Wilmington, NC Sports FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Wilmington and Beaches is best suited for youth and amateur sports events like soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, pickleball, basketball, volleyball, golf, and football as well as the accessible sports, cycling, triathlons, disc golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, paintball, racquetball, bowling, rugby, wrestling and more. Watersports reign supreme here with access to both the ocean and the river so standup paddling and surfing competitions are popular events.

  • The Wilmington Convention Center is the largest convention center on the North Carolina coast, where eSports, cheerleading, gymnastics, wrestling and volleyball are some of the popular sports events held here.

  • The Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) sports sales manager will connect you to the appropriate contacts in Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach.

  • The CVB has a contact list of local organizing committees and their members for our area.

    • IRONMAN 70.3 North Carolina
    • Wells Fargo Championship, a PGA TOUR event
    • EVP Beach Volleyball Pro/Am Tour
    • Sweetwater Pro/Am Surf Fest
    • Carolina Cup Stand up Paddleboard Race
    • Seaside Soccer Classic
    • Novant Health Wilmington NC Marathon
    • NC State Closed NTRP Hard Court Tennis Championships
    • Cape Fear Rugby 7’s Tournament
  • Book off-season dates November through March for the best savings.

  • The CVB staff can assist with pre-event planning, bid process, site inspections, program assistance, destination literature, and registration assistance.

For More Information

Joel Smith

Joel Smith, MPRTSM Sales Manager


Joel Smith has held various management roles within the recreation and leisure industry, and completed his Master’s degree in Parks, Recreation, Sports and Tourism Management, at North Carolina State University. Joel joined the Wilmington and Beaches CVB in 2017. He is currently serving as the Second Vice President for the North Carolina Society of Government Meeting Professionals, was named NC SGMP Supplier of the Year for 2020-2021 and a National SGMP Top Young Professional for 2022. He and his wife Hilary have three children, and thoroughly enjoy the local eateries and attractions in Wilmington. Joel spends his free time fishing, sunset chasing with his family and supporting his community.