Big Ten announces upcoming football and basketball championship venues with new city in the rotation
The Big Ten is adding another venue to its revenue sports championship rotation. You of course know about Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for the conference’s championship game staple. Men’s basketball has also rotated between Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the United Center in Chicago.
As of today, the conference released the upcoming dates and venues through 2024 and is adding the Target Center in Minneapolis into the mix as well for basketball. Missing is Gainbridge Fieldhouse for any of the basketball tournaments, but the United Center and Lucas Oil Stadium remain.
So what does the schedule look like and what venues can you plan your trips around? Here are some quotes from the league on the announcement and what you can expect through 2024.
Are you excited about the prospects of visiting the Twin Cities in the near future for one of the basketball tournaments?
Quotes on the upcoming dates and venues
Jul 22, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Big 10 commissioner Kevin Warren speaks to the media during Big 10 media days at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
“We are thrilled to bring marquee conference events such as the Big Ten Football Championship Game and the Big Ten Basketball Tournaments to world-class cities and venues within the conference footprint,” said Big Ten Conference Commissioner Kevin Warren. “Indianapolis and Minneapolis each have a strong history and tradition of hosting some of the world’s premier events in cities that feature an exceptional base of Big Ten Conference alumni and fans. We look forward to creating new memories and experiences for our student-athletes, coaches, and member institutions, further expanding our fanbase, cultivating relationships with the business community, and fostering a positive and lasting impact on these cities.”
“Indiana Sports Corp and its partners are thrilled with the decision made by the Big Ten member institutions to return the Big Ten Football Championship Game in 2023 and 2024,” said Indiana Sports Corp President Ryan Vaughn. “After hosting the annual Championship Game for the past 11 years, we believe our city has delivered a top-tier experience on all levels for the student-athletes, coaches, fans, and our community. We look forward to continuing this long-standing partnership and creating community impact through this event for years to come.”
“We are proud to carry the tradition of Big Ten men’s and women’s basketball excellence to Minneapolis,” said Minnesota Sports and Events CEO Wendy Blackshaw. “After this year’s sold-out NCAA Women’s Final Four, hosting the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament in 2023, and the Big Ten men’s and women’s tournaments in 2024 will continue to fuel Minnesota’s reputation as a true basketball state. With our terrific partners, especially Target Center and its state-of-the-art venue, we can’t wait to welcome more basketball fans to our great state.”
2022 Big Ten football championship game (previously announced)
Mar 13, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Lucas Oil Stadium is seen following the cancellation of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament due to concerns over the Covid 19 coronavirus. Lucas Oil Stadium was to be the site of an NCAA men’s basketball regional. Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Venue and Date(s)
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN) | December 3, 2022
2023 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament
Apr 3, 2022; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general overall view of the exterior of the Target Center, the site of the Final Four championship game of the women’s college basketball NCAA Tournament between the UConn Huskies and the South Carolina Gamecocks. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Venue and Date(s)
Target Center (Minneapolis, IN) | March 1-5, 2023
2023 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament (previously announced)
Mar 15, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; A general view of the exterior of the United Center before the game between the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks. Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Venue and Date(s)
United Center (Chicago, IL) | March 8-12, 2023
2023 Big Ten Football Championship Game
Dec 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A view of the Big Ten logo on an end zone pylon prior to the game of the Penn State Nittany Lions against the Wisconsin Badgers in the Big Ten Championship college football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Venue and Date(s)
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN) | December 2, 2023
2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament
Apr 3, 2022; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general overall view of the exterior of the Target Center, the site of the Final Four championship game of the women’s college basketball NCAA Tournament between the UConn Huskies and the South Carolina Gamecocks. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Venue and Date(s)
Target Center (Minneapolis, IN) | March 6-10, 2024
2024 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament
Apr 3, 2022; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general overall view of the exterior of the Target Center, the site of the Final Four championship game of the women’s college basketball NCAA Tournament between the UConn Huskies and the South Carolina Gamecocks. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Venue and Date(s)
Target Center (Minneapolis, IN) | March 13-17, 2024
2024 Big Ten Football Championship Game
Dec 4, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The Big Ten Trophy at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Venue and Date(s)
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN) | December 7, 2024
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