Each year, the Mississippi Soccer Association selects a city to host the state’s largest soccer event, the Presidents Cup.

One hundred and twenty teams from around the state of Mississippi travel to this tournament each year. Oxford and FNC Park have been awarded the 2017 Presidents Cup, which will take place on May 20-21, 2017.

In 2014, Columbus hosted the Presidents Cup, which consisted of 120 teams. From that event, Columbus garnered recognition by USA Today for the positive economic impact of approximately $2 million. The City of Oxford stands the chance to reap those same benefits in May 2017.

“We are thrilled to be hosting such a large tournament that will contribute to our local economy by filling our hotels and visiting our local shops and restaurants,” said Mary Allyn Hedges, Director of Visit Oxford.

“To be awarded the Presidents Cup by the Mississippi Soccer Association speaks volumes to the draw the City of Oxford has as well as what we offer teams at FNC Park. We look forward to the amount of visitors the tournament will bring to our city,” said Brad Freeman, Director of FNC Park, where the tournament will take place.

The Presidents Cup has traveled throughout the state of Mississippi for a number of years. Kay Bouler, Executive Director of the Mississippi Soccer Association, said MSA is excited about coming to Oxford.

“I’ve been to FNC Park and it’s a beautiful facility that offers our players a unique experience,” Bouler said. “I know that the City of Oxford, the Oxford Park Commission, FNC Park and Visit Oxford will be exceptional hosts to our 120 participating teams.”

The Presidents Cup will be the third consecutive event awarded to FNC Park and the City of Oxford.

In 2015, FNC Park hosted the State Cup and will host the Admiral Cup on April 30-May 1,  2016, which is expected to draw upwards of 100 teams.