(LEXINGTON, Ky.) — The Kentucky High School Athletic Association announced Tuesday that its 2025 boys’ and girls’ soccer state championship finals will take place at the Lexington Sporting Club’s newly completed stadium on November 1.
The championships will be held at the LSC facility located at 200 Shives Drive in Lexington, marking a significant milestone for both the KHSAA and the local soccer community. The decision comes after more than a year of negotiations between the Association and various local stakeholders.
Collaborative Effort Brings Championships to Lexington
The KHSAA worked closely with Mayor Linda Gorton, the Urban County Council, the Lexington-Fayette County government, VisitLex, and LSC owner Bryan Brooks and his staff to secure the venue for the prestigious event.
“We try, where possible, feasible and affordable, to place our final events in our state’s prime facilities,” said KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett. “That is especially difficult in the fall when almost all of our colleges and universities are using their facilities nearly full-time for events and activities by their own students, especially with soccer and volleyball, and with the tremendous limitations on needed space, such as parking, while school is in session.”
Tackett emphasized that while the KHSAA maintains strong relationships with member school systems for regular competition venues, hosting championships at specialized facilities can provide an enhanced experience for student-athletes.
LSC Owner Expresses Pride in Hosting Role
Stephen Dawahare, owner of the Lexington Sporting Club, said the opportunity to host the state finals represents more than just a prestigious event for the facility.
“Hosting the KHSAA Soccer State Finals at our stadium is more than an honor; it’s a testament to our commitment to growing the game in Kentucky,” Dawahare said. “From youth development to high school excellence, we’re dedicated to creating opportunities that elevate soccer at every level. This event unites communities across the Commonwealth, and we’re proud to provide a stage worthy of their passion and achievement.”
Supporting Local High School Soccer
The LSC has demonstrated its commitment to Kentucky soccer beyond just hosting the state finals. The facility offers professional men’s and women’s teams alongside development clubs for high school and younger athletes. The organization has worked extensively with local coaches to create pathways for students to participate in developmental programs without compromising their high school eligibility.
This commitment extends to regular support of high school soccer, with the stadium hosting regular season games throughout the year. The facility’s dedication to prep soccer will be on display again with an upcoming matchup between Henry Clay and Paul Laurence Dunbar high schools.
The November 1 state finals will showcase Kentucky’s top high school soccer talent in a professional-caliber venue, continuing the KHSAA’s tradition of providing premier championship experiences for student-athletes across the Commonwealth.