The Big West Conference has announced a two-year contract extension with Honda Center that will enable the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament to remain at the venue, which has hosted the conference’s signature event since 2011.
    
Honda Center will host the tournament over a four-day period beginning in 2021, which will allow the entirety of both the men’s and women’s tournaments to be played in one building. Women’s first round and quarterfinal games have rotated between member institutions Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach State and UC Irvine since 2013. Higher seeds hosted first round games in 2011 and 2012 at campus sites.
    
“This extension with an extra day of competition at Honda Center has been a goal of the Conference,” said Rob Halvaks, Big West Deputy Commissioner. “We appreciate Honda Center working with us to accommodate all tournament games at the venue in 2021 and 2022.”    
    
Eight men’s and eight women’s teams qualify for the tournament, with the winner earning the conference’s automatic bid to NCAA postseason play. The 2021 tournament will take place March 10-13, while the 2022 tournament will be played March 9-12.
    
Beginning on July 1, 2020, CSU Bakersfield will officially join the Big West as the league’s 10th member.
    
“For 10 years, Honda Center has been honored to host the Big West Tournament. The unforgettable moments on the court and incredible atmosphere in the stands have been thrilling,” said Tim Ryan, President/CEO of Honda Center. “We are excited to extend our partnership with the Big West Conference, and continue to bring outstanding college basketball to Anaheim.”
    
Honda Center and the Big West Conference jointly hosted seven NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament West Regionals (1998, 2001, 2003, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2019), and one First and Second Round (2008) event.
    
The 2020 Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® Big West Basketball Tournament will be played March 10-11 at Long Beach State and March 12-14 at Honda Center.