Things to know before visiting WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary [The First Horizon Stadium]

If you’re planning to cheer on NC Courage, the state’s beloved female professional soccer team who call The First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary home, then you’re going to want to keep reading!

This multi-use, soccer complex is not only the home grounds for North Carolina Courage, but also hosts professional, college and high school soccer games throughout the year.

This huge, 150-acre park facility is where you’ll find the ACC Finals, the NCAA College Cup, and The Soccer Tournament. Whatever team your supporting, this guide to the Cary soccer venue will help make your visit easier regarding parking, seating, finding decent food and getting your tickets.

About WakeMed Soccer Park

This popular soccer park near Raleigh in Wake County is a 150-acre multi-use complex operated by the Town of Cary, which opened in 2002. It cost $14.5 million to build, which was paid for with county-wide hotel room, food and beverage taxes. It consists of a soccer-specific stadium called First Horizon Stadium (formerly Sahlen’s Stadium), two lighted practice fiends and four additional fields, and can seat 10,000 people. A world-class cross country course also encircles the park, which has 5K, 6K and 8K courses!

Who plays at WakeMed Soccer Park?

This soccer park is where you can cheer on the men’s North Carolina FC and women’s NC Courage. NC Courage is the professional women’s soccer team who play in the National Women’s Soccer League. The professional men’s soccer team, North Carolina FC, play in the USL League One, the third tier of the American league system.

Major tournaments are regularly held here such as the NCAA College Cup, the ACC Soccer Championships, and the NCHSAA high school state soccer finals. WakeMed is also home to the Nike National Cross Country Championship qualifier, Great American XC Festival, and the Adidas XC challenge. During the Fall, thousands come to Cary to participate in Cross Country. 

Things to know before visiting WakeMed Soccer Park

If you’re like me, you want to come prepared for the game so you can just relax, find a place to park your car, get to your seats easily, and have a great time! Here are some essential things to know before you visit.

How to get tickets

You can purchase your tickets for games online, which is the easiest way to get tickets. If you decide to visit last minute, you can also buy tickets from the box office, which is open from 8.00am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday.

You should call ahead (919) 459-8144 to check availability before turning up, as often games are sold out. If you need accessibility tickets, it’s best to call ahead as there are limited accessible seating. You can walk up to the box office on the day, but there’s no guarantee. Always check the ticket conditions of the game you are attending, as there are multiple ticket types.

Our ACC women’s tournament playoff games were general admission (free for kids under 18) and we had to purchase them online – they weren’t available at the box office!

The professional teams do have walk up tickets available, and may be subject to different prices, depending on where you sit. I recommend you buy tickets online anyway, that way you know you have a seat, and you don’t have to deal with any delays. You can download the tickets to your phone, which makes it very easy to get through the gates. Get tickets for:

• NCCA women’s College Cup
• North Carolina FC
• NC Courage
• NCAA women’s Lacrosse Championship

Gates at WakeMed Soccer Park

There are three gates to enter WakeMed Soccer Park – East, West, and South Gate. The East Gate will always be open. The South gate will provide easy access too and from the back parking lots, so save walking time by accessing it that way. Gates open one hour prior to kick-off for regular season games. Check the schedule of your game to see if there are any pre-game shows or entertainment.

As mentioned before, we got to see the World Cup trophy at the pregame entertainment for the USA team. There may be inflatables and interactive games for the kids for the bigger professional matches. Professional soccer games also have theme nights with special activities, entertainment, and promotions.

The best seats for the best views

The soccer park is not in a developed area, so it’s surrounded by natural forest, which means a tranquil environment for watching soccer. All the seats have great views of the game at WakeMed – you won’t miss any of the action. I also love the beautiful views of the forested Cary environment. If you’re here for an evening game, sunset views are pretty, and on our most recent game experience I loved looking out to see the colors of Fall. 

For close up views of the action – and to see replays – there is a giant video board above the south stand. For big games, we suggest arriving early so you can choose the best seats, as sometimes they are general admission. NC Courage and North Carolina FC will be numbered seats!

There are three different types of seating, mostly open-air, at WakeMed Soccer Park! On the East side, there are lower level sideline seats with bleachers and then an upper level, which still offers a great view of the game. The seats are a little more comfortable as they have a back rest. I quite liked the seats right on the edge of the upper level – they are more spacious and feel more private as it’s smaller one row sections.

We actually sat in a section where there were only 3 seats – perfect for our group of three. I loved stretching my legs out to the side and not having to squish past people if we needed to get out to go to the restrooms. It’s right near the walkway so you may have people standing around you, but it wasn’t annoying. The West Side only has sideline seating, with a section for premier midfield seating. That section has more comfortable seating with a back. 

North and South stands in the end zones are one level bleacher seating.  We have season tickets for the NC Courage on the south side. It’s great for the half when they are kicking into the goal in front of you. However, the only big screen on the field is located on the south side behind you, so you have no big screen viewing of the game to see those moments that are a little far away. Unless you want to crane your neck. I find that super annoying and wish they’d put a screen up the other end as well.

