It's no accident that Fresno Pacific is the only California university to host the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship. After all, Fresno has demonstrated it has the community spirit and dedication to stage such a prestigious event.
From athletic director Dennis Janzen to the Fresno Sports Council to the many trainers, coaches, maintenance personnel, vendors and honorary coaches, Fresno will pull all stops when it hosts the NAIA's best men's soccer teams Nov. 30 to Dec. 5 at Ramirez Field.
It's the second straight go-round for the Fresno school, which hosted the event last season when Bethel of Tennessee defeated Rio Grande of Ohio, 2-1 in overtime.
Fresno Pacific also hosted the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship in 1984.
"One of the hallmarks of the NAIA is its ability to actively connect and involve the host community for its elite championship events," Janzen said.
"From the Champions of Character activities, the connections for the honorary coaches and the many volunteers, to the local economic impact, the NAIA uniquely involves its host local communities in ways that few athletic organizations can match."
The process of bringing the 2008 and 2009 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship to Fresno was assisted by the Fresno Sports Council, of which Janzen is a board member. The Sports Council prepared the bid and agreed to pay the NAIA an annual stipend.
Kelly Carr, manager of the Fresno Sports Council, said hosting national sporting events is important to Fresno.
"The NAIA National Soccer Championship has a great impact on the community," Carr said. "This event provides an estimated $350,000 in economic impact and generates over 500 hotel room nights."
The NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship will pit the NAIA's best 16 teams in a single-elimination tournament. As host school, Fresno Pacific is one of the 16 teams.
The schedule:
Nov. 30: Games at 11:30 am, 2 pm, 4:30 pm and 7 pm
Dec. 1: Games at 11:30 am, 2 pm, 4:30 pm and 7 pm
Dec. 2: Games at 11:30 am, 2 pm, 4:30 pm and 7 pm
Dec. 3: No games
Dec. 4: Semi-finals at 2 pm and 4:30 pm
Dec. 5: Championship game at 3 pm
Ticket prices for the 2009 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship range from $10 for one day to $40 for an all-tournament pass. Tickets will cost $10 for the semifinals and $12 for the final. Student tickets are half price, and children ages 7 and under will get in free. There is also a $30 group price for youth soccer teams. Tickets are available online or at the gate.
Volunteers are still needed to help run the six-day tournament. Those interested in volunteering should call (559) 453-2207 or email
mike.rupcich@fresno.edu.
For more information on the tournament, call (559) 453-2009 or email
michelle.boling@fresno.edu.