Boys basketball state finals returning to Champaign

Posted on June 15, 2020

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – The boys basketball state finals will be shifting from Peoria to Champaign.

The Illinois High School Association’s board on Monday voted to move the tournament to the State Farm Center in Champaign, starting next year until 2023. Peoria has hosted the boys state finals since 1996.

“We want the State Final experience to feel like the Super Bowl of every IHSA sport and activity,” said IHSA executive director Craig Anderson in a statement. “We feel very very lucky that these amazing communities are interested in supporting our high schools, while putting forth the time and resources necessary to make sure the students, coaches, fans and officials enjoy a first-class experience.”

The board also voted to keep the girls basketball state finals in Bloomington-Normal at Redbird Arena for the next three years.

“Illinois State University and Illinois State Athletics have long valued their great partnership with the IHSA, and we take great pride in hosting this Championship,” said ISU Director of Athletics Larry Lyons.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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