ST. LOUIS SUBMITS BIDS TO HOST 30 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS BETWEEN 2014 AND 2018

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.