Hartford to Host Women's Basketball Tournament

The University of Hartford will host the 2008 America East Women’s Basketball Tournament, marking the sixth time in the last seven years that the event will have been held at the 4,017-seat Chase Arena at the Reich Family Pavilion.

The decision was reached by the conference’s athletics directors.

“We are proud to bring the America East Women’s Basketball Tournament back to Hartford,” said Patricia H. Meiser, director of athletics and special assistant to the president. “Connecticut is a state that embraces women’s college basketball; Hartford’s support is among the best in the conference and it is our intention to showcase Hartford women’s basketball and the America East at the highest levels in the country.”

Hartford hosted the America East Women’s Basketball Tournament from 2002 to 2006. The 2007 tournament took place at Binghamton University.

In 2008, the nine-team tournament will begin with a first-round game on Thursday, March 13. Quarterfinal and semifinal games will follow on Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15, respectively. The championship game will be played on Sunday, March 16. All semifinal games as well as the championship game will be produced by America East and ESPN Regional Television.

“America East Conference is excited to be returning to Hartford for our women’s basketball championship,” said America East Commissioner Patrick Nero. “The folks at the University of Hartford have built an outstanding women’s basketball program and they are committed to running a first-class championship. The city and state have a terrific reputation for supporting women’s basketball and we look forward to sharing in this event with them.”

Hartford attracted more than 33,000 fans to Chase Arena at the Reich Family Pavilion from 2002-06 as host of the America East Women’s Basketball Championship. The Hawks drew nearly 14,000 fans to campus last season for 14 home games.

America East has enjoyed tremendous success in women’s basketball in recent years. Hartford became just the second team in league history to advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament with an upset win over Temple in 2006. Last season, the Hawks advanced to the second-round of the Preseason and Postseason WNIT and should be among the favorites heading into the 2007-08 season.

Read the full press release on the America East web site.