2016 SOCON IS STACKED!
As we welcome a new year in such a beautiful city, we also look forward to a full calendar of exciting sporting events. The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission is delighted to work with a wide range of partners, sponsors, event promoters, wellness directors, & local agencies to recruit, manage, & produce world-class events for the residents & visitors of Asheville. Take a look at some of our diverse events for this year, be sure to put them on your calendar, & join us for the fun!
March is a big month for us, as we welcome back the 2016 SoCon Basketball Championships to the US Cellular Center March 3-7, presented by General Shale. The conference games have proven to be adrenaline-filled so far this season, so we anticipate some high-energy championship games right here, in Asheville, in just 5 weeks. Don't miss out on the excitement! To purchase tickets & for more information about lodging, events, & volunteering, click HERE.
The ABRSC has partnered with the YMCA of WNC to expand the annual Kids Fest & Downtown Dribble for our local youth on Saturday, March 5 with diverse & fun activities for kids of all ages, with 600 basketballs on a first-come, first-serve basis. The festival begins at 9am, with an 11am dribble to the US Cellular Center for the noon game.
Additionally, the SoCon championship game on Monday, March 7 (9pm) will be preceded by a BBQ, Beer, & Basketball event on the concourse of the US Cellular Center, showcasing some of the area's best breweries & BBQ restaurants. The event will take place from 5:30-7:45pm, with a limit of 500 tickets available. Tickets for that event will be available at the US Cellular Center box office. More information will be released as we get closer to SoCon weekend!
The 2016 Arby's SoCon Wrestling Championships will take place at the Kimmel Arena, on the campus of UNC-Asheville, Saturday, March 5. To purchase tickets, & for more information click HERE.
For more information on how you can get involved as a volunteer for the 2016 SoCon Basketball & Wrestling Championships, please check our online sign-up HERE.
To become a community sponsor of SoCon, please contact Ben VanCamp at ben@ashevillesports.org
Cyclocross Information Released
We are only a few weeks away from the 2016 USA Cycling National Cyclocross Championships, held at the beautiful Biltmore Estate in Asheville! As athletes prepare for their big races, and spectators with their best cheering, not to mention our volunteers for their hard work, there is much to communicate. We've decided to pass along some of the important information to all who are coming to participate in these historic days.
We have worked the Biltmore and USA Cycling to build a comprehensive suite of documents, including a course map, tech guide, visitor guide, and information about expo and team parking.
Hopefully you can find what you're looking for in the links below--if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us (micah@ashevillesports.org)
TEAM PARKING INFO (stay tuned--coming soon)
EXPO VENDOR INFO (stay tuned--coming soon)
If you have specific questions about ticketing for the Biltmore Estate, please call them directly at 800-411-3812
2016 SoCon Basketball Tickets On Sale
Basketball season is nearly upon us, which means it's almost time to welcome the Southern Conference Basketball teams back to Asheville. The 2016 SoCon Basketball Championships presented by General Shale returns to the U.S. Cellular Center for March 3-7, 2016. You won't want to miss the opportunity to share the excitement of NCAA basketball with your friends and family.
Tickets can be purchased at the U.S. Cellular Center box office or a Southern Conference school box office.
2016 Ticket Prices
All Sessions GA books - $110
Single Session GA - $20
VIP Reserved book - $200
GA single session for group of 10 or more -$14
Student/Youth GA single session - $10
Business Booster program - $150
5 and under - Free
UNC Asheville Chosen to Host 2016 Big South Women's Basketball Championships
The Big South Conference Council of Chief Executive Officers has unanimously voted to award the 2016 Women’s Basketball Championship to UNC Asheville, it was announced today.
"UNC Asheville is excited to have the Big South Conference Women's Basketball Championship return to Asheville and our campus in 2016," stated Janet R. Cone, Director of Athletics. "Working with Tina Porter, from the Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau, our staff, and the BSC, the Bulldog Athletics Association Board will serve as the Local Organizing Committee and is committed to making this tournament a great success for the student-athletes, coaches, and fans."
UNC Asheville will host all rounds of the Women’s Championship for the sixth time, second-most in league history, and for the first time in the 3,200-seat Kimmel Arena on Asheville’s campus. The 2016 tournament will be Thursday-Sunday, March 10-13 - just the third time the event will be played over four consecutive days. Asheville previously hosted the Big South Women’s Basketball Championship in 1990, 1999, 2000, 2007 and 2008.
The Bulldogs won the 2007 Big South Championship held inside the Justice Center for their only tournament championship.
“The Big South Conference is excited to bring its version of March Madness to UNC Asheville and the mountains of North Carolina,” Big South Commissioner Kyle B. Kallander stated. “It is clear from the bid that UNC Asheville will do an outstanding job hosting the 2016 Big South Women’s Basketball Championship, and will provide an unbelievable experience for our student-athletes. We are appreciative of the commitment expressed by UNC Asheville’s leadership, Chancellor Mary Grant and Athletics Director Janet Cone, in supporting this event. We can’t wait for March!”
