Article orginally published by the West Coast Conference.
SAN MATEO, Calif. – The NCAA, the West Coast Conference, Santa Clara University and the San Jose Sports Authority have jointly announced a venue change for the 2021 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer College Cup. Women’s college soccer’s premier event will be held at Stevens Stadium – Buck Shaw Field on the campus of Santa Clara University Dec. 3 and Dec. 5.
Fans can purchase all-session passes to the 2021 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer College Cup through Santa Clara University here.
The two NCAA semifinal matches on Friday, Dec. 3 will begin at 4 p.m. PT, with the second contest starting shortly after the conclusion of the first semifinal match. The NCAA Championship match on Sunday, Dec. 5, is set for 5 p.m. PT. ESPN will have live coverage of the 2021 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer College Cup across its platforms.
All athletic events hosted by Santa Clara University will operate in compliance with state, county, and university COVID-19 guidelines. While masks are currently not required for outdoor events on campus, the institution highly encourages fans to wear masks especially when social distancing guidelines cannot be met or when others around you are eating or drinking. Seating in Stevens Stadium is general admission, and everyone is encouraged to utilize appropriate social distancing in the stands and common areas. Updates will be provided should there be an adjustment in protocol.
The event was initially scheduled to be contested at PayPal Park, the home of the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer (MLS), however the facility is no longer available due to a conflict with the updated 2021 MLS Cup Playoff schedule.
The NCAA Division I Women’s College Cup returns to the Bay Area for the second time three years. The 2019 NCAA Women’s College Cup was contested at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.
The venue change moves the 2021 NCAA Division I Women’s College Cup to Santa Clara, the home of the defending NCAA Champions. The Broncos defeated Florida State in penalty kicks to capture the 2020 title this past March in Cary, North Carolina.
“It’s an honor for Santa Clara University to host this national event,” Santa Clara University Director of Athletics Renee Baumgartner said. “Our school has a rich soccer tradition and that was on display just a few months ago when our women’s team claimed the program’s second NCAA title. Our campus and the local community are passionate about soccer and thrilled to support the NCAA College Cup.”
“We are excited to partner with Santa Clara and the San Jose Sports Authority to host the 2021 NCAA Women’s Soccer College Cup,” WCC Commissioner Gloria Nevarez said. “The WCC has a rich history in women’s soccer, highlighted by defending NCAA Champion Santa Clara. We appreciate Santa Clara’s efforts to step in and serve as host of this event on campus as we shine a light on the best and brightest in the sport.”
“It is only fitting that our sixth opportunity to host the NCAA Women’s College Cup returns to the site of our first women’s soccer national championship we hosted in 1996 at Santa Clara University”, John Poch, San Jose Sports Authority Executive Director said. “I remember it well as I served as a volunteer for the championship! It was a terrific setting and an incredible venue for women’s soccer. The success from that championship provided our hosting opportunities in 1999, 2000, 2016, 2019 and now 2021. Our 1999 Women’s College Cup still holds the NCAA attendance record with over 14,000 fans at Spartan Stadium. We are thrilled to return the Women’s College Cup to Northern California at the site of the defending National Champion Santa Clara Broncos!”
Santa Clara University has played host to the NCAA Women’s College Cup before, serving as host in 1996 when North Carolina defeated Notre Dame.