Cedar Rapids will host state baseball from 2026-28 after year at Sioux City

The Iowa High School Athletic Association announced Tuesday the state baseball tournament sites through 2028.

The Class 4A and 3A championships will be held at Lewis & Clark Park in Sioux City in 2025, returning to Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids for the 2026-28 seasons, at least, according to the news release. The Class 1A and 2A state tournaments will remain at Merchants Park in Carroll through 2028.

This marks the first time Sioux City will host the event. The 2025 state baseball tournament is scheduled for July 21-25.

“Thanks to a great team effort, our state baseball tournament will continue to be showcased at first-class facilities with outstanding hosts,” IHSAA Executive Director Tom Keating said in the news release.

Cedar Rapids hosted the 3A and 4A state tournaments in July, making it the first time in about 50 years. Cedar Rapids Kennedy won the 4A championship, while North Polk claimed the 4A crown.

The IHSAA noted the Cedar Rapids Kernels are scheduled to play at home during the 2025 state tournament. Cedar Rapids has secured a three-year agreement after a year hiatus.

The 3A and 4A state baseball tournaments drew 11,461 fans over the five-day stretch, which was the most over the last four seasons. The finale saw 3,053 for the two title games.

“Our sincere appreciation goes out to these communities and ballparks for hosting these tournaments,” IHSAA baseball administrator Andy Umthun said. “We’re excited state baseball will visit Sioux City for the first time, and we know returning to Carroll and Cedar Rapids will also provide great experiences for our schools and student-athletes.”

Carroll hosted the 1A and 3A state tournaments from 1995-2004. After a 16-year stint at Principal Park in Des Moines, Carroll began hosting the 1A and 2A championships in 2021 and locked up a four-year deal to keep the competition.

Memorial Stadium also has served as host of the American Rivers Conference Championships. According to the news release, the four-year proposal was approved in November, pending coordination with the A-R-C, allowing the IHSAA to use their MInor League Baseball reserved dates in Cedar Rapids.

The news release said the A-R-C Presidents Council agreed Monday, shifting the rights for 2026 from the NCAA Division III conference to the IHSAA.

For more information, visit the news release from the IHSAA.

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