title
Resolution Authorizing the Hammerheads Soccer Club to Serve Alcoholic Beverages at an Event at the nCino Sports Park
body
|
Department: |
Parks & Recreation |
Meeting Date: |
5/19/2026 |
|
Contact Name: |
Amy Beatty |
Public Hearing: |
No |
|
Contact Phone: |
910-341-5838 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
|
|
Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Resolution; Attachment #2: Hammerheads proposal |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to allow the Cape Fear Youth Soccer Association, Inc., operating as the Hammerheads Soccer Club (“Hammerheads”), to serve alcohol at an event on June 12, 2026, at the nCino Sports Park.
BACKGROUND:
The Hammerheads manage the nCino Sports Park for the City of Wilmington. The 64-acre park has eleven full-sized multi-purpose fields, five of which are lighted, a support building, and various site amenities. The park hosts activities ranging from local league practices and games to national and international contests in soccer, lacrosse, rugby, Ultimate Frisbee, and more.
A request has been received from the Hammerheads to host a Fédération Internationale de Football Association (“FIFA:) World Cup Watch Party on June 12, 2026, at which alcohol can be served. FIFA has served as the global governing body for football (soccer) since 1904.
Proposed event details are below:
• Event time: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
• Alcohol service: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
• Activities: Prior to the televised game, youth and adult pick-up soccer games are played. Other festival types of activities are planned.
• Food Trucks: Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.
• World Cup: The opening game for the United States will be televised on a big screen.
Section 6-12 of Chapter 6 of the City Code prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages on any property or premises owned or occupied by the City except as otherwise specifically permitted by the City Council. To allow events at nCino to serve alcohol, a resolution is required for this location. Precedent examples include resolutions allowing alcohol at eight parks and recreation facilities and various downtown areas during festivals.
At its April 22, 2026, meeting, the nCino Advisory Board voted unanimously to support allowing alcohol service at the park for this event.
Parks and Recreation staff recommend passage of the resolution to allow alcohol service at this event, subject to conditions. The conditions include:
• Discontinuing alcohol service a minimum of one hour before the event ends.
• Requiring food service during events that serve alcohol.
• Requiring public safety officers at events that serve alcohol, at the Hammerheads’ expense.
City staff will evaluate the June 12, 2026, event for the following:
• Compliance with the conditions set forth.
• Appearance/condition of the park post-event.
• Analysis of calls for law enforcement/emergency assistance during the event.
This request is for a singular event on June 12, 2026. Following the event, City staff and the event organizer will assess the event. If the event had no known adverse effects and yielded positive community benefits, staff will present to City Council a recommendation to permit the Hammerheads to hold such events annually.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
There is no budget impact associated with this resolution.
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.