Reduced Capacity Expected; Season Culminates With Playoffs in Detroit

CHICAGO (February 3, 2021) – The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) today announced the 2021 spring season will begin with a tournament April 13-25 in Chattanooga, Tenn. Following the tournament, the nine teams will play a home and away competition culminating in playoffs at Keyworth Stadium in Detroit. The Spring Champion will then play Fall Champion Detroit City FC for the 2021 title.

While NISA will continue to follow its successful COVID return-to-play protocol, it is expected reduced capacity will be allowed at Chattanooga’s 20,412-seat W. Max Finley Stadium. Attendance for season and playoffs matches will be determined by clubs following their state guidelines.

"NISA has had an amazing off-season, so far, but we can’t wait to see our member clubs back on the pitch,” says NISA Commissioner John Prutch. “We are excited to welcome Maryland Bobcats FC as well as welcome back both San Diego 1904 and Stumptown Athletic (Charlotte/Matthews, NC).

“We also are excited at the prospect of welcoming back supporters to the stands,” he adds. “They are the ingredient we all sorely missed last fall. To include them in the NISA experience and to protect the full slate of club participants, we will continue to listen to the experts and take every COVID safety measure available.”

NISA members participating in the tournament include California United Strikers FC, Los Angeles Force , San Diego 1904 FC, Detroit City FC, Michigan Stars FC, Chattanooga FC, Maryland Bobcats FC, New Amsterdam FC and Stumptown Athletic. The New York Cosmos last week announced a pause in operations.

Phase 1: Cup/Tournament Play: April 13 – 25 (Chattanooga)

• Three groups of three clubs
• Culminates with a final
• Winner secures first semifinal spot in playoffs

Phase 2: Home & Away: May 1 – June 27

• Each club plays eight matches (four home and four away)
• Table winner secures second semifinal spot in playoffs

Phase 3: Playoffs & Final: June 30 – July 3 (Detroit)

• Semifinal: Wednesday, June 30
• Final: Saturday, July 3

Broadcast and streaming information will be announced at a later date.