Major League Quidditch Championship Returning to Maryland
Howard County will serve as host site for the 2022 event
Posted On: February 18, 2022 By :Major League Quidditch has announced that the 2022 MLQ Championship will be hosted in Howard County, Maryland, on August 20–22 in partnership with Visit Howard County.
Howard County hosted the 2021 MLQ Championship. This year’s season-ending event will feature the 12 best teams from across the U.S. and Canada at Troy Park in Elkridge, Maryland.
“With the success of last year’s tournament in the rearview, it’s gratifying to welcome back the MLQ Championship to Howard County,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “Our exceptional recreation facilities, warm hospitality, and engaged business community make Howard County an unmatched location for a variety of tournaments and events. It was wonderful to see so many young people competing and so many families watching from the stands. Our entire community is looking forward to another magical weekend.”
Founded in 2015, MLQ is home to 16 franchises that compete in three geographic divisions from June to August. The MLQ Championship is the league’s marquee event and features three competitions in one: the Benepe Cup, the Next Gen Showcase and Take Back the Pitch.
The Benepe Cup, named for real-life quidditch founder and former US Quidditch Chief Executive officer Alex Benepe, is the conclusion for the summer-long season. The Next Gen Showcase is a competition featuring the practice squad athletes from across the league. Monday’s Take Back the Pitch event showcase challenges the current understanding of gender in quidditch and opens opportunities for gender diverse athletes to play quidditch.
All games will be played simultaneously on two fields over a two-day tournament and will be streamed to fans around the world.
“Winning the bid for this annual tournament two years in a row is a testimony to our welcoming environment, pristine fields, ample parking, and first rate accommodations,” said Director of Howard County Recreation and Parks A. Raul Delerme. “This event brings a joyful atmosphere that my entire staff enjoys.”
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