Durham Bulls Athletic Park since 1995. They’ve got a full schedule this summer, with lineups at home against teams like the Charlotte Knights, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and the Gwinnett Stripers. Plus, Friday and Saturday home games will feature a post-game fireworks show, including special Independence Day shows on July 4 and July 6. Other highlights of the summer include their “9 Weddings, 9 Innings” game on May 20 — featuring nine couples saying “I do” throughout the game — and their Pride Night on June 4.
Various dates; from $13; 409 Blackwell Street, Durham; milb.com/durham
Carolina Sandlot Collective
Live out your Sandlot or Bull Durham dreams at Historic Durham Athletic Park for this fun baseball event. For the third year in a row, recreational adult baseball teams from all over the country will gather to play in the original Durham Bulls venue in an event organized by the Carolina Sandlot Collective. In addition to area teams like the Raleigh Reapers and Durham Dirtbags, expect the People’s Baseball League of New Orleans and the New York Groove. Admission is free and Lawrence Barbecue will be on-site for vittles, so come by to cheer on your favorite team.
April 25 – 27; various times; free; 500 W. Corporation Street, Durham; carolinasandlotcollective.com
Carolina Blaze softball
Durham’s first-ever pro softball team, the Carolina Blaze, is kicking off its second season this year. The team is one of four founding members of the Athletes United Softball League, a national women’s professional league that got its start in 2024. With a lineup including former Duke University standouts Ana Gold and Jala Wright, the Blaze has an exciting and busy season ahead, packing in 25 games from their kickoff on June 9 to their last game on July 25. Though the team will play most of their games at Duke’s Smith Family Stadium, they’re also hosting a three-game series at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park against the Utah Talons. (June 25 – 27; various times; 409 Blackwell Street, Durham) Show up to cheer them on against league opponents like the Oklahoma City Spark and the Texas Volts.
Various dates; 4 Brodie Gym Drive, Durham; from $20; theausl.com/blaze
Soccer
NC Courage
Spring and summer mean it’s time for the National Women’s Soccer League season in full swing. The NC Courage, just down the road from us in Cary, are hosting several thrilling matchups this season, facing off against teams like the Seattle Reign, Washington Spirit and Utah Royals. Highlights include their Star Wars night on May 16, their Ring of Honor game on July 11 — an annual induction ceremony where the team recognizes a cornerstone member of the organization — and their August 26 Pride Night. Plus, be sure to hit up their Fan Fest before each game, where you can enjoy food trucks, a DJ, and photo ops with team mascot Roary.
Various dates; from $16; 101 Soccer Park Drive, Cary; nccourage.com
The Soccer Tournament
The Soccer Tournament, a fast-paced, 7-v-7 celebration of competitive soccer, is coming back to WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary for the fourth year straight. Originally established in 2023, this year’s tournament features 48 men’s clubs and 16 women’s clubs, drawing in players from all over the world to compete for the championship title and a $1 million prize. With hour-long games and special rules to ensure that every match ends on a game-winning goal, the tournament promises a series of electrifying games. There’s something for everyone, too — including opportunities to meet some of the players, a Kids Zone with crafts and games, professional youth soccer clinics and live entertainment.
May 27 – June 1; various times; from $35; 101 Soccer Park Drive, Cary; tst7v7.com
Carolina Roller Derby
Catch the Carolina Roller Derby at home this summer with their home team tournament on August 15. The league, which is made up entirely of players from the Triangle, has called the City of Oaks home since their founding in 2002 and competes nationally in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. Teams of five players compete in two-minute “jams” in this full-contact sport, scoring points by having their designated “jammer” lap blockers on the opposing team. Known for its intense physicality, fast-paced games and punk culture, a day at the roller derby is sure to delight any sports fan.
August 15; carolinarollerderby.com
Wake County Speedway
For more than 60 years, engines have roared around the quarter-mile oval at the Wake County Speedway, a NASCAR-sanctioned race track where the action never slows down. This year, “America’s Favorite Bullring” is hosting several regional NASCAR races as part of its packed summer schedule, and the SMART Modified Tour, a stock car racing series across the Southeastern United States, is also making a stop at the speedway. (April 24; myracepass.com)
Various dates; from $15; 2019 Simpkins Road; wcspeedway.com
Raleigh Firebirds Basketball
College players aren’t the only basketball stars who get to enjoy excitement around here. Raleigh’s Firebirds, our local semi-pro team in TBL (The Basketball League), won the 2025 South Atlantic Division Championship last year, so they headed into this season with good momentum. Running until mid-May, this year’s season features matchups with other East Coast teams like the Coastal Georgia Buccaneers and the Rocket City Flight, and a lineup of theme nights and celebrations for fans to take part in. Head to their Multicultural Night on May 11 for a celebration of diversity in Raleigh, and celebrate at their End of Season Party after their last game on May 17.
Various dates; $20 per game; 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard; raleighfirebirds.net
Carolina Sailing Club Governor’s Cup Regatta
Head out to the water for the 69th annual Governor’s Cup Regatta, where sails snap and boats cut across the waters of breezy Kerr Lake. Hosted by the Carolina Sailing Club, this long-running tradition is one of the oldest regattas in the Southeast. Over the course of two days, competitors will navigate five races in changing conditions, competing for the cup title. Participating clubs hail from all over the East Coast, bringing together a vibrant community of sailors. And for amateur sailors interested in fielding a team, registration is still open and available to everyone.
June 20 – 21; various times; free; 6254 Satterwhite Point Road, Henderson; carolinasailingclub.org
Carolina Flyers Ultimate Frisbee
Catch the Carolina Flyers in action with a game-day experience that’s as fast-paced as it is family-friendly. North Carolina’s professional ultimate frisbee team, based out of Durham, captured the national Ultimate Frisbee Association title in 2021 and are on the hunt for its second championship win this year. Their regular season runs April through July, with fun themes like their 80’s Glow Night on May 23 and their June 26 Superhero Night, featuring water games, a bounce house and a DJ. Whether you’re a longtime ultimate fan or new to the sport, Flyers games offer a thrilling show of athleticism and high-energy competition.
Various dates; $15; 750 Stadium Drive, Durham; shop.flyersultimate.com
This web-exclusive article was originally published on April 16, 2025 on waltermagazine.com
