When it comes to sports, Asheville has some great teams to support.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about teams in the Land of the Sky. Whether you’re already a devoted Tourists fan or you’re new to the area and interested in learning more about Asheville’s teams, we hope it can serve as a valuable resource.
⚾ Asheville Tourists (MiLB) | Est. 1897
The Tourists have gone by several different monikers since their inception — including the Moonshiners and Mountaineers . The team officially became the Tourists in 1976 due to Asheville’s status as a popular destination for travelers. The team incorporated the moon into its logo in 2010, paying homage to its original team name of the Moonshiners. Currently, the Tourists compete in the South Atlantic League and they’re affiliated with the Houston Astros.
Where they play: McCormick Field
- Opened in August 1924
- Max. capacity of 4,000
Mascots: Ted E. Tourist and Mr. Moon
- Original mascot Ted E. is an anthropomorphic bear complete with sunglasses and a suitcase.
- Mr. Moon was introduced in 2011.
Team colors: Blue Ridge blue, midnight navy, and Biltmore jade
- Fun fact: A Twitter troll attack inspired The Asheville Tourists to transform into the Asheville Hippies for one night. The team sported tie-dye jerseys in their game against the Greenville Drive on June 29, 2017. The colorful jerseys were auctioned off to fans, and proceeds benefited the Asheville Tourists Children’s Fund.
- Wanna rep your team? Shop for merch.
Major accomplishments:
- League champs in 1915, 1939, 1961, 1984, 2012, and 2014
- Tied for most South Atlantic League championship titles (4)
- Five former Tourists are in the National Baseball Hall of Fame
📅 Sneak peek at the team’s upcoming season.
⚽ Asheville City Soccer Club (USL2 - Men’s and USLW - Women’s) | Est. 2016
The Asheville City Soccer Club’s men’s team played in the National Premier Soccer League until joining USL2 in 2019. In 2017, the women’s team was formed. Currently, the men’s team competes in the USL2’s South Central Division and the women’s team competes in the USLW’s South Atlantic Division.
Where they play: Greenwood Field at UNC Asheville
- Opened in 1989
- Max. capacity of 1,000
Team colors: Blue haze and white
- Fun fact: ACS’s “blue haze” color is named after the haze that often appears to hang over the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- The ACS crest features a graphic of the Asheville City Hall.
- Kicking around the idea of ACSC gear? Shop for merch.
Major accomplishments:
- The men’s team finished third in its conference in 2017 and 2019.
- Five players from the men’s team were selected in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.
📅 Sneak peek at the teams’ upcoming seasons.
🏀 UNC Asheville Men’s Basketball (Big South Conference) | Est. 1927
The men’s basketball team is currently coached by former Milligan College basketball player Mike Morrell. During the 2021-2022 season, Morrell lead the Bulldogs to their first postseason appearance in four seasons when they were invited to take part in the College Basketball Invitational. Watch the Bulldogs play on ESPN+.
Where they play: Kimmel Arena
- Opened in November 2011
- Max. capacity of ~3,200 for sporting events or ~3,800 for concerts and conferences
Mascot: Rocky the Bulldog
- Talk about a top dog: UNC Asheville Athletics released “Rocky’s Activity Book” featuring a word search, crossword puzzle, coloring activity, and more.
- There is a silver Rocky the Bulldog statue in front of the Sherrill Center and Kimmel Arena.
Team colors: Bulldog blue and white
- UNC Asheville’s sports teams rep a logo featuring a light gray bulldog wearing a spiky black and white collar.
- Shop for merch.
Major accomplishments:
- Have appeared in four NCAA tournaments and won in 2003 and 2011
- Competed in the College Basketball Invitational in 2022; won the first round and lost in the semifinals
📅 See the team’s schedule.
