We’re here to make sure you’re a well-informed fan, athlete and event planner who is in the know whether you’re pushing off the starting blocks, it’s the bottom of the ninth or it’s the final two minutes of overtime.
If it’s your first time in Durham for an event, we have your guides for how to make the most of your experience. If you’re a local looking for sporting events to attend this season, we have you covered with our season previews. And if you want to learn more about sports culture in Durham, you’re in the right place too.
HBCU Homecoming Season Isn't Over Yet
CIAA Football Championship Weekend — November 13-14
Meet Us in Durham
Two games. Two tailgates. A weekend celebrating HBCU football.
Book Your Stay
Book your stay in our dedicated CIAA hotel fan block to enjoy discounted rates and exclusive weekend offers.
Unlock these special offers when you show your CIAA ticket at participating businesses:
10% off
Free small items with purchase
Buy one/get one free
Event-exclusive menu items
Complimentary dessert with entrée
$5 off purchase of $25+
Free coffee with purchase of breakfast
Specialty cocktails and mocktails
Extended happy hours
Free gift with purchase
Event attendee package
Find the Functions
Keep the party going in the East Durham corridor, with Black-owned bars and restaurants that will be bringing the energy before and after game day. Dame’s Chicken & Waffles, O’Touro Social and Betty and Vi’s are coming together around a shared courtyard for a weekend of food, music and good company.
Address: 471 S Driver Street, Durham, NC 27703
Friday, November 13 — Live in East Durham
Dinner + Live Music
Start your CIAA Weekend in East Durham with live music, good food and a chance to settle into the weekend. Come early. Grab something to eat. Explore the block. Stay for the music.
Saturday, November 14 — The After Set
Classic R&B + Hip-Hop
After the game, meet us back in East Durham. Keep the night going with a DJ spinning classic R&B and hip-hop, food, drinks and the East Durham courtyard.
Saturday, November 14 at 7pm — Eagle Aggie Gospel Classic at Hayti Heritage Center
The Eagle Aggie Gospel Classic brings the choirs of North Carolina Central University and North Carolina A&T State University to Hayti’s historic sanctuary for a night of gospel unlike any other. Two traditions, two sounds, one stage and a room that has been holding harmonies and hallelujahs since 1891.
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first and longest running African American athletic conference in the country. And CIAA football runs deep in Durham. North Carolina Central University, then North Carolina College at Durham, joined the CIAA in 1928, where they competed until 1970. After competing elsewhere from 1970-80, NCCU rejoined the CIAA up until when they moved to become a Division I school in 2010. During their time in the CIAA, NCCU won eight CIAA Football Championships.
We’re here to make sure you’re a well-informed fan, athlete and event planner who is in the know whether you’re pushing off the starting blocks, it’s the bottom of the ninth or it’s the final two minutes of overtime.
If it’s your first time in Durham for an event, we have your guides for how to make the most of your experience. If you’re a local looking for sporting events to attend this season, we have you covered with our season previews. And if you want to learn more about sports culture in Durham, you’re in the right place too.
The Garmin Marathon Series returns to Durham this Spring. On May 1, 2027, thousands of runners will take to the streets, trails and stadiums of Durham in a one-of-a-kind race day experience. Read below to learn more about last year’s event and for what Durham residents should know ahead of race day.
Run the 2027 Garmin Marathon Series
Whether it's your first race or you're trying to qualify for Boston, register for the Garmin Marathon Series in Durham.
On May 2, 2026, Durham hosted the first Garmin Marathon Series in the Bull City. Durham was one of three locations selected to host the inaugural year of races, along with Toledo, Ohio and Tucson, Arizona. The event included a two-day race expo at CCB Plaza in Downtown Durham and a course that featured Downtown Durham, the American Tobacco Trail and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, before runners crossed the finish line at Wallace Wade Stadium on Duke University’s campus.
Quick Facts
6,021 runners
8,000+ spectators
Runners traveled from 47 states, 17 countries and 48 different North Carolina Counties
Over $4 million in economic impact created for Durham, which was calculated by the Durham Sports Commission using the industry standard Tourism Economics Event Impact Calculator
Why the Garmin Marathon Series Matters for Durham
Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA) defines the economic impact of sports tourism as the net change in an economy resulting from sporting events and activities. The impact is driven by spending from visitors and businesses and the subsequent ripple effects throughout the local economy.
