7 Sports Teams in Raleigh
March 13th, 2024
Sports Teams in Raleigh
Are you a sports lover who lives in Raleigh? Well, keep reading to learn more about the sports teams in Raleigh.
If you live in Raleigh, you are in the right place as a sports tan because this city has a lot to offer for sports competition. From edge-of-your-seat NHL hockey games to buzzer-beating Atlantic Coast Conference basketball games, each court here gets a lot of action and is taken seriously.
The NHL's Carolina Hurricanes is Raleigh's most extensive hometown professional sports team. The Canes are one of the favorite teams locally, as well as many other colleges and universities that take the field in the City of Oaks.
Greater Raleigh is one of the nation's premier locations for sports championships and events. With the world-class venues and the naturally beautiful region that is centrally located, easily accessible, and affordable, you can not miss out on the southern hospitality and many things to do in this city.
If you are a sports lover and want to know more about each sports team in and around Raleigh, keep reading our guide to learn everything you should know about each of these teams. If you are intersted in moving to this area, check out the beautiful and affordable homes for sale here.
Here is a list of some sports teams in Raleigh.
Chapters
1. NHL Carolina Hurricanes
The Canes were initially founded as the New England Whalers (1972-1979) as part of the World Hockey League. Then, in 1979, they relocated to Raleigh, which then rebranded them into the Carolina Hurricanes. This professional ice hockey team holds a special place in the hearts of hockey fans in North Carolina. The Canes have a rich history, lively fanbase, and excellent success.
Where they play: PNC Arena
- Max capacity of about 18,000 for hockey events
- Home to the NC State men's basketball team
- Next door is the Carter-Finley Stadium
Team colors: Red, white, gray, and black
- The team wears their black kit for home games and white kit for away games. During the 2022-2023 season, the red kit was used as an alternative
- Shop Merch here
Major Accomplishments:
- Stanley Cup champs in the 2005-2006 season
- Two-time conference champs in 2001-2002 and 2005-2006
- Division champs in 1998-1999, 2001-2002, 2005-2006, 2020-2021, 2021-2022
Mascot: Stormy
- Chosen as the mascot to honor the abundance of hog farms in the state
- A brown pig mascot that wears a Carolina Hurricanes jersey with the number 97 on the back in honor of the year the Whalers moved to Raleigh
Check out the team's schedule here if you are intersted in going to a Canes game in Raleigh.
2. Durham Bulls Baseball (MiLB)
The Durham Bulls Baseball team is a minor league baseball team based in Durham, North Carolina. The Bulls are currently affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball, which means the Bulls serve as their Tripla-A affiliate, providing a developmental platform for players aspiring to play in the majors.
Ballpark:
The Bulls play their home games at the famous Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP), which is in downtown Durham. This ballpark is known for its picturesque setting, modern amenities, and a fan-friendly atmosphere. This stadium has also won several awards for being one of the country's premier minor league baseball stadiums.
Mascot: Wool E. Bullon
- "Best Minor League Baseball Mascot" in 2016
- Takes requests to attend other private and community events
Colors: Blue, burnt orange, black, and white
- The team logo features a bull jumping through the capital "D."
- Shop merch here
Accomplishments:
- Winner of three Triple-A National Championship Games (2009, 2017, and 2022)
- 17-time league champs
- 23-division champs
The Durham Bulls is a devolved institution for this area's spots and entertainment scene. They provide high-quality entertainment while nurturing future MLB stars. Check out their game schedule, and take advantage of the solid local fan base, lively atmosphere, and family-friendly entertainment.
3. Carolina Mudcats (MiLB)
The Carolina Mudcats are a minor league baseball team in Zebulon, North Carolina. This team provides fans with affordable and family-friendly entertainment while serving as a stepping stone for talented players to make their way up to the major leagues. The team competes in the Carolina League and is a class Single-A affiliate with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Stadium: Five County Stadium
- Home games are played at Five County Stadium, which is just outside Raleigh
- Stadium has a seating capacity of about 6,500
- Offers classic minor league baseball experience for fans
Mascot: Muddy the Mudcat and Mini Muddy
- Muddy wears a red Mudcats jersey with the number one, and Mini wears a red jersey with the number 1/2
- Muddy's Instagram
Accomplishments:
- League champions in 1995 and 2003
- Divison champions in 1994,1995, 2003, and 2008
Colors: Red, black, white, and grey
- The team's logo features a mudcat, a catfish, popping its head out of a capital "C."
- Shop their merch here
The Mudcats are also highly involved in the local community, where they participate in many charitable initiatives and events and often host community nights and fundraisers to support local causes and organizations. If you are interested in having a night out with some ball, check out their schedule so you do not miss this experience.
4. NC State Sports (NCAA)
North Carolina State University is located in Raleigh and is home to many sports, primarily known for the football and basketball teams. The NC State Athletics promotes team and individual success and makes scholarship and educational opportunities available to more than 550 students, which creates memorable experiences for the Wolfpack fans.
The NC State competes in the NCAA Division I-FBS and is one of the ACC schools. There is a total number of 701 athletes that participate in sports, 412 are male, and 289 are female. There are 21 head coaches here at the school and 52 assistant coaches who lead the school to victory.
