Up your game, Midwest sports fans. The 2024 calendar is a highlight reel full of firsts, lasts, bigger and better. Here's a scorecard to help you keep track of the sporting events happening in the Midwest this year, as well as links to scouting reports on what to see and do in the host cities.
US Figure Skating Championships, Columbus, Ohio
Fully appreciate the power, grace and athleticism of the skaters by witnessing their jumps and spins in person at Panhellenic Arena— is even better than on TV. You'll also be a part of Midwest sports history: it's the first time Columbus has hosted the event, which provides a glimpse of rising stars.
Dates: January 22-28
NordicFocus
FIS Cross-Country World Cup, Minneapolis
The best cross-country skiers in the world come to Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis for Loppet Cup, the first world cup race to be held on snow in the US in 20 years. On February 19, the Citizens Challenge allows anyone to ski the World Cup sprint track, followed by a free winter fun for the family.
Dates: February 17-18
NBA All-Star Game, Indianapolis
Sunday night's game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is complete Pro hoops weekend for Midwest sports fans. NBA Crossover, a multi-day interactive fan experience, continues at the Indiana Convention Center, while All-Star Saturday Night (featuring the popular three-point and slam dunk contests) energizes Lucas Oil Stadium.
Date: February 18
Travis Ellison
Big 10 Conference Women's and Men's Basketball Tournament, Minneapolis
It's a double dribble in the Twin Cities as the Target Center welcomes the two Big 10 tournaments in consecutive weeks. Iowa's Kaitlin Clark, a national phenom playing in her final college season, brings superstar power to the women's draw. These are also the final tournaments with the Big 10's 14-school lineup — it will expand to 18 next season.
Dates: March 6-17
Big 12 Conference Women's and Men's Basketball Tournament, Kansas City, Missouri
The Big 12 and Kansas City are linked in Midwest sports history. KC has been the site of the men's tournament since 2010 and the women's tournament since 2021, with both being held in the same week at different venues. This year, the two are at T-Mobile Center in consecutive weeks. They're also the first with 14 schools: The conference expanded this season—and will again in 2024-2025.
Dates: March 7-16
Billy Delphs
NCAA Women's and Men's Basketball Tournament, various locations
The Midwest is producing its share of March Madness this spring—enough to last through April 5 and 7, when NCAA Women's Final Four is coming to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. On the men's side, Dayton tips (as usual) with the The first four at UD Arena (March 19–20). First and second round sites include; CH Health Center in Omaha (March 21 and 23) and Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis (March 22 and 24). Little Caesars Arena in Detroit hosts the tournament Midwest Regional action (March 29 and 31).
Opening of CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
The KC Current of the National Women's Soccer League will open the 2024 season in March at CPKC Stadium, their new home along the Missouri River. The 11,500-seat venue is the first stadium in the world to be built specifically for a professional women's team. It is part of the Berkley Riverfront development, which includes a five-story hotel and an extension of the free KC Streetcar.
Dates: Not yet announced
Courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis 500, Speedway, Indiana
It wouldn't be Memorial Day weekend without this Midwest sporting tradition, the largest one-day sporting event in the world. The green flag drops on Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedwaybut excitement builds days in advance as drivers (and fans) arrive for practice and qualifying runs.
Date: May 26
NCAA Men's College World Series, Omaha
Since 1950, Omaha has been home (kidding) to College World Seriesin which the final eight teams from a 64-team tournament battle for the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship. Tailgating is a beloved tradition outside Charles Schwab Field, as fans from across the country share local dishes.
Dates: June 14-24
USA Swimming Olympic Team Trials, Indianapolis
The country's best swimmers are vying for places on the team that goes to Paris in July. The splash takes place inside Indianapolis” Lucas Oil Stadium—the first NFL stadium to host Olympic-sized swimming pools. Fun Midwest Sports Event: Indy hosted the trials in 1924, the last time the Olympics were in Paris.
Dates: June 15-23
USA Gymnastics Championships and USA Olympic Gymnastics Team Trials, Minneapolis
Talk about Midwest sporting events with twists and turns. The Minneapolis Convention Center is the venue for the USA Gymnastics Championships, which includes rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics and trampoline and cycling. The four days Olympic trials are held at the Target Center, where the best in artistic gymnastics—such as vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise—hope to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team.
Dates: June 22-30
Courtesy of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission
2024 Pan-American Masters Games, Cleveland
This showcase for masters athletes (over 30) features 26 sports (including 10 para-sports) across more than a dozen venues. It is expected to be the largest international gathering in Northeast Ohio history, with approximately 10,000 athletes representing all 50 states and more than 50 countries.
Dates: July 12-21
MLS All-Star Game, Columbus
It's the third time in Major League Soccer mid-season event has come to Columbus, but the first game at Lower.com Field, home of the Columbus Crew. In addition to the match itself (pitching MLS stars against an international team), fans will get a kick out of a week-long soccer celebration that includes community events and the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge. Get ticket information here.
Dates: July 17
