The NCAA has awarded the Division III Wrestling Championships to the Quad Cities for the 2027-28 season. The championship, hosted by Visit Quad Cities in partnership with Augustana College, will take place March 10-11, 2028, at Vibrant Arena at The MARK in Moline, Illinois. Early projections show the championship is expected to generate nearly $1 million in direct economic impact for the Quad Cities region.
Bidding for 87 of 90 NCAA championships began in September 2023, and more than 1,200 bid applications were submitted. Each sport committee, per division, selected the host sites it believed would provide the ultimate experience for the respective student-athletes, resulting in more than 240 total championship event sites being awarded. During the 2025 national championship, over 200 of the best wrestlers in the country competed in ten weight classes.
More than 54,000 student-athletes compete in NCAA championships each year.
“On behalf of the Visit Quad Cities Board of Directors and professional team, we are thrilled about the opportunity to host the 2028 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships,” said Dave Herrell, President and CEO, Visit Quad Cities. “We are grateful for the confidence of the NCAA and look forward to hosting student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and wrestling fans from across the country. We also thank our partners at Augustana College and Vibrant Arena at The MARK for their strong collaboration—we are all aligned in delivering the very best Quad Cities experience.”
“Augustana College is pleased to partner with Visit Quad Cities to co-host the 2028 NCAA Division III Men’s Wrestling Championship,” said Michael Zapolski, Director of Athletics, Augustana College. “Our collective goal will be to provide a memorable experience for the participating student-athletes, coaches, and fans while showcasing the myriad of amenities in the Quad Cities.”
“Hosting the 2028 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships is a major win for the Quad Cities and a proud moment for Sports QC as we continue building our legacy as a premier sports tourism destination,” said Joan Kranovich, CMP, CTA, Vice President of Business Growth and Director, Sports QC. “This championship reflects our commitment to delivering impactful events that elevate our region’s visibility, drive economic impact, and inspire community pride.”
“I am excited that the Division III NCAA Wrestling Championships is heading to the Quad Cities in 2028!” said Anthony Bonaventura, NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships Committee Chair. “The committee believes this host site will provide an incredible experience for student-athletes and allow them to compete in an arena that creates a fantastic environment. In my 15 years in Division III, this is the first time this site has been selected, and I want to thank all the parties involved for stepping up to host this amazing event.”
“We are incredibly excited to host the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championship—an event that celebrates not only elite athleticism, but the heart, grit, and dedication that define these collegiate athletes,” said Rocky Jones, Assistant Executive Director at Vibrant Arena at The MARK. “We can't wait for the Quad City community to welcome these outstanding student-athletes and passionate fans to our community.”
This marks the fourth time Augustana College has served as host institution of the NCAA Division III Men’s Wrestling Championship, with previous host years including 1985, 1991, and 1995 at the Carver Center.
For more information about Sports QC and upcoming championship events in the Quad Cities, visit sportsquadcities.com
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