Sideline Chat: Asheville is Rising as a Sports Destination
Jay Curwen shares how Asheville has grown from outdoor hub to sports destination
Posted On: November 6, 2026 By :Long known for its mountain scenery and outdoor adventure, Asheville, North Carolina, has surged into a sports destination, with renewed energy since Hurricane Helene. Jay Curwen, director of sports, film and entertainment for Explore Asheville, spoke with SportsTravel at TEAMS about why now is a great time to bring an event to the North Carolina city. He discusses its range of venues, a majornew addition to its event calendar and how events showcase the rest of the destination. Curwen also touches on the food, beverage and arts scene that keeps visitors busy beyond competition. Watch the video for the full conversation.