ISU extends IHSA Girls’ Basketball Finals contract

The Illinois High School Association, Illinois State University and the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau have reached a five-year contract extension for the IHSA Girls’ Basketball State Finals, which will take place through 2029 at the CEFCU Arena on the ISU campus in Normal will remain. tournament.

“CEFCU Arena feels like a home for the IHSA Girls’ Basketball State Finals, so we are excited to announce an extension that brings us closer to 40 years of the state tournament on the ISU campus,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said in a press release. “CEFCU Arena is beautiful, and we have incredible support from the ISU staff and community volunteers. Their passion and professionalism create an unforgettable experience for our student-athletes, coaches and fans.”

Horton Fieldhouse on the ISU campus hosted the first IHSA Girls’ Basketball State Finals in 1977. The tournament then moved to Champaign for a little more than a decade before returning to CEFCU Arena in 1992, where it has remained ever since.

“Illinois State University values ​​the long-standing relationship between ISU, the IHSA and the Bloomington/Normal Convention and Visitors Bureau,” said ISU Interim Director of Athletics Jeri Mullins Beggs. “We are proud that the IHSA Girls’ Basketball Tournament is synonymous with Illinois State University. We look forward to providing a first-class experience for all teams and their fans.”

Over the years, future stars like Candace Parker, Tamika Catchings and NFHS Hall of Fame coach Dorothy Gaters won IHSA state titles at CEFCU Arena.

“We are honored that the Illinois High School Association has given us the opportunity to continue hosting the prestigious IHSA Girls’ Basketball State Finals,” said BNACVB President and CEO Crystal Howard. “We appreciate the great working relationship we have with the Illinois High School Association and look forward to welcoming the athletes, students and fans. The economic impact this event has on our community is significant, and we will do everything we can to provide our attendees with a great state finals experience.”