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.
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).