Sports Tourism
The conference extends its deal two more years at Ashton Brosnaham, as the tournament plays out its fifth straight year in Escambia County.
The Southeastern Conference is staying put. The SEC has extended its agreement to hold the SEC Women’s Soccer Championship in Pensacola for two more years, keeping the tournament at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex through 2028, Pensacola Sports announced this week.
- The partnership began in 2022, and since then the local tournament has set SEC attendance records.
Why It Matters
Heads in beds. Sports tourism is the play here. Twelve teams, their coaches, families and fans fill hotel rooms and restaurant tables for a week in mid-November, well outside peak beach season.
“Beyond the excitement of championship soccer, this tournament brings visitors to our hotels, restaurants and local businesses while showcasing Pensacola to a national audience.”
—Jason Libbert, president and CEO, Pensacola Sports
- The conference is happy. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey thanked the City of Pensacola, Escambia County and Pensacola Sports for “an outstanding venue” and “an exceptional experience for our student-athletes and fans.”
So is the county. Ashton Brosnaham sits in District 5, and Commissioner Steven Barry credited Escambia County Parks and Recreation for its role in the partnership.
“This tournament has made a significant positive impact on our community, both economically and by putting Escambia County on the map across the region and the nation.”
—Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry
Go to the games: Tickets and tournament information are available at PensacolaSports.org. The championship match is Sunday, Nov. 15, at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex.