You’re driving down Oak Forest Road in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and suddenly, there’s a fighter jet. Not in the air—well, they are definitely in the air because Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is right there—but sitting right on the grass. An F-4 Phantom II. It’s the first thing you see when you pull into the Bryan Multi-Sport Complex. Honestly, it’s a vibe you just don't get at your average suburban soccer park.
Most people think of sports complexes as just a bunch of grass and some shaky bleachers. But the Bryan Multi-Sport Complex is different because it shouldn't really exist. It’s built on 63 acres of military land. Specifically, it’s on the perimeter of Seymour Johnson AFB. This was the first "P4" partnership of its kind in the United States. Basically, the City of Goldsboro and the Air Force figured out a way to share resources that actually worked. The city got a world-class place for tournaments, and in exchange, they built a massive fitness center addition for the airmen on base.
What's actually at the Bryan Multi-Sport Complex?
If you're coming here for a tournament, you're likely here for soccer or lacrosse. The setup is pretty legit. We’re talking about eight fields in total.
Two of those fields are synthetic turf, installed by Sprinturf, which means they can handle a North Carolina monsoon and still be playable ten minutes later. The other six are premium irrigated natural grass. It’s the kind of grass that makes you want to take your shoes off, though the refs probably wouldn't appreciate that during a whistle.
Beyond the fields, they’ve got:
- A massive field house with real restrooms (thank goodness).
- A concession stand that actually stays open during events.
- Over 400 paved parking spots so you aren't stuck in a mud pit.
- A custom splash pad that is basically a lifesaver for younger siblings in July.
- Walking trails that weave through the 63-acre site.
The splash pad is a major highlight. It runs from May through September, usually 8 am to 8 pm. If you’ve ever sat through a three-game Saturday in 95-degree humidity, you know that splash pad is the only thing keeping families sane.
The weird history of the "P4" project
It’s easy to gloss over the "partnership" part, but it’s the most interesting thing about the place. Back in 2016, the Air Force signed an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL). They had all this underutilized land on the edge of the base. Meanwhile, Goldsboro had sports fields scattered all over the city, and none of them were big enough to host the kind of massive regional tournaments that bring in real money.
So, they swapped.
The Air Force gave the city a 20-year lease on the land. The city spent about $3 million (give or take) to build the complex and the base fitness center addition. Now, when kids are playing soccer, F-15E Strike Eagles are literally screaming overhead. It’s loud. It’s cool. It’s very Goldsboro.
Is it just for soccer?
Not really, though soccer is the big dog here. The Bryan Multi-Sport Complex has hosted the NCYSA Kepner Presidents Cup and plenty of Wayne County United Soccer Club games. But because of those all-weather turf fields, you see a lot of other stuff too.
Lacrosse is a big one. The Carolina Event Management group holds the North Carolina LaxFest here. You’ll also see flag football, and I’ve even seen people out there for ultimate frisbee. The layout is flexible. Since the fields are "multi-sport," they aren't boxed into one dimension. If you can play it on grass (or turf), it probably happens here.
What you need to know before you go
If you’re heading to the Bryan Multi-Sport Complex for the first time, don't just trust your GPS and hope for the best.
The address is 501 S. Oak Forest Rd, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
One thing that catches people off guard is the security proximity. You aren't "on" the base in the sense that you need a military ID to get through a gate, but you are right next to it. Respect the boundaries. Also, because it’s an open complex near the base, it can get windy. Like, "lose your gazebo" windy. Stake your tents down well.
A quick note on "The Other Bryan"
Don't get this place confused with the Bryan Park Soccer Complex in Greensboro. That one is much older, has 21 fields, and is home to the Truist Soccer Complex. If you tell your team to meet at "Bryan Park" and you're in Goldsboro while they’re in Greensboro, you’re looking at a two-hour drive and a very unhappy coach.
Actionable steps for your visit
If you're planning a trip or looking to host an event at the Bryan Multi-Sport Complex, keep these specific things in mind:
- Check the Splash Pad Schedule: It’s seasonal. If you’re coming in April or October, don't promise the kids a water park experience. It’s strictly May–September.
- Book Hotels Early: Goldsboro has decent hotel capacity, but when a 50-team tournament hits, things fill up fast. Look for spots near Highway 70 for the easiest access to the complex.
- Bring Ear Protection for Sensitive Kids: Seriously. The F-15s are incredibly loud when they take off. It’s part of the charm, but for toddlers or anyone with sensory issues, it can be overwhelming.
- Contact Goldsboro Parks & Rec for Rentals: If you’re trying to organize a private event or a small league, they manage the site. Don't call the Air Force base; they’ll just be confused.
- Explore Downtown Goldsboro: Don't just eat at the chain restaurants near the highway. The city put a ton of money into the downtown streetscape. It's about 10 minutes from the complex and has much better food options for a post-game meal.
The Bryan Multi-Sport Complex isn't just a park; it's a massive experiment in how cities and the military can actually get along and build something useful. Whether you’re there for the soccer or just to see the Phantom II, it’s easily one of the best-maintained facilities in Eastern North Carolina.