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It’s that magical time of 12 months once more: The air is (barely) much less humid, the odor of charcoal grills and damaged goals fills the Saturday sky, and in the event you shut your eyes and pay attention exhausting sufficient…you possibly can nearly hear Lee Corso mumbling, “Not so quick, my good friend,” as he places an enormous duck head on his physique.
Sure, school soccer season is again, and for short-term rental traders, meaning one factor: Recreation day bookings.
There isn’t a substitute for the vitality of a faculty city on a soccer weekend. We’re speaking totally packed leases, premium weekend charges, and visitors who wish to depart your home through the day to allow them to scream at 19-year-olds in shoulder pads.
However which cities provide the finest probability to money in?
We ranked the highest 10 short-term rental markets for faculty soccer followers and traders utilizing a mashup of Rabbu, Mashvisor, Airbtics, and PriceLabs information. Every platform has its quirks, so as an alternative of taking part in favorites, we averaged them to clean out the noise. Since Airbtics doesn’t consider cleansing charges, we bumped their income projections by 20% to maintain issues apples-to-apples. Your market’s cleansing price could also be larger or decrease, so modify accordingly.
We then layered in STR yield potential (annual income divided by median dwelling value), and since we aren’t soulless spreadsheets, soccer program energy. The result’s an inventory that runs from the SEC juggernauts you’ll anticipate to the sneaky Midwest moneymakers you may not.
We checked out:
How every STR market performs (ADR, occupancy, income, yield)
Which listings do finest (by bed room rely)
Rules and seasonality
Soccer workforce rankings and recruiting
And sure, which city is probably to have a visitor present up sporting physique paint and holding a crock pot
Let’s dive into the highest 10 school soccer cities the place fall Saturdays convey greater than touchdowns; they convey money move.
And Lee, in the event you’re studying this: We miss you.
Honorable Mentions
State School, PA (Penn State)
Blacksburg, VA (Virginia Tech)
Knoxville, TN (Tennessee)
Charlottesville, VA (Virginia)
East Lansing, MI (Michigan State)
Clemson, SC (Clemson)
Let’s dive into the highest 10.
10. Baton Rouge, LA (LSU Tigers)
Why it really works
Not a staggering excessive yield on paper, however LSU’s campus demand drives peak income, particularly for premium dwelling leases (4 to five bedrooms) throughout main soccer weekends and live shows. The regulatory setting is truthful, nevertheless it varies by neighborhood.
Soccer replace
LSU enters the 2025 preseason at No. 9 within the coaches ballot, after a 9-4 season. Their 2025 class ranks round No. 11 nationally, bolstered by big-time flips like Solomon Thomas (OT) and Tristen Keys (WR)
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Investor angle
Main soccer weekends carry large seize worth, even throughout low season months. Stadium leases close to campus do nicely, in the event you can abdomen the block occasion view and occasional visitors jam.
9. Bloomington, IN (Indiana College)
Why it really works
You’ll see mid-tier returns, however with constant occupancy round basketball season and soccer weekends. As well as, 3-4 bed room properties near campus carry out finest. Facilities resembling a yard, parking, and kitchen can add $5,000–$10,000 in annual income, per Rabbu.
Soccer replace
IU shocked in 2024 with an 11-win season and first-ever CFP look beneath coach Curt Cignetti, ending round No. 17 within the Manner Too Early preseason ballot and No. 23 in SP+ projections. ESPN attributes breakout success to QB Kurtis Rourke and organizational momentum. Their 2025 class ranks round mid-20s, per ESPN and 247Sports.
Investor angle
Bloomington’s soccer increase is rising. Whereas yield is modest, market upside lies in appreciation and a rising fan base.
8. Minneapolis, MN (College of Minnesota Golden Gophers)
Why it really works
Buyers benefit from the twin enchantment of city vacationers and Gophers followers, yielding sturdy occupancy and stable RevPAR. High-performing listings are usually 2 to three bedrooms, situated in downtown areas or close to the stadium.
Soccer replace
Minnesota is just not but thought-about a top-tier workforce, however ESPN FPI ranks them within the prime 50 nationally and eleventh amongst Huge Ten groups for 2025. Their recruiting class options native standouts and consists of Emmanuel Karmo (No. 26 OLB) and Bradley Martino (No. 62 WR). They’ll seemingly hover on the fringes of the highest 25 until a breakthrough occurs.
Investor angle
Successful campaigns are essential for driving weekend gross sales. Till then, the city sector retains this market ticking close to double-digit yields.
7. Athens, GA (College of Georgia Bulldogs)
Why it really works
Georgia followers are recognized for his or her in depth journey. Bulldog Nation descends on Athens for each SEC confrontation and residential sport. Probably the most worthwhile STRs listed here are usually 4 to five bedrooms, situated close to campus or downtown, which are perfect for households or alumni teams.
Soccer replace
Georgia enters the 2025 season ranked No. 2, coming off an 11-3 season as SEC Champions and Sugar Bowl contributors. Kirby Sensible—ranked as the highest coach in 2025—has constructed a stockpile of nationwide contenders. The 2025 recruiting class is expectation-laden, particularly after touchdown top-rated prospects and constantly rating within the High 5 nationally.
Investor angle
Athens, GA, isn’t simply the place titles are gained; it’s the place bookings pile up like tailgate trash after an evening sport. This city transforms into an SEC pilgrimage website six Saturdays a 12 months, and visitors aren’t pinching pennies. Whether or not it’s alumni rolling in with their grown youngsters or out-of-state followers looking for Southern attraction with walkability, Athens delivers constant demand.
