Registration now open for the 2027 race series following a successful inaugural event in 2026

Durham, N.C. (September 10, 2026) – Today, the Durham Sports Commission announced the Garmin Marathon Series will return to Durham, North Carolina, following a highly successful inaugural event in 2026. The 2027 series will take place on Saturday, May 1, 2027. Registration is now open with runners able to choose from four race distances: a Boston Marathon qualifying marathon, USATF-certified half marathon, 10K and 5K.

The inaugural Garmin Marathon Series Durham, held in May 2026, welcomed more than 6,000 registered participants to the Bull City – a record for first year event in the series. Runners traveled from 48 states and 17 countries and produced over $4 million in economic impact¹, further establishing Durham as a premier destination for road racing and sports tourism.

“From running on the field of Durham Bulls Athletic Park to finishing on Wallace Wade Stadium at Duke University, our inaugural Garmin Marathon Series in Durham delivered an unforgettable experience for visitors from around the country, as well as the local running community,” said Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing. “We are excited to be returning in 2027 and look forward to celebrating Durham and the sport of running in a uniquely Garmin way.”

The 2027 course will continue to take runners through some of Durham’s most recognizable destinations including the American Tobacco Trail, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and Duke University’s campus. Participants will experience the character and culture of Durham as they run through a unique mix of urban streets as well as rolling hills and trails. The return of the Garmin Marathon Series is another major opportunity to showcase Durham on a national and international stage while bringing thousands of visitors, runners, and spectators to the community.

“The inaugural Garmin Marathon Series proved what is possible in Durham on not only a national but on an international scale,” said Marcus Manning, executive director of the Durham Sports Commission. “Welcoming over 6,000 runners in year one took a collective effort, and we are excited to build on the momentum as the series returns to the Bull City. Durham looks forward to once again showcasing its vibrant culture, iconic destinations and welcoming community to thousands of visitors this May.”

In addition to race day, the Garmin Marathon Series Durham will once again bring runners and the community together through event experiences and activations at a two-day expo and a finish line festival. These events are open to the public with family-friendly activities, limited edition race gear from Garmin, and the chance to meet Garmin-sponsored professional athletes.

Registration for the 2027 Garmin Marathon Series Durham is now open. For additional information and registration visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Durham/GarminMarathonDurham

¹Economic impact was calculated by the Durham Sports Commission using the industry standard Tourism Economics Event Impact Calculator.

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About the Durham Sports Commission  

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events and is operated by Discover Durham. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and creates positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, X, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.

About Garmin Marathon Series

The Garmin Marathon Series is a bold new chapter in road running events, wholly owned and produced by Garmin, a global leader in fitness technology and pioneer of the first running smartwatch. It launched in fall 2025 with events in Toledo, Ohio, and Tucson, Arizona. Durham, North Carolina was added as a third location in 2026. The Series offers four race distances: a Boston Marathon qualifier marathon, USATF-certified half marathon, 10K and 5K. For additional information about the cities, races, community engagement opportunities and future locations, please visit garmin.com/marathons.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences and enrich lives, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garmin on social, or follow our blog.

The Carolina Blaze’s Inaugural Season in Durham Generated Nearly $6 Million in Economic Impact

The Carolina Blaze, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League’s (AUSL) only team on the East Coast, is putting Durham at the center of professional women’s softball in the Southeast. The Blaze hosted 13 home games during their first season and, according to the Durham Sports Commission’s (DSC) economic impact report, generated $5,945,247 in economic impact for the Bull City. This includes 8,976 hotel room nights, 23,077 total tickets sold and visitors from 20 states, including New York, California and the District of Columbia.

The Blaze’s impact began from the moment they took to the field. On June 9, the team’s first home game sold out Duke University’s Smith Family Stadium, drawing a standing-room-only crowd, and the momentum carried through the AUSL Signature Series at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, June 25 through 27. There, thousands of fans filled the stadium to watch the Blaze host the defending champion Utah Talons, with games televised nationally on ESPN.

More than half of AUSL fans are parents, which drove family trips, hotel stays, restaurant visits and long weekends in the Bull City. Visiting teams, league staff and traveling fans added room nights and local spending across the season.

