Tampa Lands 2009 NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship

For the first time in the history of the tournament, the 2009 NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship is headed to the Sunshine State. The Tampa Bay Sports Commission in partnership with the St. Pete Times Forum, the Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the University of South Florida, will host the event (semifinals and finals) to crown the national champion December 17-19, 2009.

"We make it a priority to put our best foot forward when competing for these marquee events and then back it up by treating our guests to a first class experience," said Ron Campbell, President of the St. Pete Times Forum and the Tampa Bay Lightning. "We are fortunate to have strong leadership at the Sports Commission that helps us focus for championship events, large and small. And having a major institution like USF partner with us adds more credibility to our proposals."

"This is outstanding news," said Paul Catoe, President/CEO of the Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau. "To be selected as the host city is a tremendous honor, and we are so pleased to add this prestigious event to our already impressive lineup. We expect a great tournament, drawing thousands of fans and creating significant media exposure and economic impact for the community."

In 2005, the Volleyball Championships were held in San Antonio, TX featuring the University of Nebraska, Santa Clara University, the University of Tennessee and eventual National Champions, the University of Washington.

"We are elated to serve as host for the 2009 NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship," said Rob Higgins, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. "We look forward to welcoming all of the student-athletes, coaches, and fans for the event's first-ever trip to Florida in December of 2009."

On Thursday, March 2, the Glazer Family Foundation presented a check for $82,500 to the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. The donation will be used to support the Tampa Bay Sports Commission's mission of creating social and economic impact through youth and amateur sports.

"I think it's important to note that professional sports can't possibly exist without amateur athletics being the supporting mechanism to make it work," said Eric Land, Tampa Bay Buccaneer Chief Operating Officer. "I think it's important for us to not only continue to support this, but for the entire community to realize how very critical the commission and its work for the Bay area is."

"Thank you to the Glazer Family foundation for all that is provided to our community and the children of our community by contributing this money," said Jeff Adams, Tampa Bay Sports Commission Chairman. "From the kids of the community, we really appreciate it."

In 1997, the Glazer Family Foundation and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission formed a 30-year partnership in which a donation of $7,500 would be made to the Sports Commission for every regular season game that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win that year. To date, the Glazer Family Foundation has contributed $622,500 to the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.

Kohl's American Cup a Tremendous Success

With spring nearing, the Kohl's US Youth Soccer American Cup, a program to highlight recreational soccer players and promote fair play, is once again proving to be a major success among the recreational members of US Youth Soccer. On Saturday, March 18, the new Kohl's Interactive Soccer Village rolled into Tampa for the first Kohl's American Cup event of the year.

"We could not be more pleased to have helped kick off this year's Kohl's American Cup by serving as 2006's opening site," said Rob Higgins, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. "It was a true compliment to our soccer community to be the Sunshine State's stop for the Kohl's American Cup series."

More than 50 Kohl's American Cup events are scheduled for 2006, from Florida to California, and the common theme is the goal of providing all participants with the opportunity to experience a consistent and high-quality statewide tournament in a fun, festival-like atmosphere.

Adding to the excitement in Tampa was the Kohl's Interactive Soccer Village, complete with three interactive inflatables (Kohl's American Cup Soccer Dribble, Soccer Kick and Kick Wall), prizes and souvenirs. The Kohl's Soccer Experience, a 28-foot vehicle with high impact soccer graphics, served as the focal point for the Interactive Soccer Village and provided the Florida Youth Soccer Association, the host organization, a central location for conducting registration and presenting participant awards.

"We are excited to continue the Kohl's Soccer Experience," said Jim Cosgrove, executive director of US Youth Soccer. "Kohl's is a great partner of US Youth Soccer and we are pleased to carry on this great event that highlights the many benefits of our sport, specifically fun and fair play."