SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO AM) The Summit League Tournament, opening this weekend at the Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, means more than bouncing basketballs. It means big bucks. Last year's event generated about $11 million in local economic impact. Organizers hope this year will be even better.
For the first time, there will be a free FanFest the first two days of the tournament, March 4 and 5. Children of all ages can test their skills at Pop-A-Shot and other hoop-related games. Another contest station tests how many three-point shots you can make in 30 seconds. Children under 5 have the Kids Zone, where they can shoot baskets on child-sized hoops and enjoy inflatable games.
And there wil be plenty of top flight college basketball, too.
Both the men's and women's Summit League Championships will be decided with an automatic ticket to the NCAA tournament. The University of South Dakota men's team is the top seed for the first time in Summit League history. Defending champ, South Dakota State is the number 4 seed.
Since moving to Sioux Falls, the tournament has broken all sorts of attendance records. Summit League President John Doupal has no plans to move it anywhere else.
"Coming here to Sioux Falls, knowing there is a community with a 'will do' attitude and they have shown that the last nine years. I think that's the difference." says Doupal.
The tournament runs Saturday through Tuesday.
On the men's side:
Saturday:
South Dakota vs Western Illinois
South Dakota State vs Denver
Sunday:
North Dakota State vs IUPUI
Omaha vs Fort Wayne
On the women's side:
Saturday:
Western Illinois vs Denver
South Dakota vs Omaha
Sunday:
IUPUI vs North Dakota State
South Dakota State vs Oral Roberts
KWSN, 1230 AM, 98.1 FM, will carry all Coyote women's games. Q-95.7 FM will carry all Coyote men's games.
KWSN Sports Radio will be live at the Premier Center for Sports Talk with Craig and John from 3-6 p.m. on Monday to cover the semifinals and Tuesday for the championship games.