For smaller games, the West Side is often closed, as might be the North and South side. There are also suites and an owner’s box. 

Handicap-accessible seating is available. Reach out to the soccer park beforehand so you can ensure it’s organized for you. We’ve had beautiful weather each time we’ve visited, but do bare in mind that if it rains there will be little coverage, so come prepared with rain jackets (no umbrellas allowed). If it’s a hot sunny day, it can be intense sitting in the direct sunlight. Be sure to wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. 

Bag policy

As with all venues, there is a bag policy stating what you can and can’t bring into the venue. There is not much you’re allowed to bring into WakeMed Stadium. No outside food or drink is allowed. You can bring bottled water as long as it is a sealed (never before opened) bottle and see-through.

You can now bring in empty refillable water bottles no larger than 32 oz are allowed into the stadium, which gets a ‘halleluiah! Break out the choir from me!” The next most important thing to remember is First Horizon Stadium has a CLEAR BAG POLICY. This is more common now for any major sporting event, concert, or festival. 

The best thing to do is buy yourself a clear bag and have it available for your festival and event experiences. Clutch purses can be no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, so they have to be really small. I’ve been caught out multiple times at different events and venues with a bag that is small, but still not small enough.

I saw several people turned away at the gates at WakeMed Soccer Park because their purses were too big. Yes, this is grounds for refusal. Note they don’t allow bags with multiple pockets – I know, they’re just nit picking now. You can bring in:

• A clear tote bag (12″x6″x12″)
• 1 Gallon resealable storage bag
• Small purses or clutches (6.5″x4.5″)
• Diaper bag (must be accompanied by a child)
• Sealed water bottles no larger than 32 oz (there are water refilling stations)
• You must bring with you your ID and credentials, along with any necessary documentation if you’re not a US resident such as visas and your passport as identification. And your ticket, of course.

You can‘t bring in:

• Backpacks
• Binoculars case
• Camera bags
• Cinch bags
• Computer bags
• Fanny packs
• Mesh bags
• Oversized tote bags
• Printed pattern plastic bags
• Large purses
• Tinted plastic bags
• Hand-held still cameras with detachable lenses
• Selfie sticks
• Non-collapsible strollers
• Umbrellas
• Go Pros
• Video cameras
• Flags with poles
• Signs or banners
• Animals
• Illegal substances
• weapons of any kind such as smoke bombs, etc. 

Concessions Food + Drink

You’re at a sporting event, expect long lines, higher prices, and fried food. I recommend eating before or after your game either at home, in Downtown Cary, or tailgating. There is a concession stand as soon as you walk in and one near the South Gate, which is kind of tucked away.

Lines may be shorter here, but you won’t have a view of the game while you wait. I missed the first goal of the ACC women’s championship game between UNC and Florida State while waiting. But, as I hate lining up, I decided to wait until the game started playing instead of the long lines you’ll get pre-game and during half time. When opened, there is a concession stand on the West side of the stadium. 

Expect typical event food: hamburgers, fries, hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, and chicken nuggets. I do like that now they have local alpaca serving their delicous Preuvian chicken meals and salads. Apart from that there aren’t a lot of gluten free options so perhaps eat before you arrive. And local Two Roosters ice cream has your dessert waiting for you. You can view all food and concessions available here. I recommend bringing in a sealed water bottle, and then refilling it from the drinking fountains in the park (located by the restrooms). 

There are smaller drink stations set up around the park, which usually don’t have lines, so if you’re thirsty you can grab a beer there. They do sell local NC craft beer and international beer (Budweiser). At The Goal Post kiosk, they sell Bud Light seltzer. I truly wish they had a better selection of cider or seltzer for the gluten free drinkers as there’s nothing exciting about drinking a Bud Light! On many game days, there will be food trucks also available. It’s a sports venue so expect higher prices! Boo hiss!

Parking at WakeMed Soccer Park

There are 2,600 parking spaces at WakeMed Soccer Park. Whether it’s free or not depends on what game you’re seeing. For the ACC women’s semi-final and final, parking was free. But for the NCFC games, there is usually a charge.

For NC Courage games, typically parking is included in your ticket price. Purchase the parking pass online to save you time as well as money – parking prices increase at the gate. You can also get a shuttle (operating 2 hours before a game) from the Orange Parking Deck located behind Sports & Social in Fenton which will lead you to WakeMed Soccer Park. 

We always park in Fenton and walk the nature trail (about 10 mins) from there to the stadium – it’s my favorite entryway to any stadium or venue in the Triangle.

For the ACC final, there were over 3,000 fans in attendance. It took us about 10-minutes to get into the 10,000-seat stadium to get a parking spot, and about 15-minutes to get out – and we were near the beginning of the crowds leaving. 

Parking lots generally open 2.5 hours before the game, so you have time to park your car and go find somewhere to eat. I did see some people tailgating and yes, it is permitted. If you do come in earlier, park as close as you can to the soccer park entrance so you can get out faster. Trinity Road at Chatham Street is CLOSED to through traffic before NC Courage matches.

RELATED POST: Where to watch the soccer in the Triangle.

