Big Ten Tournament moving to Washington D.C.
By Joe Nardone
Mar 16, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans pose for a team photo with the trophy after defeating the Michigan Wolverines in the championship game for the Big Ten college basketball tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Michigan State defeats Michigan 69-55. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Reports have now surfaced that the Big Ten Tournament will be moving to Washington D.C. for the 2017 season. While not officially official, multiple people have commented on the news. If you like things more official, though, a 1 p.m. press conference is scheduled at the Verizon Center today (Tuesday).
Big Ten commissioner Jim Delaney and Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon are expected to speak at the presser.
Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson, who apparently could not wait for the press conference to express his joy, told the Washington Post’s Alex Prewitt, “We’re excited the Big Ten men’s basketball tournament will be played at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. “The Big Ten has shared its commitment to having a strong presence on the East Coast. It’s a great opportunity for our fans to attend the tournament in our backyard and it should be a tremendous atmosphere.”
It has been speculated that the Big Ten is making the move in 2017 so their East Coast presence becomes even more visible.
Until now, the Big Ten has only played their conference tournament in Chicago’s United Center and Indianapolis’ Banker’s Life Fieldhouse.
The Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals call the Verizon Center home.