Sports are very big on the southern coast. Whether you want to participate or just be a spectator, you'll find almost everything you want right here. In this chapter, we've included information about most of the area's sports and recreational activities, fitness centers and parks. Related businesses and services are described along the way.
Look to our for Golf, Fishing and Watersports chapters for information on those sports.
University athletics and professional team sports are popular, as are auto racing (especially NASCAR) and other motor sports. Because we have only a few local teams in this area, you may want to explore what's available in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area and the cities of Charlotte and Fayetteville. The area's major phone books provide a surprising amount of useful information, such as how to obtain tickets, driving directions and stadium/arena seating plans. Look in Wilmington's daily paper, the Star-News "Sports" and "Today" pages plus weekly "Currents" and "Neighbors" sections to find announcements about sports clubs and events throughout the region. Many groups and organizations publish information about their activities on the Internet, so check for a website if you're unable to find what you need in this chapter.
Also, be sure to check the Summer Camps section in our Kidstuff chapter for summer sports camps. Parents should note that registration fees for youth league sports are often discounted when registering more than one child in the same league. Frequently, seniors get discounts, too. Be sure to inquire.
