Houston to host NCA All-Star Championship for first time in competition's history

Houston will host the National Cheerleaders Association's All-Star National Championship in late February, drawing an estimated 65,000 competitors and spectators to the city’s downtown.

Two-minute impact

This marks the first year the event has been held in Houston, according to a Jan. 6 news release from Houston First Corporation, operator of the George R. Brown Convention Center and other venues across the city.

The competition will be held Feb. 27-March 1 inside the GRB, with other activities extending to Discovery Green and the Toyota Center. Houston will host the championship for the next three years, as the NCA contracted with Houston First through 2028, per the release.

The championship event is expected to generate $150 million in spending in Houston over the course of the three-year commitment, according to the announcement. Houston First President and CEO Michael Heckman said in the release that the event will also bring business to more than 150 hotels in the Houston area.

Quote of note

"As one of the largest all-star events in the country, NCA All-Star National Championship deserves a city that matches its scale and enthusiasm, and Houston was the clear choice," Justin Carrier, vice president of event operations and experience for Varsity Spirit, said in a statement. "We are excited to continue creating extraordinary experiences for our athletes, families and fans while supporting the city through meaningful economic impact over the next three years."