Upcoming NJCAA Women’s Basketball tourney at SC4 could provide boost for Blue Water Area tourism

What’s happening: Get ready for the Thunderwolves, Thunderbirds, and Sea Devils to descend upon the Blue Water Area next week as the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship tournament is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, March 15, through Saturday, March 19, at the SC4 Fieldhouse. The National Championship game itself is scheduled for Saturday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m.

Why it’s important: In addition to the prestige of St. Clair County Community College hosting the national championship and the talented young women competing for a title, the NJCAA Division II tournament is also important in terms of tourism dollars. It’s estimated that the tournament brings approximately $250,000 in tourism dollars to their host community each year.

“This is a big deal to host 16 teams and their fans in St. Clair County for a week in March,” says Marci Fogal, president of the Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are excited to partner with SC4 and the NJCAA to host this great event. As the spring weather arrives, it will be wonderful to have people here from throughout the U.S. enjoying our downtown and beautiful waterfront.”

Get in on the fun: Tickets for the NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship are available on the SC4 website. The double-elimination tournament tips off at the SC4 Fieldhouse at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 15, with games scheduled all day and everyday throughout the week. The championship match is scheduled for Saturday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m.

What they’re saying: “We are thrilled to welcome the NJCAA championship to our campus and look forward to showcasing the SC4 Fieldhouse as well as our many great restaurants, hotels, businesses and activities,” says Dale Vos, SC4 director of athletics. “We look forward to some exciting games throughout the week and to crowning a National Champion on Saturday night.”

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