Sports fans everywhere know about Atlantic Coast Conference sports. ACC basketball rivalry in the Triangle with UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, and N.C. State University, is unique because of the proximity of these schools and their top-notch basketball programs.

The Triangle is also the home of the 2006 Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes, who compete at professional hockey’s most elite level, the NHL. Baseball season in the Triangle is focused on the Durham Bulls and the Carolina Mudcats. The Durham Bulls are the sport’s most successful Class AAA minor league franchise. The Bulls play 70 home games a year. The team was actually featured in the 1988 motion picture, “Bull Durham.”

For those who wish to participate in sports, the Town of Chapel Hill offers a co-ed soccer program with activities for all ages and skills, as well as separate men’s and women’s volleyball, tennis, softball, baseball and basketball leagues.

Canoeing enthusiasts can also enjoy canoeing and kayaking on the Haw River, where they can shoot the rapids just 10 miles south of Chapel Hill.

Raleigh’s independent Capital Area Soccer League, for children and adults, is a training program for some of the area’s best soccer players. Raleigh Area Masters, a competitive swimming team for ages 22 and older, includes several former Olympians.