For an event like the Garmin Marathon Series, you have not only thousands of race participants but also their friends and families coming into Durham to support. When you look beyond the race itself, you see participants and their supporters staying in Durham hotels, eating at Durham restaurants and shopping at local Durham businesses. With the Garmin Marathon Series, you are bringing people from not only around the country but around the world to experience Durham. This economic impact provides a boost to Durham and helps our community thrive.
Beyond economic impact, having a signature Boston Qualifying marathon series in Durham provides the opportunity for local runners to participate without having to travel. It’s an opportunity for community members to come together and participate in a race that is quintessentially Durham.
The 2027 Garmin Marathon Series will take place on Saturday, May 1.
The 2027 course will follow a similar route as 2026, taking runners through Downtown Durham, the American Tobacco Trail, Durham Bulls Athletic Park and Duke University’s campus. The event will also include a two-day race expo in the days leading up to race day.
An event of this scale comes with road closures and will affect neighborhoods along the course. As race details get finalized, we will continue to update this page with information for Durham residents to plan accordingly. We know road closures can be an inconvenience, but we encourage Durham residents to line the streets to support the thousands of runners. Because whether it’s your neighbor or someone from across the country, we want the runners to feel the support of our incredible community.
We encourage you to sign-up for the email list below to receive updates leading up to the event on road closures, race day information, registration deals and other ways to get involved.
2027 Garmin Marathon Series FAQ's Coming Soon
Blog
We’re here to make sure you’re a well-informed fan, athlete and event planner who is in the know whether you’re pushing off the starting blocks, it’s the bottom of the ninth or it’s the final two minutes of overtime.
If it’s your first time in Durham for an event, we have your guides for how to make the most of your experience. If you’re a local looking for sporting events to attend this season, we have you covered with our season previews. And if you want to learn more about sports culture in Durham, you’re in the right place too.
41-34. Overtime. 4th down at the 1-yard line. Jackson State, coached by Deion Sanders, needs a touchdown to tie the game. Fans on their feet, creating piercing noise echoing throughout Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Incomplete. Eagles win.
This was the scene at the 2022 Cricket Celebration Bowl, where North Carolina Central University’s football team spoiled Jackson State’s bid for an undefeated season and became the HBCU National Champions. That unforgettable moment still echos through Eagle Nation, and now, NCCU is ready to bring that same energy to the field in 2026.
In the heart of NCCU’s campus lies O’Kelly Riddick Stadium, home of the NCCU Eagles, who, led by Head Coach Trei Oliver, have established themselves as not only one of the top HBCU programs in the country but one of the best Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs in the country as well.
NCCU Football Over the Years
Trei Oliver heads into his seventh season as the Eagles’ head coach, leading the team to five consecutive winning seasons. As mentioned above, the highlight of his tenure was the Eagles victory over Jackson State in the 2022 Cricket Celebration Bowl. As a part of this historic season, the Eagles reached 17th in the final FCS rankings, which marked their highest ranking since becoming a Division I program in 2010.
In 2023, the Eagles continued to build on the success of the 2022 season. While they lost a MEAC tiebreaker and did not return to the Cricket Celebration Bowl, the Eagles continued to make history. With a strong 9-3 season, the Eagles were a mainstay in the FCS national rankings all-season long, reaching as high as a new program record seventh. The Eagles were rewarded for their strong season and earned a bid to the FCS playoffs for the first time in program history.
The Eagles wrapped up the 2024 season with an 8-3 overall record, continuing their strong performance in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) with a 4-1 record in conference play. This marks the fourth straight season NCCU has finished with just one conference loss, who have established themselves as a mainstay at the top of the standings. Despite their success, the Eagles narrowly missed an MEAC title, finishing second behind South Carolina State.
In 2025, the Eagles had another strong campaign, highlighted by their win over Southern in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and a dominant win over North Carolina A&T in the Aggie-Eagle Classic.
