The City of Wilmington is ready to host the Atlantic 10 Conference’s Women’s Basketball Championship, to be played at the 2,500-seat CHASE Fieldhouse March 2-6. This is the first time in six years that all 14 Atlantic 10 teams will compete under one roof. This is also an important year for women’s collegiate sports, as 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX.
With Wilmington serving as host, the championship will be played at a neutral site for only the eighth time in its 40-year history. For the last three seasons, it has been held at member institutions’ campuses.
City officials are thrilled that four of the student athletes participating in this year’s championship hail from Wilmington. Michelle Kozicki from La Salle University, Ber’nyah Mayo and Stefanie Kulesza from the University of Massachusetts, and Yanni Hendley from the University of Rhode Island are all returning to their hometown to participate in the event.
“We’re ready to roll out the red carpet for everyone associated with the A-10 championship,” said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki. “The entire community has come together to ensure that these student athletes, their coaches, their parents and all the other fans feel right at home here.”
The State of Delaware; City of Wilmington; BPG | SPORTS, which manages the Fieldhouse; and Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau (GWCVB) worked together to recruit the A-10 to the area. Last October, the Atlantic 10 signed a three-year agreement with BPG | SPORTS, making this the highest profile basketball championship to come to the city thus far. It’s anticipated that this year’s event will bring 1,500 hotel room nights to New Castle County.
CHASE Fieldhouse (photo credit: Kevin Rentz)
“We are unbelievably honored to be selected to host the Atlantic 10 Women’s Championship,” said BPG | SPORTS President Rob Buccini. “This opportunity allows us to not only host the highest level of collegiate basketball but also gives us the ability to showcase the city to the students and fans. We understand the prestige the number of institutions brings to this tournament, and we are excited to host each one.”
Local leaders see sports tourism as a significant growth opportunity for the city. Jennifer Boes, executive director of the GWCVB, said, “Our region offers a combination of first-class athletic facilities and hotels in a centralized location, plus a myriad of activities to keep athletes and their fans busy when games aren’t in session.”
The Atlantic 10 Conference’s Women’s Basketball Championship will tip off with all 14 schools competing in a first round on Wednesday, March 2, followed by four second-round games on Thursday, March 3. Four quarter-final games will take place on Friday, March 4. The semifinal round will be televised live by CBS Sports Network on Saturday, March 5, and the finals will air live on ESPN2 on Sunday, March 6.
A-10 women’s basketball teams are based in eight states and Washington, D.C. They include Davidson College, the University of Dayton, Duquesne University, Fordham University, George Mason University, The George Washington University, La Salle University, the University of Massachusetts, the University of Rhode Island, University of Richmond, St. Bonaventure University, Saint Joseph’s University, Saint Louis University and Virginia Commonwealth University.
For more information about this year’s championship, please visit www.Atlantic10.com. To purchase tickets, go to https://seatgeek.com/atlantic-10-women-s-basketball-championship-tickets.
For press credentials, please visit this link.
COMMUNITY AND MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Mindy Bianca
mindy@mindybiancapr.com
919-200-6060
John Rago
Deputy Chief of Staff
City of Wilmington, Office of the Mayor
Mobile: (302) 420-7928
Email: jrago@WilmingtonDE.gov
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