NAIA to keep men’s volleyball championship in Cedar Rapids through 2028

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has extended its agreement with Cedar Rapids Tourism and Mount Mercy University to host the NAIA Men’s Volleyball National Championships in 2027 and 2028. The events will be held at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids.
 

Cedar Rapids hosted this year's event in April. It also hosted in 2024 and 2025.
 

Mount Mercy University will continue to serve as the host school, working alongside Cedar Rapids Tourism to deliver the championship for participating teams and fans.
 

“Cedar Rapids Tourism is thrilled to partner with the NAIA and Mount Mercy University to extend our agreement to host the NAIA Men’s Volleyball National Championships in Cedar Rapids through 2028,” said Jay Fanta, Director of Sports Tourism at Cedar Rapids Tourism. “We look forward to welcoming national and international travelers to Cedar Rapids and working with the NAIA and Mount Mercy University to continue to provide a top tier student athlete experience.”
 

Mount Mercy Director of Athletics Paul Gavin said the event benefits both the university and the surrounding community.
 

“Hosting the NAIA Men’s Volleyball Championships is a tremendous opportunity for Mount Mercy and the Cedar Rapids community,” Gavin said. “Through our partnership with Cedar Rapids Tourism, we’re proud to welcome the nation’s top programs while showcasing our campus, our city and our commitment to providing a first-class championship experience.”
 

NAIA Vice President of Championships Austin Bennett said the partnership has consistently met the association’s standards for national championship events.
 

“Cedar Rapids and Mount Mercy have demonstrated a strong commitment to creating the kind of Championship Moments that define the NAIA experience,” Bennett said. “Their collaboration, attention to detail, and focus on the student-athlete experience ensure that our national championship events are conducted at the highest level while providing an unforgettable stage for the nation’s top men’s volleyball programs.”
 

The NAIA Men’s Volleyball National Championship features teams from across the country competing for the Red Banner, the association’s symbol of national championship excellence. Additional details regarding the 2027 and 2028 championships will be announced at a later date.