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Hickory, NC, is home to many sporting events and tournaments year-round. The area boasts locations like the Henry River Fork Park Soccer Complex, Lenoir Rhyne University's college-level facilities, and the Hickory Metro Convention Center. The Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau team is here to assist in planning your next sporting event in the Hickory Metro from location site selection, hotel information, off-site events, and things to do. The Hickory Metro Sports Commission partners with the CVB to assist in planning, hosting, and sponsoring events on the local, state, and national levels.
Each year, Hickory welcomes thousands of families, athletes, and spectators to our area to play their hardest and enjoy our beautiful and vibrant city!
We are so excited to announce that our expansion and renovations are 95% complete!
The Hickory Metro Convention Center facility is now approximately 165,600 square feet, all on one level, with 132,000 usable square feet for meetings, conventions, and sporting events. There is approximately 110,000 square feet of interconnected flat-floor exhibit space along with ancillary small meeting rooms and pre-function spaces.
An additional 46,194 square feet were added which included:
• A 35,000-square-foot sports complex with 30-foot high ceilings and wood flooring. This space offers flexible usage for expos, public shows, or meetings, as well as space for eight volleyball courts, four basketball courts, or twelve pickleball courts. This location is also an ideal space for cheerleading, gymnastics, and wrestling events.
More details and updates can be found by clicking here.
Specs for the NEW sports complex!
- 35,000 square feet with no obstructions
- Electronic basketball goals, volleyball nets, and court dividers for all basketball and volleyball courts
- Basketball Court Dimensions: 84' x 54' or 4,200 square feet
- Volleyball Court Dimensions: 29' 6" x 59'
- Pickleball Court Dimensions: 44' x 20'
- 30-foot high ceilings to the lowest rafter
- In-floor power provided courtside for scoring tables
- We offer per-court/per-hour pricing or full facility rental available
To learn more about how to book your next event in Hickory, contact Sarah Jones, Director of Sales & Marketing Sarah@hickorymetro.com or call 828.322.1335.
Additional Sports Partners
The Hickory Metro Sports Commission is a non-profit (501c3) organization made up of volunteers to assist with hosting sporting events and tournaments in the Hickory Metro. The Commission also assists with the Sports Hall of Fame and more.
Lenoir-Rhyne University partners with HMCC through sports tourism to host many sporting events and tournaments at LR’s new stadium, state of the art gym, arena, and fields.
The City of Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism is a close partner and if more info is needed reach out to the Director Mark Seaman at (828) 322-7046.
Catawba Valley Community College is in partnership with HMCC to help host tournaments and other sporting events at CVCC’s courts, fields, and even Lake Hickory.
Appalachian State University is a sports tourism partner with HMCC to bring tournaments and other sporting events to the Hickory Metro area by allowing others to rent their facilities.
