Fred Ammer Soccer Tournament

Each July, with the Gore Range rising in the background and alpine breezes moving across perfectly cut pitches, the Vail Valley transforms into a hub of elite soccer. The Fred Ammer Vail Invitational, a cornerstone of Colorado’s summer sports calendar, returns July 18–20, 2025, bringing together top-tier men’s and women’s teams from across the country for a weekend of high-intensity matches, mountain air, and community energy.

Known to locals and loyal teams simply as “the Fred Ammer,” this tournament is both a tribute to the sport’s deep local roots and a showcase of its future.

Who It’s For
The Fred Ammer attracts a wide mix of spectators and participants—former collegiate players, competitive club teams, sports families, and Colorado locals who’ve been attending for decades. You’ll find parents pacing the sidelines, aspiring players watching from the bleachers, and die-hard fans who return every year to see how the region stacks up against national talent.

While the event doesn’t feature celebrity appearances or musical acts, the athletes are the draw. With competitive brackets and cash prizes on the line—including $1,500 for the Men’s Gold Champion and $1,000 for both the Men’s Silver and Women’s Champions—the intensity is real and the play is world-class.

When It Happens
The 2025 tournament runs Friday, July 18 through Sunday, July 20, with matches scheduled throughout the day, typically from early morning through late afternoon. Pool play fills Friday and Saturday, while Sunday features championship games across all divisions.

Players, officials, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive Thursday for check-ins and warm-ups. Registration for teams and referees is coordinated through the Vail Recreation District Sports Department, which also oversees tournament operations.

Interested referees can email [email protected] for opportunities to officiate. Volunteers are always welcome and play a vital role in making the weekend run smoothly.

Where It Happens
Matches take place across three primary locations in the Vail Valley:

Ford Park Athletic Fields in Vail, steps from Vail Village, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, and local favorites like Vendetta’s Pizza and Yeti’s Grind

EagleVail Pavilion Fields, located near the Willow Creek Golf Course

Freedom Park in Edwards, adjacent to the Eagle River and close to dining at Main Street Grill and The Bookworm of Edwards

Each venue offers a stunning alpine setting—lush green fields framed by the Rocky Mountains and cool summer breezes that elevate both play and spectating.

Vail is easily accessible via Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), located just 30 minutes west of town. For those flying into Denver International Airport (DIA), the scenic drive along I-70 offers a direct route into the mountains with panoramic views of Colorado’s high country.

Why You Should Go
Because this is where elite soccer meets elevated experience. Where championship-level matches are played at altitude. Where post-game analysis happens over craft beers at Vail Brewing Company, and where a weekend tournament feels like a mini mountain getaway.

There’s a unique energy to the Fred Ammer—born from decades of tradition, local pride, and the shared grit of teams competing for top prizes at over 8,000 feet. Whether you’re watching with a camera or a clipboard, there’s no better place to see soccer played with passion against one of the most beautiful backdrops in the game.