UNC Asheville hosting 2026, 2027 NAIA Track & Field Championships

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Asheville has been announced as the host city for the NAIA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Championships in 2026 and 2027.

The three-day event at UNC Asheville’s recently renovated Karl Straus Track will welcome about 1,300 athletes and generate more than $1.3 million in direct spending throughout Asheville each year.

“Hosting the NAIA championships at Karl Straus Track is a tremendous honor and opportunity,” Janet Cone, athletic director at UNC Asheville, said. “Our facilities are designed to support elite-level competition, and we are committed to providing an exceptional experience for athletes, coaches and spectators. We’re proud to bring national attention to Asheville and UNC Asheville and thankful for this partnership with Airstream Ventures, Explore Asheville and the NAIA.”

Karl Straus Track was renovated three years ago, thanks to a $1.5 million investment from the Tourism Product Development Fund. The track seats more than 500 people and has become one of the top facilities in the country.

“The NAIA is excited to partner with Airstream Ventures and Explore Asheville to provide a first-class experience to the student-athletes competing for outdoor track and field national championships,” said Austin Bennett, NAIA vice president for championships. “The Karl Straus Track and the amenities the area brings to the table will allow the NAIA to provide an event that will make lasting memories for our student-athletes, coaches and fans.”

In 2026, the events will take place from Wednesday to Friday, May 20-22, and in 2027 from May 26-28.

NAIA has produced Olympic-level track talent recently, including 2016 10K silver medalist Paul Chelimo and long jump gold medalist Jeff Henderson.