Following a regular season of rewriting the NWSL record books and capturing the league’s regular season title, the NC Courage will begin its journey to win the NWSL Championship with a semi-final playoff match at home. Fewer than 1,000 tickets remain for this historic match at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park when the Courage face the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 3:30 p.m.
The club is expecting a capacity crowd and electric environment. Check out the info below to maximize your gameday experience and learn about some exclusive fan opportunities.
Who:
NC Courage vs. Chicago Red Stars
What:
NWSL Semi-Final Playoff Game
Winner Advances to the NWSL Championship match in Orlando, Fla. on Oct. 14 at Orlando City Stadium
When:
Sunday, Oct. 8
3:30 p.m. kickoff
Gates open for fans at 2:30 p.m.
Where:
Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park
201 Soccer Park Drive
Cary, NC, 27511
Park For Free:
All stadium parking is free and tailgating is encouraged. The parking lots will open for fans at 12 p.m.
Catch the Red & Blue Express!
The Red & Blue Express offers fans the perfect opportunity to keep the party going during their ride to and from the stadium. Hop on at one of the multiple pickup locations in Downtown Raleigh and Durham. The bus offers riders free Wi-Fi and Lonerider beer. Learn more on pickup locations and times here.
Exclusive GoTriangle and GoCary Offer:
GoTriangle Route 300 will be free on Oct. 8 for those traveling to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary to cheer on the National Women’s Soccer League regular season champs. Those who show tickets to the 3:30 p.m. match will pay no fare on GoTriangle Route 300, which is operated by GoCary. The route stops at the Cary Train Station and on Chatham Street near the soccer park on its way between Cary and Raleigh. Board at the Cary Train Station, the GoRaleigh Station or anywhere along the route.
Countdown to Kickoff:
Plan to arrive early and beat the traffic. Spacious parking lots offer fans the perfect chance to tailgate before the match. After the lots open at 12 p.m., fire up the grill, kick the soccer ball around or just relax in the shade prior to the gates opening. On your way into the stadium, enjoy a carnival-like atmosphere at the gates. In addition to plenty of passionate Courage fans waiting to enter the stadium, visit our vendor village at the gates for games and giveaways.
Family Zone:
The Family Zone in the Northwest corner of the stadium offers fans plenty of exciting things to do before the match. You can test your skills on the inflatable soccer goal or take a shot at soccer pool before stopping by the merch tent to get the latest NC Courage and NCFC swag. If you want a pregame snack or meal, stop at one of Backyard Bistro’s main concession stands located in the family zone along with a Lumpy’s Ice Cream tent. Don’t forget to take your pride to the next level with the face-painting booth as well.
Concessions:
There’s something for everyone at our many concession stands around the stadium. This week’s Backyard Bistro special is the Bistro Burrito (pulled pork, fries, slaw and western sauce wrapped in tortilla) with a fountain for only $10. In addition to the special, traditional American sports food is also available at Backyard Bistro stands, including chicken tenders, french fries, Sahlen’s hotdogs, and more.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, Kona Ice, Lumpy’s Ice Cream, and snack stands are also located throughout the facility.
For those looking for a cold beverage, beer, wine, Pepsi products and bottled water are available throughout the stadium.
Kickoff:
Get to your seats before kickoff to enjoy a match set for the history books and highlight reels. With a beautifully-designed 10,000-seat stadium, there’s not a bad view in the house.
Top-Four Reasons to Come Watch:
- History. It’s the biggest professional women’s soccer match in North Carolina since the Carolina Courage hosted the Atlanta Beat on Aug. 17, 2002 during a WUSA semi-final. In what could be North Carolina’s next professional sports championship, the match will certainly be a momentous occasion for women’s soccer and the state of North Carolina.
- World-Class Talent. The match will feature 10 United States Women’s National Team members, including Sam Mewis, Taylor Smith, Abby Dahlkemper, Lynn Williams, Alyssa Naeher, Julie Ertz, Christen Press, Casey Short, Sofia Huerta and Morgan Brian. In addition to a large representation from the USWNT, Denise O’Sullivan (Ireland), Debinha (Brazil), Sabrina D’Angelo (Canada), Yuki Nagasato (Japan) are all on national teams for their respective countries and are included on the team rosters.
- Last Courage Home Game of 2017. There will be zero more chances to watch another home Courage match during the team’s inaugural season. If you’ve been telling yourself you need to get to a match soon, the time is now.
- Let’s Pack The Park. Our players need each one of you to show up and cheer! Additionally, a national TV audience via Lifetime TV and soccer fans around the world will check in on the Triangle’s passion for soccer. Let’s show the nation that North Carolina is a hotbed for soccer and take another step towards a downtown Raleigh stadium and #919toMLS.
Tickets:
Secure you seats at the game before our 1,000 remaining tickets are sold out! Purchase your tickets at NCFCTIX.com or call our NCFC Ticket Office at 919-459-8144. Interested in bringing your group to the soccer match? Chat with one of our ticket representatives to learn about special ticket pricing for groups at 919-459-8144.