East Wake Times

The North Carolina Courage and the Town of Cary have announced a new naming rights partnership with First Horizon Bank for the stadium located inside WakeMed Soccer Park. This agreement will see the 10,000-seat venue officially named First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

This multiyear deal expands on the existing relationship between First Horizon Bank and the Courage, which began in 2024 when the bank became the team's first official banking partner. While First Horizon holds exclusive naming rights to the stadium, WakeMed continues to retain naming rights to the broader park area. The stadium is also used by North Carolina FC of the USL Championship and hosts various sporting events throughout the year, including collegiate and high school competitions such as the NCAA Division I College Cup.

The partnership includes planned investments in permanent branding around the stadium and newly constructed signage at its northeast gate entrance.

“First Horizon Bank has been a tremendous partner, and we’re excited to expand our relationship in 2025," said Francie Gottsegen, President of North Carolina Courage. "Enhancing the soccer experience for our players, fans and staff is a massive piece of those efforts."

Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor of Cary, added: “The Town of Cary is excited to begin this new chapter with First Horizon Bank and the North Carolina Courage.”

Laura Bunn, Mid-Atlantic Regional President for First Horizon Bank stated: “At First Horizon Bank, we are proud to expand our partnership with the North Carolina Courage by introducing First Horizon Stadium.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held upon completion of planned enhancements in early 2025. For more information on schedules for both teams involved, visit their respective websites.

North Carolina Courage competes in their eighth season as part of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) since being established from Western New York Flash's relocation to Cary by Steve Malik. They play home matches at WakeMed Soccer Park where they have won multiple league trophies.

Cary is recognized as an innovative community within North Carolina’s Research Triangle region known for its desirable living conditions and premier sports venues like WakeMed Soccer Park—a facility that supports diverse events ranging from international tournaments to local festivals.

First Horizon operates across twelve states offering varied financial services while being acknowledged among top employers nationally according to Fortune & Forbes magazines' rankings.