SAS Celebrates 50 Years at Iconic Cary, NC Headquarters

Software giant marks half-century milestone with look back at campus history and culture

Feb. 2, 2026 at 9:55am

SAS, the leading analytics software company, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. The company's iconic headquarters campus in Cary, North Carolina has been an integral part of SAS's story since the 1980s, when it outgrew its original Raleigh office. From the awe-inspiring buildings and sculptures to the world-class employee amenities like the Recreation and Fitness Center, every element of the SAS campus is designed to inspire innovation and delight the workforce.

Why it matters

SAS's headquarters campus in Cary has been central to the company's success and culture over the past five decades. As a major employer and community partner in the Raleigh-Durham region, SAS's commitment to creating a best-in-class workplace has helped attract top tech talent and reinforced the company's reputation for innovation.

The details

SAS was founded in 1976 and originally operated out of an office on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, across from North Carolina State University. By 1980, the company had outgrown that space and purchased 900 acres of land in the nearby town of Cary to build its current headquarters campus. The campus now features over 24 buildings, nine of which are LEED certified for sustainable construction. Iconic elements include the Recreation and Fitness Center, which has offered exercise classes for over 40 years, and the 32 sculptures representing 26 different artists that are displayed throughout the grounds.

  • SAS was founded in 1976.
  • The company moved to its current Cary, NC headquarters campus in 1980.
  • In 2019, SAS opened Building A, a 9-story, 999-office facility with a full-service café and bakery.
  • The Recreation and Fitness Center celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025.
  • SAS is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.

The players

SAS

An analytics software company founded in 1976 and headquartered in Cary, North Carolina. SAS is known for its innovative workplace culture and commitment to sustainability.

Jim Goodnight

The co-founder and CEO of SAS, who is pictured playing chess on the giant chessboard at the company's headquarters.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

SAS plans to host a large 50th anniversary celebration at its Cary headquarters campus later this year, featuring live music, food, games, and vendor booths.

The takeaway

SAS's iconic headquarters campus in Cary, North Carolina has been central to the company's success and culture over the past five decades. By investing in sustainable, innovative workspaces and world-class employee amenities, SAS has created a best-in-class workplace that has helped attract top tech talent and reinforced the company's reputation for innovation.