More than 3,000 wrestlers are registered for the 2018 championship event in Des Moines October 27-28

More than 2,550 out-of-state wrestlers and 450 in-state wrestlers will flood into Greater Des Moines this weekend for the USA Wrestling Preseason Nationals, setting a new event record. 2018 marks the first time Des Moines has hosted this championship event, previously held in Cedar Falls.

“We are thrilled to welcome the USA Wrestling Preseason Nationals to Des Moines this weekend,” said Greg Edwards, President & CEO at Catch Des Moines. “With over 3,000 wrestlers registered and 40 states represented, this will be the largest Preseason Nationals event ever. Factoring in all divisions, this will be one of the largest wrestling tournaments in the world and we can't wait to showcase all that Greater Des Moines has to offer.”

Edwards credited Catch Des Moines’ relationship with Brian Keck and USA Wrestling, plus extensive work over the past 12 months to secure the event in Greater Des Moines. The team is now focused on ensuring the athletes have an easy transition to a new city and a new venue.

“This is a major event for Greater Des Moines, with more than 2,500 hotel room nights utilized over the weekend and an estimated $2.8 million in economic impact,” said Ryan Vogt, National Sales Manager (Sports) at Catch Des Moines.

“USA Wrestling and myself are super excited to bring the USA Wrestling Preseason Nationals to the great city of Des Moines, said Brian Keck, USA Wrestling Preseason Nationals Tournament Director. “I’ve personally been hosting events in Des Moines for the past 12 years and I knew this would be the ideal place to host a tournament of this size. The Catch Des Moines staff has been outstanding to work with during this whole process and I look forward to bringing this event back to Des Moines in future years.”

WHAT:    
USA Wrestling Preseason Nationals

WHERE:    
Hy-Vee Hall at Iowa Events Center

WHEN:    
9 a.m. each day
October 27 & 28, 2018

WHO:   

  • Grade School, Middle School and High School wrestlers from 40 states, including Hawaii, Alaska, Connecticut, Florida and more
  • Over 30 college coaches (including a college fair on Saturday)
  • Spectators ($20 daily admission; ages 5 and under are free)

CONTACT:    
Jordan Powers, Communications Manager at Catch Des Moines, jordan@catchdesmoines.com or (515) 699-3466