“Ladies and gentleman…. Team Macon-Bibb… join me in standing shoulder to shoulder with the Los Angeles Football Club,” Mayor Lester Miller announced to a gathering of about 100 people in Mercer University’s Heritage Hall on Tuesday, June 3rd.

He was standing alongside representatives from Mercer University, Visit Macon, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development to announce that Macon-Bibb had been selected as the Los Angeles Football Club’s (LAFC) practice site as they prepare to compete in FIFA’s Club World Cup in Atlanta this summer. LAFC made it into the Club World Cup after a thrilling victory over Club America on Saturday, May 31. LAFC’s first opponent will be the Chelsea Football Club on Monday, June 16, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

“We are proud to welcome LAFC to Mercer University and the city of Macon. This partnership reflects our continued commitment to excellence and our ability to support world-class organizations,” said Mercer University Athletic Director Jim Cole. “It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase our campus, our people, and the strength of our community on a global platform.”

“Being selected as a training site for the FIFA Club World Cup is an incredible honor for Mercer University and the city of Macon. It’s a rare opportunity to welcome one of the world’s top clubs to our campus and showcase all that our university and community have to offer,” said Daniel Tate, Mercer University Deputy Athletic Director. “We’re proud to be part of such a global event and excited for what this moment means for Middle Georgia.”

"Visit Macon is excited to partner with Mercer University and Macon-Bibb County to serve as host and home for LA Football Club during the FIFA Club Championships," said President/CEO of Visit Macon Gary Wheat. "We welcome the Club and its fans to Macon to showcase our destination to the world."

The good news did not stop there; Mayor Miller went on to announce another exciting bit of news.

"Thanks to months and months of work by Mercer and Visit Macon, Macon has been approved as a practice site for next summer’s World Cup, which is also hosting games in Atlanta," said Mayor Miller. "We have yet to be matched with a team, so I want to make sure we all turn out this summer to welcome the LAFC as part of our community."

“Gary Wheat and his team are always strategically driving awareness and visitation,” said Jay Markwalter, Statewide Tourism Director for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Mayor Lester Miller, his dedication to tourism and destination development has been unmatched in his first four years. Mayor Miller has been recognized as a leader in visionary tourism related projects, including sports.”

In the past four years, Macon-Bibb and Visit Macon – along with partners – have greatly improved neighborhood recreation centers, upgraded the facilities at the Coliseum, created new softball and baseball fields in Carolyn Crayton Park, and opened Rhythm and Rally, the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility. Already, those investments are attracting state and national interest, bringing more people to play their chosen sport in Macon-Bibb County.

In addition to these efforts, other sports continue to draw people from around the state and region, including Macon Area Tennis Association tournaments, Mercer Athletics, the Macon Bacon, the Macon Mayhem, state high school championships, and more.

You can watch it here.