SITE SELECTIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN DECEMBER

ST. LOUIS – Sept. 17, 2013 – Just before the clock struck 10:59 p.m. last night – the deadline for proposals – the St. Louis Sports Commission hit the submit button on 30 bids for future NCAA championships.  The bids are in response to

the NCAA seeking sites for more than 500 events between 2014 and 2018.  Never before has the NCAA bid out as many events all at one time.

Following several months of intense consideration, research and bid preparation, the Sports Commission submitted proposals on behalf of the St. Louis region to host championships in 13 different NCAA sports.  Several events are targeted for multiple years.

The Sports Commission proposed a comprehensive and diverse mix of championships aimed at addressing the NCAA’s stated goal for city partners to host a variety of events and achieve increased efficiencies.  The strategy ensured a consistent and coordinated approach for all of St. Louis’ bids.  Recently-approved amateur sports legislation in Missouri enabled the region to pursue so many events.

In producing St. Louis’ bids, the privately-funded Sports Commission collaborated with numerous community partners, including local university, conference and venue colleagues.  Proposed events and their corresponding venues and host institutions appear below:

EVENT	VENUE	NCAA HOST INSTITUTION
Division I Wrestling Championships	Scottrade Center	University of Missouri
Division II Wrestling Championships	Chaifetz Arena	Maryville University
Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Frozen Four	Scottrade Center	Miami (Ohio) University
Women’s Ice Hockey Frozen Four	The Family Arena	Lindenwood University
Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship	Scottrade Center	Missouri Valley Conference
Women’s Gymnastics Championships	Chaifetz Arena	University of Missouri
Women’s Bowling Championship	Tropicana Bowling Lanes	University of Central Missouri
*Division II Men’s Cross Country Championship	Buder Park	Maryville University
*Division II Women’s Cross Country Championship	Buder Park	Maryville University
*Division II Field Hockey Championship	Lindenwood University	Lindenwood University
*Division II Men’s Soccer Championship	Hunter Stadium	Lindenwood University
*Division II Women’s Soccer Championship	Hunter Stadium	Lindenwood University
*Division II Women’s Volleyball Championship	Moloney Arena	Maryville University

*Events are part of the NCAA Division II Championships Fall Festival, which also includes participation from McKendree University and the University of Missouri—St. Louis.

“Our total bid package is the product of the tremendous support and participation we received from so many community partners, especially our academic institutions and sport venues,” said Chris Roseman, the Sports Commission’s vice president of events.  “Together, we look forward to delivering an outstanding experience for every event we’re awarded.  And we’re excited about the potential impact these championships will have on our region to energize our community, bring visitors to St. Louis, showcase the area, inspire young people and elevate our quality of life.”

The site selection announcements for all of the events out for bid are expected on Dec. 11, 2013.  The NCAA is conducting a separate bid process for postseason basketball events, including the Men’s and Women’s Final Fours and preliminary rounds.  Those events will be awarded in 2014.