NAIA Taps Pensacola for Hosting Duties for Women's Soccer National Championship

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced that it has selected Pensacola, Fla., and Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park as its new home for the NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship. The initial term of the agreement is two years and will conclude after the 2025 NAIA Women’s Soccer Championship in December and will be hosted by Pensacola Sports.

“We had a difficult choice ahead of us in the bid process, but Pensacola stood out amongst a very strong group of contenders,” said Austin Bennett, NAIA Director of Championships. “Pensacola Sports will do a tremendous job and will give our NAIA student-athletes a special championship experience at a first-rate facility.”

Ashton Brosnahan Athletic Park is the current home to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Women’s Soccer Championships and features a state-of-the-art layout that will be a great experience for teams and fans alike. Just last year, the facility underwent a large-scale upgrade that included a complete re-sod that was designed for high-level college soccer. This improvement, along with the addition of multiple locker rooms and flexible use space has made the facility an ideal location for the NAIA to crown a champion in the years to come.

“Pensacola is thrilled to host the NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship at Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park,” said Ray Palmer, Pensacola Sports President. “We know the players will love our brand new $2.7 million locker room facilities and players and fans alike will appreciate the well-kept pitch. That field is as good as I’ve ever seen it."

The NAIA will move its championship from one exciting beach locale to another, giving student-athletes a tropical experience off the pitch while delivering a facility that has spared no expense in its development and upkeep. Pensacola Sports supports two NCAA Division I Conference Championships as the Sun Belt Conference also calls the city home for its basketball championships.

“We want to thank Orange Beach and the team at Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Sports and Events for their years as a dedicated host. Their contributions over the years to this championship cannot and should not be forgotten,” remarked Bennett. “Looking forward, however, we are excited to crown champions in Pensacola and are hopeful for a long-term future there.”