(February 20, 2020) HUTCHINSON, KS – The final battles to see what teams will represent Region VI at the NJCAA Division II National Tournaments has a new home, and it's in one of the most iconic basketball venues in the state of Kansas.
Region VI and Hutchinson Community College have partnered to have the Division II Tournament championship games at the historic Hutchinson Sports Arena on Friday, March 6. The women's championship will be at 5:30 p.m. and the men's finals will be at 7:30 p.m.
Admission will be $10 for adults and $5 for students. There will be no advance purchase for tickets.
"We are very thankful to Hutchinson Community College for being able to do this for us," said Women's Region VI assistant director Tony Tompkins. "It will be great for our student-athletes and fans to play as such a great venue like the Sports Arena, Hutchinson is experienced at running events. This will be a great night as we determine who our Division II teams will be for the national tournament."
In past years, the Division II Championships were played at the site of the Division I tournament early in the day before the Division I championship games.
The move to the Sports Arena allows the Division II teams to have its own stage as it crowns regional champions.
"Hutchinson Community College is excited to partner with Region VI and host the Division II Championship games," Hutchinson Athletic Director Josh Gooch said. "We look forward to providing a top-notch venue and great game operations that these games deserve."
The Hutchinson Sports Arena was built in 1952 to be the home of the NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball tournament. That tournament continues to call the Sports Arena home, as well as Hutchinson Community College men's and women's basketball and the KSHSAA Class 3A State Basketball Tournament. The Arena also plays host to the KSHSAA Class 3A/4A state volleyball tournaments and will have the NJCAA Division I National Volleyball Tournament return in 2021 after serving as tournament host in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
The Region VI-Division II Tournament will open on February 28 at highest seeds The semifinals will be at the sites of the Nos. 1 and 2 seeds on March. Those semifinal winners will advance to Hutchinson.