Whether you’re a sports fanatic — or just look good in red and black — when it comes to sports, Winston-Salem has no shortage of teams to support. Our city is home to some of the most loyal fans in the country — they even help name mascots.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Winston-Salem sports, so whether you’re already a devoted Twin City sports fan or you’re new to the area, we hope it can serve as a valuable resource.
⚾️ Winston-Salem Dash (MiLB) | Est. 1945 (renamed 2008)
If you’re looking for wholesome family fun, look no further than a Dash game. The franchise is the High-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and has a reputation for fun food items and creative rebrandings. The team has had many names over the years, including the Warthogs, Twins, and Spirits.
Where they play: Truist Stadium
- 5,500 seating capacity situated in downtown with skyline views
- Boasts four unique bars, from a speakeasy in a shipping container to a “flight deck” in the outfield
Mascot: Bolt
- Is a member of the Mascot Hall of Fame
- Holds the record for most high fives in a single game
- Makes guest appearances in the community upon request
Team colors: Purple, black, and white
- The team introduced its gold and black pinstripe “Golden Age” collection for 2024 and wore the jerseys and hats during home games on Saturdays
- Shop for merch
Major accomplishments:
- Earned Baseball America’s “Bob Freitas Award” in 2018 for best attendance among all High-A teams.
- Logan Jones was named the Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year for the South Atlantic League for 2024.
- Hype Hens rebranding was a finalist for MiLB’s Alternate Identity of the Year award in 2024.
🗓️ Mark your calendar for Tuesday, April 8, 2025 for Opening Night.
🏒 Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL) | Est. 2017
The minor professional hockey team comes from a long line of predecessors, most recently the Winston-Salem Polar Twins and the Twin City Cyclones. The team is known for its loyal fans, who “Flock Together” and have been known to sell out the Fairgrounds Arena and sport their team spirit in the stands. Head coach Steve Harrison travels around to different locations for his weekly broadcast of “The Coach Harry Show.”
Where they play: Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena
- 4,000-seat arena built in 1989
- When the Thunderbirds aren’t on the ice, it hosts public ice skating October-March.
Mascot(s): Thunderbirds Winston and Salem (and sometimes Dash)
- Will attend your special event for a fee
- Their birthday celebration on March 11 usually holds surprises for fans.
Team colors: Red, black, and white
- The team sports red and white sweaters — black uniforms were new for the 2024-2025 season.
- Shop for merch (pickup available at the arena)
Major accomplishments:
- 2019 Commissioner’s Cup champions
- Current goalie Mario Cavaliere has the most wins in franchise history.
- Thunderbirds fans — who call themselves “The Flock” — have been voted the best fans in the FPHL.
🗓️ Grab tickets to the remainder of the 2024-2025 season
⚽️ Salem City FC (USL League Two) | Est. 2023
The pre-professional club has links to the accomplished Carolina Dynamo. The team’s new brand celebrates the Twin City’s commitment to the arts and innovation, and strives to be a positive force in the community. There are 28 players on the roster. The season runs May-September.
Where they play: Truist Sports Park
- Located right off I-40 in Bermuda Run (west of Winston-Salem), the park hosts soccer clubs and tournaments around the country.
- On game days you’ll find food trucks, a beer garden, inflatables, and tents with merchandise.
Mascot: The Beast
- The mascot is the team’s take on a Greek mythological creature comprised of a lion, goat/ram, and snake.
- It represents the team’s diversity and mix of cultures, as well as a symbol of team characteristics of courage (lion), power (goat), and cunning (snake).
Team colors: blue and white
- The art-deco stylings of the Reynolds Building is featured on away jerseys and season tickets, as a way to pay homage to the city’s history.
- Shop for merch
Major accomplishments:
- Goalkeeper Wessel Speel was named ACC Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024.
- Matty Tricker was named SAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.
⚾️ Carolina Disco Turkeys (SCBL) | Est. 2021
The summer collegiate baseball team plays with wood bats. Players come from large and small colleges in the Southeast to provide family-friendly entertainment like themed nights and fireworks. You might even hear an occasional disco tune during games.
Where they play: David F. Couch Ballpark at Wake Forest University (weekends and holidays) + RJ Reynolds Field at Hanes Park (weekdays)
- All tickets except table seating are open seating so you can scout your best view
- Classic ballpark concessions + alcohol are available at The Couch, food trucks are frequently on site at Hanes Park games
Mascot: Boogie
- The name got 50% of votes from fans in 2021
- Some people call disco turkeys peacocks
Team colors: navy, royal blue, light blue, and coral
- The design is loosely based on Major League uniforms from the 1970s and 1980s.
- Shop for merch
Major accomplishments:
- Former players Austin St. Laurent (third base) and Adam Conrad (pitcher) were the first to join MLB rosters — for the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres, respectively.
- FOX Sports declared that the team’s name might be “the best team name/logo in all of sports.”
