Where are the 2024 IHSAA state wrestling finals? Hint: It's not Indianapolis
SOUTH BEND — For the first time since 1985, the IHSAA state wrestling tournament will not take place in Indianapolis.
The 2024 state finals are instead slated for the Ford Center in Evansville. It's a one-year move due to the NBA All-Star Game being played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis that same weekend, Feb. 16-18.
The first round of the IHSAA state finals will begin Friday, Feb. 16 at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT (local time). The rest of the tournament is Saturday, with quarterfinal and semifinal rounds starting at 10 a.m. ET/9 a.m. CT, consolation matches at 5:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. CT and championship bouts at 8:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. CT.
There are concerns over the size of the Ford Center, as it seats about 10,000 people. The state wrestling finals traditionally average more than that per day.
The City of Evansville is embracing being the host city, as there will be a fan festival held outside the Ford Center from 1-6 p.m. CT the Saturday of the state finals. It's the first state championship to be held in the city in more than 120 years.
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Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 11 a.m. ET. They are available for purchase online through Ticketmaster or at the Ford Center box office.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Where are the 2024 IHSAA state wrestling finals? Get tickets early
