Visit Wichita, in conjunction with Northstar Meetings Group,
today announced that Wichita has been named the Best Sports-Event Host City in the
2025 SportsTravel Awards, presented by SportsTravel magazine during the TEAMS ’25
Conference & Expo in Columbus, Ohio.
The national recognition validates Wichita’s excellence in hosting and its proven ability to
attract and deliver high-caliber sporting events with seamless operations, elite venues and
a community that shows up.
“Wichita, Kansas, is a most deserving winner of our Best Sports Host City award and a
shining example of what a destination can achieve when it puts thought and effort behind
attracting the widest range of sports events,” said Jason Gewirtz, vice president and
managing director of the Northstar Meetings Group Sports Division, and publisher
of SportsTravel. “The body of work that Visit Wichita was able to achieve over the past year
speaks for itself and is a testament to the effort the team has put into elevating its national
profile through sports events — one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry.
Over the past year, Wichita hosted national championships in the Olympic movement,
every major collegiate organization and the largest youth sports organizations, which is an
accomplishment few other destinations were able to achieve.”
Wichita earned the top honor from a field of six finalists — Atlanta, Boise, Charlotte, Des
Moines, Milwaukee, and Wichita — following voting by SportsTravel readers. The award
recognizes destinations that demonstrate exceptional performance in hosting events that
generate significant economic and community impact.
“It’s incredibly exciting for Wichita to be named as the top sports host city in the country,”
said Josh Howell, vice president of sports development at Visit Wichita. “We know now
more than ever that Wichita doesn’t sit on the sidelines. We get in the game. From the
residents, fans, business owners and hospitality workers to the volunteers and community
partners who all played a part in turning national sporting events into unforgettable
experiences, this recognition is a testament to our city’s heart and we’re ready for what’s
next.”
From June 30, 2024, to July 1, 2025, Wichita hosted more than 100 sporting events,
generating an estimated $61 million in total economic impact. That includes $33 million
from 16 major events directly secured, hosted or supported by Visit Wichita, and another
$28 million from additional events supported throughout the city.
Wichita’s 2024–2025 sports calendar featured a remarkable lineup of national competitions
and championships, including:
2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships (first time ever to be hosted in Kansas)
NCAA Men’s Basketball Division I Championships – First & Second Rounds
Athletes Unlimited Softball (AUX & Championship seasons)
NAIA Men’s & Women’s Wrestling National Championships
Professional Fighters League (PFL 6)
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) – Wichita Regional, Semifinals and Championship
AJGA Wichita Junior Championship
US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup
USA Lacrosse WCLA Championships
NJCAA & NAIA Men’s and Women’s Soccer National Championships
In addition to drawing thousands of athletes, coaches and fans from across the country, the
events brought widespread exposure to Wichita, reinforcing its reputation as a welcoming,
centrally located hub with modern venues and world-class hospitality.
Wichita’s competitive edge
Wichita’s venue lineup and event infrastructure continue to be a competitive advantage,
including INTRUST Bank Arena, SCHEELS Stryker Sports Complex, Wichita State
University’s Charles Koch Arena and Wilkins Stadium, Park City Arena and more.
Strong community support and buy-in – everything from support from community leaders
and businesses to hospitality partners trained for event surges – helps Wichita stand out as
a great sports host city.
Additionally, the city’s central U.S. location, easy air and drive access, compact venue–hotel
footprint, affordable services and strong volunteer corps help stretch rights-holder budgets
while elevating the fan and athlete experience.
