UNC ASHEVILLE AND EXPLORE ASHEVILLE LAND
THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB DISC DOG CHALLENGE AT UNC ASHEVILLE’S NEWLY RENOVATED KARL STRAUS TRACK & FIELD FACILITY
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (May 17, 2024)UNC Asheville and Explore Asheville proudly announce that the prestigious American Kennel Club (AKC®) Disc Dog Challenge will take place June 2 in Asheville, North Carolina. Set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, nearly 45 dog athletes will compete at the recently renovated Olympic-level Karl Straus Track and Field facility on campus.
“We are thrilled to welcome the (AKC®) Disc Dog Challenge to Asheville and showcase our community’s passion for pups,” said Vic Isley, President and CEO of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. “This event not only strengthens our reputation as a premiere dog-friendly destination but brings a lively, nationally televised sporting event to a newly renovated facility made possible in part by the power of travel and hospitality.”
The AKC Disc Dog Challenge, hosted in collaboration with the UpDog Challenge, brings together serious dog athletes for an exhilarating display of talent. This fast-paced and fun sport transforms the simple game of fetch into a series of exciting competitions. From Freestyle to Time Warp, Frizgility to Far Out, dog athletes and their humans will compete in various games, showcasing their skills and agility.
"I'm extremely proud and excited to partner with Explore Asheville to host the AKC Disc Dog Challenge," said Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone. "We have never hosted an event like this on our campus, and I cannot think of a better place to showcase Asheville's love for dogs than by helping put this event on."
The AKC Disc Dog Challenge is scheduled for June 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public; the first 400 spectators, including leashed, well-behaved dogs, will be able to observe the competition from bleachers. The competition will be filmed to air on ESPN later this summer. Concessions and local food trucks will be available.
The Karl Straus Track in Western North Carolina has been newly renovated into an Olympic-level facility including Mondo Track Surface. This benefits Bulldog student-athletes, coaches, and staff, while also attracting local, regional, and national athletic events. The improvements include an eight-lane resurfaced track, a new video scoreboard, and additional seating. The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority invested $1,500,000 in the renovation and expansion of the track.
###
ABOUT EXPLORE ASHEVILLE AND THE BUNCOMBE COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Explore Asheville is the official destination marketing and management organization for one of the most vibrant destinations in the southeast. Explore Asheville is powered by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, a public authority that has been investing in and building community since 1983. The authority has committed $96 million to more than 50 community capital projects including sports venues.
ABOUT UNC ASHEVILLE
The University of North Carolina Asheville is North Carolina’s designated public liberal arts and sciences university and one of the 17 excellent, diverse, and accessible institutions of the UNC System. UNC Asheville’s relationship-driven education prepares students for lives of leadership and service with an emphasis on critical thinking, clear and thoughtful expression, applied research, community engagement, free and open inquiry, and undergraduate and graduate programs that address the most pressing issues of our time. Through small class sizes, close collaboration, and high-impact experiences, we are preparing the next generation of leaders and productive citizens to serve North Carolina and the nation.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ashley Greenstein, Public Information Manager, Explore Asheville agreenstein@exploreasheville.com
Kassi Butcher, Assistant AD for Marketing & Communications, UNCA kbutcher@unca.edu
    |