WATERLOO, Iowa – The Iowa State Athletics Department was honored Thursday night at the 2013 Iowa Tourism Conference for its work with the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, Polk County and the Iowa Events Center at the 2013 NCAA Wrestling Championships in March.
All four entities received the Outstanding Collaboration Award for their work. The groups comprised the national tournament’s Local Organizing Committee (LOC). The championships and surrounding events brought an estimated $15 million in economic impact for the city of Des Moines.
“Iowa State takes great pride in being able to host national collegiate championships but it can only do so with great partners,” Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard said. “This award is very special because it recognizes the spirit of cooperation between our athletics department and the Greater Des Moines CVB, the Iowa Events Center and Polk County. It was an outstanding showcase for collegiate wrestling because of terrific teamwork between multiple event hosting organizations.”
The Outstanding Collaboration Award honors a collaborative partnership that has demonstrated excellence in supporting Iowa tourism.
92,844 people attended the NCAA Championships over three days and 20,705 people attended NCAA Fan Fest in Hy-Vee Hall, setting a new record. 2013 marked the eighth time that Iowa State played a role in hosting the Division I NCAA Wrestling Championships.
David Harris, Senior Associate Athletics Director, represented Iowa State at the awards ceremony.
