University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville’s Karl Straus Track to Host NAIA Men’s and Women’s Track & Field National Championships in 2026 and 2027
08.27.2025 | General, Athletics News
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced that the 2026 and 2027 NAIA Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field National Championships will be held at Karl Straus Track in Asheville, N.C., on the campus of UNC Asheville, hosted by Explore Asheville and Airstream Ventures.
A prestigious three‑day event, the championships bring together approximately 1,300 athletes representing men's and women's teams, their families, and fans for an unparalleled celebration of collegiate athletic excellence. The event is expected to generate more than $1.3 million in direct spending throughout the Asheville area.
"We are proud to host the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships at our newly renovated Karl Straus Track," said Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone. "This premier venue, built for elite competition, is more than a facility—it's a symbol of resilience and community. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, events like this showcase Asheville's strength, spirit, and readiness to welcome the world."
The 74th-annual men's and 45th-annual women's championships are set for May 20-22, 2026, while the 75th-annual men's and 46th-annual women's event is scheduled for May 26-28, 2027. The championships will take place at UNC Asheville's recently renovated Karl Straus Track, with expansions made possible in part by a $1.5 million Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) investment through the tourism development authority. Renovated three years ago, the UNC Asheville track has become one of the top facilities in the country. The track seats more than 500, and fans and athletes will be treated to a fast surface and excellent venue.
"The NAIA is excited to partner with Airstream Ventures and Explore Asheville to provide a first-class student-athlete experience to the student-athletes competing for outdoor track and field national championships," said Austin Bennett, NAIA Vice President for Championships. "The Karl Straus Track, and the amenities the area brings to the table will allow the NAIA to provide an event that will make lasting memories for our student-athletes, coaches and fans."
Surrounded by the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, the Karl Straus track has a state-of-the-art Mondo track that was part of a $4 million facility renovation, completed in 2023, in part with Tourism Product Development grant funds through Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. This commitment underscores Asheville's focus on building premier sports venues while also supporting the community's recovery following Hurricane Helene. Hosting the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships will not only showcase one of the nation's top collegiate track facilities but also generate direct economic impact and provide a boost for local businesses that continue to rebuild and thrive.
"On behalf of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, we are honored to welcome the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships to our community in 2026 and 2027," said Vic Isley, president and CEO of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. "Hosting this prestigious event underscores Asheville's standing as a leading sports destination in the Southeast while also fueling our local creative economy and supporting the recovery of small businesses following Hurricane Helene. Sporting events and facilities are places that bring people together to inspire hope and pride. They are also essential to our community's economic and recreational well-being. We look forward to showcasing Asheville's vibrant spirit, mountain setting and warm hospitality to student-athletes, their families and fans from across the country. We are proud that Explore Asheville's investment in sports facilities for our community has helped make this possible."
Asheville's combination of outstanding athletic venues, vibrant downtown, and outdoor recreation opportunities makes it a fitting host for the culminating events of the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field season.
"Securing this national championship, in partnership with Explore Asheville, UNC Asheville, Montreat, and the NAIA, just continues to show Asheville's resilience and drive as a community," said Alan Verlander, CEO of Airstream Ventures. "Our company is truly honored to help lead this effort in sports tourism and looks forward to hosting the thousands of visitors to Asheville in May. National championships are special events and we want to thank the NAIA for having the trust in our team to deliver a first-class experience for the student athletes, coaches, and fans."
Additional championship details, including ticketing information, schedules, and fan activities, will be released closer to the event dates at www.naia.org.
ABOUT NAIA OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
As one of the NAIA's premier championships, this event features top collegiate athletes in preliminary and final-energy races across sprints, distance, jumps, throws, and relays. Since its inception, the championships have rotated among esteemed venues, including Marion, Indiana, and Gulf Shores, Alabama.
ABOUT EXPLORE ASHEVILLE AND THE BUNCOMBE COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Explore Asheville is the official destination marketing and management organization for one of the most deeply rooted and creative destinations in the Southeast. Explore Asheville is powered by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, a public authority that has been investing in and building community since 1983. The authority has committed nearly $100 million in grants to more than 50 community projects, including sports venues, as well as over $2.1 million in grants through the Always Asheville Fund to more than 400 small travel and hospitality businesses to reopen in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
ABOUT UNC ASHEVILLE ATHLETICS
UNC Asheville, competing as the Bulldogs in NCAA Division I and Big South Conference, is home to top-tier athletic facilities, including the Karl Straus Track. Under Athletic Director Janet Cone, the university emphasizes both athletic and academic excellence.
ABOUT AIRSTREAM VENTURES
Airstream Ventures is a sports marketing and event company that delivers first-class, impactful events and opportunities that change communities and lives. Working now in communities all across the country, Airstream Ventures uses an approach that features the intersections of sports tourism, event creation and recruitment, television programming and revenue generation. Visit airstreamventures.com for additional information. Airstream Ventures: Where partnerships connect with communities.