Asheville Sports Commission Quarter Wrap up!
Throughout the first quarter of 2026, the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission (ABRSC) supported a diverse mix of local, regional, and national sporting events across multiple venues. ABRSC continues to work closely with event rights holders, venue partners, and municipal stakeholders, ABRSC ensured smooth operations and positive experiences for athletes, spectators, volunteers, and organizers. The ABRSC team led the efforts and provided community engagement, support, volunteer opportunities, and expertise hands on boots on the ground teamwork, reinforcing Asheville’s reputation as a welcoming and well-prepared sports destination.
Across Q1 events, roughly 200 volunteer opportunities were supported through hands‑on, boots‑on‑the‑ground teamwork. These efforts reinforced Asheville’s reputation as a welcoming and well‑prepared sports destination while generating increased overnight visitation and room nights for TDI partners. Local hotels, restaurants, and businesses benefited from visitor spending during an important off‑season period, further elevating Asheville’s profile as a competitive and flexible host community.
Featured Events Include:
2025 Ingles Smoky Mountain Grapple (Dec. 19-20, 2025): One of the most premier high school wrestling tournaments in the southeast. This tournament showcased over 1,000 total matches over three divisions: Women’s, Junior Varsity, and Varsity.
2026 Gala Gymnastics (Jan. 9-11, 2026): Gala Gymnastics brought a youth‑focused, sold‑out gymnastics event to Asheville, welcoming athletes, families, and spectators from across the region. With over 1,600 gymnasts in attendance, the event generated multi‑day stays and reinforced Asheville’s appeal as a premier destination for youth and amateur sports competitions.
2026 Nike EYBL Scholastic: Christ School Classic (Feb. 20-22): A nationally recognized elite high school basketball series, hosted at Asheville’s own, Christ School. three of the 5 teams participating were nationally ranked top 10 in the country.
2026 Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Tournament (Mar. 5-9, 2026): An Asheville Sports stable. Coming off the signing of a 10 year extension, The Southern Conference Basketball tournament highlighted fierce competition and community throughout their time back home!
— Keep an eye out for specialized features with more information on our Q1 Events! —