2026 Season
For the 2026 season, the Eagles are projected to finish second in the MEAC, just behind South Carolina State. They will kick off their season on Saturday, August 29 at Texas Southern, before their home opener against Elizabeth City State on Saturday, September 5. In total, the Eagles will play six games at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium this year, including the Aggie-Eagle Classic against North Carolina A&T on Saturday, September 12 and their Homecoming game against William & Mary on Saturday, October 10.
The Eagles will face off against William & Mary on Saturday, October 10 at 1 p.m. for their highly anticipated homecoming game. At NCCU, homecoming is known as “The Ultimate Homecoming Experience.” This spirited week celebrates NCCU pride and rich HBCU culture, bringing together thousands of students and alumni for parades, tailgating, concerts, step shows, and more—all leading up to the big game at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
The Sound Machine Marching Band is the heartbeat of NCCU Eagles Football and a must-see part of the game day experience. Their electrifying performances and high-energy halftime shows bring the stadium to life and ignite the crowd. With a proud legacy that includes performing at the North Carolina Governor’s Inauguration in 1961, the Sound Machine has showcased its talents across the country. In 2023, they made their debut at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, as well as defeating Mississippi Valley State University at the Circle City Battle of the Bands in Indianapolis. The band continues to make history while representing NCCU with pride!
Game Day Experience
Whether you’re coming in from out of town or are a local looking to check out a game, you’ll first want to explore the campus and its history. Stop by the statue honoring NCCU founder James Edward Shepard, as well as the Shepard House where he lived. Pay a visit to the NCCU Art Museum, which houses both students’ works, as well as original creations from many 20th century Black artists.
Throughout Fayetteville Street, you will find local favorites like the Chicken Hut, Durham’s second oldest restaurant, or Let’s Eat Soul Food, and stop in to Bull City Apparel and Customs for authentic Durham gear. Nearby you can also take a walk on the American Tobacco Trail to enjoy the nature, or stop by historic Hillside Park, with basketball courts that were refurbished by FILA USA and the Grant Hill Foundation and feature murals by a local Durham artist.
We’re here to make sure you’re a well-informed fan, athlete and event planner who is in the know whether you’re pushing off the starting blocks, it’s the bottom of the ninth or it’s the final two minutes of overtime.
If it’s your first time in Durham for an event, we have your guides for how to make the most of your experience. If you’re a local looking for sporting events to attend this season, we have you covered with our season previews. And if you want to learn more about sports culture in Durham, you’re in the right place too.
Comeback victories. Ranked matchups. Instant classic rivalry games. And the first ACC Championship since 1989. The 2025 Duke football season had it all. Coming off of their fourth consecutive season with eight or more wins, the Blue Devils look to carry this momentum into their 2026 campaign.
Secure Your Tickets
Get your tickets to Duke football games this season.
The reigning ACC Champion Blue Devils was picked to finish tenth in the ACC preseason poll. The Blue Devils return a number of key contributors for this season, including preseason all-ACC tight-end Jeremiah Hasley and dynamic sophomore running-back Nate Sheppard. The Blue Devils have seen steady improvement in Head Coach Manny Diaz’s two years at the helm and 2026 figures to continue that trend.
Read below to learn how to make the most of your Duke football game day experience.
Durham Day
On October 31, Duke football hosts Boston College and is offering a special deal for Durham residents.
$10.31 General Admission Tickets
$15.50 East Reserved Tickets
$13 Concessions Voucher
There will also be pre-game trick or treating on the concourse and a halftime halloween costume celebration.
On the historic Duke University campus, steps away from the world-famous Cameron Indoor Stadium, sits Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, home of the Duke Blue Devils football team. Wallace Wade has been home to the Blue Devil program since 1929, and in recent years, has made upgrades to the stadium that you won’t want to miss.
The Devils Deck returns to Wallace Wade Stadium for the 2026 season. This premier all-inclusive fan experience features seven sections of a tiered deck that can accommodate over 1,500 Blue Devils fans for an alternative viewing experience. Designed for both individuals and groups, the Devil’s Deck features standing areas and non-reserved seating throughout its spacious layout. Guests can relax with friends and family, compete in rotating yard games, or take in the energy of a live in-game DJ and enjoy all-you-can-eat food and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. The open-air layout and expansive turf space make it ideal for a range of recreational activities, social gatherings, corporate networking events, and receptions.
