Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: The new Pavilion at the Corridor Plaza in Fort Dodge will consistently serve the basketball, volleyball, wrestling and pickleball communities.

Editor’s note: This is the third in a multi-part series examining the first-hand benefits of the new Pavilion complex at the Corridor Plaza in Fort Dodge. Here, the Iowa Elite Board of Directors explain the importance of the partnership between the facility and the wrestling community.

For decades, Fort Dodge has been synonymous with wrestling excellence. Our community has produced state champions, All-Americans and collegiate standouts, solidifying our place among Iowa’s wrestling powerhouses.

The passion for wrestling runs deep in Fort Dodge, passed down from generation to generation, shaping young athletes into disciplined competitors both on and off the mat.

This proud tradition is built on hard work, dedicated coaching, and a community that has always supported its wrestlers. But as the sport continues to evolve, so too must our facilities.

That’s where the new Pavilion comes in. It’s a game-changer for Fort Dodge and youth sports as a whole.

Some of the key benefits of the Pavilion for wrestling:

– Hosting opportunities: With ample space, Fort Dodge can attract larger tournaments, clinics, and camps, drawing top talent to our city.

– Future home for Freestyle & Greco Events: The Pavilion has the potential to host high-level Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling competitions, expanding opportunities for athletes statewide.

Fort Dodge’s commitment to wrestling excellence is further reinforced by Mark Rial, a current assistant coach and former Fort Dodge Senior High state champion. Rial has not only contributed to the local program, but is also making an impact on a larger scale as the Secretary for Iowa USA Wrestling. His leadership and deep connection to the sport position Fort Dodge as an ideal location to host IOWA USA Wrestling-sanctioned events in the future, creating even more opportunities for our athletes to compete at the highest level, drawing in wrestling families from all over Iowa.

The impact of the Pavilion extends beyond the mat. It provides an opportunity to strengthen Fort Dodge’s position as a leader in Iowa wrestling while offering our community to host tournaments larger than we have ever imagined before and in a location with all the amenities that anyone could ever ask for.

There has been some hesitation and skepticism about the Pavilion, largely due to fear of the unknown. But make no mistake — this facility is a monumental step forward for Fort Dodge sports and economic growth. It keeps our athletes competing at the highest level, supports local businesses through increased events, and ensures that Fort Dodge remains a hub for elite wrestling for years to come.

The Pavilion is more than a building — it’s an investment in our kids, our community, and our future. The question isn’t whether Fort Dodge wrestling will continue to thrive — it’s how far we can go when given the right tools to succeed.

It’s time to rally behind this project and secure a brighter future for all youth athletes in our city. Let’s build on our legacy — together.