SEC Tournament to be Held at Bridgestone Arena Through 2030, Beyond

Nashville, Tenn. (November 13, 2018) - The Southeastern Conference announced today that they intend to extend the SEC Basketball Tournament's tenure at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN through 2030. The new agreement will give the SEC the opportunity to extend the tournament an additional five years through 2035. Those tournaments are expected to have a $350 million economic impact on Music City.
"I'm honored to welcome Commissioner Sankey and the SEC to their new second home," said Mayor David Briley. "Their decision to make Nashville the long-term location of their men's basketball tournament is a testament to our city's continued ascendance as a destination for business, great events and tourists."
Music City will receive about 500 hours of national television exposure throughout the post-season tournament's residency. Approximately 3.2 million fans are anticipated to attend the upcoming tournaments, and thousands more are expected to travel to watch the action on Broadway with fellow fans. These tourists will fill over 200,000 hotel rooms.

"Nashville has proven to be an outstanding home for Southeastern Conference basketball and we are pleased to reconfirm this long-term relationship with Music City as the host for these championship events," said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. "Nashville provides tremendous support for this tournament, creates lasting memories for our student-athletes and offers an outstanding experience and venue for our fans."
The 2019 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament will be March 13-17, 2019 at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky will be defending their four-consecutive championship titles after being named in the Top 5 in pre-season rankings. Five other SEC basketball teams are ranked in the AP Top 25 for the upcoming 2018-2019 season.
"On behalf of the Nashville Sports Council, Bridgestone Arena, and the City of Nashville, we are appreciative of the SEC and Commissioner Sankey's confidence in making Music City the home of the SEC Basketball Tournament," said Scott Ramsey, President, and CEO of the Nashville Sports Council.
"Having the opportunity to partner with the SEC and become the home to host the best collegiate conference championship year after year is beyond humbling. We are very thankful to Commissioner Sankey, his incredible staff and all of the member school Athletic Directors for trusting us with this honor. The Mayor's leadership combined with the support of the Sports Authority, CVC and of course the Sports Council allow our city to continue to do things in such unique fashion and for that, we are also very grateful," said Sean Henry, CEO of Bridgestone Arena.
About the Nashville Sports Council:
The Nashville Sports Council is a private, non-profit, membership-based organization of area corporations and individual sports enthusiasts. Created in 1992, the Nashville Sports Council's mission is to positively impact the economy and quality of life of the Greater Nashville Area by attracting and promoting professional and amateur sporting events. The Nashville Sports Council has hosted hundreds of major sporting events that have produced more than $890 million in direct economic impact for the region. For more information call 615.743.3120 or visit NashvilleSports.com. Follow the Nashville Sports Council on Facebook and Twitter.