Hickory, NC – On Friday, November 29, 2024, the Hickory Metro Convention Center was proud to host North Carolina’s 2nd Annual Fall Hmong Basketball Tournament—an exciting event that brought together athleticism, culture, and community. Organized by Team Dynasty, Inc., the tournament featured both adult and youth divisions, welcoming teams and spectators from across the country.
This year’s event was especially meaningful, as it marked the first major sporting event held in the convention center's newly unveiled Multi-Purpose Sports Venue. The dynamic 35,000-square-foot space includes four full-size indoor basketball courts and is purpose-built to accommodate a wide range of athletic events, from basketball and volleyball to cheer and dance competitions and more. This flexible, state-of-the-art venue is a key addition to Hickory Metro’s growing reputation as a regional hub for sports tourism and events of all kinds.
This year’s event was especially meaningful, as it marked the first major sporting event held in the Convention Center’s newly unveiled Multi-Purpose Sports Venue. The dynamic 35,000-square-foot space includes four full-size indoor basketball courts and is purpose-built to accommodate a wide range of athletic events, from basketball and volleyball to cheer and dance competitions and more. This flexible, state-of-the-art venue is a key addition to Hickory Metro’s growing reputation as a regional hub for sports tourism and events of all kinds.
The adult division featured 16 teams, including 12 that traveled from out of state, while the youth division hosted over 70 young athletes—20 of them girls and 13 from beyond North Carolina. More than 1,500 visitors attended the tournament, with nearly 25% traveling over 250 miles to experience the competition and camaraderie. The farthest participating teams hailed from Minnesota and Oklahoma, underscoring the event’s broad appeal and the Convention Center’s ability to attract diverse, destination-worthy gatherings.
"This tournament not only celebrates the exciting nature of athletic competition but also honors cultural heritage and community connection," said Sarah Jones, Director of Sales & Marketing for Visit Hickory and the Hickory Metro Convention Center. “We’re honored to have hosted such an impactful event and are excited to welcome even more sports tournaments to our revitalized convention center and new sports space.”
With the opening of the Multi-Purpose Sports Venue, the Hickory Metro Convention Center now offers a premier space for sporting events, complemented by on-site amenities, ample parking, and easy access to lodging, dining, and family-friendly attractions throughout the Hickory area.
For information about hosting a sports event or learning more about our facilities, visithttps://www.visithickorync.com/industry/sports/.
About Team Dynasty, Inc.
Founded in 2023 by Alex and Eve Lee, Team Dynasty, Inc. is committed to promoting sports within the Hmong community by creating platforms for athletes to shine and uniting communities through competitive and cultural events. Alex and Eve were inspired by their love for the game and a desire to create something bigger than themselves. As former athletes, they felt the weight of expectations, the belief that if you didn’t compete at the highest levels, your talent and passion were not fully recognized. The organization’s annual Fall Hmong Basketball Tournament has quickly become a cornerstone gathering that uplifts athletic talent and celebrates vibrant Hmong traditions. To learn more, visit https://www.teamdynastyinc.com.
Media Contact:
Sarah Jones
Director of Sales & Marketing
Visit Hickory and the Hickory Metro Convention Center
(828) 322-1335
Sarah@hickorymetro.com
www.visithickorync.com
