After concluding its annual Spring Meetings in Birmingham, Ala. on Thursday, the SWAC announced the approval of a three-year contract extension for football championship game and basketball tournament to remain in city of Houston through the 2018-19 academic year.
The extension, approved by the conference’s Council of Presidents and Chancellors, will keep the football championship game at NRG Stadium and the basketball tournament at the Toyota Center. [easyazon_infoblock align=”right” cart=”y” identifier=”B0074TBI6K” locale=”US” tag=”hbcusports-20″]
The conference also announced a change in the basketball tournament’s format.
Starting in 2017, the men’s and women’s tournament will only feature the top 8 teams from the regular season, with the top 4 seeds hosting first round games on their home court. The semi-finals and championship rounds will be played at the Toyota Center.
The basketball tournament format (including dates) is listed below.
Tuesday, March 7
#8 seed travels #1 seed
#7 seed travels to #2 seed
#6 seed travels to #3 seed
#5 seed travels to #4 seed
Wednesday, March 8 – TRAVEL DAY
Thursday, March 9 – PRACTICE DAY
Friday, March 10 – Semi-Final 4 games (2 men, 2 women)
Saturday, March 11 – Championship Finals 2 games (1 men, 1 women).