For the first time in its 37 year history, the Southeastern Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament will be held in Jacksonville this week, with play beginning Wednesday, March 2 at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. During a news conference Monday morning, the Jacksonville Sports Council’s Executive Director Alan Verlander, joined by Mayor Lenny Curry and JAXSPORTS Board Chairman Carl Cannon, shared logistical information and activities surrounding the weeklong event.
“SEC tournament play is some of the most exciting basketball you can watch and we are thrilled that these high energy games are taking place in our very own arena,” said Verlander. “The JAXSPORTS Council is committed to bringing high caliber events to Jacksonville; opportunities that not only enhance and excite locally, but also put our city in the national spotlight as we become a true hub for sports and entertainment.”
Practices begin for all 14 teams on Tuesday, March 1; with the first round of play taking place Wednesday, March 2 at 11 a.m. Semifinals are Saturday, March 5 beginning at 5 p.m., with finals on Sunday, March 6 at 2:30 p.m. The winner of the 13-game tournament will receive the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA
Tournament.
“I am delighted that Jacksonville will host the 2016 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our city to serve as backdrop to an exciting game that will showcase incredible athletes and the incredible amenities and offerings of our area.”
The JAXSPORTS Council is pleased to offer activities and events throughout the week to help build excitement
for the tournament.
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, March 2
Field Trip Day for Tournament Play 11 a.m.
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Made possible by the Southeastern Conference and JAXSPORTS, over 1,500 local elementary school students will file into the area to experience tournament action
JAXSPORTS @ First Wednesday Art Walk 5-9 p.m.
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Laura Street activation in front of MOCA includes a basketball court, basketball pong, slam-dunk photo booth and SEC coach and leadership appearances
Thursday, March 3
JAXSPORTS Women in Sports Luncheon 12-1:30 p.m.
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Jacksonville Marriott – Salisbury Rd.
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Keynote Speaker: Susan Packard, former chief operating officer of HGTV
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Panelists: Donna Orender, founder of Generation W; Donna Deegan, founder and President of The Donna Foundation; among others
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Tickets available at jacksonvillesportscouncil.com
JAXSPORTS Social: Homeruns & Hoops 5:30-7 p.m.
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Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville
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$20 admission includes two drink tickets, stadium fare and a tournament ticket
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JAXSPORTS’ Executive Director Alan Verlander and Jacksonville Suns new Owner Ken Babby will discuss enhancements in store at the baseball grounds this year, as well as the excitement surrounding the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament and the importance of these types of events
Friday, March 4
Military Appreciation Day
Saturday, March 5
Semifinals 5 p.m.
Sunday, March 6
Finals 2:30 p.m.
About JAXSPORTS Council
JAXSPORTS is a membership-based organization that was established to showcase Northeast Florida as a sports destination for professional, amateur and youth sports. JAXSPORTS is a member of the National Association of Sports Commissions and the Florida Sports Foundation. For up-to-date information on and access to local sporting events, the public is encouraged to become a member of JAXSPORTS. More information is available at
jacksonvillesportscouncil.com.