BOISE, Idaho — The Big Sky Conference has a three-year deal to host their conference tournament at Century Link Arena in downtown Boise.
This year will mark the second year that eleven men's and women's teams make their way to Boise with the hopes of leaving the City of Trees with a championship and a spot in the NCAA tournament.
"Everything is on the line so the passion that our student-athletes come and play with here is off the charts," said Big Sky Conference Commissioner Tom Wistrcill. "Come on over and check out a game or two, I promise you will be impressed."
The tournament runs from March 9-14 with 20 games in six days, but the Big Sky is working to make this more than just a basketball tournament.
Last year the conference partnered with downtown businesses to give each team's fans their own destination at a local restaurant and the fan experience included several events in the Grove Plaza.
This year the conference is trying to build their brand by connecting with local school kids in the Treasure Valley.
A few elementary schools will take a field trip during the tournament plus the student-athletes have written letters to our local students through a pen pal program.
“To be able to encourage the kids to meet them on a personal level, that just takes that relationship that much farther," said Wistrcill. "If that can inspire the youth of today to become the collegiate student athletes of tomorrow then we have done a pretty good job.”
In addition the conference has a theme for every day of the tournament.
Monday, March 9 - Senior Citizens Day
Tuesday, March 10 - Mascot Day
Wednesday, March 11 - Youth Sports Field Trip Day / Girl Dad Day $8 tickets for children
Thursday, March 12 - First Responder / Military Appreciation Day $8 tickets
Friday, March 13 - Family Day $50 family pack
Saturday, March 14 - Big Sky Conference Hall of Fame which includes Damien Lillard and Jared Allen
For more information on the Big Sky Conference Tournament click here.
