The City of Salem has announced that the NCAA has awarded the city and its longtime partners an impressive 15 National Championship events in the coming years, including the 50th Annual Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl that will return to Salem in December 2023.
During its announcement from Indianapolis on October 14, the NCAA confirmed that along with the historic Stagg Bowl, Salem will host Division III championships in men’s and women’s soccer, women’s basketball, women’s softball, women’s lacrosse, women’s volleyball and for the first time – men’s volleyball.
“This is tremendous news for not only Salem, but the entire Virginia’s Blue Ridge Region,” says Carey Harveycutter, Salem Tourism Director. “Sporting events on all levels have been adversely affected and, in many cases, completely shut down during the pandemic. So, we are thrilled that we will have the opportunity to welcome these student-athletes and their fans back to Virginia’s Championship City in the near future.”
In April of 2017, the NCAA decided to move the Division III National Football Championship game out of Salem and play the contest at various sites around the country. Before that move, Salem had successfully hosted the annual title tilt for 25 straight years, dating back to 1993. During that stretch “The Road to Salem” became the battle cry for every Division III school across the nation.
“Bringing the Stagg Bowl back to its most recognizable venue for the game’s golden anniversary is only fitting.” says Jay Taliaferro, Salem City Manager. “Our city staff members and citizens are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure successful championships for the participants and their families. This is a big reason why we have such an outstanding track record with the NCAA and many other organizations.”
Harveycutter has been the Game Manager or Tournament Director for each of the 90 NCAA National Championship events the city has hosted since December of 1993, on both the Division II and Division III levels. Salem’s partner through all the D-III Championships has been the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. That relationship will continue with these newly announced championships and with several others that are already scheduled.
The ODAC and the state-of-the-art Cregger Center at Roanoke College are set to host the 2021 Women’s Division III Basketball championship next March. In addition, Division III Softball and Women’s Division III Lacrosse also will be back in Salem in 2021 and 2022 at the Moyer Complex and Roanoke College’s Kerr Stadium.
“When we can bring championships of this caliber to campus it helps spread the good name of Roanoke College and give visitors a look at our great institution,” said Scott Allison, Roanoke College Athletic Director. “It takes a team effort, and we couldn’t do this without the City of Salem and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.”
In addition, Kerr Stadium will host the Women’s Division II Lacrosse Championship in 2021. Ferrum College will host the 2023 Wrestling Championship at the Berglund Center.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity for Ferrum College to host the Division III Men’s Wrestling National Championships again in 2023.” said Ryan Riggs, Ferrum College Men’s Head Wrestling Coach. “I’m looking forward to working with the Berglund Center event staff and VBR Sports again, to make it a quality experience for the competitors, coaches and fans.”
NEWLY AWARDED NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 Stagg Bowl
2024 Women’s Volleyball
2025 Men’s Volleyball
2022, 2023, 2025 Men’s Soccer
2022, 2023, 2025 Women’s Soccer
2025, 2026 Women’s Basketball
2024, 2026 Women’s Softball
2023, 2024 Women’s Lacrosse
2023 Wrestling
