Photo Credit: USA Boxing
Media Contact:
Jemelle Holopirek, Director of Public Relations: 316.660.6319, [email protected]
Wichita, Kan. (April 22, 2026) – Visit Wichita announced today that the USA Boxing National Junior Olympics and Summer Festival is returning to Wichita. Back for a third time, the 2026 competition will be held June 20–27 at Bob Brown Expo Hall inside Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center.
The National Junior Olympics and Summer Festival is one of USA Boxing’s marquee competitions and the third national event on the 2026 calendar. “We are excited to return to the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center in Wichita, Kansas, for the 2026 USA Boxing National Junior Olympics and Summer Festival,” said USA Boxing CEO/Executive Director Mike McAtee. “This event continues to stand as one of USA Boxing’s biggest and most anticipated events of the year for USA Boxing, and we are looking forward to building on that momentum once again in the city of Wichita.”
Having previously hosted the event in 2022 and 2024, Visit Wichita will welcome the Junior Olympics for the third time, further reinforcing its reputation as the Best Sports-Event Host City. Alongside securing new national competitions such as the 2026 USA Judo Youth Nationals and USA Badminton’s 2026 YONEX U.S. Junior National Badminton Championships, Visit Wichita continues to attract repeat, high-caliber events such as USA Boxing’s Junior Olympics and US Youth Soccer’s National Presidents Cup, highlighting the organization’s ability to deliver exceptional experiences that keep competitions coming back.
“We’re excited to welcome USA Boxing athletes, coaches and families back to Wichita,” said Josh Howell, vice president of sports development at Visit Wichita. “Hosting this event again speaks to the strong partnership we’ve built with USA Boxing, as well as our continued collaboration with the team at Century II to deliver a seamless, high-quality experience. Together with our community partners, we’re proud to create an exceptional environment for competitors and spectators alike.”
The competition, which is estimated to result in just over $2.8 million in estimated economic impact, is expected to draw athletes and spectators from across the country, generating strong visitation for Wichita’s hotels, restaurants and attractions while continuing to build the region’s sports tourism economy.
“There’s incredible momentum around sports in Wichita right now,” Howell said. “Events like the National Junior Olympics not only bring high-level competition to our city, but they also create lasting economic impact and showcase Wichita as a welcoming, top-notch host city.”
The weeklong event will feature five days of competition across multiple divisions, including male and female PeeWee, Bantam, Intermediate, Junior, Youth, Elite and Masters categories. Preliminary competition begins Monday, June 22, and continues through Saturday, June 27.
“We’re pleased to partner with Visit Wichita to welcome the 2026 USA Boxing National Junior Olympics and Summer Festival back to Bob Brown Expo Hall, after hosting the competition in 2024. With the USA Gymnastics 2026 Trampoline & Tumbling Elite Challenge on the horizon, we’re grateful for the opportunity to continue hosting national-level sporting events at our facility. Our team is focused on ensuring a well-run experience for athletes, organizers and spectators,” said John Hale, General Manager of Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center.
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About Visit Wichita
Visit Wichita markets the greater Wichita area as a premier convention, sports and tourism destination, increasing travel and tourism as a key economic driver for the city, county, region and state. Wichita was named the Best Sports-Event Host City by SportsTravel magazine, a national recognition that highlights the city’s proven success in hosting high-caliber sporting events with world-class venues, seamless operations and strong community support. Visit Wichita is led by President and CEO Susie Santo, and in 2024 travel and tourism contributed more than $1.5 billion in economic impact to the greater Wichita area. For more information, visit VisitWichita.com.
