Durham Reporter

The North Carolina Courage and the Town of Cary have announced First Horizon Bank as the naming rights partner for the 10,000-seat stadium located inside WakeMed Soccer Park. This multiyear partnership officially names the venue First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

The agreement expands on a successful 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 naming rights to the wider park. The stadium also hosts North Carolina FC of the USL Championship and various collegiate and high school sporting events throughout the year, including the NCAA Division I College Cup.

The expansion includes planned investment in permanent branding around the stadium and newly constructed signage outside of 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. "Enhancing the soccer experience for our players, fans, and staff is a massive piece of those efforts."

Town of Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht stated, "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, expressed pride in expanding their partnership with 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. For more information on schedules for North Carolina Courage and North Carolina FC, visit their respective websites.

North Carolina Courage competes in their eighth season as part of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). They began play in 2017 after being formed when Steve Malik purchased Western New York Flash and relocated it to Cary. The team plays home matches at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Cary is known for its thriving community within North Carolina's Research Triangle region. It consistently ranks among desirable places to live due to its safe neighborhoods and extensive parks network.

WakeMed Soccer Park is a state-of-the-art facility renowned for hosting premier soccer events since 2004. It serves as home base for professional teams like NC Football Club alongside community-focused activities.

First Horizon Bank operates across southern U.S., offering various financial services from commercial banking through mortgage solutions while maintaining recognition among top employers nationally according to Fortune & Forbes magazines.