Hickory, NC Sports Complexes for Events
With a recent expansion of the Hickory Metro Convention Center, it is a top destination in the state for tournaments and entertainmentIntroduction
HICKORY, NORTH CAROLINA
Hickory, North Carolina — where competition meets Carolina cool. Perfectly positioned along I-40 between Knoxville and Raleigh, Hickory is an easy win for tournaments, athletes, and adventure seekers alike.
With fields, courts, and venues that set the bar high, Hickory is built for champions — from youth tournaments to collegiate showdowns and everything in between. Our central location, top-notch facilities, and Southern hospitality make it easy for teams to play hard and unwind even harder.
Need a breather from the field? Head to Bakers Mountain Park, home to 189 acres of Chestnut Oak forest and nearly six miles of trails with unbeatable views.
Then, dive into Hickory’s creative side at the SALT Block, where Science, Arts & Literature Together fill an entire city block with hands-on inspiration. Or take a stroll (or victory lap) along the City Walk — over 10 miles of pedestrian-friendly trail connecting Downtown Hickory, Lenoir-Rhyne University, local shops, and crave-worthy restaurants all the way to Lake Hickory and the River Walk.
Catch a game with the hometown heroes — the Hickory Crawdads, the Texas Rangers’ High-A affiliate — at L.P. Frans Stadium, where the energy is high and the snacks are legendary.
And when it’s time to unwind, explore why we’re known as the Furniture Capital of the World. The iconic Hickory Furniture Mart draws more than 500,000 visitors a year looking for craftsmanship, comfort, and that just-right Carolina style.
From stadium lights to mountain heights — Hickory’s got your next sporting event covered.
Get a Planner’s Perspective
Don’t just take our word for it, hear what these planners had to say.
““Hickory’s new space is great, as it gives [us] additional options. We will continue to host our events here!”
– Jeff W., North American Grappling Association – 2025 NAGA Charlotte Grappling Championship
Local Activites in Hickory, NC
Find Your Perfect Tournament Facility
Hickory, NC Sports Facilities Spotlight
HICKORY METRO CONVENTION CENTER
Sports Covered: Multipurpose indoor
Game on at the newly expanded Hickory Metro Convention Center. With more than 136,000 square feet of flexible space — including 35,000 square feet designed for action — this dynamic venue is built to play. Think eight volleyball courts, four basketball courts, or 12 pickleball courts ready for competition. The newly added 46,000 square feet makes room for even more — from cheer and dance to martial arts, fencing, wrestling, and beyond. Big space. Bigger energy. The Hickory Metro Convention Center is ready to host your next winning event.
HENRY FORK REGIONAL RECREATION PARK
Sports Covered: Canoeing, running, soccer
Where teams play hard and memories stick. With 12 fields (a mix of turf and natural grass), an 8,000-square-foot picnic shelter, and plenty of space to gather and celebrate, this multiuse park is built for competition and connection. It’s game-on for soccer, lacrosse, rugby, flag football, and more — plus there’s room to recharge with picnic tables, grills, a ropes course, two playgrounds, a concession stand, walking trails, a canoe launch, and even horseshoe pits. From kickoff to cool-down, this park has it all.
Highland Recreation Center & Stanford Park
Sports Covered: Fitness, Softball
Highland Recreation Center — where fun and play come together. Inside, the gymnasium can host 2 full basketball or volleyball courts or 4 pickleball courts, plus a community room and game room for team meet-ups or downtime. Just outside at Stanford Park, there are 2 playgrounds, a picnic shelter, 3 softball fields, and even a skate park — giving athletes and families plenty of ways to stay active and have fun. Game on, hang out, repeat — Highland’s got it all.
ROCK BARN COUNTRY CLUB & SPA
Sports Covered: Golf, tennis
With a foundation tracing back to the early 19th century, this gorgeous country club has a storied history, one which grew to include golf in 1966 when it added The Rock Barn Club of Golf to its grounds. Today the club features two championship golf courses which have yielded praise from Golf Digest.
Lenoir-Rhyne University Sports Complex
Sports Covered: Football, Soccer, Baseball, Softball
Home of the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears of the SAC, Lenoir-Rhyne University delivers a top-tier student-athlete experience in NCAA Division II — and it all starts with their state-of-the-art facilities. The recently opened Moretz Sports Athletic Campus puts Lenoir-Rhyne among the few Division II schools to designate and name an entire athletic campus. Teams compete and train in premier venues, including a full football stadium, a track and field facility, and a variety of other fields and courts — all designed to elevate performance and game-day excitement. Big plays, fast tracks, and unbeatable energy — Lenoir-Rhyne has it all.
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