FAU ATHLETICS TO HOST NCAA WOMEN'S SOCCER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Florida Atlantic University and the Palm Beach County Sports Commission have been selected to host the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer National Championship known as the Women’s College Cup. FAU Stadium will be the site of the three-day event scheduled for Dec. 5-7, 2014 that will include the semifinals and championship rounds.

FAU was one of 11 universities announced as a finalist by the NCAA selection committee in October and the Committee then conducted site visits to verify that all sites were suitable to host the event and announced the host on Dec. 11.

“On behalf of Florida Atlantic University, we are honored to serve as hosts for the 2014 NCAA Women’s College Cup,” said Pat Chun, FAU’s director of athletics. “We thank the Palm Beach County Sports Commission on being great partners. The country is well aware of the great sports destination we have become. This will be yet another opportunity to showcase our wonderful campus and beautiful community.”

FAU Stadium opened in 2011 and has a seating capacity of 29,491. Home to FAU football, FAU Stadium was recently selected to host the Boca Raton Bowl in 2014, a nationally televised football bowl game created by ESPN.

FAU Athletics partnered with the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, in its proposal to the NCAA, and the two will work closely to assure an outstanding event for the participants and fans.

“The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is excited to partner with Florida Atlantic University and the NCAA to host the Women’s College Cup at FAU Stadium,” said George Linley, executive director of Palm Beach County Sports Commission. “Hosting a collegiate national championship solidifies Palm Beach County’s position as a premier sports destination. This is a tremendous event that will showcase Florida Atlantic University, the City of Boca Raton and Palm Beach County on a national stage. We are excited to be home to the 2014 NCAA Women’s College Cup.”

The event is expected to be well received by a local soccer community that supports professional women’s soccer, international soccer, collegiate soccer and outstanding youth leagues.

"We are excited to be named the host of the 2014 Women's College Cup,” said Patrick Baker, FAU’s head women’s soccer coach. “A lot of people were involved and put a wonderful proposal together. We now have the opportunity to showcase the biggest event in women's college soccer on our campus. There are a number of great things happening within the FAU Athletic Department and this is a special event for the program, department, University and local community."