Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Events Sports topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Brownwood accepts up to $85,316 matching grant to host 2026 NJCAA Division III Women’s Championship
Summary
The Brownwood City Council voted unanimously Jan. 13 to accept an Event Trust Fund matching grant of up to $85,316 to help host the 2026 NJCAA Division III Women’s National Championship at the Brownwood Coliseum March 11–14; staff estimated about 2,000 attendees and roughly $424,800 in economic impact.
Brownwood will host the 2026 NJCAA Division III Women’s National Championship at the Brownwood Coliseum March 11–14 after the City Council on Jan. 13 approved acceptance of an Event Trust Fund matching grant of up to $85,316.
Sports Coordinator Robert Anders told the council the tournament will bring 12 teams and fans from across the country, with estimated total attendance of approximately 2,000 and an estimated economic impact to the city of $424,800. Anders said host costs include hospitality, game-official fees ("estimated to be around $15,000 to $17,000"), game-day staffing and related services.
Anders said the grant uses a 6.25:1 match of host spending: "Once the City spends $13,651, additional funding becomes available through the grant, up to a maximum of $85,316," he said. Anders added that Brownwood won the right to host through a competitive bidding process that took about two and a half months.
Councilmember Ed McMillian asked about community preparations; Anders said the city is coordinating with Howard Payne University’s athletic director to use flooring and locker-room facilities, arranging enhanced signage, a Texas-themed welcome banquet, and outreach to local restaurants and sponsors to prevent shortages.
Councilmember McMillian moved to accept the matching grant; Councilmember Draco A. Miller seconded. The motion carried unanimously. Voting yes were Mayor Stephen E. Haynes and Councilmembers H D Jones, Ed McMillian, Melody Nowowiejski, Draco A. Miller, and Walker Willey.
The council’s approval authorizes staff to pursue the grant and to proceed with event coordination; staff will continue planning with university partners and local sponsors ahead of the March tournament.
