CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has announced that the 2026 A-R-C Baseball Tournament will return to Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The event will mark the 21st time the conference’s championship has been played at the home of the Cedar Rapids Kernels, the High-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.
“We’re thrilled to once again welcome the American Rivers Conference Baseball Tournament back to Veterans Memorial Stadium,” said Scott Wilson, Cedar Rapids Kernels General Manager. “This event has become a tradition here in Cedar Rapids. We look forward to providing a first-class experience for the student-athletes, coaches, and fans who make this tournament so special.”
Veterans Memorial Stadium has served as a premier setting for the A-R-C’s baseball championship, providing a professional-level experience for student-athletes and fans alike.
"We are excited to once again showcase our conference championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium," added Marie Stroman, A-R-C Commissioner. "A-R-C student-athletes truly value the opportunity to compete in this outstanding venue, where the atmosphere and professional setting elevate the experience for everyone involved. We are deeply grateful for the continued partnership with the Cedar Rapids Kernels organization, whose support helps make this tournament such a special event."
The A-R-C Baseball Tournament will be held May 7-9 with the league’s top six teams advancing to the double elimination tournament. The champion will earn the league’s automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. More information will become available closer to the tournament.
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About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to nine full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. Luther College has announced its departure from the conference, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
