If your family’s weekend plans involve early morning warm-ups, bracket watching, and cheering until you lose your voice, you probably already know WakeMed Soccer Park. What you might not know is how to make tournament weekend actually enjoyable for the whole family—not just the player.
As a Cary local who hosts soccer families regularly at my Cary Hideaway, I’ve learned exactly what visiting teams need. Here’s everything I wish someone had told me before my first tournament here.
About WakeMed Soccer Park
This 150-acre complex at 201 Soccer Park Drive, Cary, NC 27511 is genuinely world-class. The main venue, First Horizon Stadium, seats 10,000 fans and hosts both the NC Courage (two-time NWSL champions) and NC Football Club. Beyond the stadium, you’ll find seven additional fields—including two lighted FIFA-regulation practice fields—making it ideal for large tournaments.
From my Cary Hideaway, you’re approximately 3 miles away, or about 8 minutes depending on traffic. Both addresses share the 27511 ZIP code, which makes navigation simple.
The Tournament Calendar
Mark these dates if you’re planning ahead:
November-December brings the NCFC Youth Showcase Series, the Triangle’s largest annual youth sporting event with ~1,600 teams across four weekends. The economic impact? $13.6 million—and hotels book up fast. The Girls and Boys Junior Showcases (U10-U14) run in November, with College Showcases in December and February drawing 600+ college coaches for recruiting.
Early June features The Soccer Tournament (TST), an exciting 7v7 format with a $1 million winner-take-all prize that attracts global soccer stars.
Spring and fall also host ACC Championships, NCAA College Cup matches, and countless regional tournaments.
Survival Tips for Soccer Families
Parking: The complex has 2,600 spaces, but premium spots fill early during big tournaments. For NC Courage games, lots open 2.5 hours before kickoff. Budget $5-$15 depending on the event. Alternative parking at the Fenton development includes shuttle service.
Bag Policy: Clear bags only—no backpacks with multiple pockets. Plan accordingly or leave bags in the car.
Food: Concessions offer the basics (hot dogs $5, cheeseburgers $8), but you’ll find food trucks and local craft beer at larger events. Two Roosters ice cream is a crowd favorite for post-game celebrations.
Weather Backup: North Carolina weather can shift quickly. Check the weather line at (919) 319-4502, and always pack layers.
Beyond the Fields
Between games, your family needs food and decompression time. Within 10 minutes of the park, you’ll find Waverly Place (splash pad, playground, Whole Foods, restaurants), Downtown Cary Park (the new centerpiece of town with a dog park, great coffee, and space to stretch tired legs), and some of the Triangle’s best dining.
For families staying multiple days, proximity to everything matters more than anything. That’s why I love hosting soccer families at my Cary Hideaway—you get the space to spread out, a kitchen for those quick breakfasts before 7 AM games, and a real home base between matches.
Tournament weekends are exhausting. Having a comfortable place that feels like home? That makes all the difference.
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