The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, where the Board took action on three state final hosting contracts:
Class 1A/2A Baseball at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana
Illinois Field stepped up to host the 2025 IHSA Class 1A/2A Baseball State Finals, the first time the event was ever held there, following a scheduling conflict a year ago, and is now slated to host the event again in 2026 and beyond. Illinois Field, one of the top collegiate facilities in the Midwest, was constructed in 1988 and installed lights a decade later in 1999. The home of the Fighting Illini, which seats over 5,000, added a new video scoreboard in 2015 and a FieldTurf surface in 2020.
“We are proud to host the IHSA Class 1A/2A Boys Baseball State Tournament at Illinois Field through 2030,” said Jayne DeLuce, President & CEO of Experience Champaign-Urbana. “After welcoming the tournament in 2025, it was clear that this championship belongs here at the University of Illinois. With 31 Big Ten titles, Illinois Field is home to a remarkable legacy of Fighting Illini baseball. Now, high school athletes will have the opportunity to compete on that same iconic field—creating unforgettable moments of their own. We look forward to welcoming the teams, their families, and fans, and delivering a brilliant experience both on and off the field.”
Boys & Girls Water Polo Barrington High School
Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire had hosted the IHSA Boys & Girls Water Polo State Finals ever year since the sport began in the spring of 2002. The school now passes the state water polo hosting baton to Barrington High School, who is slated to host for three years, beginning in the spring of 2026.
“Barrington High School is excited to partner with the IHSA to host the Boys and Girls Water Polo State Finals,” said Barrington Principal Steve McWilliams. “We are always proud to showcase Barrington High School and our Natatorium, but are especially excited to showcase our facilities during the State Finals.”
The Barrington Natatorium seats around 1,000 fans and features a recently upgraded video board.
“We are looking forward to providing a memorable and fun experience for the athletes, coaches, and school communities attending,” added Barrington Athletic Director Ryan Rubenstein.
Speech at the Peoria Civic Center
The Board approved a two-year contract extension for the IHSA Speech State Finals to remain at the Peoria Civic Center in 2027 and 2028. The Civic Center has hosted the event since 2010. With its expansive meeting spaces, the Civic Center comfortably allows hundreds of students from around the state to compete in the State Final events, before coming together for the culminating awards ceremony in the venue’s grand 12,000 square foot ballroom.
“Moments like this further emphasize the great partnership between the Peoria area and the Illinois High School Association and that central Illinois continues to be the leader in sports championships across Illinois,” stated J.D. Dalfonso, CEO of Discover Peoria. “I want to thank the Board of Directors at IHSA, Craig Anderson, his entire team, the Peoria Civic Center and our hospitality community for being able to secure this event for the years to come.”
