Visit Broken Arrow
Meeting of: 08-11-2026
Title:
title
Consideration, discussion, and possible approval of Oklahoma Wesleyan 918 Wrestling Open rebate request in an amount not to exceed $2,500
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Background:
The 918 Open is an annual collegiate open wrestling tournament, historically held in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Due to the success of the event and expanding interest, there was a need for more space and the event was held in Broken Arrow for the first time in 2025. It was a huge success, and the event will be coming back for its second year on December 11 and 12, 2026.
While not a team-based competition, the 918 Open attracts collegiate programs primarily from the regional area. The 2026 tournament is expected to include teams from institutions such as:
• Tarleton State University (TX)
• University of Central Oklahoma
• Oklahoma Wesleyan University
• Northern Oklahoma College - Tonkawa
• Northeastern Oklahoma A&M
• Central Baptist College (AR)
• University of Arkansas at Little Rock
• Fort Hays State University (KS)
• Newman University (KS)
• University of Saint Mary (KS)
• Schreiner University (TX)
• Southeast Community College (NE)
• Midland University (NE)
• Texas Wesleyan University (TX)
• Maryville University (MO)
The event aims to gather 300+ participants in 2026 and Broken Arrow is the ideal location to support this inevitable growth.
The requested rebate is based on a maximum expected number of hotel nights at 100.
Cost: Not to Exceed $2,500
Funding Source: Visit Broken Arrow
Requested By: Makala Barton, Tourism Manager
Approved By: City Manager’s Office
Attachments: 2026 Grant Application
Recommendation:
recommend
Approve the Oklahoma Wesleyan 918 Wrestling Open rebate request in an amount not to exceed $2,500, pending the receipt of the post-event requirements as outlined in the Rebate Guidelines.
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