Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and the Palm Beach County Sports Commission have been selected to host the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer National Championship, known as the Women’s College Cup. The National Championship, scheduled for December 5-7, 2014, will take place at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton. The Women’s College Cup includes the semifinals and championship rounds, culminating the NCAA tournament featuring a field of 64 teams.
According to the newsletter of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, FAU was one of 11 universities announced as a finalist by the NCAA selection committee in October. The Committee then conducted site visits to verify that all locations were suitable to host the event. This event will mark the first time that an NCAA Division I National Champion will be crowned in Palm Beach County.
“On behalf of Florida Atlantic University, we are honored to serve as hosts for the 2014 NCAA Women’s College Cup,” said Pat Chun, FAU’s director of athletics. “We thank the Palm Beach County Sports Commission on being great partners. The country is well aware of the great sports destination we have become. This will be yet another opportunity to showcase our wonderful campus and
beautiful community.”
FAU Stadium is one of the premier sports venues in Palm Beach County. This venue opened in 2011 and has a seating capacity of 29,491. In addition to the Women’s College Cup, FAU Stadium was recently selected to host the Boca Raton Bowl in 2014, a nationally televised college football bowl game created by ESPN.
FAU Athletics partnered with the Palm Beach County Sports Commission in its proposal to the NCAA and the two will work closely to assure an outstanding event for the participants and fans.
“The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is excited to partner with Florida Atlantic University and the NCAA to host the Women’s College Cup at FAU Stadium,” said George Linley, executive director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. “Hosting a collegiate national championship solidifies Palm Beach County’s position as a premier sports destination. This is a tremendous event that will showcase Florida Atlantic University, the City of Boca Raton and Palm Beach County on a national stage. We are excited to be home to the 2014 NCAA Women’s College Cup.”
The event is expected to be well received by a local soccer community that supports professional women’s soccer, international soccer, collegiate soccer and outstanding youth leagues.
“We are excited to be named the host of the 2014 Women’s College Cup,” said Patrick Baker, FAU’s head women’s soccer coach. “A lot of people were involved and put a wonderful proposal together. We now have the opportunity to showcase the biggest event in women’s college soccer on our campus. There are a number of great things happening within the FAU Athletic Department and this is a special event for the program, department, University and local community.”
The Women’s College Cup is the pinnacle of collegiate soccer. In addition to hosting the “Final Four” of women’s collegiate soccer, Palm Beach County will be home to the NCAA Fan Fest, which provides an interactive experience for visitors to celebrate the National Championship. The community benefits will be widespread.
Thousands of alumni, students, and soccer enthusiasts will travel to Palm Beach County and Florida Atlantic University to experience the Women’s College Cup. The influx of visitors will provide a significant boost to the local economy by filling hotels rooms and generating new revenues for restaurants, attractions, and the local business community. The event will be televised live on ESPNU, showcasing Palm Beach County and Florida Atlantic University to a national audience.
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