Rockford will host the Illinois High School Association boys soccer state finals for the next three years, bringing the state’s top high school teams Swanson Stadium at Guilford High School starting in November 2026.
The IHSA Board of Directors approved the selection during its March 14 meeting in Champaign, according to a news release. The tournament, featuring the top four teams in each of the three classifications (1A, 2A and 3A) competing for state championships, will run annually over three days in early November.
Tournament dates are Nov. 5-7, 2026; Nov. 4-6, 2027; and Nov. 2-4, 2028.
The schedule includes 14 games—two Class 1A semifinals on Thursday; seven games Friday (Class 1A third-place match, Class 2A and 3A semifinals); and five games Saturday (Class 2A and 3A third-place matches plus the three championship games).
Last year’s finals were held at Hoffman Estates High School.
Dawn Williamson, Rockford Public Schools District 205 director of athletics, activities and program development said.
“Rockford Public Schools is excited about Guilford’s partnership with GoRockford to host IHSA’s Boys State Soccer Finals,” said Dawn Williamson, Rockford Public School District 205 director of athletics, activities and program development . “I look forward to seeing elementary, middle, and high school students able to watch some great soccer with their families at one of our awesome high schools. A big thank you to the IHSA for this opportunity. Rockford is ready to exceed expectations.”
The three-year agreement is projected to generate about $297,000 in annual visitor spending and economic impact, totaling nearly $900,000 for the Rockford area over the term.
“We are thrilled to bring another IHSA championship event to Rockford,” GoRockford Vice President of Sales and Service Lindsay Arellano said. “Hosting the IHSA Boys Soccer State Finals strengthens Rockford’s reputation as a premier sports tourism destination and reflects the continued confidence organizations have in our community’s ability to deliver an outstanding championship experience. We’re excited to welcome athletes and fans from across Illinois to experience Rockford’s hospitality and energy.”
IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson added: “We are excited to partner with Guilford High School, Rockford Public Schools District 205, and GoRockford to bring the IHSA Boys Soccer State Finals to Rockford,” Anderson said. “This tournament has a storied history and we are excited for its next chapter in Rockford, which has a proven track record of putting on first-class IHSA State Final events.”
Rockford already hosts the IHSA Girls Bowling State Finals each February, making boys soccer the second IHSA state finals event in the city. The area has long supported youth and high school soccer, including annual events like the Puri Cup that draw thousands of players.
“We are thrilled to be chosen to host the IHSA Boys Soccer State Finals for the next three years,” Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said. “This is an exciting moment for Rockford, as our city becomes the home for Illinois’ top student-athletes to compete on the state’s premier high school soccer stage. It’s a tremendous opportunity to highlight our commitment to youth sports and to share the pride, energy and vibrancy of Rockford with the entire state.”
Guilford Principal Gus Carter agrees. “Guilford is happy to partner with GoRockford on hosting the IHSA state series for boys’ soccer. We are certain that we can provide a top-notch experience for the competing schools and are excited to bring this talent to Rockford for our community to enjoy,” Carter said.
GoRockford collaborated with Rockford Public Schools and Guilford throughout the bidding process. Additional details on tickets, schedules and event information will be released closer to each tournament weekend.
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