SEC Announces Greenville as Site for Women's Basketball Tournament
Oct. 25, 2017
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southeastern Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament will be played in Greenville, S.C. for the next three years, Commissioner Greg Sankey announced today. Greenville previously hosted the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament in 2005 and 2017 and has now been awarded the tournament for 2019, 2020 and 2021.
“The SEC’s experience in Greenville for our 2017 Women’s Basketball Tournament was outstanding and provided the motivation for our return,” said Commissioner Greg Sankey.” The three-year commitment for Greenville to serve as the home for SEC Women’s Basketball is a testament to the city’s wonderful hospitality, the quality of Ben Secours Wellness Arena, and our desire to build on this year’s success. We look forward to partnering with our hosts in Greenville to build a special experience for SEC student-athletes, coaches and fans for years to come.”
The tournaments will be played in the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, which is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue. “We are honored that the SEC has chosen Greenville and the Bon Secours Wellness Arena to be their home for the 2019-2021 Women’s Basketball Tournaments,” said Beth Paul, General Manager of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. “We look forward to welcoming back student athletes and fans from across the Southeast.”
VisitGreenvilleSC, the destination marketing organization for the community, worked with the Greenville Arena District to secure the event for the City of Greenville. “Greenville is thrilled that the Southeastern Conference has chosen to return for three grand years in ’19, ’20 and ’21,” said Chris Stone, President of VisitGreenvilleSC. “No doubt, fans, teams, and coaches all echoed desires for a return after experiencing the energy and exceptional atmosphere of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Coupled with our award-winning dining, shopping, and strolling Main Street, March now positions Greenville, South Carolina as the Women’s Basketball Capital of The South.”
“As Mayor of the City of Greenville, I am honored that the SEC has chosen to return to Greenville for the 2019-2021 Women’s Basketball Championship,” said Mayor Knox White. “Guests who attended the games in March now know that Greenville is a vibrant, exciting city and we look forward to hosting teams and fans for many years to come.”
The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament was previously announced for Nashville in 2018, 2022 and 2026.
In the women’s tournament’s history, 14 cities have hosted; Albany, Ga. (1987-1992); Athens, Ga. (1984, 1986); Baton Rouge, La. (1981); Chattanooga, Tenn. (1993-1997, 1999-2000); Columbus, Ga. (1998); Duluth, Ga. (2007, 2010, 2013, 2014); Greenville, S.C. (2005, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021); Jacksonville, Fla. (2016); Knoxville, Tenn. (1980, 1983); Lexington, Ky. (1982); Oxford, Miss. (1985); Memphis, Tenn. (2001); Nashville, Tenn. (2002, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2022, 2026); and North Little Rock, Ark. (2003, 2006, 2009, 2015).
