IHSA takes boys basketball tournament away from Peoria

[Da Coach]

The IHSA has released their decision regarding the boys and girls state basketball tournaments for the next 3 years. Peoria has been the host for boys basketball tournaments since 1996. But the 2021, 2022, and 2023 tournaments were awarded to Champaign and the State Farm Arena today.
https://www.news-gazette.com/sports/...10d4283bb.html

https://www.pjstar.com/news/20200615/ihsa-to-move-boys-basketball-state-finals-from-peoria-to-champaign

Normal and Redbird Arena will continue to host the girls tournaments for these next 3 years.

[molar50]

This is sad for Peoria. I was always impressed in how much local support was evident at the Experience at the Civic Center. I do not know if Champaign can match the volunteer support that Peoria gave to this event.

[bigjimmy]

Obviously having the big support from the U of I AD and Head Coach Brad Underwood had to have helped. The short contract certainly gives the IHSA an out if Champaign businesses raise their prices during the tournament like they did before.

[Dubl R 1]

When we were in Fort Myers I got to talking to the gentlemen sitting in front of me during the K-State/Pitt game before bradley game. When he found out we were from peoria he said he hadn’t been back to Peoria since he graduated from Central in the early 60’s, and lives out west now... but he was familiar with our high school programs success.. (Manual, Central, Richwoods). He was also was familiar with Bradley’s recent history too. As we were talking about Peoria he says “it’s too bad u guys are going to lose the IHSA tourney back to champaign this year”....

I said “idk, they’ve been trying to get it back for 25 years and honestly I think it just works out better in Peoria”

he then said... “no trust me, it’s already a done deal, the powers that be want it back in champaign and already have the votes secured... it’s as good as gone”

Interesting

[Dub]

When we were in Fort Myers I got to talking to the gentlemen sitting in front of me during the K-State/Pitt game before bradley game. When he found out we were from peoria he said he hadn’t been back to Peoria since he graduated from Central in the early 60’s, and lives out west now... but he was familiar with our high school programs success.. (Manual, Central, Richwoods). He was also was familiar with Bradley’s recent history too. As we were talking about Peoria he says “it’s too bad u guys are going to lose the IHSA tourney back to champaign this year”....

I said “idk, they’ve been trying to get it back for 25 years and honestly I think it just works out better in Peoria”

he then said... “no trust me, it’s already a done deal, the powers that be want it back in champaign and already have the votes secured... it’s as good as gone”

Interesting

illinois

[Da Coach]

When we were in Fort Myers I got to talking to the gentlemen sitting in front of me during the K-State/Pitt game before bradley game. When he found out we were from peoria he said he hadn’t been back to Peoria since he graduated from Central in the early 60’s, and lives out west now... but he was familiar with our high school programs success.. (Manual, Central, Richwoods). He was also was familiar with Bradley’s recent history too. As we were talking about Peoria he says “it’s too bad u guys are going to lose the IHSA tourney back to champaign this year”....

I said “idk, they’ve been trying to get it back for 25 years and honestly I think it just works out better in Peoria”

he then said... “no trust me, it’s already a done deal, the powers that be want it back in champaign and already have the votes secured... it’s as good as gone”

Interesting

I had also heard that it was fixed and that Champaign was going to get the tournament back. But I hear a lot of stuff like that, and never know what to believe.
In this case, it was true and it appears it was not a very well kept secret.

[bradleyfan124]

I hate corruption at all levels!!!

[Mikovio]

The tournament's support definitely took a dive in recent years. Part was because Peoria area teams had a run of bad luck but I think the main culprit is the expansion of classes. Doubt a move will fix that. Will be interesting to see if attendance is any better.

[Da Coach]

The IHSA will reportedly renew their agreements for the state tournaments (boys and girls) with the State Farm Arena in Champaign and the CEFCU Arena in Normal.

https://www.25newsnow.com/2024/03/12/ihsa-expects-renew-state-basketball-contracts-with-cefcu-arena-state-farm-center/

[MidMajorFan11]

The tournament's support definitely took a dive in recent years. Part was because Peoria area teams had a run of bad luck but I think the main culprit is the expansion of classes. Doubt a move will fix that. Will be interesting to see if attendance is any better.

Man, you must've had a crystal ball. The move didn't help attendance.