Macon-Bibb Named Official Practice Site for LA Football Club Ahead of FIFA Club World Cup
On Tuesday, June 3, Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller announced that the city has been selected as the official practice site for the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) as they prepare to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer in Atlanta. The announcement was made before a crowd of about 100 people gathered in Mercer University’s Heritage Hall, alongside representatives from Mercer University, Visit Macon, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
LAFC secured their spot in the Club World Cup after a dramatic win against Club America on May 31. Their first match in the tournament will be against Chelsea Football Club on June 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
“We are excited to make Macon and Mercer University our home away from home during the Club World Cup,” said LAFC Co-President and General Manager John Thorrington. “We want to thank Mercer and the entire Macon-Bibb County community for your enthusiasm and support. We are looking forward to seeing you soon.”
Mercer University Athletic Director Jim Cole expressed pride in hosting LAFC, stating, “This partnership reflects our continued commitment to excellence and our ability to support world-class organizations. It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase our campus, our people, and the strength of our community on a global platform.”
Daniel Tate, Mercer University Deputy Athletic Director, also commented on the honor: “Being selected as a training site for the FIFA Club World Cup is an incredible opportunity for Mercer University and the city of Macon. It’s a rare chance to welcome one of the world’s top clubs to our campus and showcase all that our university and community have to offer.”
Visit Macon President and CEO Gary Wheat added, “We welcome the Club and its fans to Macon to showcase our destination to the world. This partnership with Mercer University and Macon-Bibb County highlights the region’s growing reputation in sports tourism.”
Mayor Miller followed up the announcement with even more news: “Thanks to months of work by Mercer and Visit Macon, Macon has been approved as a practice site for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will host matches in Atlanta next summer. While we have not yet been matched with a team, we want everyone to turn out this summer to welcome LAFC as part of our community.”
Jay Markwalter, Statewide Tourism Director for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, praised Macon’s efforts, saying, “Mayor Miller’s dedication to tourism and destination development has been unmatched. His leadership has helped raise Macon-Bibb’s profile in sports and tourism statewide.”
In recent years, Macon-Bibb and Visit Macon, in partnership with local organizations, have invested heavily in sports infrastructure. Improvements include upgrades to neighborhood recreation centers, Coliseum facilities, new softball and baseball fields at Carolyn Crayton Park, and the opening of Rhythm and Rally, the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility.
These investments have drawn increasing state and national attention, supporting events like Macon Area Tennis Association tournaments, Mercer University athletics, Macon Bacon baseball, Macon Mayhem hockey, and various state high school championships.
The presence of LAFC this summer and the upcoming World Cup practice site designation are expected to further boost Macon-Bibb’s reputation as a growing hub for sports and tourism in Georgia.
