Wichita, Kan. (April 2, 2026) – For the first time in history, Kansas will host a USA Gymnastics Trampoline & Tumbling national-level event, and it’s coming to Wichita, which was recently named the Best Sports-Event Host City in the 2025 SportsTravel Awards, presented by SportsTravel magazine.
Visit Wichita announced today that it has successfully secured the 2026 USA Gymnastics Trampoline & Tumbling Elite Challenge at Century II Convention Center in Bob Brown Expo Hall. The event will take place May 7–10, 2026, with competition scheduled for May 8–10. A more detailed schedule can be found on USA Gymnastics’ website.
“USA Gymnastics is very excited to bring the Elite Challenge to Kansas and partner with Visit Wichita to showcase one of our premier events,” said Alex Renkert, Trampoline & Tumbling Program Director. “This competition features many of the nation’s top Trampoline & Tumbling athletes, including multiple World Medalists, and serves as a key qualifier for National Championships and World Championships. Wichita provides a great stage for our athletes to perform at the highest level, and we’re looking forward to an outstanding event.”
The competition is expected to generate more than $650,000 in direct estimated economic impact. More notably, it marks the first time a USA Gymnastics Trampoline & Tumbling national-level event has ever been held in Kansas. “Bringing the 2026 Trampoline & Tumbling Elite Challenge to Wichita is a significant win for our city and for Kansas, especially on the heels of being named the Best Sports-Event Host City by SportsTravel magazine,” said Josh Howell, vice president of sports development at Visit Wichita. “Hosting a national-level USA Gymnastics event for the first time speaks to Wichita’s attractiveness as a host city and the confidence national organizations have in Wichita’s ability to deliver exceptional experiences for athletes, coaches and fans.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Visit Wichita to bring the 2026 Trampoline and Tumbling Elite Challenge to Bob Brown Expo Hall,” said John Hale, general manager of Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center. “Following the USA Judo Youth National Championships last month, we are grateful for the opportunity to support another national-level sporting event. Our team is focused on ensuring a well-run experience for athletes, organizers and spectators.”
The competition is expected to draw top athletes from across the country, including elite competitors and international medalists, along with their coaches and families. The event will bring strong visitation to Wichita, supporting local hotels, restaurants and attractions while continuing to grow the region’s sports tourism economy.
“JAG Gymnastics is excited to see Wichita hosting a national USA Gymnastics event,” said Jennifer O’Bar, owner of JAG Gymnastics. “Opportunities like this inspire young athletes, bring the gymnastics community together and highlight the dedication and talent that makes our sport special. It’s a great chance for Wichita to showcase its passion for athletics and welcome competitors from across the country.”
With this announcement, Visit Wichita has now secured five major first-time national sporting events for the state of Kansas in just over a year, which include:
- In March 2026, Visit Wichita hosted the USA Judo Youth Nationals.
- Wichita was the host city of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) semifinals on March 30 and championship game on April 1 at Charles Koch Arena on the Wichita State University campus.
- Coming July 2026: USA Badminton 2026 YONEX U.S. Junior National Championships will be held in Wichita.
- In January 2025, Wichita hosted the Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
“There is tremendous momentum when it comes to hosting sporting events in Wichita,” Howell said. “From gymnastics to judo and beyond, it takes our entire community – from venues and volunteers to hotels, restaurants and local partners – to deliver the kind of welcoming, high-quality experience that keeps these events coming back. That’s what truly sets Wichita apart.”
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About Visit Wichita
Visit Wichita markets the greater Wichita area as a premier convention, sports and tourism destination, increasing travel and tourism as a key economic driver for the city, county, region and state. Wichita was named the Best Sports-Event Host City by SportsTravel magazine, a national recognition that highlights the city’s proven success in hosting high-caliber sporting events with world-class venues, seamless operations and strong community support. Visit Wichita is led by President and CEO Susie Santo, and in 2024 travel and tourism contributed more than $1.5 billion in economic impact to the greater Wichita area. For more information, visit VisitWichita.com.
