CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Cedar Rapids Tourism is thrilled to announce that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has awarded Cedar Rapids two National Championships in 2027. In NCAA’s large announcement on October 2, 2024, the organization awarded locations for their 2027-2028 National Championships. The 2027 NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship and the 2027 NCAA Division II Men’s Wrestling Championship will both be held at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids, IA.
NCAA Division II Men’s Wrestling Championships
Cedar Rapids Tourism is excited to once again partner with Upper Iowa University and host the 2027 NCAA Division II Men’s Wrestling Championships on March 12-13, 2027. The two previously teamed up to host four NCAA Division II Championships in the last seventeen years including the 2008, 2018 and 2023 Men’s Wrestling Championships and the 2013 Women's Volleyball Championship.
"We are excited to share the news today that Upper Iowa University has been chosen to host the 2027 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships in Cedar Rapids," said Upper Iowa's Vice President for Athletics Rick Hartzell. "We see the NCAA's selection of Upper Iowa and Cedar Rapids as a testament to the work that we have done collectively to put together one of the finest championship weekends across all sports within the NCAA. We can't wait to begin work in the planning process with the great people at Cedar Rapids Tourism to spotlight the sport of wrestling, the proud alumni of Upper Iowa, the great people and personalities of Cedar Rapids and put on another epic event for all the student-athletes, coaches and fans involved."
NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championships
Cedar Rapids Tourism is also excited to once again team up with the America Rivers Conference (A-R-C) to host the 2027 NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship March 17-20, 2027. This is the first time any NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship has been held in Cedar Rapids. In the past, A-R-C and Cedar Rapids Tourism jointly hosted several NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships, including 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2022, as well as the NCAA Division III Baseball Championships 2019-2023.
Coming in 2026, Cedar Rapids Tourism and A-R-C will also be hosting the 2026 Division III Wrestling Championship on March 13-14, 2026 at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse.
“The A-R-C has an acclaimed record of hosting NCAA championships in baseball, women's volleyball, and wrestling, said A-R-C Commissioner Marie Stroman. “I am excited to bring the 2027 Division III women's basketball championship to Cedar Rapids to be a part of that history. Championships are a cornerstone of the work we do in the conference office; together with Cedar Rapids Tourism, we will collaborate to provide a memorable event for both participants and spectators.”
Cedar Rapids Tourism’s Director of Sports Tourism, Jay Fanta, says, “We are excited to hear Cedar Rapids has been selected to host the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships and NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championships in 2027! We are fortunate to have great host partners in Upper Iowa University and the American Rivers Conference who continue to see the value in bringing these prestigious NCAA events to Cedar Rapids and the significant impact these national events have on the community, participating student athletes and fans.”
