GREENSBORO, N.C. — The 2027 World University Games decision could be coming soon, and North Carolina is still in the running to host.
What You Need To Know
North Carolina is in the running to host the 2027 games
The state's bid includes the Triad and Triangle regions
The final decision for the location will be made in November
Last month representatives from The International University Sports Federation made their final site visit to the Greensboro Coliseum complex. Gov. Roy Cooper also signed a proclamation, officially expressing the state’s desire and ability to host the games.
This would be the world's second-largest international athletic competition after the Olympics.
Former athlete Ben Stone fenced in the 2019 games in Naples, Italy. He fenced competitively for 14 years, including time on the team at Duke.
"I was lucky to be on Team USA representing obviously the U.S. but also Duke and a Manhattan fencing center," Stone said.
He says he hopes the games are hosted in North Carolina.
“I think it's a great idea," Stone said. "Because what makes a university game special is the community around it. So the people in whatever city gets excited about it. And North Carolina is just a big sporting state. The rivalries there are just unmatched.”
The state's bid includes the Triad and Triangle regions. The other finalist to host the games is in South Korea.
The final decision for the location will be made in November by the FISU executive board.