I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Hill Carrow for my Radio Nyra Leaders and Legends interview, and our conversation reinforced something I have come to believe throughout my years in public service, business and economic development:
Sports is about much more than competition. It can be a powerful driver of economic growth, a catalyst for innovation and, perhaps most importantly, one of the few things that still has the ability to bring people together during a time when our nation often feels deeply divided.
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Sports is about much more than competition. It can be a powerful driver of economic growth, a catalyst for innovation and, perhaps most importantly, one of the few things that still has the ability to bring people together during a time when our nation often feels deeply divided.-- Steve Rao
Hill has provided extraordinary leadership and decades of service to North Carolina. Few people have done more to elevate our state as a destination for sports, tourism and major international events. His vision has helped position the Triangle as one of the country's premier sports regions, creating opportunities that have strengthened our economy, enhanced our quality of life and elevated North Carolina's reputation on the national and global stage.
When people think about the Research Triangle, they naturally think of world-class universities, Research Triangle Park, life sciences, technology and entrepreneurship. Those industries will always define who we are, but sports has become an equally important part of our economic development story. From the Carolina Hurricanes and Durham Bulls to NC Courage, USA Baseball, Major League Cricket in Morrisville and countless collegiate and youth sporting events, sports generates millions of dollars in economic activity, supports local businesses, fills our hotels and restaurants and introduces visitors from around the world to everything our region has to offer.
The upcoming 2029 FISU World University Games represents another transformational opportunity for our region.
While the Games will undoubtedly provide a significant economic boost, their greatest value may be in showcasing the innovation, diversity and entrepreneurial spirit that define the Triangle. Visitors from across the globe will experience not only outstanding athletic venues, but also one of America's leading centers for technology, research and innovation.
As someone who has spent much of my career working in technology and startups, I believe the intersection of sports and innovation represents one of our region's next great opportunities. Artificial intelligence, data analytics, wearable technology, sports medicine and smart facilities are changing how athletes train, how fans experience events and how organizations operate. With our universities, research institutions and growing startup ecosystem, the Triangle is uniquely positioned to become a national leader in sports technology while creating new companies, attracting investment and generating high-paying jobs.
Yet beyond the economic impact, sports provides something that our communities need now more than ever. In an era when politics, social media and public discourse often divide us, sports reminds us that we still have the capacity to come together around a shared experience. Whether cheering for our hometown teams, watching our children compete or celebrating athletes from around the world, sports creates common ground that transcends politics, culture and background.
I have witnessed that spirit firsthand in Morrisville, where the growth of cricket has not only created economic opportunities but has also united one of the most diverse communities in North Carolina. Families from every corner of the world gather to celebrate a shared love of the game, demonstrating that sports has the unique ability to build bridges between cultures while strengthening the fabric of our community.
My conversation with Hill Carrow reminded me that visionary leadership is about seeing opportunities that extend far beyond today's headlines. His work has never been solely about hosting sporting events; it has been about building communities, strengthening our economy and positioning North Carolina for long-term success. As our region continues to grow, we should embrace sports as an essential component of our economic development strategy and recognize its unique ability to foster innovation, create opportunity and unite people around a common purpose.
The Triangle has become one of the world's leading centers for research, technology and entrepreneurship. By continuing to invest in sports, innovation and regional collaboration, we can also become a global destination where economic opportunity and community come together. That is a vision worth pursuing, and one that will benefit generations of North Carolinians to come.
