Wyoming State Tournaments Will Remain in Casper

February 14, 2025—Casper, Wyoming—Casper will be the host city for the 2026-2030 Wyoming High School Activities Association (WHSAA) state tournaments, including track & field, wrestling, 1A/2A basketball, 3A/4A basketball and volleyball, as well as the state art symposium, state marching band and state spirit competitions.

“We are thrilled to have the state tournaments returning to Casper,” said Shelby Kraus, Business Sales Manager for Visit Casper. “This was a collaborative effort between Visit Casper, the Compete Casper Board of Directors, the City of Casper and numerous organizations and facilities right here in the Oil City.”

Casper, along with other destinations in Wyoming, bids on state-level sports every four years. Visit Casper, as well as Compete Casper (previously known as Proud to Host the Best) play a central role in the bidding process. Shelby Kraus is the staff liaison to the Compete Casper Board of Directors and leads the bid process.

“Through this process, Shelby – with the support of the Compete Casper Board – was able to work strategically with all of our partners to craft a proposal that balanced the needs of WHSAA, its athletes and our community,” said Annette Pitts, CEO of Visit Casper. “It’s an honor to host these tournaments in Casper and we’re appreciative of everyone who played a role in this, from Shelby to the Compete Casper Board of Directors and the WHSAA Board of Directors.”

Sports are an essential building block of Casper's tourism economy and a central component of Visit Casper's tourism strategy.

“These tournaments are estimated to bring $24 million to Casper’s economy,” added Pitts. “Most of these events take place during our shoulder seasons when leisure tourism is soft, bringing an infusion of revenue to Natrona County when our community need it most.”

Compete Casper is a committee of Casper-area residents who work to secure and support high school state championships in Casper. This organization works to ensure the student athletes have the best experience possible when competing in Casper.

“These tournaments bring more than just competition to Casper,” said Justin Farley, CEO of Advance Casper and chair of Compete Casper. “They help drive economic grown, increase community pride and position us as a premier destination for athletes and their families. Revenue spent in our community from these events supports local businesses and Natrona County residents.”

In 2023, Casper welcomed 831,500 overnight visitors who spent $375.2 million, up 4.6% from 2022. That $375.2 million in direct visitor spending powered 2,890 full and part-time jobs in Natrona County and $108.3 million in earnings. Tourist spending also contributed $18.3 million in state and local taxes. Each household in Natrona County would have to pay an additional $541 in taxes to make up the $18.3 million in taxes collected from tourists while they’re here.

Casper truly is Proud to Host the Best. To learn more, visit CompeteCasper.com.

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About Visit Casper

Visit Casper is a driving force that draws visitors to Natrona County in support of our local economy and quality of life. It’s the official destination management organization for Natrona County and is dedicated to enhancing the county’s economic base through tourism. Casper is Wyoming’s second-largest city and is known for world-class fly-fishing on the North Platte River; is the annual host for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR); and has been named one of the top mountain towns in the country by Men’s Journal. More information can be found at www.visitcasper.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn or discover images and content with #VisitCasper.