KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has selected Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka, Kansas, along with Visit Topeka and Baker University (Kan.), as hosts for the 2026 and 2027 NAIA Cheer and Dance National Championships.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome the NAIA Cheer and Dance National Championships to Topeka,” said Topeka Area Sports Commission Executive Director Mike Bell. “Hosting this event is a testament to our city’s vibrant sports culture and our commitment to providing top-notch facilities and hospitality.”

The Stormont Vail Events Center is a multi-event facility featuring a 22,400 sq. ft. arena that accommodates upwards of 7,500 seats.

“Baker University is honored and excited to be the NAIA supporting host for the 2026 and 2027 Cheer and Dance National Championships,” said Baker University Athletic Director Susan Decker. “As we work with Visit Topeka, we will strive to make this the best student-athlete experience possible.”

The NAIA Cheer and Dance National Championship is conducted over two days and features 15 cheer and 12 dance teams. In 2024, the championship was held at the George Gervin GameAbove Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where St. Ambrose University (Iowa) captured both the cheer and dance national titles.

ABOUT NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS (NAIA)

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small athletics programs that are dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. NAIA members provide more than 83,000 student-athletes with opportunities to play college sports, earn $1.3 billion in financial aid from NAIA institutions, and compete in 29 national championships. naia.org | @NAIA