ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville will host the NAIA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in 2026 and 2027, officials announced Wednesday morning during a news conference at Karl Straus Track on the UNC Asheville campus.
The three-day events are expected to bring more than 1,300 student-athletes, along with their families and fans, generating an estimated $1.3 million in direct spending across Buncombe County.
“This prestigious national event will support jobs for our neighbors and boost the economic well-being for a wide variety of small businesses, hotels, restaurants and shops across Buncombe County,” said Vic Isley, president and CEO of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. “Beyond the economics, it underscores Asheville’s standing as a leading sports destination in the Southeast.”
The 74th annual men’s championships and 45th annual women’s championships are set for May 20-22, 2026, and May 26-28, 2027, at the Karl Straus Track on the UNC Asheville campus.
NAIA Vice President Austin Bennett said Asheville’s facilities, community support and natural setting made the city stand out during a competitive bid process.
“It became clear early on this was the location for us,” Bennett said.
Asheville reflects the resiliency, dedication and excellence that embody our student-athletes, he said.
UNC Asheville athletic director Janet Cone credited a $4.5 million renovation of the track and partnerships with Explore Asheville, Montreat College and Airstream Ventures for making the bid possible.
“Dream bigger, you can achieve a lot more — that’s what we were told when we set out to improve this facility,” Cone said. “”If we would all work together, we can do great things.”
Montreat College President Paul Maurer said hosting the championships highlights not only athletics but also the community’s resilience in the wake of last year’s storm damage.
“Bringing this event here means athletes from across the country will come to a community that understands resilience,” Maurer said.
Officials said more details, including ticketing information and fan activities, will be announced closer to the events.
