Pop Warner-Youth Football-Youth Cheer

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19

Feb, 2026

Pop Warner Extends Championship Stay in Charlotte Through 2027 After Successful Debut

Pop Warner Little Scholars, the nation’s leading youth football and cheerleading organization, today announced it will extend its partnership with Charlotte, North Carolina, as the host city for the Pop Warner Super Bowl and Cheer & Dance Nationals through 2027.

The decision follows the overwhelming success of Charlotte’s first year hosting the Pop Warner National Championships in 2025, which attracted more than 45,000 youth athletes, coaches, and spectators from across the United States and provided a significant economic boost to the region.

The 2025 Pop Warner Championships featured the annual Pop Warner Super Bowl, Cheer & Dance Nationals, and two new national events, the Crown Classic Flag Football Tournament presented with NFL FLAG, and the Queen City Crown Open Cheer & Dance competition. The week brought more than 700 teams from around the country to Charlotte. Approximately 90 percent of participants traveled from out of state, filling an estimated 90 hotels and supporting local businesses citywide.

The 2026 and 2027 Pop Warner Championship Weeks will again showcase premier competition at the state-of-the-art Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews and the 600,000-square-foot Charlotte Convention Center.

“Charlotte proved to be an outstanding host for our Championships, offering world-class facilities, top-notch hospitality, and an incredible atmosphere that made the week unforgettable for our athletes and their families,” said Steve Strawbridge, Pop Warner president & CEO. “We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Visit Charlotte and bring another exciting championship experience to the Queen City.”

“We’re proud to deepen the partnership that began with Pop Warner’s debut in Charlotte,” said TK Knight, Executive Director of Visit Charlotte. “Welcoming thousands of young athletes and their families back to our community reflects the hospitality that defines our city, from venues and volunteers to the businesses and neighbors who help create memorable experiences. This championship week brings meaningful economic and community impact and reflects the collaboration and care that make Charlotte a place people want to return to.”

“At FCS, we’re proud to support impactful events like the Pop Warner Championships, and we couldn’t be more excited by the results of our first year in Charlotte,” said Steve Hogan, CEO of Florida Citrus Sports (FCS). “The Queen City set a strong foundation with its debut, and we look forward to raising the bar once again as the Championships return in 2026 and 2027.”

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Pop Warner Little Scholars YOUR FUTURE BEGINS HERE!

News Detail

19

Feb, 2026

Pop Warner Extends Championship Stay in Charlotte Through 2027 After Successful Debut

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