Racine in 2018 - USAFL Nationals Head to Wisconsin

The 2018 USAFL National Championships will be held in Racine, Wisconsin, to take place the weekend of October 13-14.  The host ground will be the SCORe Complex (Soccer Complex of Racine and Franksville).

The selection of the site was based on field availability, location incentives and, most importantly, club feedback.

Racine and the SCORe Complex are no stranger to Aussie Rules Football, as this will be the third USAFL event to be held there.

“I would like to personally thank the Real Racine, Racine County Convention and Visitors Bureau for their continued support over the years,” stated USAFL Operations Manager, Doren James.  “Racine hosted the Central Regional Tournament in 2015 and extended great hospitality to the Freedom and Liberty during their training camp in 2016. We're excited to be able to announce that our National Championships will travel to Racine for the first time!”

Nestled on the banks of Lake Michigan, Racine is located 25 miles south of Milwaukee, and about 60 miles north of Chicago.  It is noted for its Historic District, which includes the Badger Building, Chauncey Hall, and historic Horlick Field, home of the Racine Belles of the AAGPBL.  The city is also famous for its kringle, a circular pastry described as cross between a Danish and a Scandinavian pretzel.

Local logistics of the tournament will be organized by Real Racine, the city’s visitors bureau, who host a plethora of different events during the course of the year.

“Real Racine is not only proud to host the USAFL Nationals, we are beyond excited to have such an incredible group of athletes in Racine County,” said Real Racine Event Director, Cari Greving.  “I know that the Racine Area Soccer Association, with its expansive SCORe Soccer Complex, will be the perfect venue for such a nationally-renowned sporting event.

“We anticipate much more than simply high-level field of play during this October tournament. These athletes will bring hundreds of visitors to Racine County. They will experience our restaurants, our nightlife, our hospitality, and the eager and friendly atmosphere of a community in the midst of extraordinary development.”

USAFL President Seb Aguiari reiterated the logistical advantages of having the tournament in Racine, including the assistance from locals in helping with event operations during the course of the weekend.

“One of the things that impressed us about our previous visits to Racine has been the large number of volunteers that have been provided to us by Real Racine,” said Aguiari.  “Volunteers are the backbone of Nationals, and the significant pool of helpers will help spur the success of this year’s tournament.”

Features of the SCORe Complex include restrooms, a kitchen, and onsite medical assistance provided by Wheaton-Franciscan Health.  SCORe also features a 350 vehicle parking lot, which will be free of charge.  These and other logistics for the weekend are the result of feedback from members following last year’s Nationals in San Diego.

“I want to thank the members of the USAFL for promptly letting us know what worked at Nationals and what needs to be improved for this year, and for the future,” said Aguiari.

The USAFL National Championships is the largest Australian Football tournament in the world, with 4 men's divisions, 2 women's divisions, a juniors clinic, multiple development programs, seminars and over 1,000 athletes competing in over 60 games in one action packed weekend.

More details, including accommodation, will be released as the tournament draws near.  For inquiries and more information, please e-mail operations@usafl.com.