The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Explore Asheville and Airstream Ventures are thrilled to announce Asheville, North Carolina, as the host city for the NAIA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Championships in 2026 and 2027. A prestigious three‑day event, the championships bring together approximately 1,300 athletes representing men’s and women’s teams, along with their families and fans, for an unparalleled celebration of collegiate athletic excellence. The event is expected to generate more than $1.3 million in direct spending throughout the Asheville area.
“On behalf of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, we are honored to welcome the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships to our community in 2026 and 2027,” said Vic Isley, president and CEO of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. “Hosting this prestigious event underscores Asheville’s standing as a leading sports destination in the Southeast while also fueling our local creative economy and supporting the recovery of small businesses following Hurricane Helene. Sporting events and facilities are places that bring people together to inspire hope and pride. They are also essential to our community's economic and recreational well-being. We look forward to showcasing Asheville’s vibrant spirit, mountain setting and warm hospitality to student-athletes, their families and fans from across the country. We are proud that Explore Asheville’s investment in sports facilities for our community has helped make this possible.”
The championships will take place at UNC Asheville’s recently renovated Karl Straus Track, with expansions made possible in part by a $1.5 million Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) investment through the tourism development authority. Renovated three years ago, the UNC Asheville track has become one of the top facilities in the country. The track seats more than 500, and fans and athletes will be treated to a fast surface and excellent venue.
“The NAIA is excited to partner with Airstream Ventures and Explore Asheville to provide a first-class experience to the student-athletes competing for outdoor track and field national championships,” said Austin Bennett, NAIA vice president for championships. “The Karl Straus Track and the amenities the area brings to the table will allow the NAIA to provide an event that will make lasting memories for our student-athletes, coaches and fans.”
For its first year in Asheville, the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships will take place Wednesday through Friday, May 20-22, 2026. In 2027, the event is set for Wednesday through Friday, May 26-28. Fans will be encouraged to stay in Asheville and experience the mountains and vibrant community.
“Hosting the NAIA championships at Karl Straus Track is a tremendous honor and opportunity,” said Janet Cone, athletic director at UNC Asheville. “Our facilities are designed to support elite-level competition, and we are committed to providing an exceptional experience for athletes, coaches and spectators. We’re proud to bring national attention to Asheville and UNC Asheville and thankful for this partnership with Airstream Ventures, Explore Asheville and the NAIA.”
For additional information, athlete qualifications, schedules, sponsorships or media opportunities, please reach out to NAIA Championship Sport Manager Samantha Liermann at sliermann@naia.org or call (816) 595‑8156. Explore Asheville will coordinate the 2026 and 2027 events with its sports tourism partner, Airstream Ventures. A local organizing committee will be introduced at a later date.
There are no comments
Please login to post comments