North Wake News

The North Carolina Courage and the Town of Cary have announced a new naming rights partnership with First Horizon Bank for the stadium located within WakeMed Soccer Park. This multiyear agreement officially names the venue First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

This development is an extension of the existing partnership with First Horizon Bank, which became the Courage's first official banking partner in 2024. The naming rights are exclusive to the stadium, while WakeMed retains its naming rights to the wider park. The stadium also serves as home to North Carolina FC of the USL Championship and hosts various sporting events throughout the year, including collegiate and high school competitions like the NCAA Division I College Cup.

The expansion involves investment in permanent branding around the stadium and new signage at its northeast gate main entrance.

"First Horizon Bank has been a tremendous partner, and we’re excited to expand our relationship in 2025," said Courage President Francie Gottsegen. "When we first announced our official banking partnership, we spoke of our joint mission to impact our community. Enhancing the soccer experience for our players, fans, and staff is a massive piece of those efforts."

Town of Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht expressed enthusiasm about this new chapter: "The partnership not only reinforces Cary’s reputation as a premier destination for sporting events but also underscores our shared commitment to providing our citizens and fans with high-quality facilities."

Laura Bunn, Mid-Atlantic Regional President for First Horizon Bank, added: "At First Horizon Bank, we are proud to expand our partnership with the North Carolina Courage by introducing First Horizon Stadium. This Stadium represents more than just a name; it’s a reflection of our shared commitment to community, growth, and excellence – particularly in support of women’s sports."

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held upon completing planned enhancements in early 2025. More information on schedules for both teams can be found on their respective websites.

North Carolina Courage competes in their eighth season in 2024 after starting play in 2017 when Steve Malik purchased and relocated Western New York Flash to Cary. They have claimed seven league trophies as three-time NWSL Shield winners (2017-2019), two-time NWSL Champions (2018-2019), and two-time UKG NWSL Challenge Cup champions (2022-2023). They also won the 2018 ICC Championship.

Cary is known for its thriving community within North Carolina's Research Triangle region. It consistently ranks among desirable places due to safe neighborhoods, parks, environmental stewardship, business climate, and sports venues.

WakeMed Soccer Park is Cary's state-of-the-art facility hosting premier soccer events since 2004 across professional teams like NC Football Club & NC Courage along with various local festivals & sports activities.

First Horizon operates across 12 southern U.S states offering diverse financial services from commercial banking through wealth management; recognized among top employers by Fortune & Forbes magazines.