The economic vitality of our town and region is enhanced by the ability of Springfield to attract events and attention to the MassMutual Center. Once again the Birthplace of Basketball is the site of the NCAA D2 Men's Basketball Elite Eight tournament beginning with quarterfinal action on Wednesday and culminating in the national championship game on Saturday, March 29th at 2:30pm.
Last year's tournament was very exciting with three games ending with last second shots to win. Though the schools involved are not household names, the quality of play is very good. Massachusetts' own Bentley College has made it to Springfield and will play its quarterfinal game on Wednesday night at 6:00pm against the University of North Alabama at the MassMutual Center. Tickets are inexpensive and the matchup promises to be a good one.
I am a volunteer host for the host committee. This year I will be hosting the Augusta State University Jaguars, whose quarterfinal game is Wednesday afternoon against the University of Central Oklahoma. Fourth grade classes around the region, have followed the teams through the tournament. Schools in each town focused on one of the eight regions. Longmeadow fourth graders followed the South Atlantic teams. The South Atlantic region champs, Augusta State, will be meeting with these fourth graders at the Hall of Fame on Monday night for a brief rally and a "meet and greet." If you have a fourth grader who wants to come to this event but does not have the information, email me at jeroldduquette@comcast.net for details.
The host committee does a great job of creating family friendly events all week. For example, the D2 FAN FEST, an interactive and exciting event aimed at youngsters will be happening on Saturday, March 29th at 10am before the final game. For information about this and other events open to the public contact the Hall of Fame. Let's show these teams and fans coming from as far away as Alaska that our region appreciates their efforts and their contribution to our local economy.
Game Schedule:
Quarterfinals- Wednesday, March 26th at 12:00pm, 2:30pm, 6:00pm, & 8:30pm
Semifinals- Thursday, March 27th at 6:00pm & 8:30pm
Championship Game- Saturday, March 29th at 2:30pm
More info @ http://d2sportstalk.blogspot.com/
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