Another space inside the stadium to stop by on game day is the Bull City Huddle, which is located outside of the Yoh Football Building behind sections 13 and 14.
Make sure to check out all of the unique photo opportunities and interactive activations, and if you are new to Durham or a visiting fan, make sure to stop by the Discover Durham activation to learn more about exploring Durham from local experts. The Bull City Huddle also has expanded concession offerings available. The space can be accessed by all individuals with game tickets.
In addition to the exciting new pregame activations and spaces, there are plenty of great places to explore around Duke University before and after the game. While you’re on campus, make sure to check out the Nasher Museum of Art, the Sarah P. Duke Gardens and the Duke Basketball Museum and Hall of Fame. Explore all of the shops and restaurants that the nearby Ninth Street has to offer by grabbing lunch at Nosh or ice cream at Pincho Loco. And if you’re looking for a place to grab a drink before the game, look no further than the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club’s Bull Durham Bar.
We’re here to make sure you’re a well-informed fan, athlete and event planner who is in the know whether you’re pushing off the starting blocks, it’s the bottom of the ninth or it’s the final two minutes of overtime.
If it’s your first time in Durham for an event, we have your guides for how to make the most of your experience. If you’re a local looking for sporting events to attend this season, we have you covered with our season previews. And if you want to learn more about sports culture in Durham, you’re in the right place too.
National powerhouses. Championship games and pursuits. From high school showdowns to collegiate clashes, Durham is set for a thrilling fall season of competition.
Read below to see what you can expect this fall in the Bull City.
NCCU Fall Athletics
Football
North Carolina Central University has firmly established itself as one of the premier HBCU football programs in the nation. In 2022, the Eagles made headlines by defeating Deion Sanders’ Jackson State in the Cricket Celebration Bowl—a victory that head coach Trei Oliver breaks down in this Discover Durham podcast.
Coming off another strong 8-4 2025 season, the Eagles are poised for another standout year. The preseason MEAC poll is NCCU picked to finish second, just a few points behind South Carolina State. Ten Eagles were named preseason All-MEAC selections, including the MEAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, wide receiver Chance Peterson.
Don’t miss the action at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium this fall, with their home slate beginning on Saturday, September 5 vs Elizabeth City State. Other key games in Durham include the Aggie-Eagle Classic vs North Carolina A&T on September 12, and NCCU Homecoming vs William & Mary on October 10.
North Carolina Central University’s men’s and women’s cross country teams enter the 2026 season with strong momentum following standout performances at the 2025 MEAC Cross Country Championships, with both teams finishing third. The women’s team’s season was also highlighted by an overall victory at the Cedric Walker HBCU Challenge.
NCCU volleyball kicks off its home season on September 1 against Gardner-Webb. The eagles made great strides in 2025 under first-year head coach Jonathan Paulk, including a 7-7 record in MEAC play and a 6-2 record in home matches. In total, the Eagles will have 12 regular-season home matches at McDougald-McLendon Arena, which can also be streamed on ESPN+.
Duke football heads into the 2026 season riding the momentum of four consecutive winning seasons and their first ACC title since 1989. The Blue Devils will play six of their 12 games at Wallace Wade Stadium, kicking off the home slate against Tulane on Saturday, September 5. Other key games include hosting North Carolina on Saturday, October 17 and a Friday night showdown with Clemson on November 20. Fans won’t want to miss the upgraded game day experience at Wallace Wade Stadium — including the Devils Deck and the Bull City Huddle, both located inside the stadium.
Duke’s men’s and women’s cross country teams enter the 2026 season ready to climb to the top. In 2025, the Duke Men’s Cross Country team placed 9th in the NCAA Southeast Regional, and the women’s team placed 6th.. The Blue Devils will compete in five regular season races this fall, before competing in the ACC Championships and NCAA Southeast Regional.