“From the outset, we believed the Carolina Blaze could be more than a professional softball team,” said Bob Weiseman, Deputy Director of Athletics, Operations and Capital Projects at Duke University. “It could serve as a catalyst for economic growth, community engagement and the continued rise of women’s sports in our region. Duke University was proud to partner with the Durham Sports Commission and Athletes Unlimited Softball League to bring this opportunity to Durham. The resulting economic impact, visitor activity and national exposure demonstrate what is possible when organizations unite around a common vision for our community.”

This first-year professional franchise adds to Durham’s championship pedigree and hosting the Blaze is a major milestone for women’s sports in North Carolina. The response to the Blaze’s inaugural season demonstrates that Durham shows up for sports, invests in women’s athletics and strives to deliver consistently exceptional fan experiences. Furthermore, the AUSL showcases the best talent in women’s softball with nearly the entire Team USA roster and 15 Olympians competing. It also represents serious backing, including Major League Baseball’s first-ever investment in a women’s professional sports league.

“The success of the Blaze’s inaugural season was a ‘One Team, One Durham’ effort,” said Durham Sports Commission Executive Director Marcus Manning. “The Durham Sports Commission, Duke University, the Durham Bulls, Discover Durham, the AUSL, local businesses and the broader community came together to welcome professional women’s softball to the Bull City with open arms and ‘Go Blaze’ chants. Together, these partners have created an experience that brought visitors to Durham, generated economic impact, elevated the visibility of women’s sports and gave the community a new team to rally behind. We can’t wait for next year.”

Beyond its economic impact, the Blaze’s first season also had a meaningful social impact on Durham and the Triangle. Young girls and athletes across the region had the chance to watch elite women compete at a professional level in their own backyard, providing them with realistic role models and showing the next generation that there are real pathways to pursue their passions and build a career in sports.

That visibility aligns with the DSC’s commitment to women’s sports and creating pathways from youth sports to professional careers. Through initiatives such as the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit, the DSC works to create opportunities for women to develop leadership skills and build careers in the sports industry and beyond.

Through programs like the Blaze Youth Softball Clinic, partnerships with Durham County Library, engagement with local Little League and softball clubs, and Play Ball youth programming, the team helped introduce more kids to the game while strengthening community connections. Game days extended that impact with memorable pregame and postgame experiences including first-pitch moments, chances for kids to run the bases, and autograph sessions with players.

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is proud to announce the appointment of Ryan Craig as Chair-Elect and Ray Trapp as Secretary/Treasurer, along with the addition of Mike Morrell to its 2026-2027 Board of Directors. As Chair-Elect, Craig will succeed current Board Chair Angelique Stallings upon the completion of her term, continuing the Commission’s commitment to strong leadership and its mission to create economic and social impact for Durham and the surrounding region through sports.

Ryan Craig, a Health and Welfare Consultant with Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and has been selected as Chair-Elect. He will work alongside Stallings during her term before assuming the role. With his continued leadership and dedication to the DSC’s mission, Craig will help guide the organization’s next chapter of growth.

Ray Trapp will be stepping into a new role as Secretary/Treasurer, succeeding Jonathan Leach, whose term on the Board has ended. Trapp brings extensive experience in community engagement, advancement, and strategic partnerships, currently serving as Vice President of Advancement for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Triad and as Governor-at-Large Appointee to the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges.

“We couldn’t be more grateful for the service, impact, and influence of outgoing Board member Jonathan Leach,” said current Board Chair Stallings. “His leadership and dedication to the DSC and the community have helped to shape this important work. As I finish my term as Board Chair, I’m looking forward to working alongside Ryan Craig to ensure a smooth leadership transition as he prepares to assume the role. I’m also grateful to have Ray Trapp as one of my most trusted community partners. Together, Ryan and Ray will continue to challenge me to think bigger, and I’m excited about the impact we can make during this transition.”

The DSC is also pleased to announce the addition of Mike Morrell to its Board of Directors. Morrell, Vice President of New Partnerships at SportsMedia Technology (SMT), brings extensive experience in sports media, partnerships, and innovation to the Commission.

