Visit Wichita Selected to Continue as Host to NAIA Men's Wrestling National Championships

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has selected Visit Wichita to host their 2023, 2024 and 2025 Men’s Wrestling National Championships at Hartman Arena. Visit Wichita hosted the championships in 2020, 2021 and 2022, bringing hundreds of athletes to the region resulting in nearly $800,000 in estimated local economic impact each year the event is hosted in Wichita.

“We are pleased to continue holding the men’s wrestling championship in Wichita, Kansas,” said Austin Bennett, NAIA Director of Championships. “Visit Wichita has been an outstanding host for the championship and excels at organizing a fantastic student-athlete experience.”

The 2023 championship will take place, March 3-4, at Hartman Arena and will be open to the public. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through Hartman Arena’s ticketing site.

“We are excited to once again bring this national event to the Heart of the Country for three more years,” said Josh Howell, vice president of sports development at Visit Wichita. “The event brings in competitors from all over the country, boosting local economic impact, is broadcast live on ESPN3 and is also a great opportunity for local and regional wrestling fans to enjoy two days of top-notch wrestling right here in the Wichita area.”

The NAIA Men’s Wrestling National Championship is comprised of approximately 280 student-athletes from 61 schools across the country that compete in a 32-man, double elimination championship bracket at 10 weight classes. The event begins with eight mats and breaks down to one on championship night on Saturday evening, which is broadcast live on ESPN3. 

"The KCAC is thrilled to see the NAIA Men's Wrestling Championships continue at Hartman Arena in Park City under the direction of Visit Wichita,” said Scott Crawford, commissioner at Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. “This venue has proven to be ideal for this national championship and has a significant economic impact on the Greater Wichita community. I appreciate all parties working together to see this partnership continues for an additional three years and hope it can develop into a long-lasting arrangement here in Wichita.".