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Peoria Makes A Bid to Host Both Boys and Girls IHSA Basketball Tournaments

The Peoria Civic Center placed bids to host both the IHSA Boys and Girls Basketball Tournaments for the next three years.

Peoria has some competition. Champaign's State Farm Center wants the boys tournament, and Illinois State University placed a bid to keep the girls tournament at Redbird Arena.

But Civic Center GM Rik Edgar says Peoria is the best choice for both.

"We should have full houses, and we really need the capacity here, the 10,000 seats. And by doing the same for the girls' tournament, we will also have a great amount of folks in for one weekend. So by doing this, we'll really just be doubling our fun, and that will be good for everyone," he said. 

The tournaments have been split up into two separate weekends divided by class in recent years. In the 2020-21 season, the tournament will shift back to a single weekend. 

Peoria has played host to the boys tournament for the last 25 years. One of the centerpieces of the Peoria tournament is the Original March Madness Experience event. 

"By having the March Madness experience within walking distance inside, and not having to drive all over our community, really makes it more than just basketball. It makes it a true community event," Edgar said.

The Civic Center made a separate bid just to host the boys' tournament, as well.  

The IHSA board will make its final decision at its April 21 meeting.

Copyright 2021 WCBU. To see more, visit WCBU.

Tim Shelley is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.