Duke men’s and women’s golf will both compete in four tournaments this fall. The women’s team will not play in any home matches this fall, but the Duke men’s team will host the Rod Myers Invitational on September 21-2, hosted at the Duke University Golf Club.
Duke field hockey returns for the 2026 season after a 13-8 2025 season that saw them advance to the NCAA quarterfinals. This year, the Blue Devils will host 10 home games at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium, beginning with an exhibition against Wake Forest on August 18th.
Duke men’s soccer competes this fall after its 10-4-6 season in 2025, which led to an NCAA Tournament appearance for the fifth consecutive year, where they advanced to the third round. The team will play 13 home games this season at Koskinen Stadium. Their first matchup is an exhibition game against UNC Wilmington in Durham on August 8th.
Duke women’s soccer’s followed a historic 2024 season with another one for the books, reaching the women’s final four for the second consecutive season behind a 17-5-1 overall record. This season, the Blue Devils look to continue their success, with eight home games at Koskinen Stadium this season.
Duke volleyball enters the 2026 season looking to build momentum under first-year head coach Ahen Kim. The Blue Devils will host 14 matches at the iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium this season. The season kicks off with an exhibition match against NCCU on August 19.
And if you’re heading to Durham County Memorial Stadium, make sure to visit Durham’s Roxboro Street near the stadium. Stop by delicious Mexican restaurants like Restaurante Guanajuato and Super Taqueria, both within a couple of miles of the stadium. If you need a break from the heat, stop by La Monarca Michoacana and try one of their over 80 flavors of ice cream. If you’re looking for an activity for the whole family, the Museum of Life and Science is an interactive science museum that is less than a mile from Durham County Memorial Stadium.
Taking place October 1-2 in Durham, The McLendon Experience is a dynamic two-day conference hosted by the Durham Sports Commission, designed to empower the next generation of sports industry leaders. Hosted at the Durham Convention Center, this event features hands-on workshops, inspiring keynote speakers, and meaningful networking opportunities with professionals and organizations from across the sports world.
This isn’t just a conference—it’s a movement to Unite, Uplift, and Unleash young professionals who are ready to make their mark in sports.
The 2026 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Football Championship Weekend is set to take place at Durham County Memorial Stadium on November 13-14, 2026. This highly anticipated matchup will bring together the top teams in the CIAA to battle it out for the conference title, right here in the Bull City on Saturday. The third and fourth ranked teams in the conference will compete in the Friday Night Blitz, on November 13. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of championship football and community celebration!
Make sure to get out and support our local high school athletes in Durham this fall! Visit the DPS athletic calendar and NCISAA athletic calendar to check out when they play in Durham.
Stay up to date with all sporting events in Durham by checking out our event calendar, following us @durhamncsports across all social platforms and subscribing to our email newsletter.
Blog
We’re here to make sure you’re a well-informed fan, athlete and event planner who is in the know whether you’re pushing off the starting blocks, it’s the bottom of the ninth or it’s the final two minutes of overtime.
If it’s your first time in Durham for an event, we have your guides for how to make the most of your experience. If you’re a local looking for sporting events to attend this season, we have you covered with our season previews. And if you want to learn more about sports culture in Durham, you’re in the right place too.
The heat is up, the days are longer and the schedule is packed for a summer of sports in Durham. So whether it’s a night at the ballpark supporting the Durham Bulls or checking out Durham’s newest professional sports team competing in their first season, read below to plan your summer of sports in the Bull City.
Durham Sports Events Calendar
It's an action-packed spring in the Bull City. Visit our sports events calendar to get in on the action.
Meet the Carolina Blaze, Durham’s newest professional sports team.
We are excited to welcome the Carolina Blaze to Durham for their inaugural season! The Blaze are a part of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, and are one of six teams in the league and the only team on the East Coast. The Blaze will play the majority of their games at Smith Family Stadium on Duke University’s East Campus. They will open their season on June 9 against the Portland Cascade.
The AUSL also announced the Athletes Unlimited Signature Series, which will take place at Durham Bulls Athletic Park from June 25-27. The series will mark the league’s premier event of the season, and you won’t want to miss your chance to be a part of this moment in women’s sports history.
