Des Moines Lands NAIA Wrestling Championships

Catch Des Moines along with Grand View University will host and execute the 2018 & 2019 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Wrestling Championships. The championships will bring in 210 wrestlers from across the United States to compete at the Iowa State Fairgrounds Jacobson Exhibition Center on March 2-3, 2018 and March 1-2, 2019. 

“We are pleased to see the NAIA Wrestling Championships return to Des Moines,” says Greg Edwards, President and CEO of Catch Des Moines. “With a rich wrestling history in the state and a long-standing tradition of executing successful wrestling events in the metro, we look forward to providing a first-class experience for athletes and fans.” 

“We’re definitely excited to have the NAIA championships back in our home city,” says Nick Mitchell, Head Wrestling Coach of Grand View University. “Des Moines will offer athletes a great facility and an exciting atmosphere to compete in.”

Des Moines first hosted the NAIA Wrestling National Championships back in 2012 and 2013, drawing thousands of attendees each year.

“We’re excited to partner again with the Greater Des Moines CVB for the NAIA Wrestling National Championships,” said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. “Between the strong tradition of wrestling in the state of Iowa and the terrific job that Des Moines did with the 2012 and 2013 championships, I have no doubts that it will be a great experience for our student-athletes, coaches and fans.”

For more information on NAIA or the wrestling championships visit www.naia.org.

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, the parent organization of the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to market the region as a visitor destination increasing economic growth and enhancing the visitor experience. The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission represent the following municipalities: Altoona, Ankeny, Bondurant, Clive, Des Moines, Grimes, Indianola, Johnston, Perry, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Polk County, Urbandale, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights.