WNC Sports -- June 16, 2026: Action is heating up across the Western North Carolina sports scene. From minor league baseball homestands and historic clay-court tennis championships in the heart of downtown Asheville to massive youth regional tournaments taking over Buncombe County fields, there is plenty for local sports fans to track. Further west, mountain biking trails offer prime recreation.
Whether you are looking to catch a professional game under the lights or plan your weekend around regional tournament brackets, here is your comprehensive directory to all the major athletic action happening in our backyard.
🚀 Professional Baseball: Asheville Tourists Homestand
Minor League Baseball returns to downtown Asheville as the Tourists come back from a road trip to host a full six-game series against South Atlantic League rivals, the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Fans heading to the stadium will note the venue's updated branding for the season.
Dates: Tuesday, June 16 through Sunday, June 21, 2026
Game-by-Game Times:
Tuesday, June 16: 6:35 PM
Wednesday, June 17: 6:35 PM
Thursday, June 18: 6:35 PM (Thirsty Thursday)
Friday, June 19: 6:35 PM (Dollar Dog & Fireworks Night)
Saturday, June 20: 6:05 PM (Jersey Giveaway)
Sunday, June 21: 1:05 PM (Kids Run the Bases)
Venue Location: HomeTrust Park (McCormick Field)
Address: 30 Buchanan Place, Asheville, NC 28801
Official Tickets & Info:Asheville Tourists Schedule & Ticketmaster Box Office
🥍 Regional Youth Tournament: Carpetbagger Lacrosse Boys Summer Classic
Hundreds of youth and high school athletes from across the Southeast are descending on the area this weekend for the annual Boys Summer Classic. Because of the size of the tournament brackets, games are running simultaneously across three distinct athletic complexes managed by Buncombe County.
Dates: Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, 2026
Tournament Times: Games run all day, scheduled from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Venue Locations & Exact Addresses:
Buncombe County Sports Park: 58 Apac Dr, Asheville, NC 28806 (Enka/Candler area)
John B. Lewis (JBL) Soccer Complex: 439 Azalea Rd, Asheville, NC 28805 (East Asheville)
North Buncombe High School Fields: 890 Clarks Chapel Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787
Official Schedule & Brackets:Carpetbagger Lacrosse Event Page or the Carpetbagger LeagueApps Tournament Directory
🎾 Regional Tennis: 94th Annual Asheville Open Tennis Championships (Juniors)
Presented by Ingles and Pepsi of WNC, one of the oldest running and most prestigious tennis traditions in the region begins its layout. The historic tournament features top-tier junior division players from across the state competing on downtown clay courts.
Dates: Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26, 2026 (Note: Registration opens early summer)
Match Times: Morning match play begins daily at 8:00 AM and runs through 5:00 PM
Venue Location: Aston Park Tennis Center
Address: 336 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Official Registration & Player Info:Official Asheville Open Tournament
🚴 Regional Outdoor Sports: Chestnut Mountain Nature Park (Haywood County)
For sports enthusiasts looking for active weekend recreation just west of the Buncombe County line, Haywood County’s premier mountain biking facility offers daily public access to its extensive multi-use trail grid and the signature Berm Park skills loop.
Dates & Times: Open daily to the public from dawn until dusk.
Venue Location: Chestnut Mountain Nature Park
Address: 2153 Asheville Hwy, Canton, NC 28716
Official Trail Maps & Park Status:Visit Haywood Chestnut Mountain Directory