Wilmington to host A-10 women’s basketball championship

Wilmington will host the Atlantic 10 Conference women’s basketball championship at the Chase Fieldhouse between March 2 and March 6.

The 2022 championship will mark the first in six years during which all 14 Atlantic 10 Conference teams will compete under one roof.

“This is also an important year for women’s collegiate sports, as 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX,” event organizers said in a press release Thursday.

Because Delaware does not have a team in the Atlantic 10 Conference, the Chase Fieldhouse represents a neutral site. The 2022 championship will be only the eighth time in the conference’s 40-year history that the event is held at such a location.

For the last three seasons, it has been held at member institutions’ campuses.

Atlantic 10 women’s basketball teams are based in eight states and Washington, D.C. 

They include Davidson College, the University of Dayton, Duquesne University, Fordham University, George Mason University, The George Washington University, La Salle University, the University of Massachusetts, the University of Rhode Island, University of Richmond, St. Bonaventure University, Saint Joseph’s University, Saint Louis University and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Four of the student athletes participating in this year’s championship come from Wilmington, including Michelle Kozicki from La Salle University, Ber’nyah Mayo and Stefanie Kulesza from the University of Massachusetts, and Yanni Hendley from the University of Rhode Island.

“We’re ready to roll out the red carpet for everyone associated with the Atlantic 10 championship,” said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki in the press release. “The entire community has come together to ensure that these student athletes, their coaches, their parents and all the other fans feel right at home here.”

As of now, all fans and game staff are required to wear a mask while inside Chase Fieldhouse, except while actively eating or drinking.

Last October, the Atlantic 10 Conference signed a three-year agreement with BPG|SPORTS, the company that operates Chase Fieldhouse, making this the highest-profile basketball championship to come to the city in recent memory. 

According to event organizers, it’s anticipated that this year’s event will bring 1,500 hotel room nights to New Castle County.

“We are unbelievably honored to be selected to host the Atlantic 10 Women’s Championship,” said BPG|SPORTS president Rob Buccini. 

“This opportunity allows us to not only host the highest level of collegiate basketball but also gives us the ability to showcase the city to the students and fans,” he continued. “We understand the prestige the number of institutions brings to this tournament, and we are excited to host each one.”

The Atlantic 10 Conference’s Women’s Basketball Championship will tip off with all 14 schools competing in a first round on Wednesday, March 2, followed by four second-round games on Thursday, March 3. 

Four quarter-final games will take place on Friday, March 4. 

The semifinal round will be televised live by CBS Sports Network on Saturday, March 5, and the finals will air live on ESPN2 on Sunday, March 6.

For more information about this year’s championship, please visit this link. To purchase tickets, click here.