IHSA announces five-year contract for boys basketball state finals site

Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star
Richwoods fans show some excitement as the Knights battle DePaul College Prep in the second half of the Class 3A boys basketball state semifinals Friday, March 8, 2024 at the State Farm Center in Champaign. The Knights fell to the Rams 52-41.
Richwoods fans show some excitement as the Knights battle DePaul College Prep in the second half of the Class 3A boys basketball state semifinals Friday, March 8, 2024 at the State Farm Center in Champaign. The Knights fell to the Rams 52-41.

America's Original March Madness is staying put.

The Illinois High School Association board of directors announced on Thursday a five-year contract extension with the University of Illinois' State Farm Center for the high school boys basketball state finals. Champaign's initial three-year deal ended last month following the 2024 state finals.

Background: The basketball state finals host contracts are expiring. Here's what could be next

“The IHSA is thrilled for America’s Original March Madness to remain in Champaign-Urbana for the foreseeable future,” IHSA executive director Craig Anderson said in a release. “We appreciate the support that Champaign-Urbana and its surrounding communities, the University, State Farm Center, Experience Champaign-Urbana, and all the tournament volunteers annually provide for the state tournament.

"Champaign-Urbana has a long legacy of producing top-tier events that lead to lifelong memories for IHSA players, coaches, schools, and their fans.”

Additionally, the IHSA is working on a deal for CEFCU Arena in Normal to remain as the girls basketball state finals site through the 2028-29 season.

“CEFCU Arena and the Illinois State University campus in the only home the IHSA Girls Basketball State Finals have ever known," Anderson said in the release, "and it is our intention to extend that agreement through 2029 as well.

“There is mutual interest by the IHSA, Illinois State University, and the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau to make that happen, and I anticipate we will have a formal announcement in the very near future.”

No changes will be made to the three-day format of the state finals. However, the IHSA basketball advisory committee is reviewing the daily game and time schedules. A finalized gameday schedule is anticipated to be announced at the June board of directors meeting.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: IHSA boys basketball: State Farm Center Champaign state finals contract

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