Tourism Cedar Rapids Press Release

Cedar Rapids  Tourism Office

NCAA DII Wrestling Hits the Mat, March 10-11

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Cedar Rapids Tourism and Upper Iowa University are pleased to welcome the National Collegiate Athletic Association DII Wrestling Championships to the Alliant Energy PowerHouse on March 10-11, 2023. 180 student-athletes from across the country will hit the mats in downtown Cedar Rapids to compete for a national title.

“The Division II Wrestling Committee is looking forward to bringing this event back to Cedar Rapids and greatly appreciates the support from the community,” says Aaron King, Assistant Director, Championships and Alliances with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

"We are excited and proud to be hosting the 2023 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships on March 10-11 in collaboration with Cedar Rapids Tourism," said Upper Iowa's Vice President for Athletics, Rick Hartzell. "We are looking forward to showcasing not only the sport of wrestling, but the great people and personalities of Iowa, as we put together an epic event for all involved."

Upper Iowa and Cedar Rapids have teamed up to host three NCAA Division II Championships in the last thirteen years including the 2008 and 2018 NCAA DII Wrestling and 2013 NCAA DII Women's Volleyball. Following their first joint effort, UIU was awarded the Duane Kramer Sports Tourism Award in 2008 for hosting an event that attracted a significant number of visitors to the Cedar Rapids area. Additionally, Cedar Rapids also hosted the NCAA DIII Wrestling Championships in 2016 and 2022 all at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse.

“We are beyond thrilled to continue our partnership with the NCAA and Upper Iowa University. The City of Cedar Rapids and the dedication from our local hospitality partners truly make these events possible and lead to big wins for our local community,” says Jay Fanta, Director of Sports Tourism with the Cedar Rapids Tourism Office.

Tickets are currently available at https://www.creventslive.com/events/2023/ncaa-dii-wrestling-championships