“I’m incredibly honored to join the Durham Sports Commission Board at such an exciting time for our city,” said Morrell. “Sports have a unique ability to bring people together, create economic opportunity, and tell a community’s story. I’m thrilled to help Durham continue to attract great events, foster innovation, and build meaningful partnerships. Durham has given me so much. I love this city, and I can’t wait to help elevate and support our amazing local sports community.”

“The addition of Mike Morrell will bring a dynamic to DSC that will help us shape the next 10 years and beyond,” said Stallings. “His expertise, resources, and national reach in the sports industry are top tier. We are excited to have him serving at this pivotal time, as we continue to grow and expand the reach and brand of DSC.”

Durham, N.C. (August 4, 2025) – The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is proud to announce the addition of Ray Trapp and Emily Jo Roberts to its Board of Directors, as well as introduce new leadership roles for several existing board members. With their diverse experience and shared passion, Trapp and Roberts are well-positioned to help drive the DSC’s mission and continued growth.

Trapp is excited to return to the DSC Board of Directors, having previously served in 2023. Trapp is currently the Director of Communications and Development for Families & Communities Rising, where he leads the organization’s fundraising, marketing and public relations efforts. Prior to this role, he was a District Manager with Duke Energy Corporation and the Executive Director of NPower. Notably, Trapp has experience as the Vice President of Strategic Engagement at Research Triangle Park. In addition to his service with the DSC, Trapp is a board member with the North Carolina Community College System, The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro, the Duke-NCCU Clinical and Translational Science Advisory Committee and the Inter-Church Council Housing Corporation.

As the current Director of Women’s Coaching and Executives at Wasserman’s The Collective, Emily Jo Roberts works daily to advance and celebrate the power of female coaches and other industry leaders in sports, which aligns with the Commission’s mission of creating social impact. Formerly, Roberts served as the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Appalachian State University. Her experience in the industry will enable her to make meaningful contributions to the DSC’s efforts to drive positive change through athletics and sports tourism.

“We’re excited to welcome Ray, who’s returning, and Emily Jo, a new member to our Board of Directors,” said DSC Executive Director Marcus Manning. “Their backgrounds and commitment to community impact make them tremendous assets to our organization. Their leadership will help guide us as Durham strives to be one of the best sports destination hubs in the country.” 

Alongside these new appointments, the DSC congratulates several board members who are taking on new roles. Angelique Stallings will serve as Board Chair as Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree steps into the Immediate Past Chair role. Additionally, Ryan Craig was appointed Vice Chair, and Jonathon Leach will serve as secretary/treasurer.

“It is a tremendous privilege to serve as Chair of the Durham Sports Commission,” said Angelique Stallings. “As we move into Season 10 of this incredible organization, I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors, including Dan Hill and Dr. Wicker McCree. Together, we will continue advancing the mission of the Commission, deepening our impact on sports and community engagement in Durham and beyond.”

Visit our Board of Directors page to view the entire Durham Sports Commission Board of Directors.

DSC partners with Women Leaders in Sports and StrongHER TogetHER to Support and Inspire Emerging Leaders and Next Generation of Athletes

 The Durham Sports Commission (DSC), a leader in supporting and promoting positive economic and social impact through sporting events, is excited to be a part of two upcoming events empowering women through sports and community engagement. On April 6, the DSC will sponsor the InspiHER Movement Athletic Panel in conjunction with StrongHER TogetHER, and on April 9, the DSC will host one of its signature events, the third annual Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit in partnership with Women Leaders in Sports.

This marks the third consecutive year the DSC and Women Leaders in Sports are bringing the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit to the Durham Convention Center. The event unites women eager to advance as leaders in sports and business. Registration opens on Feb. 3 and runs through March 17, with early bird pricing available through Feb. 24.

The Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit provides a unique opportunity for attendees to network with like-minded individuals, connect with industry professionals and build a powerful system of leaders to support them throughout the event and beyond. Those who have professional experience of seven years or less are encouraged to attend, including current undergraduate students or recent graduates.

