Got indoor facilities? (Of course you do.) Ready to host a sport that will garner spectators and media attention, plus bring in a lot of great athletes at the collegiate level? The NAIA is looking for a home for its 2026 and 2027 Competitive Cheer and Dance National Championships.
Deadline for all proposals is June 1, 2024.
Attendance Numbers: The events are expected to bring in as follows:
- 12 dance teams (maximum of 16 competitors on each team)
- 15 cheer teams (maximum of 20 competitors on each team)
- 500 athletes (competitors, alternates, head/assistant coaches)
- Approximately 2,000 fans
When: The competitions are Friday and Saturday across these dates:
- March 27-28, 2026
- March 26-27, 2027
Facility Needs: Arena with bowl or raised seating. Floor space should be large enough to accommodate cheer matting (see below).
Cheer must have 9 strips carpeted matting equaling 42 feet x 54 feet (1 3/8 inch thick).
Dance should have a wood or marley floor with dimensions 40 feet x 53 feet. A separate warm-up space must be provided that is located in the same venue.
An area for officials must be located without interruption from spectators and above the performance area.
The competition floor and warm-up area must have appropriate lighting, visible timers and proper sound equipment.
Spectator seating must be provided for a minimum of 2,000 people.
Hotel Needs: The average stay is two nights. NAIA is seeking one headquarters hotel within 15 minutes of the venue that has comfortable rooms, meeting rooms and a banquet hall. The banquet hall would potentially host a dinner for approximately 600 people. Overflow/alternate housing (1-2 hotels) for fans is also requested. The room block is 250 and price range is $99-$135, regardless of room occupancy. Participants will work directly with hotels to make their arrangements for accommodations.
Rights Fee: $5,000 (Minimum)
The RFP can be found at this link. The NAIA Host Manual and Style Guide can be downloaded here. The NAIA Championship Host Brochure can be found at this link.
Previous Hosts:
- 2022-23: Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center; Ypsilanti, Michigan
- 2019-21: Lee Lohman Arena, St. Ambrose University; Davenport, Iowa
- 2017-18: Abe Lemons Arena, Oklahoma City University; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Need more information? Contact:
Fred Aubuchon, Championship Sport Manager
816-595-8339
faubuchon@naia.org
Information on this RFP, and on other upcoming championship opportunities, can be found here.
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