Here’s something worth cheering about: NAIA is seeking bids for its Competitive Cheer and Dance National Championships in 2026 and 2027.
Full information is available on NAIA’s site at this link.
Rights Fee: $5,000 (Minimum)
Dates: March 27-28, 2026; March 26-27, 2027 (Friday to Saturday)
Athlete Information:
- 12 dance teams (maximum of 16 competitors on each team)
- 15 cheer teams (maximum of 20 competitors on each team)
Estimated Number of Participants & Fans:
- 500 athletes (competitors, alternates, head/assistant coaches)
- Approximately 2,000 fans
Materials you’ll need:
NAIA Championship Host Manual & Style Guide
Venue needs are as follows:
- Arena with bowl or raised seating. Floor space should be large enough to accommodate cheer matting (see below).
- Cheer must have nine (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 specifications are as follows:
- One headquarters hotel within 15 minutes of the venue; should have 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 average stay per attendee is two nights.
- Room Block: 250
- Room rate range of $99-$135, regardless of room occupancy
- Participants will work directly with the hotel to make reservations and submit payment.
Event History:
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
All bids are due on or by June 1, 2024 to Fred Aubuchon, Championship Sport Manager | 816-595-8339 | faubuchon@naia.org (Questions can also be directed here.)