6. Columbus, OH (Ohio State Buckeyes)
Income: $36,651.8
Median dwelling value: $256,012
Yield: 14.3%
ADR: $192
Occupancy: 52.3%
Why it really works
An enormous fan base ensures peak weekend demand. Properties with 3 to five bedrooms within the College District constantly ebook. Whereas the median dwelling value is average, occupancy isn’t as excessive as anticipated, and there may be tons of institutional demand, however altering rules have slowed informal STRs.
Soccer replace
Ohio State is preseason rank No. 4. They’re the defending nationwide champions after defeating Notre Dame for the title earlier this 12 months. The recruiting class and portal additions keep elite standing. Exhausting to go flawed right here.
Investor angle
Columbus is regular, however regulatory uncertainties (zoning, allow caps) complicate yields. Premium sport weekends nonetheless ship reliably, for now.
5. Louisville, KY (College of Louisville Cardinals)
Why it really works
Inexpensive properties with sturdy ADR yield stable returns, particularly 3-to 4-bedroom properties close to campus or in older neighborhoods like Highlands or Schnitzelburg. Amenity affect consists of sizzling tubs and swimming pools, including $15,000–$20,000 per 12 months.
Soccer replace
Louisville enters 2025 as an “others receiving votes” workforce simply exterior the highest 25 in a number of previews. ESPN ACC preview locations them on the bubble. Recruiting rankings place them within the mid-to-upper teenagers; ESPN’s preview class is ranked round #11 nationally, with stable large receiver additions to assist develop rising quarterback expertise.
Investor angle
Louisville is undervalued in soccer, however the STR numbers show it out. This is a balanced market with development potential if the Playing cards catch on.
4. Waco, TX (Baylor College)
Why it really works
This market affords the most cost effective entry value and substantial income, particularly in 3-4 bed room properties. In case you allow filters (washer, kitchen, pool), these properties carry out finest, per Rabbu’s amenity breakdown. Returns are predicated on softball weekends, Magnolia guests, and constant Baylor soccer.
Soccer replace
Baylor completed simply exterior 2025’s top-25 coaches ballot projections; projected mid-teens in Huge 12 rankings. Their recruiting class for 2025 is modest however competent, with a number of ESPN300 commits amongst 34 signees.
Investor angle
Waco represents the traditional excessive–yield play. It’s not SEC-level soccer demand, however STR income, mixed with secure dwelling costs, make it irresistible for traders chasing ROI.
3. Champaign, IL (College of Illinois)
Why it really works
Inexpensive properties and excessive occupancy charges end in constant bookings. Rabbu reveals that 2-bedroom listings carry out finest, however midrange 3-to-4-bedroom listings close to campus additionally provide wonderful returns. Enabling facilities like a washer, kitchen, and outside furnishings internet a $15,000–$18,000 income improve.
Soccer replace
Illinois had a breakout 12 months (10 wins, first such season in 23 years), ending the AP ballot round No. 16. Their 2025 recruiting class is labeled historic for Illinois, the most important common 247Sports ranking in program historical past, even with out ESPN 300 commits.
Investor angle
Champaign mixes momentum, affordability, and soccer turnaround vitality. Buyers keen to host between soccer weekends additionally see sturdy occupancy from March to Might.
2. Tuscaloosa, AL (College of Alabama)
Why it really works
Tuscaloosa’s ADR is fueled by Crimson Tide superfans, alumni reunions, and SEC soccer weekends that really feel extra like nationwide holidays. The best returns usually come from 4-to-6-bedroom properties inside strolling distance of Bryant-Denny Stadium, or these with massive backyards for pregame tailgates. Upscale touches, resembling outside kitchens, sizzling tubs, and ample parking, make properties much more aggressive.
Soccer replace
Alabama enters the 2025 preseason ranked No. 8. Coming off a 12-2 season and a School Soccer Playoff look, the Tide’s 2025 recruiting class is ranked #1 by ESPN, that includes an absurd 12 ESPN 300 commits. In different phrases, anticipate packed stands and excessive traveler demand for years to return.
Investor angle
This is a market the place sport days can generate “a month’s hire in a single weekend” sort of cash. The upside is gigantic in the event you can command premium charges for high-capacity properties. The trade-off is predictable: excessive seasonality exterior the soccer season, so the most effective operators lean into college occasions, graduations, and short-term midweek bookings to take care of constant income.
1. Columbia, SC (College of South Carolina Gamecocks)
Why it really works
Decrease-priced properties ($230K median) yield substantial returns, notably 3–4 bed room properties close to campus or the downtown Coliseum. Facilities like swimming pools and kitchens can considerably improve income when enabled.
Soccer replace
South Carolina wraps a 2024 season at 9-4 (5-3 in SEC), ending round No. 13 in teaching polls for 2025. Their 2025 recruiting class ranks round ESPN #20.
Investor angle
With a mid-teen recruiting class rating, average STR yield, and a rising soccer tradition, Columbia is a hidden gem for traders keen to time blocks neatly round Gamecock weekends.
Remaining Play-call: Why This Checklist Issues
Listed below are the large takeaways from this checklist:
STR yield drives wealth sooner than simply property appreciation.
Workforce efficiency (and recruiting buzz) sustains demand, even in off-seasons.
Native STR rules, seasonality, and amenity technique decide stability.
Soccer places followers on the town. And followers pay higher per evening.
In case your itemizing is round a university city with a prime 25-ish workforce, you’re not betting on luck. You’re capturing tradition, custom, and loyalty. These components flip into booked weekends and actual money move.
