The NCAA is currently soliciting bids for the 2026 and 2027 Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) semifinal and final games.
The WBIT is an annual postseason tournament, owned and funded by the NCAA, which features 32 Division I women’s basketball teams. Preliminary rounds, including the first, second, and quarterfinal rounds, are held at campus sites. The semifinals and finals are held at a pre-determined neutral site.
Bid specifications and supporting documents can be found HERE. The bid portal is currently live and will remain open until 5:00 PM ET, January 31, 2025. If you are interested in hosting both years, please submit a bid for each year.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting to discuss further, please reach out to Jessie Carmack (jcarmack@ncaa.org).
Cincinnati, OH – December 9 – Sports ETA proudly announces Christina Velasquez as the organization’s new Director of Education & Research. Christina brings a wealth of expertise and a dynamic vision to the role, which focuses on enhancing the professional development of Sports ETA members through innovative educational programs and groundbreaking research initiatives.
As Director of Education & Research, Christina will oversee the development and delivery of educational content, certification programs, and industry research. She will lead initiatives such as the Sports Tourism Learning Institute (STLI), the Sports Tourism Research Institute (STRI), the Sports Tourism Strategist (STS) certification program, and the creation of cutting-edge resources that empower members with insights into industry trends and best practices.
Christina joins Sports ETA with nearly a decade of experience in professional education and research roles. She previously ...
Next week on Monday, December 16, the Nominating Committee will be accepting applications for seven (7) open positions on the Sports ETA Board of Directors, including:
Executive Committee – Secretary/Treasurer
Four (4) Directors representing the Destination category
(3-year terms expiring June 2028)
One (1) Director representing the Industry Partner category
(3-year term expiring June 2028)
One (1) Director representing the Rights Holder category
(3-year term expiring June 2028)
Key Dates to Remember
*Subject to change
Monday, December 16: Nomination Portal Opens
Sunday, February 16 @ 11:59 PM PST: Nomination Portal Closes
February 17 – 21: Review Applications & Schedule Interviews
February 24 – March 7: Interviews Take Place
Friday, March 14: Slate Finalized
Tuesday, March 25: Proposed Slate Prese...
Welcome to the November edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we turn our spotlight to the Roebbelen Center in Placer Valley, California—a groundbreaking project that reimagines the potential of sports facilities on the West Coast. This facility is a trailblazer, transforming the decades-old Placer County Fairgrounds into a world-class multipurpose event campus that has become a national model for tourism and sports event innovation.
Make sure to read to the end—our Key Difference Maker could inspire new strategies to elevate your facility's success!
A Place Where Champions Are Made
Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California, Placer Valley has emerged as a hub for premier sports events, hosting some of the largest youth, amateur, and professional competitions in the western United States. With top-tier facilities, tournament-friendly hotels, and easy access via Interstate 80,...
Welcome to the October edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we’re thrilled to highlight the Alachua County Sports & Events Complex (ACSEC) in Gainesville, Florida—a premier destination for sports events in North Florida. Known for its state-of-the-art indoor track and adaptable multi-sport spaces, the ACSEC stands out as a powerhouse in sports tourism, boosting local economic growth and providing world-class facilities for athletes, spectators, and the surrounding community. Don’t miss the “Key Difference Maker” at the end—this insight could help shape your own facility’s impact.
A Legacy of Sports Dedication
Since 1999, the Gainesville Sports Commission (GSC) has been dedicated to advancing sports tourism and community development through strategic sports events. As a nonprofit with a mission to drive tourism and economic impact, the GSC has fueled over 300 million dollars in economic growth for Gainesville and ...
Are you maximizing your brand’s revenue potential? Our latest merchandise white paper helps you learn how to create a customized brand solution through merchandise sales.
Key Takeaways:
Increased Revenue: Merchandise sales provide an additional revenue stream that can significantly boost your event’s financial performance.
Enhanced Fan Engagement: Offering event-specific merchandise creates a deeper connection between fans and the event, enhancing their overall experience.
Brand Visibility: Branded merchandise acts as a walking advertisement, increasing visibility and awareness of your event.
Memorabilia: Merchandise serves as a tangible memento, allowing attendees to relive their experience long after the event has ended.
Data Collection: Merchandise sales can provide valuable data on consumer preferences and behaviors, informing future marketing strategies.
View the White Paper Here
Thank...
Navigate the complexities of insurance and it’s requirements in the youth and amateur sports industry while addressing the financial risks associated for all stakeholders.
This white paper explores the essential insurance types required to protect the youth sports industry from financial risks. It covers the needs of event organizers, venues, sports clubs, and families, highlighting key solutions like general liability, accident medical insurance, sports fee insurance, and event cancellation insurance.
Key Takeaways:
Comprehensive Insurance Solutions: Safeguards the financial investments of all stakeholders.
Event Cancellation Insurance: Protects revenue for event organizers with customizable solutions.
Stay-to-Play Revenue Protection: Exclusive USSCI solution that automatically secures refunds and stabilizes revenue at no cost to event organizers.
Broker Benefits: Brokers help navigate complex insurance needs, ensuring tailored, cost-effective coverage.
...
Get ready for an exciting edition of the September 2024 Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we’re shining the spotlight on one of the most groundbreaking facilities in the sports events and tourism industry: Arizona Athletic Grounds (AAG). As one of the largest sports and entertainment complex in North America, AAG is not just a venue—it’s a game-changer for sports tourism. Dive into this showcase and discover how AAG is driving both community engagement and economic growth. Plus, don’t miss our "Key Difference Maker" and a thought-provoking question to help you level up your own operations. Let’s get started!
Mesa, arizona: A Premier Sports Destination, Powered by Partnership
Mesa has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s most desirable destinations for hosting a wide range of sporting events—whether amateur, youth, collegiate, or professional. The city has hosted premier tournaments for the NCAA, NJC...
We’re excited to announce the next Women's Community Group call, scheduled for October 9, 2024, at 3 PM ET. Mark your calendars for an inspiring session led by Jessica Blubaugh, Chief Philanthropy Officer of United Way of Greater Kansas City!
Jessica brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role, with a career journey that began as an intern at the Kansas City Sports Commission—a fun fact that showcases her deep roots in the sports and nonprofit sectors.
This call will be an excellent opportunity to hear from Jessica as she shares her insights, experiences, and perspectives on leadership, philanthropy, and community impact. Whether you're looking to learn, network, or find inspiration, this session is sure to offer valuable takeaways for everyone.
Learn more about Jessica here: https://voyagekc.com/interview/daily-inspiration-meet-jessica-blubaugh/
Don't miss this chance to connect, learn, and grow with fellow members of the Women's Commu...
Join us for the inaugural Parks & Recreation Community meeting on Monday, October 16 at 2:30 PM ET!
This roundtable discussion, led by community leaders will bring together Parks & Recreation professionals, Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), and Sports Commissions to create a vibrant, collaborative community.
Our focus will be on enhancing the impact of sports tourism, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering sustainable community development through the strategic use of parks, recreation facilities, and events.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, share, and innovate with industry peers!
JOIN ZOOM MEETING
Meeting ID: 871 8748 8253
Passcode: 279776
If you have any questions, please be sure to visit our community webpage and LinkedIn group.
Community Leaders,
Jennifer Fink, Director of Parks and Recreation, MASC/National Sports Center
Clay Partain, STS, Executive Dir...