The Greensboro Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (GACVB) today announced that Greensboro has been selected to host the 2026 YMCA National Gymnastics Championship & Invitational, taking place June 27 – July 1, 2026 at the Greensboro Complex Special Events Center.
Founded in 1936, the YMCA National Gymnastics Championship & Invitational is one of the longest-running youth gymnastics events in the country. The 2026 competition is expected to welcome approximately 1,800 athletes and their families from across the United States. Competing gymnasts—both men and women—range in age from 6 to 20 years old, showcasing the depth of talent and dedication within YMCA gymnastics programs nationwide.
The event was most recently held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Greensboro’s selection marks a significant return to the region. This will be the first time the championship is hosted in the Southeast since 2017 when the event took place in Savannah, Georgia.
“Guilford County is proud to welcome the 2026 YMCA National Gymnastics Championship & Invitational to Greensboro. Hosting a national-level youth sporting event of this caliber at the Greensboro Complex Special Events Center is a testament to the strength of our facilities, tourism and hospitality partners, and the spirit of our community,” said Melvin “Skip” Alston, chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners. “Welcoming 2,000 athletes and their families to compete in our county will provide positive economic benefits to local businesses while highlighting Guilford County as a premier destination for major sporting competitions.”
In addition to its competitive significance, the event is projected to deliver a substantial boost to the local economy. According to the Destinations International Event Impact Calculator, the estimated total economic impact exceeds $5.5 million, benefiting Greensboro’s hotels, restaurants, attractions, and small businesses.
“Hosting the YMCA National Gymnastics Championship brings families from across the nation to Greensboro and highlights the positive economic and cultural impact of sports tourism in our city,” said Mayor of Greensboro Marikay Abuzuaiter.
Greensboro’s nationally recognized sports facilities, walkable downtown, and welcoming community have made it a premier destination for major sporting events. Hosting the 2026 YMCA National Gymnastics Championship & Invitational further solidifies the city’s reputation as a leading hub for youth and amateur sports competitions.
