The NCAA has announced that the Western Coast Conference has been selected as the new host of the 2016 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship.
The new location for the Women’s Soccer Championship will be in San Jose, California, at Avaya Stadium on Dec. 2 and 4.
Last month, the NCAA announced that it would be moving all championship events out of North Carolina amid the state law restricting the rights of those who are LGBT.
The NCAA reopened the bid process in September and qualifying bids were required to outline how they would protect participants and spectators from possible discrimination.
Joni Comstock, the NCAA interim executive vice president of championships and alliances, said, “The sports committees were pleased with the quantity and quality of the bids received and are confident the selected sites will host championships that provide an outstanding experience for student-athletes, membership and fans.”
The BYU women’s soccer team, part of the Western Coast Conference, could potentially be playing at Avaya Stadium if they continue the success they’ve been having.
The Cougars, who are currently ranked fifth in the nation, are sitting atop the WCC standings, tied with Pepperdine at 2-0-1.
The Cougars had the best soccer attendance in the nation in 2015 with 3,497 at each game. With the announcement of the new location, many fans will be closer to supporting the Cougars as they look to win their fifth straight conference championship.
Carra McManamon is a native of Washington State and is attending the University of Utah. Contact her at cmcmanamon@deseretdigital.com or follow her on Twitter: @curramac22