The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Association state soccer championships, in partnership with the Iowa State Intercollegiate Athletics Department and Discover Ames, will be held in Ames from 2025-27, officials announced Wednesday.
“We are proud that the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Association has chosen the state of Iowa and the Ames community to host the state girls soccer championship, which will culminate in the championship game at the Cyclone Sports Complex. We look forward to providing people with a great experience,” Iowa State Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard said in a press release. “This is a great opportunity to introduce our campus, facilities and community to visitors from across the state, and we look forward to welcoming them through this championship event.”
The initial agreement is for three years starting in 2025, but the release said the relationship could be extended.
The 2025 championship is scheduled for June 2-7. Quarterfinals and semifinals will be played at Leet and Maple/Willow/Larch fields, and championship games for all classes will be played at the Cyclone Sports Complex.
“We are very excited to partner with Discover Ames and Iowa State University in the state girls soccer championship,” Iowa Girls High School Athletic Federation Executive Director Gene Berger said in a release. “Kevin (Burke) and his Discover Ames team are experienced hosts, and the Iowa State facility will provide a true championship experience for our team. Ames and the Iowa Girls are a natural fit. It's a good fit and I'm looking forward to seeing how we can work together to grow and continue to improve the tournament.”
The Iowa State University football team has played at the $13 million Cyclone Sports Complex since 2013. The facility has a natural grass playing surface and can accommodate 1,500 fans.
The Cyclones and high school girls soccer players will also be able to enjoy the complex's new video board and sound system, which will be installed in advance of ISU's fall 2024 season, according to the release.
“We are very excited to bring the Women's State Soccer Championship to Iowa State University in 2025,” Kevin Bourke, president and CEO of Discover Ames, said in a release. “We are grateful that the Women's Union has the confidence to bring soccer championships to Ames University and Iowa State University. We plan to create a great and memorable experience for our players, coaches and fans. ”
Meanwhile, the 2024 Iowa Girls High School Soccer Tournament will be held in Des Moines in May.
