Scott Clark
Mar 10, 2024 - 08:20

SEC Basketball Tournament Greenville revenue millions of dollars

Greenville, SC thrives during March Madness with NCAA tournaments and SEC Women's Basketball, aiming to make the city a permanent host.

Greenville, South Carolina has truly embraced the madness of March, becoming a hub for basketball tournaments in recent years. The city has successfully hosted the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament as well as the NCAA Men's and Women's Tournaments, drawing in fans and teams alike to create unforgettable experiences.

Heath Dillard, president of VisitGreenvilleSC, expressed pride in the city's ability to host these events and provide a memorable experience for everyone involved. The Bon Secours Wellness Arena has been a key venue for NCAA Men's games in 2017, 2022, and will continue to do so in 2026. Additionally, the arena hosted eight of the Sweet 16 teams from the 2023 NCAA Women's Tournament last year.

The partnership between the city and the Southeastern Conference to host the women's post-season tourney has been beneficial, with an expected $16 million economic impact on the city. Dillard highlighted the direct spending by visitors in hotels, restaurants, shops, and more as a significant boost to the local economy.

With many fans traveling from nearby Columbia, where the USC women's basketball team leads the nation in attendance, Greenville has become a prime destination for basketball enthusiasts. Dillard emphasized the importance of community support in ensuring the success of these events, especially with the proximity of the arena to downtown hotels and amenities.

Looking ahead, Greenville aims to solidify its status as a basketball tournament host, with plans to host the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament in 2025 and NCAA Men's Tournament games in 2026. Dillard revealed that bids have been submitted for championship events in 2027 and 2028, with hopes of continuing to attract top-tier basketball competitions to the city.

In conclusion, Greenville's dedication to hosting premier basketball tournaments has not gone unnoticed, with a thriving basketball culture and supportive community setting the stage for future success in the world of collegiate athletics.