Hattiesburg will welcome the Mississippi Soccer Association State Cup for the first time on May 8–9, 2027, adding another premier championship event to the city’s growing sports tourism portfolio. Recognized across the region as a leading destination for tournament play, Hattiesburg will host teams, coaches, referees, and families from across Mississippi for a full weekend of competition and community hospitality.
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (July 15, 2026) — Hattiesburg will welcome the Mississippi Soccer Association State Cup for the first time on May 8–9, 2027, adding another premier championship event to the city’s growing sports tourism portfolio. Recognized across the region as a leading destination for tournament play, Hattiesburg will host teams, coaches, referees, and families from across Mississippi for a full weekend of competition and community hospitality.
Bringing the State Cup to Hattiesburg reflects the collective efforts of the Mississippi Soccer Association, the City of Hattiesburg, Visit Hattiesburg, and Hattiesburg Futbol Club. Competition will take place at Tatum Park, where quality facilities and the dedicated work of the City’s Parks and Recreation team continue to position Hattiesburg as a trusted destination for major sporting events.
“Mississippi Soccer Association is proud to partner with the City of Hattiesburg, Visit Hattiesburg, Hattiesburg Parks and Recreation, and Hattiesburg Futbol Club to host the 2027 Mississippi Soccer Association State Cup,” said Rob Thompson, Executive Director of the Mississippi Soccer Association. “From our earliest conversations, it was evident that Hattiesburg shares our vision of delivering a first-class championship experience for players, coaches, referees, and families from across Mississippi.
“The outstanding facilities provided through Hattiesburg Parks and Recreation, combined with the commitment of Hattiesburg Futbol Club, the hospitality of Visit Hattiesburg and the support of the City, make Hattiesburg an ideal destination for our premier championship event,” he continued. “We look forward to welcoming teams from across the state, creating unforgettable memories for our participants, and showcasing everything Hattiesburg has to offer.”
Sports and recreation represent the fastest-growing sector of Hattiesburg’s tourism economy, and the State Cup will build on that momentum by bringing athletes and families to the city for a full weekend of championship soccer.
“This is another strong example of how investments in our parks and recreation facilities create opportunities that extend well beyond the field,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “Hosting the State Cup will bring athletes and families from across Mississippi to Hattiesburg while showcasing Tatum Park, our hospitality and the community partnerships that continue to strengthen our position as a premier sports destination."
With 3,000 hotel rooms, nearly 200 locally owned restaurants, and a central location within driving distance of much of the Southeast, Hattiesburg is well equipped to welcome large tournament crowds. The event will generate visitor spending throughout the community while highlighting Tatum Park’s 18 soccer fields and the expertise of the City’s Parks and Recreation team.
“It was a pleasure to welcome Mississippi Soccer Association leaders to Hattiesburg and showcase the facilities, hospitality, and community support that make our city an ideal location for the State Cup,” said Marlo Dorsey, CEO of Visit Hattiesburg. “This championship will bring athletes and families from across the state to our community, generate meaningful economic impact, and give us another opportunity to showcase why Hattiesburg is becoming a destination of choice for premier sporting events. We are grateful for this opportunity and proud to work alongside the City of Hattiesburg, its Parks and Recreation team, and Hattiesburg Futbol Club to welcome the State Cup on May 8–9, 2027.”
Additional information about the 2027 Mississippi Soccer Association State Cup, including participating divisions, schedules and event details, will be announced as plans are finalized.
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About Visit Hattiesburg
Visit Hattiesburg is the official destination marketing organization for Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The organization promotes the city as a premier destination for leisure travel, meetings, sports, and special events while working with community partners to strengthen the visitor experience and generate economic impact. For more information, visit https://www.visithburg.org/sports.
About Mississippi Soccer Association
Mississippi Soccer Association serves as the state governing body for soccer and supports the growth and development of the sport through programs, competitions, and resources for players, coaches, referees, and member organizations throughout Mississippi. For more information, visit https://www.mssoccer.org.
