Since 1993
Durham Bulls vs. Charlotte Knights
The I-85 Rivalry — North Carolina's Triple-A showdown
The I-85 Rivalry between the Durham Bulls and Charlotte Knights is the premier Triple-A baseball rivalry in the American South, connecting two of North Carolina's most vibrant cities along the interstate highway that gives the rivalry its name. Since Charlotte joined the International League in 1993, these two franchises have been intertwined as division rivals, with regular-season series that routinely draw the largest crowds on both teams' schedules. Durham, the Tampa Bay Rays' affiliate, and Charlotte, aligned with the Chicago White Sox, represent two distinct visions of minor league baseball excellence.