Reno’s first downtown soccer tournament kicked off at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 6, on newly completed fields in the Neon Line District, marking a major step in a broader effort to bring youth sports — and the visitors who follow them — into the city’s core.
Jacobs Entertainment, partnering with Reno Apex Soccer Club, celebrated the opening weekend with company and community leaders, parents, coaches and youth athletes gathering before the first game. Games are being played on three new soccer fields throughout the weekend.
The tournament is the first major activation of the Downtown Reno Amateur Sports Association, or DRASA, a long-term initiative launched by Jacobs Entertainment to develop a multi-use youth sports program in downtown Reno that can host regional tournaments and drive visitation. The first tournament drew about 40 teams and 450 participants.
Jacobs Entertainment hosts first soccer tournament on new Neon Line District fields
“This weekend is a watershed moment not only for youth sports in Northern Nevada, but for the continued transformation of downtown Reno,” said Jeff Jacobs, chief executive officer of Jacobs Entertainment. “These fields were created to bring families, athletes and visitors together while continuing to build Reno into a true live, work and play destination. Seeing these fields filled with kids, families and teams from across the region is exactly the vision we hoped to create.”
The fields are within walking distance of J Resort and are intended to help meet demand for youth sports fields in the region while diversifying the local economy.
According to the Sports Events and Tourism Association 2026 State of the Industry report, youth and participatory sports tourism generated $60.1 billion in direct spending and $149.1 billion in total economic impact, driven by 227.6 million travelers. The research firm Halff says parents spend an average of $700 to $1,000 a month on travel, lodging and meals tied to youth sports.
“This tournament is about much more than soccer,” said Richard Jacobs, assistant director of sales and special events at J Resort. “Youth sports tourism creates real economic impact for Reno while also creating opportunities for local kids and families. We are excited to welcome visiting teams to downtown Reno and showcase everything the city continues to offer while helping drive visitation during Reno’s shoulder seasons.”
Organizers expect the grand opening weekend to draw hundreds of athletes, coaches and family members to Reno. It is also described as the first step in DRASA’s longer-term plan to eventually build up to 10-12 multi-sport fields that could host soccer, lacrosse and other youth sporting events year-round.
Jacobs Entertainment hosts first soccer tournament on new Neon Line District fields
“For years, our local soccer community has dreamed about having more high-quality fields capable of hosting regional tournaments right here in Reno,” said Randy Ritter, president and co-founder of Reno Apex Soccer Club. “This weekend is a huge accomplishment for youth sports in Northern Nevada. We are proud to partner with Jacobs Entertainment to create opportunities for local athletes while welcoming teams from outside the region to experience Reno.”
Additional tournaments and sporting events are planned throughout the year as the downtown youth sports initiative expands.
