FNC Park to Host 2016 Admiral Cup Next April

FNC Park, home of the Oxford Soccer Club, has been awarded the bid by the Mississippi Soccer Association to host the 2016 Admiral Cup in April 2016. This prestigious tournament is expected to bring approximately 105 teams to Oxford.

Brad Freeman, director of FNC Park, said, “We are honored, humbled and extremely excited to be awarded this tournament. This will, unquestionably, be the largest soccer event ever to be held in Oxford. We take great pride in the City of Oxford, FNC Park and all it has to offer. We are looking forward to the amount of visitors this distinguished tournament will bring to our great city.”

The Admiral Cup marks the second consecutive MSA State Tournament to be awarded to FNC Park. FNC Park will also be host to the MSA State Cup in May 2015. The MSA D1 State Cup is anticipated to bring in as many as 70 teams. Several venues from across the state were considered for the 2016 Admiral Cup however the undeniable pristine playing conditions at FNC Park coupled with the allure of the Oxford community secured the bid.

Kim Quarles, vice president of the DIII Recreation Soccer Program, said, “We are very excited about awarding the 2016 Admiral Cup to FNC Park. I’ve been to FNC Park and it’s a beautiful facility that offers our players a unique experience. I know that the City of Oxford, Oxford Park Commission and Visit Oxford will be exceptional hosts to our over 100 participating teams.”

Such a large tournament stands to bring benefits not only to FNC Park but to the Oxford-Lafayette community as well. Hotel accommodations are already being prepared to accommodate the high volume of teams and it’s projected that every hotel room will be booked.

Last year the City of Columbus was host to the DII Presidents Cup, which consisted of 120 teams. Columbus garnered recognition by USA Today for the positive economic impact of approximately $2 million. The City of Oxford stands the chance to reap the same benefits come April 2016.

Look for more information about the Admiral Cup at FNC Park in the coming months.