MEAC Extends contract with City of Richmond

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference has extended its contract with the City of Richmond and the conference basketball tournament will remain in the area through the year 2003.

"We are extremely excited about the enormous potential of this tournament and our relationship with the City of Richmond," said Commissioner Charles S. Harris. "It's important to establish a firm foundation in this community, not only for our many alumni and fans across the country, but to provide for our member institutions a place that feels like home."

After one tournament stop in Norfolk, Virginia (1997), the league then moved to its current location under the leadership of Harris and signed a three year deal with the City of Richmond, that nestled the annual event through the year 2000. Harris was appointed MEAC Commissioner in April of 1996.

"Anyone who has been associated with this conference knows the importance of having a permanent tournament site," said Harris. "From a marketing stand point, this contract extension will provide more flexibility in attracting new corporate sponsors."

The MEAC Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament is the 14th largest event among all Division I conferences across the nation in average attendance based on NCAA calculations. All quarterfinal, semifinal and finals games are played at the Richmond Coliseum. First Round games are held at the Arthur Ashe Center.

Front Page

Newsroom Index