The City of Lancaster will soon host the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) National Open Cup 2017. The four-day tournament will take place at the James C. Gilley Lancaster National Soccer Center, Thursday, July 13 through Sunday, July 16.

The AYSO National Cup Open Tournament will bring more than 100 teams from across the nation to play in Lancaster. These teams are anticipated to bring more than 5,000 visitors to the Antelope Valley, and infuse nearly $1.2 million into the local economy over the four-day span. The revenue generated by the Lancaster National Soccer Center and other facilities like it, ensures a better quality of life for those who make Lancaster home, as well as the multitude of visitors the City hosts each year.

AYSO is a non-profit organization which provides youth soccer programs for participants all over the United States. Consisting of more than 50,000 teams and 500,000 players nationwide, AYSO is one of the leading youth soccer organizations in the world.

The Lancaster National Soccer Center is home to numerous tournaments throughout the year. The economic impact generated by these tournaments is a part of what is known as “sports tourism.” Sports tourism is a term used to describe the ability to bring visitors to a city as a result of sports programs and facilities. Athletes from across the nation visit Lancaster to play in regional and national tournaments. Sports tourism has a direct, profound impact on the local economy. In fact, in 2016, the James C. Gilley Lancaster National Soccer Center hosted 955 State Cup and National Cup teams, as well as approximately 29,000 visitors, resulting in an estimated economic impact of $4.5 million.       

The Lancaster National Soccer Center is the largest soccer complex in the West. The facility includes 35 premium fields, with 15 fields fully lit. Through its ongoing relationship with the American Youth Soccer Organization, the Lancaster National Soccer Center has been home to AYSO’s Region 91, including partnerships with Quartz Hill AYSO, AYSO Area 10D, and Palmdale AYSO. The complex not only brings thousands of patrons to Lancaster during the many AYSO Tournaments, but is also home to eight local soccer leagues and clubs with more than 2,500 participants.

For additional information regarding the Lancaster National Soccer Center and the events it hosts, you may contact the Parks, Recreation and Arts Department at 661-723-6077. For more information about visiting Lancaster, including sports tournaments and group hotel rates, contact Destination Lancaster, the Antelope Valley’s visitor bureau, at 661-723-6074 or visit www.destinationlancasterca.org.