Muscatine, Iowa’s Musco Sports Center is moving on in the People’s All-Star Community Award competition, and now it’s up to the public to help decide how far it goes.
The Musco Sports Center is one of 16 statewide finalists in the Iowa League of Cities’ All-Star Community Awards program. The project has advanced to the quarterfinal, or Elite 8, round, which began Thursday, Aug. 20.
Muscatine is matched up against Central Plaza in Marion. Voting is taking place on the Iowa League of Cities’ Facebook page, where people can vote by “liking” the photo of the project they support. The project with the most likes in each matchup moves on to the semifinals.
Elite 8 voting runs through Aug. 31. Semifinal voting begins Sept. 1, with the final round taking place during the Iowa League of Cities’ Annual Conference and Exhibit in September. The overall winner will be announced at the awards banquet.
The People’s All-Star Community Award recognizes innovative local government projects, with the winner determined entirely through public voting.
For Muscatine, the Musco Sports Center represents a major investment in local recreation and athletics. Before the facility opened, winter weather often meant shortened seasons, canceled practices and long drives for teams looking for indoor space.
The 122,000-square-foot facility was built to provide year-round opportunities for athletes and the community. It includes a full-size turf field that can accommodate football, soccer, baseball and softball, along with pickleball and court-based activities.
The space can also be transformed for tournaments and other large events, including expos, car shows, quilt shows and community gatherings.
Muscatine Parks & Recreation Director Nick Gow said the facility is about more than sports.
“The Musco Sports Center is more than a building — it’s a promise to our community, our families, and our future,” Gow said.
Gow said the facility keeps more activities in Muscatine, gives young athletes additional opportunities and could bring new events and visitors to the community.
Anyone who wants to support Muscatine in the competition can visit the Iowa League of Cities Facebook page, find the photo featuring the interior of the Musco Sports Center and click “like.”
Every like counts toward helping Muscatine move one step closer to the 2026 People’s All-Star Community Award.
