Golden State Athletic Conference Signs Host Extension for Men’s Soccer
Kansas City, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced on Friday that the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) has reached an agreement to extend its contract as the host of the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship through the 2021 season.
The GSAC received support from the Anaheim Ducks to keep the championship at the OC Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium. The OC Great Park is also home to Great Park Ice and the Anaheim Ducks training facility. The Ducks will be the presenting sponsor of the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship in 2019 and 2020.
“We are happy to continue to be the home of the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship,” said Mike Daniels, Commissioner of the Golden State Athletic Conference. “With the support of the Anaheim Ducks and the city of Irvine, the GSAC is able to provide a tremendous championship experience for the visiting teams and a fun event for the community to attend.”
“As an organization, we are committed to being great partners in our local community, and supporting initiatives that strengthen ties to our local region,” said Aaron Teats, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Ducks. “In partnership with the City of Irvine, we recently opened our new world-class ice and sports facility, and in turn feel privileged to support these elite-level NAIA student athletes in their quest of a soccer national championship.”
The NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship wrapped-up its first year at OC Great Park where Central Methodist (Mo.) was crowned the champion in 2018. With the extension, both the 63rd and 64th annual championships are guaranteed to be played in Irvine at the 2,500 seat venue.
“The city of Irvine and the Golden State Athletic Conference were exceptional hosts for the NAIA 2018 Men’s Soccer National Championship,” said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. “We’re happy to extend this agreement and continue to offer these student-athletes a great championship experience.”
The annual event features a 16-team, single elimination tournament in a six day event, culminating in the national title game on ESPN3.
For more information on becoming a host for an NAIA Championship, click HERE!