"We are extremely excited to be hosting the Big South Women's Basketball Championship at Kimmel Arena in March,” stated Bulldog head coach Brenda Mock Kirkpatrick. “I would like to thank our athletic director, Janet Cone, our Chancellor, Mary Grant, and the Bulldog Athletic Association for constructing and supporting a competitive bid giving the city of Asheville and our institution an opportunity to host our tournament. The majority of my colleagues in the Big South were passionate about bringing all eleven teams to one campus site and we are fortunate to have a city and university that is capable of providing a championship experience that will be second to none."
The 2016 Big South Championship will begin on March 10 with three opening round games, which will be available live on the Big South Network. The quarterfinals and semifinals will both be live on ESPN3, as well as the 2016 Championship game, which will be played at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 13. More information on the 2016 events, including finalized game times and ticket information, will be announced at a later date.
Source: uncabulldogs.com
SoCon Tip-Off Recap
Southern Conference Basketball Season has begun!
The buzz of the 2016 Southern Conference Basketball season has officially begun with our Tip-Off Celebration last night at Century Room above Pack's Tavern. It was a night full of excitement, joy, and the occasional chills, not to mention a room full of very influential, passionate people.
The event was incredibly fortunate to have coach Mike Young, Wofford, and coach Brittney Ezell, ETSU, to speak. Their speeches amplified the amount of energy in the room and gave the partners and sponsors who have dedicated their time to the tournament a sense of pride.
Coach Ezell made a clear point to discuss the amount of work that has been put into this tournament and how year after year there is something new herself and her team are able to enjoy on and off the court. "There are so many restaurants we can't eat at that the team wants to eat at, there are so many things the team wants to do, that we can't do. We are so thankful for all that Asheville does for us."
Coach Young's speaking points also electrified the room and were on everyone's mind at the end of the night. He discussed how the student athletes and the coaching staffs feel embraced and feel like superstars when visiting Asheville. "What you do for our players, to make them like a big deal, like this is the greatest tournament on Earth. They believe that, I believe that."
Members of the SoCon staff, the local organizing committee, and community members also honored City Councilman Jan Davis, who also serves on the Board of the ABRSC. Davis has been pivotal in bringing SoCon to Asheville, and worked to support essential renovations at the US Cellular Center. We are delighted to have Jan Davis, and his fellow City Council and County Commission members who were in attendance, serve this community and offer their support of SoCon.
Special thanks to Commissioner John Iamarino and his entire SoCon staff for helping make the Tip-Off Celebration an enjoyable gathering for all.
We are extremely grateful for everyone who came out, and look forward to a successful and exciting SoCon Championship event.
Link of Video Recap: http://www.socondigitalnetwork.com/socon/video/socon-2015-16-socon-basketball-tipoff-celebration
THE BASKETBALL BUZZ HAS BEGUN!
Energy is building for basketball season, and especially for the 2016 Southern Conference Basketball Championships taking place in beautiful downtown Asheville at the U.S. Cellular Center's ExploreAsheville.com arena March 3-7, 2016.
Tickets will be going on sale in November, but the buzz is already starting among the city's loyal basketball fans, as well as members of the community who are excited to host such a big event. Member schools are starting practices, and coaches are fired up about a sizzling hot season!
People from near and far have been asking about how they can get involved in the action, so here are some resources for helping make SoCon 2016 a tremendous success, and some links for how to join in on the buzz.
VOLUNTEER! Click here and see how you can participate!
SPONSOR! Email ben@ashevillesports.org or call 828.713.5825
PURCHASE TICKETS! For more information about the schedule & how to purchase tickets, click here.
HAVE A BLAST IN AVL! For more information about local accommodations, attractions, & activities in the Asheville area here.
Cyclo-cross National Championship Schedule Release along with Lodging and Vendor / Team Information
USA Cycling announces the 2016 Cyclo-cross National Championships schedule with races taking place at Antler Hill Village on Biltmore Estate, January 5 – 10, 2016. The complete schedule is available at usacycling.org/2016/16cxnationals.
Over 1,500 racers and an additional 6,000 spectators are expected to attend the 2016 Championships in Asheville, NC. Visitors to the area can find a variety of options for lodging while they are in Asheville. Special rate offers can be found at exploreasheville.com/2016-national-cyclo-cross-national-championship. ExploreAsheville.com is also the source for additional information on exploring the Asheville area’s wonderful arts, culinary, outdoors and craft beer culture.
Also released today is information for companies that desire to be a vendor at the 2016 Cyclo-cross National Championships. Vendors can reserve booth space to showcase their products to over 1,500 competitors, 6,000 cycling enthusiasts and thousands of Biltmore visitors during the championships. Booth spaces range in size from a 10’ x 10’ to 20’ x 50’ for companies looking to make a big impact. Reserve your 2016 USA Cyclo-Cross National Championships booth space today by visiting AshevilleSports.org/expo.
