Carolina Core FC shows off upgrades at Truist Point ahead of sold-out inaugural game

HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP) — High Point coordinated a vision years ago when the city planned for the sports venue now known as Truist Point. First, they scored a home run with the High Point Rockers. Now, they’re eight days away from the first goal with Carolina Core FC.

Their first game sold out as of May 24 with the exception of standing room only and some VIP experiences.

The dual-sport facility anchors the social district in downtown High Point that’s bloomed within the past five years and continues to grow. This was all part of the plan back in 2016 with Project Catalyst, and, in eight days, another part of the vision will be realized when fans come to Truist Point and see a baseball diamond transformed into a soccer pitch.

“From a fan perspective, you won’t even know. When you’re here for baseball, it’s baseball. When you’re here for soccer, it’s soccer,” said Carolina Core FC managing partner Megan Oglesby.

Oglesby has more than a financial interest in the success of Carolina Core FC. As its managing partner, it’s also personal.

“I am a High Point native born and raised. I love this city and I love this region,” said Oglesby.

The city of High Point set aside the land and $36 million in 2016 for the “Catalyst Project,” which included a 3,800-seat baseball stadium because the city needed a spark.

“It was never really about baseball or about a stadium. It was about creating a catalyst to bring people downtown,” Oglesby said.

Eight years later, people from across the Triad go to North Elm Street to enjoy Truist Point as well as the food hall Stock And Grain, and then up Church Street to businesses like HP Trousers, already selling Carolina Core merch, and the Blooming Board, dreaming up soccer charcuterie ideas.

“I think we’re really excited to have more people show up. Everyone loves baseball, and everyone loves soccer, so we are just really excited to see both combine in High Point and have those crowds come in,” said Brandi Crumley, owner at Blooming Board.

On June 1, fans can expect to see a variety of upgrades to create an authentic soccer experience when Carolina Core kicks off.

“There were a few things that needed to happen to allow both sports to play at one time — of course, the turf,” said Oglesby.

Visually, fans will notice a change of turf. There won’t be a brown diamond; instead, the turf will be a lighter color to make the transition from baseball to soccer simpler.

They also have a capacity for 5,000 fans, even with some seat changes.

“They shaved off some of the seats down the first base line that jutted out,” said Oglesby.

An additional locker room was created, and the scaffolding is up as workers install triple signage to represent the Rockers, Carolina Core and the city, all dance partners in the dream of downtown success.

“Everybody speaks if it’s not daily if not hourly we’ve had coordination meetings. There’s a lot that goes into it,” said Oglesby.

The nets can also go up and down depending on which sport is playing.

Check out the Carolina Core FC website for the schedule as well as information about pre-game activities for the whole family to enjoy.

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