“Durham is known as a vibrant sports hub, and we are excited to build on that reputation by hosting the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit for the third consecutive year,” said Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission Kaila’Shea Menendez. “This high-energy event empowers those looking to enter the sports industry and provides a transformative leadership experience for women who are already thriving as emerging leaders. We could not be prouder to continue driving social impact in our community and paving the way for the future of women in sports.”

This year’s programming and speaker lineup will be announced closer to the summit. Building on the success of previous years, attendees can expect to hear from several inspiring speakers and participate in networking roundtable discussions, each of which will allow them to tap into their true potential and explore new leadership insights. Several topics were discussed at last year’s summit, including managing up, building strategies to elevate communication, navigating transitions, unlocking leadership potential and fueling visions through motivation. This year, the City of Durham is proud to sponsor the networking roundtable portion of the program, and Durham County will sponsor the networking reception immediately following the event in the Durham Marriott City Center lobby.

Since the inaugural Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit in 2023, the event has gained momentum and has shown a significant increase in the number of women involved. Last year, 169 women registered, 23 guest speakers presented, and 28 educational institutions and 25 organizations were represented. The expanded scope of the event offers increased opportunities for networking and collaboration while enhancing the valuable tools and strategies gained from peers.

“We are proud to deliver impactful leadership programming in partnership with the Durham Sports Commission,” said Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in Sports. “Each year, the summit has proven to be a powerful platform for advancing the growth and development of women in sports and related industries. We’re excited for another incredible turnout and eager to see the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit expand in the years ahead.”

Ticketing information and additional details can be found at https://www.durhamncsports.com/emerging-leaders. Scholarship opportunities are available for those who are in need of financial assistance to attend the summit, and applications will open from Feb. 3-24. Women in Sports and Events (WISE) Greater Raleigh is offering its members a $25 discount on event registration. Members will receive a discount code via email.

In addition to hosting the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit, the DSC is sponsoring the InspiHER Movement Athletic Panel, reflecting its commitment to supporting young aspiring athletes. On April 6 from 12-1:30 p.m. at North Carolina Central University, girls in grades 8-12 from Durham Public Schools, as well as local private and charter schools, will be able to hear firsthand experiences from collegiate athletes who have successfully balanced academics and athletics. In addition to the panel event, students will participate in an interactive Q&A session and are encouraged to connect with athletes for various mentorship opportunities. Through initiatives like this one, which leads into the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit, the DSC aims to create a pipeline of empowered, confident women leaders ready to excel in any area. Registration for the InspiHER Movement Athletic Panel opens on Feb. 10 with details available on the @inspiHERmovement Instagram page and at stronghertogether.org.

About Durham Sports Commission  

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events and is operated by Discover Durham. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and creates positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, X, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.

About Women Leaders in Sports

Women Leaders in Sports (Women Leaders) is the leading professional membership organization devoted to developing, connecting, advancing, and championing women working in sports. Since its inception in 1979, Women Leaders has sparked a vibrant movement, uniting over 6,000 members nationwide. Offering comprehensive programs and training, Women Leaders empowers female sports professionals at all levels with its invaluable networking opportunities, career resources, and growth initiatives. Learn more about their mission at womenleadersinsports.org and follow them on: X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

About StrongHER TogetHER: InspiHER Movement Sports Affiliate Group

StrongHER TogetHER is dedicated to fostering empowerment, resilience, and leadership among girls and women by creating spaces for connection, mentorship, and growth. Our mission is to inspire the next generation to embrace their strengths, overcome barriers, and build communities where women uplift one another to thrive in all aspects of life. The newly formed InspiHER Movement Sports Affiliate Group seeks to unite women and girls through sports, offering mentorship programs, skill-building workshops, and events that highlight the transformative power of athletics. By creating opportunities for connection and inspiration, the Sports Affiliate Group aims to encourage young girls to pursue their dreams on and off the field. Follow them on Instagram, @inspiHERmovement, for more information and updates.

Blue Devils will host NCAA Fencing Championships in conjunction with the Durham Sports Commission.

