Bartlesville to play host to LSC basketball championships

Bartlesville to play host to LSC basketball championships

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. - The Bartlesville Sports Commission and the Lone Star Conference announced Thursday afternoon that Bartlesville, Okla. will host the post-season men's and women's basketball tournaments beginning in 2008.

"This is an exciting day for the LSC, as it marks the beginning of a three-year journey in which we will partner with the BSC to redefine what it means to compete in a conference championship event," LSC Commissioner Stan Wagnon said. "I am confident our championship participants will be treated to a first-class experience in Bartlesville and that the citizens of Bartlesville will be impressed with the quality of competition our teams will bring to town."

Bartlesville submitted the most attractive bid against three other communities. It will be the first neutral location to host the tournament.

"They brought a variety of perspectives, but we all walked away impressed with Bartlesville," Wagnon said. "Every aspect of the city exceeded our expectations."

The newly formed BSC led the bidding effort with comprehensive tours and presentations about Bartlesville and its ability to host the conference.

"As an organization that is passionate about both sports and Bartlesville, we could not be more thrilled to host the LSC tournament," BSC Chairman Gene Batchelder said. "We are confident the athletes and fans alike will be impressed with the caliber of Bartlesville's facilities and the support of our citizens during this exciting athletic event."

The 2008 tournaments, to be held March 3-9 at Bruins Field House, will be comprised of the top four qualifiers in the LSC's north and south divisions, respectively. There will be a total of 14 games played over a five-day period.
 
Bartlesville will be the site for all three rounds for both tournaments.