America’s most famous minor-league baseball team is back in action this summer at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Whether it’s a date night or a family outing, Bulls games are the perfect way to spend a summer evening. Not only do you get a chance to see some of the future stars in baseball, but the nightly activations and promotions provide a one-of-a-kind game day experience.
Upcoming Promotions You Won’t Want to Miss
Dollar Dog Night — Every Thursday Home Game
Bark at the Park Night — 5/21, 9/10
Champ the Bat Dog — 5/21, 5/23, 6/6, 6/20, 7/18, 8/1, 8/15, 8/29, 9/10, 9/11
Kids Run the Bases — Every Sunday Home Game
Postgame Fireworks — Every Friday and Saturday Home Game
The Carolina Flyers, Durham’s professional ultimate frisbee team is back for the 2026 season. The Flyers compete in the Ultimate Frisbee Association, and play all of their home games at Durham County Memorial Stadium.
Durham is home to Tobacco Road FC, who has clubs in both the United Soccer League Two and the United Soccer League Academy divisions. Both teams will compete this late-spring and summer at Durham County Memorial Stadium.
Cosmic Baseball returns to Durham Bulls Athletic Park from June 11-13. After selling out the one game in 2025, the one-of-a-kind event is back for a full three-game series in 2026. Seating bowl tickets for the Cosmic Takeover Tour are currently sold out, but ticket options for groups and suite areas are still available.
Stay up to date with all sporting events in Durham by checking out our event calendar, following us @durhamncsports across all social platforms and subscribing to our email newsletter.
Blog
We’re here to make sure you’re a well-informed fan, athlete and event planner who is in the know whether you’re pushing off the starting blocks, it’s the bottom of the ninth or it’s the final two minutes of overtime.
If it’s your first time in Durham for an event, we have your guides for how to make the most of your experience. If you’re a local looking for sporting events to attend this season, we have you covered with our season previews. And if you want to learn more about sports culture in Durham, you’re in the right place too.
Secure Your Tickets
Don't miss your chance to be a part of history. Secure your tickets for the AUSL Signature Series and be a part of the largest professional softball game in history.
On June 25-27, the Carolina Blaze will take on the Utah Talons in a three-game series at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The Blaze, Durham’s professional softball team, are in their inaugural season, and the Signature Series will serve as the marquee event of the 2026 Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL Season). The three-game series marks a significant moment for the league’s second season, pairing two of its top teams in a nationally visible setting.
Game times are set for Thursday, June 25, at 7 p.m. ET; Friday, June 26, at 6 p.m. ET; and Saturday, June 27, at 2 p.m. ET, with the opener and series finale both airing on ESPN.
Blazing the Trail
From 5-6 on Thursday, join us in Downtown Durham for happy hour at the below participating businesses and try one of their specialty Blaze food and drinks available for a limited time. After happy hour, join us in Blazing the Trail, as we walk down to Durham Bulls Athletic Park to the music of Batalá.
Discount codes for Signature Series tickets are available in-store.
Signature Series Themes
Thursday, June 25
Kick off the series with Little League Night & Postgame Fireworks presented by GameChanger. The first 500 fans will receive a Blaze Rally Flag giveaway.
Friday, June 26
Show your school pride at College Night presented by Mizuno. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a cowbell giveaway.
Saturday, June 27
Arrive early for the pregame Fan Fest, and then join us for a Blaze x Barbie Game Day. The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a Blaze x Barbie Game Day Rally Towel giveaway.
Experience Durham
Whether you’re coming in from out of town or a local fan ready to support the Blaze, you’ll what to experience everything that Downtown Durham has to offer. From local sports bars and breweries to award-winning restaurants, plan your stay in Durham using one of our resources below. Check back for specialty menu items from participating bars and restaurants.
Can’t make it to the Signature Series? You can still check out the Carolina Blaze all summer long at Smith Family Stadium at Duke University, starting with opening day on Tuesday, June 9.
We’re here to make sure you’re a well-informed fan, athlete and event planner who is in the know whether you’re pushing off the starting blocks, it’s the bottom of the ninth or it’s the final two minutes of overtime.
