FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Elliott Scott
Collegiate Sports Continue Driving Impact with this Week’s Prestigious NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
KANSAS CITY, MO (March 19, 2024) – The Kansas City Sports Commission is thrilled to welcome the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships to Kansas City from March 21 through March 23 at T-Mobile Center. The tournament is one of the most coveted championships in the NCAA, bringing tens of thousands of fans from around the country to the Kansas City area.
“This is Kansas City’s second time hosting this championship and I cannot wait for NCAA staff, student athletes and fans to experience how our city rallies around sporting events,” says Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC. “Collegiate wrestling is supported by an energized and passionate fanbase who will be staying in our hotels, eating at our restaurants and supporting our local businesses. The impact of an event like this – which we’re projecting to be $20.4 million – is truly remarkable.”
The 33-man tournament is conducted through a double-elimination format, offering wrestlers a second chance even after a loss, up until the semifinal rounds. This setup culminates in the championship finals, where the finalists in each of the ten weight classes (125 pounds, 133, 141, 149, 157, 165, 174, 184, 197 and heavyweight) battle it out to be crowned national champions, while the top eight finishers are honored as All-Americans. The team champion is then determined by the cumulative points scored through victories, advancements, and bonus points throughout the competition, emphasizing both individual excellence and team effort.
“March is always a special time in Kansas City as we celebrate collegiate basketball with the Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship and MIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships,” continues Nelson. “To now host wrestling is the cherry on top – a perfect way to end an epic month of sports.”
The NCAA DI Wrestling Championships will include six sessions, beginning on Thursday, March 21 at noon and culminating with the championship finals on Saturday, March 23 at 7 p.m.
For more information about the tournament, click here. Limited tickets are available for purchase here.
Media still requiring a credential should contact David Lentz.
About the Kansas City Sports Commission
The mission of the Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation is to drive Kansas City’s overall sports strategy, to enrich the quality of life, create economic impact and raise visibility for our region. As a privately-funded nonprofit, we are entirely dependent on your support. For the latest on Kansas City Sports Commission news, follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Also follow the Garmin Kansas City Marathon on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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