Getting There
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is approximately 8 miles from downtown Cary, making it one of the most convenient airport-to-city relationships for any sports destination in the Southeast. A rideshare via Uber or Lyft averages around $24 and takes roughly 11 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Rental cars are widely available at RDU and recommended for first-time visitors given Cary's suburban layout.
Getting Around
Cary operates the GoCary local bus network with nine fixed routes, supplemented by GoTriangle regional buses connecting to Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, but service runs every 30 to 60 minutes and is not well-suited for reaching WakeMed Soccer Park on game days. Uber and Lyft are reliably available throughout the area and are the practical choice for getting to and from matches. Visitors staying downtown can walk or use Ricky's Rickshaws for short trips, but a car or rideshare is strongly advised for any venue travel.
Where to Stay
Downtown Cary, centered around the Depot District and Academy Street, puts you within walking distance of pre-game dining and easy rideshare access to WakeMed Soccer Park. Hotels along Cary Towne Boulevard and near Crossroads Plaza offer mid-range options typically ranging from $110 to $180 per night, while the RDU airport corridor has additional choices starting around $90. Visiting fans should book early for high-profile NWSL matches, as the wider Raleigh-Durham metro draws significant demand on weekends.
Sports Fan Notes
Cary punches well above its weight as a soccer city, hosting the North Carolina Courage, one of the most decorated franchises in NWSL history with multiple championships. The Courage fanbase is passionate and knowledgeable, creating a genuine atmosphere at WakeMed Soccer Park that surprises first-time visitors to this suburban venue. Fans making the trip can easily extend their sports weekend by heading to Raleigh to catch an NC State Wolfpack game at Carter-Finley Stadium or a Carolina Hurricanes NHL game at PNC Arena, both under 20 minutes away. The broader Research Triangle sports scene, including Duke and UNC athletics in nearby Durham and Chapel Hill, means a long weekend can be packed with multiple events across multiple venues.
Venues in Cary
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from RDU to downtown Cary?
The fastest and easiest option is a rideshare: Uber or Lyft from RDU averages about $24 and takes roughly 11 minutes. If you want to save money, the GoTriangle Route 310 bus connects RDU to Cary Station for $1 to $3, but the trip takes over an hour with transfers. Renting a car at the airport is also practical given the short 8-mile drive.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Cary for a sports trip?
The Downtown Cary neighborhood near the Depot District and Academy Street is the best base for visiting fans. It offers walkable dining and bar options for pre- and post-game, easy rideshare pickup, and Amtrak connections if you are traveling regionally. It also puts you closest to the GoCary and GoTriangle bus network hub if you prefer not to rent a car.
Which sports teams play in Cary?
Cary is home to the North Carolina Courage (NWSL), who play at WakeMed Soccer Park. The Courage are one of the premier franchises in women's professional soccer, having won multiple NWSL Championships, and consistently draw strong crowds to their suburban stadium.
Is Cary a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Cary is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The nearest host city is Atlanta, Georgia, approximately 400 miles southwest of Cary, where matches will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Sports cities near Cary
Close enough to pair with a Cary trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.