Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) announced that Durham will be home to the Carolina Blaze, playing at Duke University’s Smith Family Stadium starting summer 2026.
Why this matters locally:
- Adds a new professional sports tenant to the Triangle market
- Drives seasonal foot traffic and visibility around Duke and downtown Durham
- Builds on AUSL’s early success, including sellout crowds in North Carolina
Real estate takeaway:
Professional sports—especially growing women’s leagues—can act as a demand catalyst for nearby retail, hospitality, and mixed-use assets.
Another signal of Durham’s continued momentum.
https://www.wral.com/sports/carolina-blaze-pro-softball-durham-january-2025