Below are some of the NC State sports and their rankings.
| Team | Net Profit/Loss |
| NC State Men's Baseball | $-1,949,572 |
| NC State Women's Basketball | $-3,407,918 |
| NC State Men's Football | $22,903,904 |
| NC State Golf | $-500,061 |
| NC State Gymnastics | $-593,050 |
| NC State Men's Soccer | $-899,662 |
| NC State Track and Field | $-898,816 |
| NC State Women's Volleyball | $-806,551 |
5. UNC Sports
UNC-Chapel Hill is nicknamed "Univeristy of National Champions" for its history of successful athletic teams - basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and more. Known as the Tar Heels, they are in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1.
The Tar Heels have won 45 NCAA team championships in seven different sports, including women's soccer, field hockey, men's basketball, men's lacrosse, women's lacrosse, men's soccer, and women's basketball. At Carolina, there are 28 different variety teams within the university.
Basketball
The Tar Heels men's basketball team is one of the most successful programs in college basketball history. Coached by the legend Dean Smith for years and later Roy Williams, the team has won many NCAA and ACC Championships.
Football
While the football team is less popular than the basketball, the football team competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of NCAA Divison I. The team has had many ups and downs but has had many periods of success, and notable players have gone to the NFL.
Facilities
The university has excellent athletic facilities, including the famous Dean E. Smith Center for basketball and Kenan Memorial Stadium for football.
Rivalries
Chapel Hill has intense rivalries with other ACC schools, such as Duke University, NC State, and Virginia, for football.
6. Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Since their existence, this team has continued to evolve for its fans, both on and off the field. Home at the Bank of America Stadium, this iconic venue offers an electric atmosphere for a lively football experience.
Home Stadium:
- Home games are played at the Bank of America Stadium in uptown Charlotte
- Stadium has a seating capacity of 75,000
- Known for its black and silver exterior and modern amenities
Notable Players:
- Quarterback Cam Newton
- Linebaker Luke Kuechly
- Wide Receiver Steve Smith
- Defensive End Julius Peppers
Success:
- Won several division titles in the NFC South
- 2015 was the most successful season when they reached the Super Bowl 50
The Carolina Panthers are an essential part of the football and sports landscape in North Carolina and most of the Southeastern United States. They continue to compete in the NFL to bring success to their fans and the Charlotte community. They are also very involved in the community, offering many outreach programs and charitable events while supporting causes related to education, youth development, and health.
If you are a part of the "Panther Nation" or are intersted in experiencing this lively community of enthusiastic football lovers, check out the NFL schedule to buy tickets to their new season.
7. Holly Springs Salamanders
The Holly Springs Salamanders are a part of the Coastal Plain League and a Collegiate Summer Baseball league that plays at the new Ting Park in Holly Springs. One of 16 teams in the league, the players compete for their respective universities or colleges and then join their summer team. The Salamanders may need to be more professional. Still, it is a new sports experience evolving in the Raleigh area and a great experience to enjoy with friends and family.
Home Stadium:
- Home games at Ting Park in downtown Holly Springs
- Seating capacity of 2,000 people
- Offers a cozy and intimate setting to enjoy baseball during summer
Community Engagement:
- Participates in many outreach programs and events
- Host promotional nights and fundraisers to support local causes and organization
Success:
- Experienced varying degrees of success, but this team's primary goal is to focus on player development and a positive experience around them.
- Provides college players with valuable opportunities for growth
Below are some former Salamander players selected in the MLB Draft.
| Player | Drafted | Season at Salamanders | Highest Level |
| Chris Clare | Round 21, 631st overall | 2016 | A (Advanced) |
| Joey Roach | Round 31, 930th overall | 2015 | A (Full) |
| Brian Miller | Round 1 CBA, 36th overall | 2015 | A (Full) |
| Matt Frisee | Round 15, 436th overall | 2016 | AAA |
Methodology
We used information from different sources and our data to show you all Raleigh sports teams and organizations. There were various data to use, so we put them together to guide you on what you should know about Raleigh's sports teams.
We used The following sources to gather most of our information about Raleigh's sports teams.
FAQS
Does Raleigh have any professional sports teams?
In Raleigh, you can cheer on the NHL Carolina Hurricanes, the Atlantic Coast Conference for the NC State, pro baseball, the Carolina Mudcats, and many other teams.
What sports team plays in Raleigh?
The most extensive hometown professional sports team is the Carolina Hurricanes. They played home games at the famous PNC Arena from September to April, creating the ultimate fan experience.
What is the most popular sports team in North Carolina?
When looking at the whole state of North Carolina, the Carolina Panthers hold the stance of being the state's most popular sports team, while many others are known in the state.
Sports Teams in Raleigh - The Bottom Line
If you live in Raleigh, you are in the right place for a sports tan because this city has much to offer for sports competitions. From edge-of-your-seat NHL hockey games to buzzer-beating Atlantic Coast Conference basketball games, each court here gets a lot of action and is taken seriously.
Greater Raleigh is one of the nation's premier locations for sports championships and events. With the world-class venues and the naturally beautiful region that is centrally located, easily accessible, and affordable, you can not miss out on the southern hospitality and many things to do in this city.
If you are considering moving or selling, contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to help you with any home buying or selling needs.
Ryan Fitzgerald
Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!
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