Duke University has been selected as the host site for the 2027 NCAA Fencing Championship, as announced by NCAA officials Wednesday. The bid to host the championships were jointly submitted by Duke University and the Durham Sports Commission (DSC).

“The NCAA Fencing Championships returning in 2027 speaks to the collective effort Durham has made to become a championship hub,” Durham Sports Commission Executive Director Marcus Manning said. “Many thanks for the continued support and partnership from the city and county led by Mayor Leonardo Williams and Durham County leadership . Credit to Becca Wilusz, Bob Weiseman and the entire Duke championships staff for their work and collaboration throughout the bid process, as well as Nina King for her outstanding leadership. We are looking forward to providing the student-athletes, coaches and administrators with an unforgettable championship experience during their time in the Bull City.”

The NCAA Fencing Championships come to Durham for the third time and for the second since 2023 and will be contested at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke also hosted the 2022, 2017 and 1974 ACC Fencing Championship in the historic facility. Duke finished ninth as a team at the NCAA event on its home strips in 2023.  

“I’m really excited that we’ve been chosen to host the NCAA Championships again,” head coach Omar Elgeziry said. “It’s such an honor and shows that Duke University can continually host great events. Hosting in 2023 was an amazing experience. Everything went off without a hitch. I know the 2027 championship will be even better. I can’t wait for that electric energy our team will feel, competing at home at Duke, right here in Durham.”

For more information on Duke fencing, follow the Blue Devils on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for “DukeFEN”. And follow the Durham Sports Commission @durhamncsports on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

With an Eye Toward the Future of Sport and Sports Tourism, New Members Bring Expertise and Passion to Support the DSC’s Mission of Enhancing Community Through Sports

July 7, 2024– The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is excited to announce the addition of Troy Austin, Cheryl Parquet, Monica Brown, Brendan Madigan and Jaye Pratt to its board of directors. These new board members’ extensive experience in athletics and dedication to community engagement and development are key as the DSC continues to pursue its mission to drive social and economic impact through attracting, supporting and promoting the best sporting and recreation events for the Bull City.

“Bill Kalkhof, Dan Hill, Mitch Moser, Ray Trapp and Umar Muhammad laid a foundation, provided a vision and charted a path forward for the DSC. And for that we will be forever grateful for their service,” said Marcus Manning, executive director of the DSC. “As the landscape of sports and sports tourism continues to evolve and transform, our new dynamic leaders and forward thinkers led by chair Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree and incoming vice chair Angelique Stallings will play a significant role in the continued growth and sustained success of our city. With future opportunities in front of us, we anticipate witnessing the Durham sports ecosystem continuing to expand and thrive under their innovative leadership, strategic thinking and guidance.”

In his current role, Troy Austin oversees fundraising and development operations for Duke University’s athletic programs. A former star athlete, Austin was a four-year varsity football letterman at Duke, serving as team captain his senior year and earning several prestigious awards including the renowned William J. Griffith Service Award. His deep commitment to athletics extends well beyond his playing days, as he is also a former director of athletics at Longwood University. Austin now plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Duke Athletics, securing significant financial support and driving strategic growth for the programs he oversees, setting him up perfectly to contribute to the DSC’s Board of Directors.

As director of community engagement, Cheryl Parquet leads initiatives that enhance Blue Cross NC’s reputation and brand through strategic community investments and partnerships. With over 16 years of experience, she has been instrumental in fostering collaborations with community organizations, civic leaders and businesses to drive health and wellness initiatives across the state. Parquet‘s passion lies in improving the health and well-being of communities, which will be invaluable in her new role as a board member. She proudly holds a Certified Diversity and Inclusion Professional (CDIP) credential from Cornell University and a Corporate Social Responsibility certification from Duke University, which aid her in successfully developing and implementing impactful community initiatives.

As a native of Durham and a distinguished athlete, Jaye Pratt brings a steadfast connection to the local community. A 2011 graduate of Hillside New Tech High School, Jaye excelled in track and field, earning multiple awards and an athletic scholarship to North Carolina Central University (NCCU). At NCCU, he continued to achieve, earning MEAC Conference and NCAA East Regional Honors while serving as vice-president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Pratt is the founder of JCP Fitness, Inc. and JCP Performance, where he promotes fitness and health in the Raleigh-Durham areas. His extensive coaching experience at Hillside High School, where he is the head boys’ soccercoach, showcases his ability to inspire and mentor young athletes. Pratt’s passion for sports, community engagement and youth development are sure to make him an excellent addition to the DSC’s Board of Directors.  

