Big Ten Tournaments Return To Indianapolis

Over the next two weeks, Indianapolis will be a center piece of the college basketball world.

The Big Ten Men’s and Women’s tournaments will be played at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

"The Big Ten men's and women's basketball tournaments are just another opportunity for our city to shine on a national stage whether that is bringing a lot of visitors to town, a national television broadcast," said John Dedman of Indiana Sports Corp.  "It's a great opportunity to crown a champion right here in Central Indiana."

Last year, the tournaments were held in Chicago.  It was only the second time away from Indy for the women and first time in five years for the men.

"The women's tournament brings in approxiamately $4.5 million in visitor spending and the men's tournament brings in $12.4 million of visitor spending," said  Dedman.

Fans can expect some difference this time around, including the men’s championship game pep rally on Georgia Street.

"That championship pep rally, which in the past had just been pregame, that area will stay open during the game since we do have a lot of fans who we think will be downtown but may not have tickets," said Dedman.  "So, they'll be able to stay and watch the game on the east block and then that will lead into the NCAA tournament selection show which also will be played outside."

The women’s tournament starts this Thursday.  The men tipoff next Thursday.