KANSAS CITY, MO (October 8, 2026) – This December, Kansas City will welcome the NCAA Division II Fall Festival, bringing six national championships and more than 900 student-athletes to the Kansas City area. From December 1-5, teams from across the country will compete for national titles in men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s volleyball and field hockey. The festival will spread competition across several venues in Kansas City and the surrounding area, giving local fans an opportunity to watch some of the best Division II athletes in the country in peak competition.
Tickets are now on sale for all four championships here. Purchase yours and show why Kansas City is a premiere location for any athlete to compete!
“Kansas City is excited to welcome the NCAA DII Fall Festival to our community this December,” said Colton Spresser, Senior Manager of Events at the KC Sports Commission. “We look forward to creating a championship experience that matches the caliber of these athletes and their competition.”
History of the Event
The Division II National Championships Festival began in 2004 in Orlando, Florida, as an Olympic-style event designed to bring multiple NCAA championships together in one location. Since then, the festival has been held in cities across the country, giving Division II athletes a unique championship experience while increasing exposure and attendance for Division II sports. Kansas City’s 2026 festival will be the 15th and final edition of the event, making its arrival in the area particularly significant.
Historic Venues Hosting
As Kansas City serves as the backdrop for D2 Fall Fest, events will take place at venues across the area. From familiar local fields to some of the area’s premier athletic facilities, each site will bring its own atmosphere to the weekend’s competition and give visitors a chance to experience Kansas City along the way. Below is a closer look at each competition’s location.
Men’s & Women’s Soccer: CPKC Stadium
Kansas City’s newest major sporting venue, CPKC Stadium is the home of the Kansas City Current and one of the premier soccer-specific stadiums in the country. Located along the Berkley Riverfront, the 11,500-seat stadium opened in 2024 and was designed with the fan experience in mind. The state-of-the-art facility will provide an elite backdrop for the DII soccer championships.
Women’s Volleyball: Municipal Stadium
A Kansas City landmark with nearly a century of history, Municipal Auditorium has hosted some of the city’s most significant sporting and cultural events. The historic venue, located in the heart of downtown, has welcomed NCAA championship competition in the past and remains a recognizable part of Kansas City’s sports landscape. For the DII Fall Festival, its historic architecture and central location will bring championship volleyball to one of the city’s most iconic venues.
Field Hockey: The Pembroke Hill School
The Pembroke Hill School, a historic independent school in Kansas City, will provide the setting for the DII field hockey championships. Known for its strong academic and athletic programs, Pembroke Hill sits on a picturesque campus in the heart of the city. Its athletic facilities will give fans an up-close setting to watch some of the nation’s top Division II field hockey programs compete for a national championship.
Men’s & Women’s Cross Country: Rim Rock Farm
Just outside Lawrence, Kansas, Rim Rock Farm is one of the most respected cross country venues in the Midwest. The course has hosted numerous high-level collegiate competitions, including NCAA championship events, and is known for its challenging terrain and scenic setting. With rolling hills, open farmland and demanding stretches throughout the course, Rim Rock Farm will test the country’s best Division II runners as they race for national titles.
Local teams to watch out for:
The local college sports scene is well represented in the national rankings this season, with teams across several sports making their mark on the Division II landscape. In women’s soccer, Pittsburg State leads the way at No. 4, followed by Central Missouri at No. 18 and Washburn at No. 24. Fort Hays State is also nationally ranked in men’s soccer at No. 13.
The region is particularly well represented in cross country, with Washburn ranked No. 15, Nebraska-Kearney No. 18 and Pittsburg State No. 19 in men’s cross country, while Missouri Southern sits at No. 9, Pittsburg State at No. 10 and Nebraska-Kearney at No. 23 in women’s cross country.
On the volleyball court, Nebraska-Kearney holds the No. 5 spot, Missouri Western is No. 7, Washburn is No. 13 and Emporia State is No. 19. Together, those rankings highlight just how much nationally recognized talent is competing across the region this season.
About The Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation
The mission of the Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation is to drive Kansas City’s overall sports strategy, to enrich the quality of life, create economic impact and raise visibility for our region. As a privately-funded nonprofit, we are entirely dependent on your support. For the latest on Kansas City Sports Commission news, follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.