If it’s your first time in Durham for an event, we have your guides for how to make the most of your experience. If you’re a local looking for sporting events to attend this season, we have you covered with our season previews. And if you want to learn more about sports culture in Durham, you’re in the right place too.
By William Townsend
Five years following the end of the North Carolina Central University baseball program, baseball is back in the form of the NCCU Club team, who are competing in their first season in 2026.
Vincent Bell is the founder of the new club baseball team at NCCU. He is a sophomore sports management major from Charlotte, NC. As someone who played baseball all his life, he had to make the tough decision to forgo playing collegiately and enrolled at NCCU. He thought his baseball career was over until his high school advisor asked if NCCU had a club baseball team When he told her no, she said “Then create one”. This one response lit a fire under Vincent, and he immediately went to work when he got to campus in Fall of 2024. “So that really took pretty much the whole year of like me, getting an advisor, establishing an executive board, getting the connections to like, make the team join in the right leagues. And here we are now today.” In building this executive board, he found someone he could call a true partner.
Kamron Roberts is a sophomore business administration student from Charlotte, who serves as the Vice President of the team. “I didn’t always play baseball. I played little league for a little bit, but then when I got to middle school, I started playing football. However, the sport of baseball did always fascinate me.”
Kameron made the same decision to continue focusing on his academics, but what he didn’t know was that opportunity was around the corner. “I was presented with this opportunity, you know, to become the vice president of this team. And I just felt like, you know, it was one of those things, like something I should have said yes to a long time ago. It’s kind of like the door was opening again. So I just felt like it was a science, you know, pursue this avenue and really see what baseball is about to do for my life.” The same opportunities they were given is what these two are looking to bring to NCCU.
The new revival of the Club Baseball team has led to a new push for a greater impact even on and off campus. The team has adopted a motto that they live by: “Train, Compete, Repeat”. The long-lasting goal isn’t to just have a team, it’s to build brotherhood among themselves and others.
The team played in their first outing on February 18th at High Point University. They didn’t get the winning outcome but true spirit was shown. It’s only season one, they have many more battles to be a part of. The team has a multitude of showings left this season, some that will even be played at Hillside High School.
Vincent Bell Jr. and Kamron Roberts are leaders that strive to transform the way baseball is seen at NCCU and even Durham. Being the trailblazers that bring back a forgotten path, they forge new ways for students and youth to be involved. And we look forward to continuing to follow their story as they matriculate through a new beginning.
Blog
We’re here to make sure you’re a well-informed fan, athlete and event planner who is in the know whether you’re pushing off the starting blocks, it’s the bottom of the ninth or it’s the final two minutes of overtime.
If it’s your first time in Durham for an event, we have your guides for how to make the most of your experience. If you’re a local looking for sporting events to attend this season, we have you covered with our season previews. And if you want to learn more about sports culture in Durham, you’re in the right place too.
Located at 900 West Main Street downtown, Maverick’s features multi-state BBQ, a full bar, and numerous TVs. There’s also as an outdoor patio equipped with a second bar and a projector they put to use for the big games, weather permitting, complete with fire pits so you can enjoy the outdoors even if there’s still a chill in the air.
Bull Durham Bar
Located in the Washington Duke Inn at the Duke Golf Club, Bull Durham Bar is a favorite hangout for Duke fans. The public is welcome to come and watch all the games. With games running late into the night, this is a great option with their late night dining menu from 9:30 p.m.-12 a.m. Thursday-Sunday.
Situated prominently on U.S. 15/501 on the way to Chapel Hill, Carolina Ale House draws its share of basketball fans, and with more than 50 TVs you won’t miss anything during the frenetic opening rounds when multiple games are being played simultaneously. Take advantage of their March Madness menu specials. And join the Carolina Ale House bracket pool for a chance to win Apple Air Pods, a Solo Stove or a free cooler.
Most breweries are known more for their beer than their television selection, but Clouds’ spacious location in Brightleaf Square is an exception as 33 HD screens line every wall and even hang from the ceiling. Throw in a full menu, arcade games and craft brews, and this is a great place to relax and catch the madness. When you’re there, they also have daily games that are free to enter with chances to win prizes every day of the tournament. Reservations are recommended.
