BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southeastern Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament will be played in Greenville, S.C., in 2019, 2020 and 2021, Commissioner Greg Sankey announced Wednesday. Greenville previously hosted the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament in 2005 and 2017.
“The SEC’s experience in Greenville for our 2017 Women’s Basketball Tournament was outstanding and provided the motivation for our return,” said Sankey. “The three-year commitment for Greenville to serve as the home for SEC Women’s Basketball is a testament to the city’s wonderful hospitality, the quality of Bon Secours Wellness Arena, and our desire to build on this year’s success. We look forward to partnering with our hosts in Greenville to build a special experience for SEC student-athletes, coaches and fans for years to come.”
The tournaments will be played at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, which is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue. “We are honored that the SEC has chosen Greenville and the Bon Secours Wellness Arena to be their home for the 2019-2021 Women’s Basketball Tournaments,” said Beth Paul, General Manager of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. “We look forward to welcoming back student-athletes and fans from across the Southeast.”
VisitGreenvilleSC, the destination marketing organization for the community, worked with the Greenville Arena District to secure the event for the City of Greenville. “Greenville is thrilled that the Southeastern Conference has chosen to return for three grand years in ’19, ’20 and ’21,” said Chris Stone, President of VisitGreenvilleSC. “No doubt, fans, teams, and coaches all echoed desires for a return after experiencing the energy and exceptional atmosphere of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Coupled with our award-winning dining, shopping, and strolling Main Street, March now positions Greenville, South Carolina as the Women’s Basketball Capital of The South.”
“As Mayor of the City of Greenville, I am honored that the SEC has chosen to return to Greenville for the 2019-2021 Women’s Basketball Championship,” said Mayor Knox White. “Guests who attended the games in March now know that Greenville is a vibrant, exciting city, and we look forward to hosting teams and fans for many years to come.”
The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament was previously announced for Nashville, Tennessee, in 2018, 2022 and 2026.
In the women’s tournament’s history, 14 cities have hosted; Albany, Ga. (1987-1992); Athens, Ga. (1984, 1986); Baton Rouge, La. (1981); Chattanooga, Tenn. (1993-1997, 1999-2000); Columbus, Ga. (1998); Duluth, Ga. (2007, 2010, 2013, 2014); Greenville, S.C. (2005, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021); Jacksonville, Fla. (2016); Knoxville, Tenn. (1980, 1983); Lexington, Ky. (1982); Oxford, Miss. (1985); Memphis, Tenn. (2001); Nashville, Tenn. (2002, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2022, 2026); and North Little Rock, Ark. (2003, 2006, 2009, 2015).
ABOUT THE BON SECOURS WELLNESS ARENA
Located in Greenville, SC, the Bon Secours Wellness Arena is a 15,000-seat sports and entertainment arena that hosts live events including family shows, sporting events, concerts, minor league hockey, seminars and conventions. Club seats, party suites and luxury suites with premium concierge services are available in the arena. The Bon Secours Wellness Arena is managed by the Greenville Arena District.
ABOUT VISITGREENVILLESC
VisitGreenvilleSC is a non-profit, economic development organization that is responsible for promoting the greater Greenville area as an attractive destination for meetings, conventions, tradeshows, sporting events, and leisure travelers. As the official sales and marketing organization of the City and County of Greenville, the goal of VisitGreenvilleSC is to increase visitor-generated revenue from local, regional and national markets, thereby strengthening Greenville’s economy.