Multi-Divisional Wrestling Championships Makes Debut

For the first time ever in Des Moines, catch 76 wrestling teams at the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s (NWCA) 2014 Cliff Keen National Dual Meet Championships, January 11 and 12, at Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Events Center. This unique event will include 1,200 wrestlers and five divisions of wrestling action, including NCAA Division I, II and III, plus NAIA, Junior College and Women—each competing for a National Championship.

 “The community is needed to showcase our city’s passion and support for wrestling,” said Vicki Comegys, Vice President of Sales, Sports and Services at the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Des Moines Area Sports Commission.

 “These high-caliber athletes, coaches and fans will be extremely visible throughout Greater Des Moines this weekend. It takes the support of locals—hoteliers and restaurants, attractions and transportation partners—to truly welcome this crew,” Comegys adds.

Greater Des Moines has a storied history of embracing wrestling. In 2013 alone, Des Moines hosted seven major wrestling events, including:

• NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, March 2013

• NJCAA National Wrestling Championships, February 2013

• NAIA Wrestling National Championship, March 2013

• Iowa High School Boys State Dual Team Wrestling, February 2013

• Iowa High School Boys State Wrestling Tournament, February 2013

• Iowa AAU Kids State Folkstyle Wrestling Championships, February 2013

• AAU Middle School Wrestling Duals, April 2013

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to host this event in Des Moines,” said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. “The wrestling tradition in Iowa is fantastic and the local area has so much to offer to the participating teams and the fans.  We would like to thank the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau for agreeing to be a host location for this prestigious event.”

Tickets for the Championships are $40 for adults and $20 for children, and can be purchased at the door. For more information, visit nwcaonline.com.

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote Greater Des Moines as a fun, vibrant and affordable destination statewide, nationally and internationally. Our focus increases visitors to our community through meetings, conventions, sports events, leisure travel, and group tours, thereby contributing to the local economy.