DestinationFAY

sure,'' said Shawn Bednard, Fayetteville's director of communications and community outreach. "We view ourselves as not just a hockey team, but as a community asset. To shut down an entire season was devastating. But we're hoping to be better for it. We've taken a look at everything we do, and we plan to come back as strong as we've ever been. We try to look at it as a blessing in disguise. Now, when October comes, we'll be flying out of the gates.'' Fans can get tickets via the team website at marksmenhockey.com/tickets/ season-tickets. While Segra Stadium and Crown Coliseum stood dark through 2020, the lights were on at J.P. Riddle Stadium where the collegiate wooden-bat Old North State League operated in June and July. Fayetteville, featuring numerous local and region college players, made its debut in the league as the Carolina Coyotes, finishing 7-18-1 overall. The franchise has renamed itself the Fayetteville Chutes for the 2021 campaign. The schedule for the 2021 season hadn't been released by mid- March and ticket information wasn't available on the Old North State League website. Also continuing to operate during the COVID-19 outbreak was the historic Fayetteville Motor Speedway, located just off Interstate 95 at 3407 Doc Bennett Road. The track has been in operation since 1968, but recently underwent changes under new owners Dave and Dan Stewart. Before the 2020 schedule began, the brothers shortened the dirt oval from 4/10 to 3/8 miles and made many other upgrades to the facility. Almost every weekend from March to November, the track plays host to racing in a variety of classes – Late Model, UMP Modifieds, Super Street, 602 sport modifieds, CRUSA Street Stocks and Sport Compacts. For a schedule and ticket prices, check the speedway's website at www.fayettevillemotorspeedway.com. The golf course was another of the few escapes available during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Cumberland County offered plenty of options. Those include two courses designed by the legendary Donald Ross, one that nurtured the professional careers of Raymond and Marlene Floyd and another that's home to a popular annual celebrity fundraiser. Both Highland County Club, located in the heart of Fayetteville, and Fort Bragg's Stryker Golf Course were constructed in the 1940s using Ross' designs. Stryker is open to the public, but you'll need to find a member to play Highland, which is a private club. Built among scenic wetlands, horse pastures, lakes and streams, Cypress Lakes Golf Course is the brainchild of popular local teacher and pro L.B. Floyd. Floyd's children, Marlene and Raymond, both developed their games on the course, and Raymond produced four major victories on the PGA Tour, including the 1976 Masters title. Gates Four Golf & Country Club has played host to many amateur and professional events but may be best known as home for the annual Stars & Stripes Celebrity Invitational. The tournament, which has featured the likes of Lawrence Taylor and Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers among its celebrity participants, raises money to support military and first responders. King's Grant Golf & Country Club, which has a unique, undulating layout, Baywood Golf Course and Fort Bragg's Ryder Golf Course round out the golf options in Cumberland County. Opened in 1990, Baywood is the newest of the local courses. So, after a year of being confined by COVID-19, Cumberland County should be alive with activity options this summer. Highland Country Club Gates Four Golf & Country Club 26 DestinationFAY 2021-2022

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