Youth Soccer National Championship becomes economic driver for Utah County

PROVO, Utah — The US Youth Soccer National Championships have descended on Utah Valley, turning Epic Sports Park into the largest event the venue has ever hosted. Organizers say more than 4,000 players are competing across 287 teams, with the games played at Epic’s fields in Utah County over the next ten days. 

We spoke with Abby Owens of Explore Utah Valley, who said the event has filled hotels across the region and brought a flood of visitors to local restaurants, shops and the Provo Airport, where welcome signage greets teams arriving for their stay. 

“It’s the biggest thing we’ve ever hosted,” Owens said. “It’s the largest event yet for Epic Sports Park.” 

The championship’s growth is partly the product of pursuing bigger events and aiming high. It doesn’t get any bigger than going up against Disney.  Owens was part of a team that brought the championships from Orlando to Provo. 

“Just to see what we could do,” Owens recalled of the visit to Orlando, where she and others met with CEOs and event managers. The goal, she said, was to elevate Epic Sports Park to a level that could compete with Disney World, “if not better,” she noted with a wink about the lofty aim.

The move to Utah is already reshaping the landscape. Epic Sports Park operates 15 fields, with expectations of expansion as development continues.  Fans and players aren’t just looking at the fields. Owens points out that organizers can track the event’s true economic footprint, hotel room bookings, dining, gear purchases and other spending all tied to the teams’ stay. She cites a figure that might astonish some: a $16 million economic impact for hosting the event in the area. 

“We are able to track where people are staying and where they’re spending,” she said. “That kind of data is hard to dispute and shows that this event can be a real economic engine for the region.” 

Teams come from across the United States—Minnesota, Texas, Oklahoma, New York and beyond—many turning the trip into a family vacation. Owens says the resort-like experience isn’t just about games; it’s about showing visitors a Utah Valley that isn’tjust a college town but a hub for outdoor recreation, dining and new discoveries. 

“The mountain backdrop, outdoor activities, more than 70 local restaurants—people are leaving with more than a trophy; they’re taking back a piece of Utah,” she said. 

Even beyond this year, organizers are optimistic about Utah County’s role in national sports tourism. Owens stresses that the event’s measurable impact—and the interest from clients and families—has underscored Utah Valley’s viability as a premier sports destination. 

“People are discovering Provo and Utah County,” she said. “This is a big deal for us, and we’re excited to keep it going.”