The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships will move to a neutral site for the first time in conference history when Shreveport-Bossier hosts the tournament at Brookshire Grocery Arena beginning in 2027.
The championships will make their Shreveport-Bossier debut Feb. 26-28, 2027, marking the tournament’s 25th anniversary. The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission and Visit Shreveport-Bossier secured a three-year agreement with the SCAC, with the tournament returning in 2028 and 2029.
The 2027 championships are expected to generate approximately $650,000 in economic impact as visiting student-athletes, coaches and fans spend money at local hotels, restaurants and attractions.
“Bringing events of this caliber to our community takes strong relationships and a shared vision,” said Stacy Brown, president and CEO of Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “This championship began with local partners recognizing an opportunity for Brookshire Grocery Arena and working together to pursue it. The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission with Visit Shreveport-Bossier helped turn that vision into a three-year agreement, and another major sports tourism win that will attract visitors and generate economic impact throughout our community.”
Presented by Ochsner LSU Health, the three-day tournament will feature the top six men’s teams and top six women’s teams from the 10-member SCAC. Teams will compete for conference championships and automatic berths in the NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships.
“This is an exciting milestone for the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference and our basketball programs,” said Dwayne Hanberry, commissioner of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. “Moving our men’s and women’s championships to a neutral site allows us to elevate the championship experience and create a true championship atmosphere for our student-athletes, coaches and fans. Shreveport-Bossier demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the SCAC throughout the bidding process, and we are excited to partner with the community to showcase our championships at Brookshire Grocery Arena.”
Brookshire Grocery Arena will serve as the neutral championship venue for all three years of the agreement.
“We are excited to welcome the SCAC’s student-athletes, families and fans to Bossier City for three years of championship basketball,” said Thomas H. Chandler, mayor of Bossier City. “Events like this give our residents new experiences to enjoy while supporting the hotels, restaurants and businesses that serve our community.”
Centenary College, Shreveport’s local SCAC member institution, will help welcome conference schools and their supporters to the area.
“Centenary College has been an important part of Shreveport for generations, and we are proud to see its student athletes help welcome the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference to our community,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the City of Shreveport. “This tournament gives local families the opportunity to support the Ladies & Gents while introducing visiting teams and fans to the hospitality and character of our area.”
SCAC member institutions include Austin College, Centenary College, Colorado College, Concordia University Texas, University of Dallas, Hendrix College, LeTourneau University, University of the Ozarks, University of St. Thomas and Texas Lutheran University.
The championship experience also will include community programs and fan activities. In partnership with Bossier Parks & Recreation, a youth basketball clinic is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25, at Brookshire Grocery Arena. Local students will have an opportunity to train with college athletes and coaches.
The East Bank District also will serve as a fan zone during championship weekend and host a community barbecue. Additional details will be announced as plans are finalized.
Ticket information for the 2027 championships is expected to be announced this fall.
