Enter the NIRSA Championship Series national soccer lottery draw

In the upcoming weeks, the NIRSA Championship Series will kick off the 2024 soccer season with our national Open Division lottery, which will determine the teams playing in the Open Division of the National Championships, presented by Pocari Sweat. Ninety-six teams from across the country will head to Round Rock, Texas from November 21–23 for a chance to claim the title of National Champion! Twenty-four women’s teams and 24 men’s teams will qualify for the Championship Division through regional play. The 48 teams participating in the men’s and women’s Open Divisions will be determined by a lottery draw that will take place on Wednesday, October 9.

To be eligible for the Open Division lottery draw, teams must complete a team registration through Event Connect between 9:00am Eastern/6:00am Pacific on Monday, September 23 and 2:59am Eastern/11:59pm Pacific on Sunday, September 29. Universities are limited to one team per division. Teams signing up for the lottery should have travel funds in place in addition to being committed to traveling if selected.

On Wednesday, October 9, our legendary master of ceremonies—and the voice of the NIRSA Championship Series—David Peters, Senior Associate Director, Campus Recreation at Florida State University, will draw registered team names from a hat to determine the lucky 24 women’s and 24 men’s teams who will compete in the Open Divisions of this year’s tournament.

Once David has finished with the lottery draw, invitations will go out to all selected teams and each team will be given until 8:00pm Eastern/5:00pm Pacific on Wednesday, October 16 to accept and pay the entry fee to finalize their spot.

Championship Division at-large bids

The Championship Division will include 24 men’s and 24 women’s teams. Teams must secure participation in this division by qualifying. Qualifying standards are detailed on the Play website. Regional tournaments take place on the final weekend of October and the first weekend in November with universities limited to one team per division.

The lucky teams who land a spot through the lottery draw don’t need to worry about qualifying for the tournament through regional league play.

At-large bids for the Championship Division will be extended on Tuesday, November 5. Teams that are interested in being considered for at-large bids are encouraged to notify their regional coordinator by Sunday, November 3.

About Pocari Sweat

We are proud to have Pocari Sweat as a sponsor of the NIRSA National Soccer Tournament. For over 40 years, Pocari Sweat has been the go-to hydration choice for active individuals worldwide. Their advanced sports drink provides optimal hydration by closely mimicking the natural balance of water and electrolytes in the human body. With a unique blend of essential electrolytes, minerals, water, and carbohydrates, Pocari Sweat ensures faster and longer-lasting hydration compared to water alone. Whether competing or recovering, Pocari Sweat helps athletes stay hydrated and perform at their best.