Directions to WakeMed Soccer Park

The address is 101 Soccer Park Dr, Cary, NC 27511 (Google maps link). Driving distance from Raleigh-Durham Airport is approximately 15-20 minutes, and from downtown Raleigh 15-20 minutes.

Accommodation near WakeMed Soccer Park

There are a few hotels in close proximity to WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary:

• Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh/Cary I-40 (Lenovo Center): Located just off Interstate 40, this hotel is one mile from the soccer park (20 minute walk) and 13 minutes from RDU. It serves a hot buffet breakfast every morning and features a modern fitness center that overlooks an outdoor pool surrounded by a lush forest. Check availability and rates.
• Hyatt Place Raleigh / Cary: This hotel is about 1.5 miles from the stadium (30 minute walk), right off the interstate, and 13 minutes to RDU. It has a swimming pool and jacuzzi. Check availability and rates.
• The Mayton Inn, Downtown Cary: Only 2 miles from the soccer park, this boutique hotel is the perfect location for those wanting to walk to Downtown Cary’s restaurants, bars and breweries. Their Peck & Plume restaurant is popular for brunch and cocktails. Book your stay here.

See all hotels in Cary. And if you’re looking for accommodation in Raleigh, it’s only a 15-20 minute drive from the soccer park. Here are the best downtown Raleigh hotels. If you want to stay near Raleigh-Durham Airport (15-20 minute drive away) check out these hotels.

Why is soccer so big in Cary?

Cary is one of the best places in the USA for soccer and known to be the college soccer capital of the USA. WalletHub compared more than 290 U.S. cities (May 2024) with at least one college or professional soccer team across five divisions and examined each based on 52 key metrics. Cary came in 12th overall for best soccer cities in the US (it was 17th in 2022, so it’s gone up!), ranking number 3 for best performing for the NWSL soccer teams.

We have attended a game here several times to see ACC college soccer games, to watch the NC Courage, and we even saw the USA Women’s national team play just after they won the 2019 World Cup. We even got to see the World Cup trophy on display at the Stadium!

The NCAA Women’s College Cup was held here in 2022 and 2023, plus the 2023 NCAA Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championship. As parents, we’re very happy our daughter is playing soccer in North Carolina in an area that has such a strong program for it. 

Watch our Video from WakeMed Soccer Park

What to do near WakeMed Soccer Park

Explore Downtown Cary

Downtown Cary has the charm of an All-American historical city, but with modern sophistication. Eight years ago, it was a ghost town, now it is a hip area with breweries, cideries, great local restaurants, a wine bar, and a seven acre community park. Check the schedule for any events or festivals you may tie in with your visit.

Explore Fenton

Only a 5-minute drive from WakeMed Soccer Park is Fenton, a new mixed-use development with dining, shopping and entertainment. Check their event schedule as you may time your trip with a free yoga class, artisan markets, ice skating (in the winter) or live music. 

Our picks are Dram & Draught Whiskey Bar, or the Cru Food & Wine Bar for a drink. Our kids love Honeysuckle Gelato and seeing a movie at Paragon Theater. Sports & Social is also great for a pre-game drink. The NC Courage supporter club meets here on the AVA rooftop bar. It can get very busy in the sports restaurant downstairs, especailly on game days.

For restaurants, we’ve so far eaten at M Sushi (great for sushi lovers), Superica (delicious birri tacos), and Cru Wine Bar (great food, excellent wine, slow service!). I do not like the mobile Carriage House Coffee. It’s very expensive and I’ve thrown out the coffee on three occasions. That’s as many chances as I give.

Places to eat & drink in Cary

Because you cannot bring any food or drink into the stadium, I recommend you go to eat first. The food in the stadium isn’t the most nutritious, lines are long, and it’s overpriced. Sometimes they may have food trucks in the Fan Fest section. I have had a great nachos from them before. Here are some of our favorite places to eat and drink nearby.

• Craft Breweries:
  • Bond Brothers has some of the best beer in Wake County.
  • Cotton House Brewery has a unique charm located in an historic house with great outdoor spaces.
  • Fortnight Brewery has a nice outside drinking area with great beer options and wine slushies.
  • Pharmacy Bottle Shop has a good selection of beers on tap or on the shelf as well as wine! There’s a drink to suit everyone in your party.
  • WEST END: South Line Brewing Co is a beer garden that’s always busy with locals, especially families. The often have a food truck and live music.
• Pizza: We love V Pizza (great wings too) and Di Fara
• Burgers: Crosstown Pub & Grill and they have great wings, birria tacos and fish and chips
• Wings: Woody’s Sports Tavern & Buffalo Brothers
• Brunch: Scratch Kitchen in Downtown Cary
• Coffee: Good coffee in Cary is hard to find. Geluna Gelato has the best coffee by far (Australian craft style) Thye also have delicious gelato. Brew Coffee Bar is the next best coffee.
• Bagels: Big Dom’s Bagel Shop.
• Bars: We love the Old Fashioned at the Albatross Bar. The Walk-Up Bar has great craft cocktails. And the RBF Champagne Bar is a winner, especially for women.