The city of Shenandoah was named a finalist for hosting the NCAA Division III championships for football, as well as swimming and diving for the 2014–18 seasons.

Shenandoah submitted bids in September to be the host site for football, women's lacrosse and swimming and diving and was named a finalist for football and swimming and diving in late October. City Administrator Greg Smith said the other swimming and diving finalists are Birmingham, Ala., Greensboro, N.C., Des Moines, Iowa and Indianapolis, Ind. The other football finalists are Bradenton, Fla. and Salem. Va.

"These events bring in thousands of athletes, families, staff and coaches to the area from across the country, which is a huge economic impact for the region," Smith said. "Shenandoah looks forward to a long term partnership with NCAA Division III schools."

The city could host the swimming and diving and football event for as many as four years from 2014–18. Conservative estimates by city staff reported the events could cost the city $94,000 per football championship and $144,000 per swimming and diving championship, but the estimates assume the cost of providing a venue for banquets.

Shenandoah hosted the 2013 NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships in March, the first NCAA event hosted by the city since Conroe ISD constructed the natatorium and Woodforest Bank Stadium within the city. It was estimated that the event brought $1.5 million in retail and hotel dollars to the city, including $858,000 spent by visitors at local retailers and another $700,000 earned by hotels.

The event brought as many as 2,000 visitors to the city between athletes, coaches, family and fans. Hotels were sold out the weekend of the event from as far as Conroe to 20 miles south of Shenandoah.