Colorado Springs to host first-ever World Lacrosse championship, primary Olympic qualifier in 2027

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado Springs will host the 2027 World Lacrosse Sixes Championships, which serve as the primary qualifier for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

This is the first World Lacrosse championship in the sixes, according to World Lacrosse. World Lacrosse is the International Olympic Committee recognized international governing body for lacrosse and oversees the growth of the sport worldwide, according to their website.

Colorado Springs, aptly known as Olympic City, houses the headquarters for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee as well as more than 50 national sports organizations.

"Few places in the world embody the Olympic spirit like Colorado Springs," World Lacrosse CEO Jim Scherr said in a press release. "As we prepare for lacrosse's return to the Olympic Games in 2028, it is only fitting that the first-ever sixes championships and our primary Olympic qualifier will take place in Olympic City USA."

Officials say this event is the first major Olympic qualification event hosted in the city in recent history.

According to officials, the event will take place Oct. 4-10, 2027 at Weidner Field in downtown Colorado Springs. 16 men's and 16 women's national teams will compete to represent Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Pan-America. Organizers say five of the six Olympic spots will be determined over the seven-day event.

"Our community has a long tradition of embracing international sport, and we look forward to welcoming athletes and visitors from around the globe to experience everything Colorado Springs has to offer," Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade said in a press release.

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