(St. Louis, MO) – So why did the Ohio Valley Conference move its basketball tournament to Evansville? It’s all about the experience, or so says OVC Commissioner Beth DeBauche. During Thursday’s press conference announcing the league’s decision to move both the men’s and women’s post-season tournament to Evansville’s Ford Center, Debauche expressed both her excitement about the new opportunities in Evansville, and respect and appreciation for the city of Nashville.
Ford Center
‘Music City Madness’ has been played in Nashville for twenty-three of the last twenty-four years and last May, league officials began to explore the idea of moving to a different city. After explorations the league decided attempt to expand the league’s footprint by playing their signature championship in the State of Indiana.
DeBauche, who has been the OVC commissioner since 2009, said the desire to seemingly spread the wealth around in a geographic way was important to the Board of Presidents. Evansville provides a newer facility (the 10,000 seat Ford City), an energetic partner in the City of Evansville and Nashville and Municipal Auditoreum is going through some transitions.
DeBauche repeatedly mentioned the ‘student-athlete experience’. Jason Sands, Executive Director of the Evansville Sports Corporation, says the Ford Center will provide the student-athletes with an opportunity to play in an NBA-type facility.
While not a driving force in the decision, the opportunity to play in a neutral site is a plus. DeBauche says there were several factors in the move. A newer facility, excitement in Evansville and easier access to some of the other institutions were all considerations.
With so many OVC members in a closer proximity to Nashville, the league is running a risk of drawing fewer fans, but the commissioner says she is confident the 2018 tournament will be a success. She says Evansville is a drivable distance from virtually all the schools and the rabid basketball fans of Indiana will respond to this annual event.
The Ford Center is spectacular venue and the home floor for the Missouri Valley Conference’s University of Evansville. A brand new DoubleTree Hotel has recently been built and is attached to the facility.
Now they just have to come up with a new name for the tournament.
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