CINCINNATI, OH – November 3, 2025 - Cincinnati will welcome the 2026 USA Fencing North American Cup (NAC), marking the first major event secured through the new Cincinnati Regional Sports Commission, in partnership with the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The event will take place February 12–15, 2026, making it one of the first major events hosted in the newly renovated Cincinnati Convention Center.

The four-day competition will attract more than 5,000 athletes, coaches, referees, and fans, filling an estimated 2,000 hotel rooms and generating over $2 million in economic impact for local hotels, restaurants, and businesses.

“Announcing USA Fencing as one of our first secured event underscores the potential of this new organization and collaboration,” said Ben Huffman, Executive Director of the Cincinnati Regional Sports Commission. “Hosting a competition of this caliber positions Cincinnati on the national stage and demonstrates the types of world-class events we plan to bring to our community.”

“Hosting the USA Fencing event shows how our investment in the convention center is paying off," said Mayor Aftab Pureval. "With more than $2 million in economic impact, this event highlights Cincinnati’s momentum as a national destination for sports and tourism.” 

The North American Cup series is one of USA Fencing’s premier national tournaments, bringing together athletes from across the country and around the world. The February event will feature Division I contenders, Junior athletes pursuing national rankings, Veterans kicking off their national season, and Para Fencing athletes showcasing the adaptive side of the sport.

“We’re thrilled to welcome USA Fencing athletes, families, and fans to our newly renovated convention center,” said Denise Driehaus, President, Hamilton County Board of Commissioners. “This event showcases how Hamilton County’s investment in our facilities is creating opportunities that strengthen our local economy and bring people together. We’re proud to host competitors from across the country right here in the heart of Cincinnati.”

“Cincinnati is an outstanding host city for our athletes and fans,” said Glen Hollingsworth, Director of Events for USA Fencing. “We’re excited to return for the first time since 2019, and to be among the first events in the revitalized convention center, partnering with Visit Cincy and the Cincinnati Regional Sports Commission to deliver an unforgettable experience.”

“The collaborative effort between the public and private sectors to form the new sports commission is already producing strong results,” said Gary Lindgren, Chair of the Cincinnati Regional Sports Commission and President of the CBC/CRBC. “USA Fencing's North American Cup, and all the events that follow,  will grow Cincinnati’s tourism industry and have an economic impact throughout the region.”

The investments in the Cincinnati Convention Center and the Cincinnati Regional Sports Commission are already showing results, bringing new visitors, energy, and opportunities to the region.

The renovation of the Cincinnati Convention Center represents a major public–private initiative led by the City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County Board of Commissioners, and the State of Ohio. The $264 million project will modernize infrastructure, add flexible exhibit and event space, and create an enhanced public plaza. In total, the Cincinnati Convention District redevelopment, managed by 3CDC, represents more than $828 million in public and private investment, including a new headquarters hotel, upgraded streetscapes, and public spaces designed to strengthen Cincinnati’s position as a leading meetings and events destination.

Media Contact

Cincinnati Regional Sports Commission
Ben Huffman, Executive Director
bhuffman@cincysports.com
(513) 461-1223

 

About the Cincinnati Regional Sports Commission (CRSC)
The CRSC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to attracting and supporting premier sporting events that enhance the region’s economy and showcase Greater Cincinnati as a world-class sports destination.

About USA Fencing
USA Fencing is the national governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of fencing in the United States. Our mission is to grow and promote the sport of fencing in the United States, honor its rich traditions, and achieve sustained competitive international excellence. In USA Fencing, our athletes are strong and competitive both on the fencing strip and in life — a reminder that fencing provides physical and mental benefits that last a lifetime.