SEC Soccer Tournament Breaks Attendance Record in Pensacola

Pensacola, Florida’s first time hosting the 2022 Southeastern Conference Women’s Soccer Tournament featured upset wins, overtime games and record-breaking crowds at Ashton Brosnaham Park. With more than 10,000 spectators attending, the tournament broke attendance records for the SEC’s 37-year history of hosting championship women’s soccer.

“Pensacola really showed up to cheer on these talented student-athletes, which helped make it a great experience for them,” said Ray Palmer, president and chief executive officer of Pensacola Sports. “They loved their time in Pensacola and are looking forward to coming back next year. By providing a great experience we are building the foundation for them to choose Pensacola as a favorite vacation destination in the future.”

Ten SEC teams traveled to Pensacola to compete from October 30 through November 6: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt.

No. 1-ranked Alabama faced No. 13-ranked South Carolina in the final match with the Gamecocks winning 1–0, earning their third SEC Tournament Championship and handing the Crimson Tide their first loss in more than three months.

“The embrace and overwhelming interest we’ve received from the Pensacola community has been a wonderful experience for our staff, the teams and the players,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “To see the number of people lined up and waiting to get in, and for our staff to have to make more space to accommodate everyone, well that is certainly a good problem to have and an encouraging sign for our future here. I’m excited to get into the planning for next year already.”

Pensacola Sports, which will host again in 2023, is seeking an extension to host through 2026.