"Salem is exceptionally pleased to have been selected to host the NCAA Division III Women's and Men's Soccer Championships again in 2025," expressed Carey Harveycutter, the game manager for every NCAA championship event hosted by Salem. "Along with the competitive matches at Roanoke College, we hope fans will be able to experience actual Southern hospitality steps away from the Kerr Stadium pitch in our historic downtown."
"The ODAC's long-standing partnership with the City of Salem stands as one of the most meaningful in Division III athletics," explained Bankston. "For nearly five decades, the City has been at the heart of the ODAC experience - hosting countless conference championship events. That bond has helped support 87 Division III championships since our first in 1991. The partnership has grown well beyond events - it's about trust, shared values, and a commitment to showcasing what Division III is all about. I'm proud of what we've built together and grateful for how deeply Salem has invested in the ODAC and NCAA student-athletes."
While Division I has long featured in headlines in the collegiate landscape, the Roanoke Valley has become home to Division II and Division III. The City of Salem wrote the book on how to host small college championship events, especially in areas without a sprawling metropolitan area.
That's where organizations like Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge (Visit VBR) enter the equation. Visit VBR provides information on accommodations, attractions, recreation, dining, and more in Virginia's Blue Ridge for convention, meeting, and leisure travelers. VBR has embraced the championship tradition, extending its enhancement resources for not only fans but the hundreds of student-athletes who make memories in and out of the competitive arena.
It has also increased the visibility and access of these events within the local communities, helping create not only business opportunities and economic impact, but real excitement for the competing teams and true fan bases for those who make multiple trips to the region.
"We are thrilled to welcome the Division III soccer championships to Virginia's Blue Ridge, said John Oney, Vice President of Sports & Sales for Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge. "Through the years, these national championships hosted by the City of Salem, the ODAC, and Roanoke College bring a tremendous boost to our local economy. From hotels and restaurants to shops and attractions, these championships generate significant visitor spending, support local jobs and businesses, and highlight all that our region has to offer."
Salem will be in the lights four times in the 2025-26 collegiate athletic year. The women's and men's soccer championships come to town December 4-7, 2025, for semifinal and championship play.
Division III Women's basketball will hand out its trophy in Roanoke's Cregger Center for a third time and second straight year. The semifinal and championship competition is set for March 19-21, 2026.
The Division III Softball Championship final series of eight teams returns to Salem's newly renovated James I. Moyer Sports Complex for the 15th time. The week-long journey is set for May 28-June 3, 2026.
Known as Virginia's Championship City, Salem has hosted ofver 100 NCAA Championships.
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