Owensboro, KY – January 30–February 1, 2026 — The Owensboro Convention Center will host thousands of archers from over 20 states for the 57th USA Archery Indoor Nationals, one of the premier indoor archery competitions in the country. From youth participants to Olympians, the event promises intense competition, inspiring stories, and a unique opportunity for fans to get up close to the action.
What is USA Archery?
USA Archery is the national governing body for archery in the United States, overseeing athlete development, competitions, and training from grassroots programs to elite levels. The organization selects U.S. teams for the Olympics, Paralympics, and World Championships, manages youth and adult programs, sanctions events, certifies instructors, and provides pathways for national and international competition. This year, USA Archery also oversees the Olympic Archery in Schools (OAS) program, aimed at introducing middle and high school students to the sport.
The Indoor Nationals Experience
The Indoor Nationals, running from January 2 through March 1 across 16 locations, attracts thousands of archers. Athletes can compete in divisions including barebow, compound, recurve, and fixed pins. “This nationwide event draws everyone from first-time competitors to world champions,” said a USA Archery spokesperson. “It’s a chance to hone skills, test consistency, and experience the sport in a controlled, indoor environment without the unpredictability of weather.”
Competition Highlights and Athletes to Watch
In 2025, more than 5,000 athletes participated nationwide. Owensboro alone will see competitors from states including California, New York, Montana, and Florida. High-profile athletes include 5-time Olympian Brady Ellison, silver medalist at the 2024 Olympics, and mixed team bronze winner Casey Kaufhold. Competitors span generations, from 81-year-old Harold Rush to barebow gold medalist Fawn Girard.
This year’s format has a new twist: instead of a final event, prize money will be distributed based on combined results from all Indoor Nationals locations. Over $55,000 will be awarded to the top 10 archers in each gender and division.
Event Details
- Dates: January 30 – February 1, 2026
- Location: Owensboro Convention Center, 501 West 2nd Street, Owensboro, KY 42301
- Disciplines: Barebow (recurve without sights), Compound, Fixed Pins, Longbow, Para Compound, Para Recurve, Para V.I., Para W1, Recurve, Traditional Recurve
- Registration: Early registration through January 9 ($85), late registration January 10–16 ($120), deadline January 16, 2026. Late entries may be accepted if space is available.
Fans can expect a close-up view of the archers and targets, a rarity in outdoor competitions. “With shorter distances indoors, spectators feel right in the middle of the action,” USA Archery officials noted. Only athletes and event personnel will be permitted in the athlete area, ensuring competitors can focus on their performance.
For more information, registration, and membership requirements, visit www.usarchery.org