Dain’s Place
Ranked by Complex magazine as one of the 10 best bars near a college campus, Dain’s, located in the Ninth Street district, is an obvious choice for Duke fans who are looking for where to watch March Madness in Durham. Every game will be on one of four TVs. Did we mention more than 80 American microbrews are available?
Devine’s was founded by a former Duke football player and has been a favorite for Duke fans since 1978. Enjoy pub favorites like wings and burger while watching the tournament. They have an outdoor patio with seating around a TV screen, too.
E.O.’s Athletic Club
E.O’s Athletic Club is Durham’s newest sports bar, located right in the heart of downtown. E.O.’s is a true community sports bar and is the perfect spot to catch all of the men’s and women’s tournament action. You can expect every tournament game on their tv-lined walls and a packed house when the local teams are competing.
Situated on Chapel Hill Road, Lakewood Social has multiple TV’s throughout, including a big screen that will be sure to feature the best matchups of the tournament. With a spacious interior and ample outdoor seating, Lakewood Social is the perfect spot to cheer on your team this March!
Rookie’s is the only sports bar in Research Triangle Park and is the perfect spot to join in on the madness. Rookie’s has 26 televisions, 12 beers on tap, and both indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
Tobacco Road Sports Café
Tobacco Road serves fresh, local food surrounded by a wall of TVs – all in a location overlooking the Durham Bulls Athletic Park across from the American Tobacco Campus. They prioritize quality food and a passion for sports. No matter where you’re seated, you can expect to see all of the action in an environment surrounded by passionate fans.
Topgolf
While it may not be your traditional sports bar, Topgolf has a full bar and menu with lots of TV’s throughout the property. Watching March Madness at Topgolf is the perfect choice if you’re looking for an activity while you eat, drink and enjoy the games!
Heavenly Buffaloes
Heavenly Buffaloes is the perfect spot for wings and sports fans in Durham. The original wing shack opened in 2014, with a new location with TVs and larger dine-in options opening on Erwin Road in 2021, right across from Duke’s West Campus. So grab some wings that were voted best in Durham County from 2015-2023 and enjoy the madness on one of their multiple TVs.
The Tavern
Located in Durham’s Ninth Street District, across from Duke’s East Campus, the Tavern is a great spot to shoot pool, throw darts or watch games and hang out with other sports fans. A family-owned bar and restaurant with an extensive menu is a great stop to catch the game, with multiple TVs and a projector.
Bull McCabes
In the heart of downtown, Bull McCabes has great patio seating and multiple indoor-outdoor tv viewing options. Voted as Best Sports Bar in the Triangle in the INDY, they are in an incredible location with atraditional Irish bar with burgers, pub staples and 20 beers on tap!
Bralie’s is a no-nonsense spot with sports on the big screens, beer on tap and burgers and wings on the menu. They also have cornhole and darts for those who aren’t glued to the game. They have two locations in Durham.
Town Hall Burger & Beer
A neighborhood favorite, as voted by Nextdoor, Town Hall Burger & Beer offers much more than its name implies. The original Town Hall location is situated in South Durham just off Interstate 40, convenient to The Streets at Southpoint. For those that might not need to catch every moment of the game, there’s a shuffleboard and great patio.
Kickback Jack’s
Kickback Jack’s is located just minutes from Duke University, right off of I-85 on West Club Blvd. They have dozens of TVs throughout the place that will be dedicated to the madness. They also have a full food specials menu dedicated to the tournament! Kickback Jack’s is a great place for the whole family to enjoy the action.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Located at Southpoint in Durham, Buffalo Wild Wings is a classic sports bar that is sure to embrace the madness. Take advantage of their Buy-One-Get-One-Free boneless wings March Madness special, and cheer for games to go into overtime because if they do, you get free wings! Their multitude of TVs make for a great place to enjoy the tournament.
If you have a familiar favorite like Motorco, Fullsteam, or Ponysaurus, chances are they will have the game on a projector too, with March Madness spilling out into every corner of Durham. Most of these places confirm whether or not they’ll have the game playing on their social media accounts, so make sure to check them out on Instagram before going!
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