Decatur is making a major play in the world of college soccer. The city announced Monday that it will host the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship at Jack Allen Recreation Complex in 2026 and 2027, adding another high-profile event to its growing sports portfolio.
Mayor Kent Lawrence and NAIA Director of Championships Marc Burchard unveiled the two-year agreement during a press conference Monday afternoon. The tournament will feature 16 teams vying for the national title, with this year's edition scheduled for Nov. 30 through Dec. 7.
The announcement came with a fitting backdrop: the quarterfinals of the NAIA Women's National Lacrosse Championship were being played on the complex's championship field just behind the podium. The women's lacrosse tournament kicked off Monday, with the men's national tournament following on Tuesday. The two events will alternate days, culminating in the women's championship on Friday and the men's title game on Saturday, both at 5 p.m.
Burchard praised the partnership, saying the NAIA has "forged a great partnership with the city." This marks a homecoming for the association, which previously held its national championship tournament at Wilson Morgan Park for 11 years through 2010. The Southern States Athletic Conference also brought its conference tournament to Wilson Morgan in 2023.
"It's an honor that NAIA continues to place its confidence in Decatur with another national championship competition," Lawrence said.
The successful bid was a joint effort between the city and Decatur-Morgan Tourism. Dan Dukemineer, who recently transitioned from Tourism to Parks and Recreation, revealed that discussions about hosting the soccer tournament began last summer, shortly after the city secured the lacrosse bid.
"We told them, 'Hey, if there's other things that may come of interest and/or be available, we'd be interested to talk about it,'" Dukemineer said.
The competition for the tournament was fierce, with Burchard noting that he received more than 10 competitive bids. After a site visit last fall, the decision came down on Halloween—a fitting twist for a sport that often involves tricks and treats.
"I didn't know if it was trick or really a treat or whatever," Dukemineer joked.
The city paid a bid fee of $7,000 and agreed to host a student-athletes banquet, as well as a "student-character event" similar to one held Monday, when the local lacrosse team visited Oak Park Elementary.
Lawrence emphasized the significance of the agreement, particularly given Decatur's deep roots in soccer. Jack Allen Recreation Complex regularly hosts national, regional, state, and local soccer tournaments, making it a natural fit for the NAIA championship.
"It's great for us because it brings so many people to town," Lawrence said.
For soccer fans and players alike, this is a win that will keep Decatur on the map for years to come.