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APPLICATION TO HOST THE WIAA WRESTLING STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

EVENT OVERVIEW

Host Profile:
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) was founded in 1905 as a voluntary, self-supported non-profit organization to administer the junior and senior high school athletic and activities programs in the state of Washington. The WIAA currently serves approximately 400 member high schools and 400 member middle schools and operates over 120+ High School State Championship events each school year.

Event Profile:
The WIAA State Wrestling Championships are the culmination of the high school wrestling season. Member schools are divided into five boys classifications (4A, 3A, 2A, 1A, 1B/2B) and two all-girls classification (with the possibility of a third beginning in 2024-25). Each classification is currently comprised of a double-elimination bracket that ranges from a 12-entry tournament to a 20-entry tournament completed over two days. The WIAA is exploring possible expansion of this tournament, requiring a third or fourth day of competition depending on the venue. Please include information for a two-day and three-day event. These championships bring together student-athletes, coaches, fans, parents, officials, and other spectators from all over Washington state.

Event Extent and Corresponding Dates:
The WIAA is looking to secure a facility for the next four (4) years of the classification cycle, at which time it will consider a longer contract. The WIAA is exploring possible expansion of this tournament, requiring a third or fourth day of competition, depending on the venue. Please include information for a two-day and three-day event. 

  Option 1 Option 2
2025 February 20-22 February 19-22
2026 February 19-21 February 18-21
2027 February 18-20 February 17-20
2028 February 17-19 February 16-19

Attendee Profile (Subject to Change):
  • 1500+ Athletes from across the state
  • 1000+ Coaches from across the state
  • 36 High school wrestling officials from across the state
  • Families and classmates of the participating student-athletes
  • WIAA Staff, Event Staff, Sponsors and Vendors
Facility Requirements:
  • The large scale of this event requires room for at least 12 mats to be placed on a surface, with room between mats for walkways, tables, chairs and bicycle racking to secure inside mat area.
  • Facility with ticket and pass gate entrances, with ease of managing and separating participants and spectators.
  • Restrooms.
  • Sound System. 
  • Internet Access (open for streaming, live scoring, and social media.)
  • Area available for classification head tournament table areas.
  • Booth/Designated area for media, streaming, event staff.
  • Private meeting area for up to 36 officials.
  • Sufficient parking for spectators and participants including school busses.
  • Sufficient seating for spectators.
  • Emergency Action Plan.
  • Space for vendor/sponsor displays/booths.
Additional Preferences:
  • Ice / water on site for sports medicine.
  • Concessions for spectators or allowance for outside vendors.
  • Catering or outside food allowance.
Hotel Requirements:
The host city must have access to safe, reasonably priced hotel rooms for schools that must travel.

Community Involvement:
Seeking community involvement is encouraged to enhance the event for participants and spectators alike. Hosts that can provide meals, gifts and courtesy relationships are preferred. The WIAA reserves the right to determine any promotion of such involvement and to review the details of any agreements.

Current Site: Tacoma Dome 

Financial Agreement:
It shall be the decision of the bidding organization as to the amount of the financial aspect/agreement in their bid, and if so, what that amount shall be. Any costs to the WIAA must be outlined in the proposal. The host can retain all parking and concessions, provided that complimentary parking is provided for WIAA staff and officials, as well as team busses. If charging for parking, the rate must be included in this bid for review. The WIAA retains the right to establish ticket prices.

BID TIMELINE: Open June 22, 2023 – Closes August 1, 2023
SITE VISIT(S): August/September as needed
BOARD DECISION: September 2023
SPORT CONTACT: Justin Kesterson, WIAA Assistant Executive Director