The Division II National Championship game between the University of Minnesota Duluth and the University of North Carolina-Pembroke will be the last National Championship game held in Braly Stadium until at least 2018.

The NCAA announced on Dec. 11 that Kansas City, Mo. will be the host of the championship game from 2014 to 2017.

“It was always our goal to showcase the student athletes and provide them with a true championship environment and provide them with life long memories,” said Mitch Dobbins, chairman of the Shoals National Championship Committee.

Florence has hosted the National Championship since 1985. It is the second longest period during which one city has hosted any NCAA championship in any sport. Omaha, Neb. is the only city to host a championship longer than Florence.

“We will always remember the thousands of lives that we have been able to touch, all across this country,” Dobbins said.

The Shoals area will continue to host the Division II Football Hall of Fame and the presentation of the Harlon Hill Trophy, which is presented to the Division II Football Player of the Year.

“We do plan to continue both programs in some fashion, but will need some time to determine how we will proceed,” said Jeff Hodges, the chairman of the D-II Hall of Fame and the Harlon Hill Trophy committee.