Two back-to-back youth soccer tournaments this summer are estimated to pump $4.2 million into Aurora’s economy.
The 2016 National Cup XV Finals and the National Premier Leagues Finals, at Aurora Sports Park, will draw 150 teams and 3,000 of the country’s top youth players.
“These are big and important tournaments, and Aurora is fortunate to host them,” said Justin Clark, director of sales and marketing for Visit Aurora, the organization that works to draw tourists and visitors to the city. “Sports is a big economic driver for us.”
The $4.2 million economic estimates are conservative, Clark said, and based on the National Association of Sports Commission economic calculator.
The 2016 NPL Finals, held July 14-18, will feature boys and girls league champions from around the country. One week later, July 22-25, the National Cup XV Finals culminates the US Club Soccer’s cup-based national championship series, with about 120 teams competing in boys and girls brackets.
Considered the most prestigious youth soccer championships in the country, the NPL Finals and the National Cup XV are the targeted annual destination for teams competing on the national level, youth soccer officials said.
“For the second time in three years, US Club Soccer is returning to the Denver region to host our two National Championships,” said Kevin Payne, US Club Soccer CEO. “Colorado has welcomed us with open arms, and Aurora is well-equipped in providing the necessary infrastructure for thousands of athletes and their families during these marquee events.”
The Aurora Sports Park is 220 acres off east Colfax and has 27 full-size fields, four that were just added by the City of Aurora.
“Aurora Sports Park is a national level facility,” Clark said. “There are not many in the country like it. It is a big deal to us.”
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