The state’s largest soccer tournament will kick off in Columbus this weekend.
From Friday through Sunday, 120 teams from around the state will compete in the Presidents Cup Soccer Tournament, an event expected to draw crowds of between 5,000 and 6,000 people, according to a press release from the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau. Young athletes will play soccer at the Columbus Soccer Complex, the Joe Cook Soccer Complex and Columbus High School beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday morning and lasting into Sunday.
“This tournament is a great opportunity for us to share the beauty and warmth of Columbus with thousands of guests from around the state,” said Nancy Carpenter, Executive Director and CEO of CCVB.
She added that the thousands of tournament participants, supporters, staff and volunteers will have a huge economic impact on the city by staying multiple nights in the hotels and patronizing the local shops and restaurants. The CCVB expects the economic impact to be nearly $2 million.
“This tournament is not only a great economic boost, it is a great opportunity for us to distinguish Columbus as a city that truly has something for everyone,” Mayor Robert Smith said. “Whether it’s athletic events, outdoor recreational activities, dining, shopping or historic tours. We look forward to hosting many more tournaments in the years ahead.”
Greg Lewis, Executive Director of the Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority, called the event “one of the greatest quality of life events” in Mississippi.
City and county residents are encouraged to attend the games and show their support for the participants, according to the CCVB’s release.
Columbus has previously hosted the Presidents Cup in 2013 and 2014.
The Presidents Cup Soccer Tournament is sponsored by the CCVB, the City of Columbus, Lowndes County and the Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.