Brendan Madigan is currently the chief financial officer at Limited Run Games in Apex, NC, and is also a licensed CPA in North Carolina with extensive financial expertise. He is committed to community service, having previously served on the Durham County Boxing and Wrestling Commissions and currently serving on the Durham Audit Oversight Committee. Madigan has a master’s degree in accounting from NC State University and a bachelor’s degree in public policyfrom the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Currently residing in Durham, Madigan‘s combination of professional acumen and community involvement make him an ideal addition to the board.

Monica Brown currently serves as the senior director of equity advancement at the YMCA of the Triangle, where she has been a part of the team since 2013, demonstrating her loyal support of the organization. She graduated from NC State University with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in sports management, where she also played for Wolfpack soccer. It wasn’t until after her playing days were over that she discovered her true passion for coaching soccer for athletes at all levels of play. Brown is a mentor and coach at heart and uses this approach to build teams, drive effective communication and facilitate powerful and engaging conversations that lead to more profound empathy and growth. She looks forward to using these skills as a new board member with the DSC.

“We believe in the power of sports to foster community spirit and improve lives, and we look forward to tapping into our new board members’ experience, expertise and passion to support the DSC’s mission,” said Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree, chair of the DSC Board of Directors. “We are honored to have such bright, dedicated community members join our team and be a part of what’s next for the Bull City.” 

The other notable change includes Ryan Craig stepping in as secretary/treasurer. The new board members join returning members Ingrid Wicker McCree, Jonathon Leach, Scott Strickland. For more information about the Durham Sports Commission, please visit www.durhamncsports.com.

Durham, NC (August 8, 2024) –The Durham Sports Commission (DSC), a leader in supporting and promoting positive economic and social impact through sporting events, is proud to announce that, for the fourth consecutive year, it will host the NAIA Football National Championship. The 69^th annual event will be held in Durham County Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21 at noon.

“We’re excited to welcome the NAIA National Football Championship back to Durham,” said Marcus Manning, Executive Director of the Durham Sports Commission. “We can sense the positive momentum growing with every event and championship held in our city. This championship choosing to call Durham home for another year highlights our community and surrounding communities’ collective commitment to providing a first-class host experience. We are grateful for the NAIA’s continued trust and for the outstanding support from our public and private stakeholders. We look forward to another great championship game this December.”

Fans from across the nation, some traveling over 24 hours, have made the trip to Durham over the past three years to witness the terrific matchups and experience the passion and infectious energy of the Bull City. Last year, Keiser University (FL) and Northwestern College (IA) went head-to-head in the 68^th NAIA Football Championship. Keiser, the 12 seed, took home the win against Northwestern with a final score of 31-21, making for a great underdog success story. Durham has also been a big winner with the championships generating $1.3 million total economic impact over the past 3 years.

“We are excited for year four of the NAIA Football National Championship in Durham, North Carolina,” said Austin Bennett, Director of Championships at NAIA. “The city has embraced us and the Durham Sports Commission, led by Marcus Manning, has been a great host and worked tirelessly to provide a great host experience for our student-athletes, coaches, and universities.”

Durham County Memorial Stadium is a multi-purpose championship athletics venue situated just minutes away from lodging, restaurants, and the unique attractions that make the Bull City special. With a seating capacity of 8,500 and ample space for tailgating and other fan activations, the stadium helps bring to life the vibrant atmosphere NAIA fanbases are renowned for. Originally constructed in 1958, renovated in 2010, and new turf and scoreboard installments in the last three years, this historic stadium has hosted numerous competitions and championships over the years and helps keep the legacy of sporting greatness alive in Durham.

For weekly updates and announcements about the teams competing for the championship’s Red Banner, follow the DSC on social media @durhamncsports or visit www.durhamncsports.com.