Contacts:
Lance Kettering, Springfield Sports Commission, 417-881-5300
Erik Kivett, Missouri USA Wrestling, 417-825-7739
Missouri USA Wrestling Selects Springfield for Championships
Missouri USA Wrestling has selected Springfield for the next three years of its championship events, with the first taking place in January.
The successful bid to host the events in 2024, 2025, and 2026 at the Wilson Logistics Arena resulted from a collaboration of the Springfield Sports Commission, Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.
The events will pump $3 million into the local economy over three years.
The rookie division features 700 contenders and an additional 400 wrestlers ages 6 and under. The state championship will welcome 1,100 boys and 300 girls. The freestyle and greco events will bring over 1,000 wrestlers to Springfield.
Lance Kettering, Executive Director of the Springfield Sports Commission, expressed excitement for the city’s wrestling scene.
“This is more big news for Springfield thanks to the construction of Wilson Logistics Arena,” Kettering said. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the interest in the arena. Booking three Missouri USA Wrestling events for three years is remarkable. We are excited to welcome wrestlers from all over Missouri to Springfield.”
Mark Hecquet, President/CEO of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, said booking the large sporting events for three years is a coup for the city, and he’s grateful for the relationship with the fairgrounds and Sports Commission that led to securing the events.
“We look forward to welcoming the Missouri USA Wrestling events to Springfield,” Hecquet said. “Having sporting events in Springfield benefits local businesses, including hotels, restaurants,
attractions, and retailers. It also helps keep the economy strong and creates jobs; 22,000 people in Greene County work in the hospitality industry.”
Aaron Owen, Executive Director at the Fairgrounds, is pleased the arena is fulfilling its purpose of hosting new events in Springfield.
“The Ozark Empire Fairgrounds is excited about the opportunities the Wilson Logistics Arena is providing to sports event rights holders who are looking for a home for their sports events,” Owen said. “Missouri USA Wrestling and their commitment to bring three events to the arena for a three-year term is outstanding news. These events bring thousands of guests to Springfield, and we look forward to hosting their group for many years.”
State Series Tournament Director Erik Kivett with Missouri USA Wrestling commented, “We are excited to bring these events to Springfield, which will be one of the most centrally located opportunities in quite some time. We look forward to showcasing the new arena to our wrestling participants and crowning champions in the upcoming season.”
Event Schedule:
2024
Jan. 19-21 · 6U and Rookies Championships
March 8-10 · Boys State Championships
March 30 · Girls State Championships
May 3-5 · Freestyle and Greco Championships
2025
Jan. 17-19 · 6U and Rookies Championships
March 7-9 · Boys & Girls State Championships
May 2-4 · Freestyle and Greco Championships
2026
Jan. 16-18 · 6U and Rookies Championships
March 13-15 ·Boys & Girls State Championships
May 1-3 · Freestyle and Greco Championships