HIGH POINT, N.C. — High Point is hoping to score a professional sports team.
The city announced its plans Wednesday to move forward with upgrades to Truist Point, with the goal of bringing a professional men's soccer team to the stadium.
The $36.1 million stadium holds 5,000 fans and will be enhanced for soccer matches prior to the inaugural season in 2024.
"By bringing the world's game to the Triad, we will create countless opportunities for those who want to access the sport and lift up the community both on and off the field," Megan Oglesby, Principal Investor of NC Pro Soccer, said.
The city said the Triad is an ideal soccer market because of its size and the number of clubs and recreational teams in the community.
Scott Wollaston is the executive director of one of those clubs, NC Fusion. He has been working with the team behind High Point's push for a soccer team.
"You look around internationally, kids grow up loving a team in their town," Wollaston said. "When you think about wanting to bring young professionals to the Triad, which is a big initiative going on in our area, people are excited about professional soccer."
David Upchurch is the coaching director for Piedmont Triad Football Club, which works with players in High Point, Jamestown and Kernersville.
Upchurch also played semi-professionally for the Carolina Dynamo and is also involved in the efforts to bring soccer to High Point.
"We played games in High Point so I know firsthand that a professional franchise can be supported in the heart of the Triad," Upchurch said. "There has been some excitement with Charlotte FC. This is an opportunity for the triad to witness games right here in our own backyard."
Both agree a professional team could make an impact on their players, many of whom are between the ages of 3 years old and 19 years old.
"It allows our players to dream," Upchurch said. "They can aspire to be like these young professionals. In turn, there will be some reciprocation from the professional. They can be role models to our kids."
Mayor Jay Wagner supports the renovations and is excited to bring additional economic development to High Point through professional soccer.
“The partnership with NC Pro Soccer is another opportunity for the City of High Point to position Truist Point stadium as a destination for all to come and enjoy. Our community has embraced baseball, and we are thrilled to welcome soccer fans in the near future,” says Wagner.
The efforts are a part of a larger goal by High Point City Council to draw more people downtown year-round.
Councilmembers want to increase the commercial tax base by attracting residents and visitors. Mayor Wagner said the city's tax base is already well ahead of their $100 million goal.