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College Women's Soccer Final Four Moved To San Jose

SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- The women's college soccer Final Four was moved from North Carolina to San Jose Friday in response to a state law that curbed anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, the NCAA announced Friday.

The NCAA had announced earlier this year that it was relocating all championship tournament games scheduled to take place in North Carolina after Gov. Pat McCrory signed a bill that nullified ordinances establishing anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The NBA announced in January that it was moving its 2017 All-Star Game out of Charlotte also in response to the state law.

In a statement the NCAA Board of Governors said: "N.C.A.A. championships and events must promote an inclusive atmosphere for all college athletes, coaches, administrators and fans. Current North Carolina state laws make it challenging to guarantee that host communities can help deliver on that commitment."

North Carolina's loss became San Jose's gain on Friday.

The West Coast Conference partnered with the San Jose Sports Authority and Avaya Stadium to earn the bid. The games will be played Avaya Stadium -- hope of professional soccer's San Jose Earthquakes.

"Avaya Stadium is proud to host this unique and exciting tournament," said Earthquakes President Dave Kaval. "The College Cup is a showcase of the best amateur talent in the nation and adds to the impressive guest list Avaya Stadium has hosted, including national teams and world-renowned European clubs. We believe bringing the Women's College Cup to San Jose is a tremendous opportunity for our community."

It marks the fourth time the Women's College Cup makes its way to the Bay Area, and first time in 16 years, as it was previously held at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara in 1996 and Spartan Stadium in San Jose in 1999 and 2000.

"We are honored to have been selected by the NCAA and the Women's Soccer Committee to host the Women's College Cup this December" said San Jose Sports Authority Executive Director Patricia Ernstrom. "Together with our partners at the West Coast Conference and the San Jose Earthquakes we are excited to present a world-class experience for the participating student-athletes and everyone attending the Championship at Avaya Stadium."

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