Tourism Cedar Rapids Press Release

Cedar Rapids  Tourism Office

Cedar Rapids to Host NCAA National Championship Events

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The Cedar Rapids Tourism Office is pleased to announce that the NCAA has selected Cedar Rapids as the host location the following national championship events:

DIII Baseball Championships
Year: 2023
Location: Veterans Memorial Stadium

DII Wrestling Championships
Year: 2023
Location: U.S. Cellular Center

DIII Wrestling Championships
Year: 2026
Location: U.S. Cellular Center

The total visitor spending for these three events is estimated at $1.78 million.

“Upper Iowa University is thrilled by our selection for hosting the 2023 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championship in Cedar Rapids. Our partnership and past experience working with the Cedar Rapids Tourism Office made this bid process as smooth as possible, which is a testament to the outstanding people in the city of Cedar Rapids,” said Brock Wissmiller, Associate Athletic Director/Director of Athletic Development, Upper Iowa University. “The U.S. Cellular Center and DoubleTree Convention Complex provides the absolute perfect venue for this event, and that has been recognized by this selection. The Peacocks cannot wait to continue our planning with our great partners in Cedar Rapids, ensuring that we once again put on a championship event that is second to none.”

“Our conference is considered a leader in NCAA Division III, and today’s announcements only enhance that reputation.  The conference office proudly calls Cedar Rapids its hometown.  These championships will showcase all we have to offer and generate an economic and visibility boost for the length of the contracts,” said Chuck Yrigoyen, Commissioner, American Rivers Conference.

“Our goal is to continue bringing events and athletic competitions to Cedar Rapids,” said Erik Hudson, Director of Sports Tourism at the Cedar Rapids Tourism Office. “This is a great win for our community and we look forward working with Upper Iowa University and the American Rivers Conference to showcase our facilities to new visitors over the next several years.”