Musco Sports Center is in Final Two contenders for All-Star Community Award

Sixteen innovative community projects began the journey for the Iowa League of Cities People’s All‑Star Community Award. After three rounds of public voting, the field has narrowed to the Final Two, with Muscatine’s Musco Sports Center advancing to the finals, a news release says.

Muscatine will be up against Toledo in the chase for the coveted prize of being named the 2026 Iowa League of Cities People’s All-Star Community. The project that receives the most Facebook “likes” will be named champion. Final voting ends at noon on September 24.

The People’s All‑Star Community Award highlights creative, impactful local government projects across Iowa, with the winner determined entirely by public voting on social media.

The matchup

It's Muscatine’s Musco Sports Center vs. Toledo’s Iowa Juvenile Home Campus Transformation (new elite learning center for South Tama County Middle School)

How to vote

Community support is crucial. Residents, partners, and supporters can help Muscatine reach the Finals by liking the Musco Sports Center project photo in the semifinal album on the Iowa League of Cities Facebook page. Every “like” counts as a vote.

Final voting began Monday. The winner will be announced during the League’s Annual Conference & Exhibit later in September.

About the Musco Sports Center

The Musco Sports Center is one of Muscatine’s most significant community investments in recent decades. For years, winter weather shortened seasons, limited training opportunities, and forced families to travel long distances for indoor facilities. The Musco Sports Center was built to change that.

At 122,000 square feet, it is the largest inflatable sports facility in Iowa and provides year‑round access to high‑quality athletic and recreational space. The center features:

• A full‑size turf field for football, soccer, baseball, and softball
• Dedicated pickleball and court‑based activity areas
• Flexible open space for tournaments, expos, car shows, quilt shows, and large community events.

“The Musco Sports Center is more than a building — it’s a promise to our community, our families, and our future,” said Nick Gow, Muscatine Parks & Recreation director. “This facility gives our young athletes the opportunities they deserve, keeps activities local, and opens the door for new events and visitors. We’re proud of what it represents for Muscatine, and we hope the community rallies behind it in this competition.”

The center strengthens Muscatine’s sports infrastructure, supports economic growth, and reflects the community’s commitment to youth development and long‑term quality of life.

The City of Muscatine encourages everyone to participate by visiting the Iowa League of Cities Facebook page, locating the photo of the Musco Sports Dome interior, and clicking “like.” Each vote helps Muscatine advance toward the title of 2026 People’s All‑Star Community Award.

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