Champion Hospitality Closes on Site for New 98-Room TRU by Hilton in Sanford

A rendering of a Tru Hotel by Hilton

Hotel Development Will Support Growth of Lee County Athletic Park, Expand Sports Tourism, and Drive Regional Economic Development

SANFORD, N.C. – June 16, 2026 – Champion Hospitality, LLC announced today the acquisition of a prime development site located on Broadway Road (U.S. Highway 421/NC Highway 42) at the intersection of the U.S. 421 Bypass/future Interstate 685 corridor and the entrance to Lee County Athletic Park. 

The project marks the next hospitality venture between Holmes Legacy Partners and Keller Development. The partnership previously developed the Home2 Suites by Hilton in Sanford, which opened in 2024, has exceeded occupancy projections, and has helped meet the area's growing demand for lodging accommodations. 

Champion Hospitality plans to develop a 98-room Tru by Hilton hotel on the site, further expanding Sanford's lodging inventory and supporting the continued growth of tourism and regional sporting events in Lee County. 

“We are excited to move forward with this project and continue investing in Sanford and Lee County,” said Carter Keller, managing partner of Keller Development. “The success of Lee County Athletic Park (LCAP) has exceeded expectations and demonstrated the tremendous demand for quality lodging accommodations in this market. This hotel will provide a convenient option for athletes, families, tournament organizers, business travelers, and other visitors while contributing to the area's ongoing economic growth.” 

Located directly adjacent to LCAP and along the U.S. 421 Bypass/future Interstate 685 corridor, the hotel is strategically positioned to serve visitors attending tournaments, sporting events, and community activities, as well as business travelers throughout the year. The park has quickly become one of the region's premier athletic destinations and a significant driver of tourism and economic activity for Sanford and Lee County. 

The new Tru by Hilton will feature 98 guest rooms and a variety of amenities designed to meet the needs of today's travelers, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and flexible gathering spaces. The development site also includes out parcels planned for future commercial development. 

According to Wendy Bryan, Executive Director of Visit Sanford, the LCAP has welcomed more than 239,400 visits from residents and visitors since August 2025. Those visits translate into families dining in local restaurants, staying in area hotels, and supporting small businesses throughout the community. 

“Because 77% of our recreation visitors now stay overnight,” said Bryan, “expanding our local lodging footprint is exactly what we need to sustain this momentum, which already generates $3.18 million in local tax revenue to support our community's growth.” 

Carolina Commercial Contractors has been selected as general contractor for the project, and Olive Architecture of Raleigh is serving as project architect. Like the Home2 Suites, the new Tru by Hilton will be managed by Crown Hotel and Travel Management. 

“This project represents another important investment in Sanford's future,” said Edward Holmes. “We believe the combination of a nationally recognized hotel brand, a premier sports tourism destination, and continued economic growth throughout the region creates an outstanding opportunity for long-term success.” 

Construction is expected to begin following completion of final permitting, with additional project milestones to be announced as development progresses. 

About Champion Hospitality, LLC 

Champion Hospitality, LLC is a hospitality development venture formed by Holmes Legacy Partners and Keller Development. The company focuses on developing projects that support economic growth, tourism, and community development throughout North Carolina.