Dates Confirmed for 2027 Military World Summer Games Happening in Charlotte
One of North Carolina’s biggest cities will host the 8th Military World Summer Games in 2027. From June 25 to July 4, Charlotte makes history as the first U.S. city…
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)One of North Carolina's biggest cities will host the 8th Military World Summer Games in 2027. From June 25 to July 4, Charlotte makes history as the first U.S. city to hold this worldwide competition since it began 32 years ago.
About 10,000 military athletes will head to North Carolina from 140 countries. They'll compete in 25 sports at venues across the state. The huge event is expected to bring $3 billion to the state's economy.
"We are honored to bring the CISM Military World Summer Games to the United States for the first time. Charlotte's outstanding sporting facilities, organizational expertise, and commitment to the values of CISM make it the ideal host for this historic event," said CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim to Axios Charlotte.
Athletes will face off at key venues like the Spectrum Center and Truist Field, while the U.S. National Whitewater Center will host water sports. Organizers are looking at UNC Charlotte, the Convention Center, and the Motor Speedway as other possible locations.
The International Military Sports Council puts on these games every four years. China's Wuhan held the last games in 2019, bringing in 9,300 athletes from 109 countries.
This fall, U.S. Performance Center co-founder Ike Belk will begin sending invitations to countries taking part.
CISM officials just wrapped up their look at possible competition sites across North Carolina. The games will happen just a year before the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Since starting in Rome in 1995, the Military World Games has grown from a small event into a major sports showcase. It aims to bring military forces together through sports.
Previous host cities saw big jumps in tourism during the games. Wuhan's 2019 event drew huge crowds and global media attention.
With 140 member countries, the International Military Sports Council is one of the biggest sports organizations worldwide. Founded in 1948, it created a way for military members to meet in friendly competition instead of battle.