Teams may reserve space by also visiting AshevilleSports.org/expo. Team space options are 10x10 or 20x20 with the option to add on a 10x10 space. No product sampling, displays, test rides, or product sales are permitted to take place in the team area.
Vendor and team spaces include a limited number of entry passes to Biltmore Estate with the option to add-on power, tables, chairs, tents, and additional wristbands as needed.
Both teams and vendors will be required to provide certificates of insurance to the Asheville-Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, The Biltmore Company, and USA Cycling. Tent spaces over 10x20 will require fire marshal inspection.
Reserve your race village space by visiting AshevilleSports.org/expo and be a part of the action at the 2016 Cyclo-Cross Nationals event.
Lucas Owens, UNC-A baseball player & management major, interns at the ABRSC
WE ARE HONORED TO ANNOUNCE THAT LUCAS OWENS IS A PART OF THE ABRSC TEAM
Lucas Owens is from Forest City, NC and is a senior Management major with an emphasis in marketing at the University of North Carolina Asheville. Lucas has had thoughts of grad school but also has aspirations to work in sports management, maybe with a professional team or a sports related organization. He is on his fourth year playing at UNC-A as a catcher. Lucas has experience in coaching, mentoring, and event management, and enjoys all sports, traveling, and outdoor recreation. Lucas adds that he is appreciative for his opportunity to work with the ABRSC, and, “being able to live in a city not to far from home but far enough away.”
BEER CITY BEATDOWN AT U.S. CELLULAR CENTER ON OCTOBER 10
The 2015 Hi-Wire Brewing's Beer City Beatdown goes downtown! We are excited to announce this year's event will be in the ExploreAsheville.com Arena at the U.S. Cellular complex in the heart of downtown Asheville.
4-Person Team Competition has Rx, Scaled and Masters (40+) divisions. Teams can consist of All-Male, All-Female or Co-Ed (2 Female, 2 Male).
Beer City Beatdown benefits the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity as a part of the Unbroken Series, which is a collection of fitness events designed to challenge athletes mentally and physically, while giving back to organizations and people working to help our communities.
Watch Soccer, Enjoy Local brews at Beer City Cup
The largest adult soccer tournament in the U.S. happens annually in Asheville, NC over Labor Day weekend.
In its 6th year, the Beer City Cup draws teams from as far away as Wisconsin, Missouri, Maryland and Florida. Overall, 84 teams will come from 28 cities across 10 states to play for $7,000 in cash prizes over the two day event held September 5 + 6.
This is anything but your average soccer tournament. The Oskar Blues sponsored event combines top quality soccer with top quality beer in a top shelf town. To boot, the Beer City Cup is a fan and family-friendly event.
The spectator centered event culminates with the Finals on Sunday, September 6. The finals are held at conveniently located Memorial Stadium, which is set downtown up above the Tourists’ McCormick Field.
Free admission, local food trucks (Taste+See, Amazing Pizza Co. and CHUBwagon) and $2 beers from 12-10pm, make this an easy event to attend. This year the tournament will climax with fireworks which will be held in conjunction with the Tourist’s game, at 9:30pm.
For the 2nd year in a row, the Beer City Cup will partner with the Buncombe County Special Olympics. Last year’s contribution was around $1,000. This year, the goal is to reach $2,000!!
The tournament is played using a goal-friendly format with shortened games to increase spectator enjoyment. The teams play 8 vs. 8 across a normal field’s width. This allows two games to take place at once and each game lasts one hour instead of the traditional 90 minute match which is for 11 vs. 11.
Among the many reasons that Beer City Cup has quickly become so popular for players is the quality of the competition and the chance to play in front of crowds.
Blue Ion, from Charleston, SC has won the Open Division ($2000 cash prize) the past three years, and is returning to try to pull off a 4-Peat! This year’s tournament will feature some exciting new challengers including the 3X National Champs, the St. Pete Kickers, from St. Petersburg, FL. The Open Division final will be played at 7:00pm on Sunday the 6th, with the fireworks directly to follow.
The Co-Ed and Over 40 Division Divisions will play their respective finals immediately preceding the Open Division final at 5:30pm, and the Over 30 and Over 50 Divisions will play their finals at 4:00pm.
Asheville based teams did well last year with local “all-star” teams Zia Taqueria winning the Over 30 Division and Hotspur winning the Over 40 Division. In the always thrilling Co-Ed Division, Asheville based Frienemies lost in the finals to Raleigh based Easy Riders. KVARS, an Asheville based Latin team, represented strongly while losing in the Open Division final.
The 2015 version of the Beer City Cup will begin on Saturday, September 5. Games will run from 8am to 10pm at the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex in East Asheville and concurrently at Memorial Stadium downtown.
Only the strong will survive to play on the grand stage on Sunday at Memorial Stadium. Admission is free, beer from 7 local breweries will be available for only $2 and 3 food trucks will be on hand.
More information is available at www.beercitycup.com
Email beercitycup@gmail.com with any questions.