Cary, NC (April 10, 2019) – The Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA), in partnership with Relevent Sports Group (RSG), the owner and operator of the Women’s International Champions Cup (ICC), will hold an event with the North Carolina Courage at Union Station Plaza in Downtown Raleigh on Thursday, April 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The event will turn Downtown Raleigh into the epicenter of women’s soccer, with the official local launch of the Women’s ICC and a celebration of the defending Women’s ICC and NWSL champs, the NC Courage. As part of the event, there will be a celebratory sendoff for NC Courage players departing to prepare for the FIFA Women’s World Cup this summer.
“We are very grateful to the DRA and Relevent Sports Group for hosting this event to celebrate our North Carolina Courage,” said North Carolina Courage President and GM Curt Johnson. “This will be a great event open to all fans as we celebrate women’s soccer and our players who are pursuing their World Cup dreams.”
The event will be hosted by local personality Lynda Loveland and the whole North Carolina Courage team will be in attendance to celebrate with fans. There will be an opportunity for fans to interact with players, play games, get autographs and food provided by The Pit and Morgan Street Food Hall will be available for purchase.
“We are excited to welcome the NC Courage, the ICC, and soccer fans across the region to this beautiful new plaza at Union Station,” said Bill King, President and CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance. “This event allows us to both activate a new public space and highlight these amazing athletes in our region. We are also happy to be including local, neighborhood vendors to give attendees a taste of the vibrant Warehouse District in which this event will take place.”
All eyes of the women’s soccer world will be on the Triangle August 15-18 when the second edition of the Women’s ICC takes place at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The NC Courage will look to defend their title against Atletico Madrid, Manchester City and Olympique Lyonnais. Tickets for the tournament will be available for purchase at the April 25 event and will go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 26.
“Raleigh is a city that is passionate about soccer and passionate about the North Carolina Courage,” said Relevent Sports Group Executive Chairman Charlie Stillitano. “We believe this is not only the perfect venue, but the right community, to host what we believe will be the most important international women’s club tournament in the world.”
About Downtown Raleigh Alliance
The Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) is a nonprofit devoted to advancing the vitality of downtown Raleigh for everyone. The organization provides economic development, marketing, communications, and activations for downtown in an effort to make downtown Raleigh a thriving city center. DRA’s work includes First Friday, Moore Square Market, and Downtown Restaurant Week, as well as the recruitment of many retailers and storefront businesses. DRA also is committed to activating new or underutilized public spaces throughout downtown, in partnership with organizations throughout the region.
About Relevent Sports Group
Relevent Sports Group (RSG) is the premiere soccer events and media business in North America and Asia. RSG operates the International Champions Cup, the summer’s largest club tournament featuring the world’s best teams in iconic venues. Regarded as one of the most influential privately-owned soccer companies internationally, RSG is focused on expanding its footprint, creating a year-round soccer platform including new properties, the ICC Women’s and Futures tournament, Alianza de Futbol, the leading marketer and producer of Hispanic soccer programs in the U.S, and the first-of-its-kind joint venture with LaLiga to promote soccer in North America.
About North Carolina Courage
The North Carolina Courage are the reigning champions of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) as well as winners of the 2018 Women’s International Champions Cup. They are part of North Carolina Football Club, the largest youth-to-professional soccer organization in the country, which includes a men’s Second Division team, North Carolina FC (USL Championship), and a development team, North Carolina FC U23 (USL league Two). The organization is also home to both Boys and Girls U.S. Soccer Development Academies in collaboration with NCFC Youth, effectively creating a true pyramid from youth recreational all the way to the professional teams. The North Carolina Football Club is owned by local entrepreneur, Steve Malik, and managed by North Carolina native and longtime soccer executive Curt Johnson. North Carolina Football Club was established in 2016 to bring the highest levels of men’s and women’s professional soccer to the state. For more information, please visit www.www.nccourage.com
