Durham Reacts to Carolina Blaze Announcement

Durham Reacts to New Professional Softball Team — the Carolina Blaze

On January 13, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) announced Durham as the home for the Carolina Blaze. The AUSL is the fastest-growing professional sports league in the country, and we are proud to continue that momentum in the 2026 season and beyond. Durham joins Oklahoma City, Chicago, Portland (OR), Round Rock (TX) and Salt Lake City as the six home cities.

On January 21, members of the Blaze team, coaching staff and AUSL came to Durham to talk with local media and key Durham stakeholders at an event held at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Fittingly, AUSL Commission Kim Ng announced during the event that the Blaze will play one of their series at Durham Bulls Athletic Park this summer. The rest of the five home stands will be played at Smith Family Stadium on Duke University’s East Campus. Following the media event, AUSL and Blaze personnel headed over to Tobacco Road Sports Cafe, where they got to meet, talk with and sign autographs for fans.

It’s not every day you get a new pro sports team in your city, and safe to say Durham is fired up to welcome the Blaze to the Bull City.

Key Dates

Tuesday, June 9: Opening Day at Smith Family Stadium

Thursday, June 25-Saturday, June 27: DBAP Series