FISU visits North Carolina as Triangle Region targets 2027 Summer Universiade

Officials from the International University Sports Federation (FISU) toured the Triangle Region of North Carolina last week, ahead of a final decision on the host of the 2027 Summer World University Games (Universiade).

The Triangle Region, which includes Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill and Greensboro, is bidding alongside Chungcheong Megacity, South Korea for the right to host the 2027 Summer Universiade.

A final decision is expected in November, with both cities given a chance to showcase their bids during technical evaluation visits.

Chungcheong Megacity received the evaluation team in July, with the Triangle Region getting a chance to showcase its credentials in early August. Officials were greeted with a tour of potential competition venues, ceremony sites, operational headquarters, and athletes’ villages.

Both bidders were also given a chance to present the concepts behind their bids, as well as the opportunity to receive direct feedback from the FISU.

Speaking after her visit to the Triangle Region, FISU Games Summer Director Jing Zhao, said “what has impressed me is the number of venues that could be available for the Games and the quality of the venues and proximity of the venues and the passion of the people for sport.”

“We were impressed by the proximity of the universities but also the university atmosphere with its youth and passion, and the level of international students,” added Zhao.

The United States has left a relatively small footprint on the Summer Universiade. Buffalo, New York staged the only edition of the multi-sport event held in the United States in 1993. The Triangle Region’s bid would bring the event back to the United States for only the second time in its nearly 65 year history.

Hill Carrow, Chairman and CEO of the North Carolina Bid Committee, commented, “I feel like we’re very sports-capable in terms of major events in this area.”

”When it comes to staging the event, I think we’re really well-equipped for that,” asserted Carrow.

Ultimately, the final decision rests within the hands of the FISU Executive Committee.