WICHITA, Kan.—Wichita will continue its run as host city for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Men’s Wrestling National Championship through 2028, following an agreement extension with Visit Wichita and Heartland Credit Union Arena.
The extension marks the ninth consecutive year the Wichita area will host the national championship, continuing a partnership that began in 2020. The 2027 event will feature both the NAIA Men’s and Women’s Wrestling National Championships at Heartland Credit Union Arena. The men’s championship is scheduled for March 4-6, followed by the women’s championship March 12-13.
“Visit Wichita has been an outstanding partner in helping us deliver a first-class championship experience for our wrestlers, coaches and fans,” says Austin Bennett, NAIA vice president of championships. “Their commitment to creating memorable Championship Moments for our student-athletes, combined with the quality of Heartland Credit Union Arena and the support of the local community, makes Wichita an excellent home for this event. We’re excited to continue this partnership through 2028.”
The NAIA Men’s Wrestling National Championship brings together hundreds of collegiate wrestlers from across the country to compete for national titles in 10 weight classes. The event also attracts coaches, families, and fans to the Wichita area, generating business for local hotels, restaurants, and other establishments.
“We’re proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the NAIA and welcome the Men’s Wrestling National Championship back to the Wichita area through 2028,” says Josh Howell, vice president of sports development at Visit Wichita. “Having hosted this championship since 2020, we’ve built a strong relationship with the NAIA and demonstrated our ability to deliver an outstanding experience for student-athletes, coaches and fans. This extension reflects the confidence the NAIA has in our community, our facilities and our commitment to hosting championship-caliber sporting events.”
Wichita has also expanded its relationship with the NAIA through women’s wrestling. Visit Wichita and Heartland Credit Union Arena hosted the NAIA Women’s Wrestling National Championship for the first time in 2025 and again in 2026.
For more information about sporting events in Wichita, or bringing an event to the city, go to visitwichita.com/sports.
