October 6, 2005

Kearney to Host NCAA Women's Basketball Championships

Host in 2007 and 2008

            Kearney, Neb. –  The University of Nebraska at Kearney has been selected as the host institution for the 2007 and 2008 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Elite Eight.

            In 2007, the dates will be March 21, 22 and 24 while in 2008 it will be March 26, 27 and 29. The corresponding days are Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

            All games seven Elite Eight will be held in the Health & Sports Center.

            UNK is already hosting the 2007 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships March 9-10 (Fri.-Sat.) at the Kearney Events Center.

            Kathy Turpin, Associate Athletic Director at Barry University (Fla.) and Chair of the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Committee said, "On behalf of the national committee, congratulations to the community and to the University of Nebraska at Kearney."

            The first three rounds of the 64-team NCAA Division II Tournament are held on campus sites. The eight region winners will advance to Kearney and play for the national championship.

            The national title game will air live on ESPN or one of its sister stations.

            "We are honored the NCAA has afforded UNK and the City of Kearney the opportunity to host this premier women's college basketball event.  We will make sure the participants and their respective fans enjoy a first-class championship experience," said Jon McBride, UNK Athletic Director.

            Other cities to have recently hosted the event include St. Joseph, Mo., Rochester, Minn., and Hot Springs, Ark.

            Last year in Hot Springs, the seven Elite Eight games drew over 9,200 fans. Hot Springs and Henderson State University will also host the 2006 Elite Eight.

            The North Central Region, home to the RMAC, has produced nine national champions, most recently in 2003 (South Dakota State). In the 2005 national title game, Washburn, Kans., beat Seattle Pacific.