The Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Women’s Basketball Tournament will tip off at the tourney’s long-time home, the Vibrant Arena at the Mark, on Thursday, March 14.
This marks the ninth consecutive year the four-day MVC’s Hoops in the Heartland event has been played in the Quad Cities. That cements its status as the nation’s longest standalone neutral women’s roundball tournament site, according to a news release from Visit Quad Cities.
Through Sunday, March 17, a dozen women’s basketball teams will face off on the Vibrant Arena floor. That’s where, Visit Quad Cities said, “the Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament not only showcases the region’s hospitality but also solidifies our reputation as a top destination for collegiate athletics, putting the Quad Cities on a national stage.”
The tournament features a talented group of players and teams, led by MVC regular season champ Drake University. The Bulldogs also come to Vibrant at the Mark on the heels of an 11-game winning streak.
The rest of the field features talented competitors from schools including: Belmont, Bradley, Evansville, University of Illinois Chicago, Illinois State, Indiana State, Missouri State, Murray State, Northern Iowa, Southern Illinois and Valparaiso.
If the past is any guide, play is likely to be competitive. The MVC has averaged four league teams participating in postseason play in the past 24 seasons, the Hoops in the Heartland’s website said.
In 2023 six teams from The Valley enjoyed postseason success. Drake not only made the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) field, Belmont, Illinois State, Missouri State and UNI participated in the WNIT (Women’s National Invitation Tournament), and UIC played in the Women’s Basketball Invitational (WBI).
MVC makes $1.9M impact
In addition to exciting basketball, Hoops in the Heartland also provides a significant boost to the region’s economy by stimulating local businesses and tourism, Visit Quad Cities says.
Last year alone, the bi-state destination marketing organization’s release said, the MVC generated a direct community economic impact of $1.9 million. And tournament coverage on ESPN+ and ESPNU reached more than 52,000 unique digital viewers. It attracted a minimum audience of 97,380 for the championship game.
“The Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament continues to add value for our region’s diverse sports landscape,” Visit Quad Cities President & CEO Dave Herrell said in the release. “We are incredibly grateful to the Missouri Valley Conference and its member institutions for their confidence in the Quad Cities.”
He added, “For nine years, our destination has had the privilege of hosting student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and fans from The Valley while showcasing our community during March Madness. Hosting premier sporting events like the women’s tournament in the QC produces positive outcomes and results for tourism, brand positioning, talent retention, and overall resident pride. We are looking forward to a great week at the Vibrant Arena at the Mark.”
Joan Kranovich, Visit Quad Cities’ vice president of business growth and the director of Sports QC, also emphasized the significance of the tournament in fulfilling the latter’s group’s mission.
“Sports QC takes great pride in hosting prestigious events like the Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament,” she said. “By attracting and facilitating such tournaments, we not only bolster the region’s sports tourism but also contribute significantly to our vision of establishing the Quad Cities as a premier sports destination. Our mission is to inspire, build, promote, and share the Quad Cities story through sports events and tourism.”
If you go:
Single-session tickets and all-session passes, start at $65 and are available for purchase at the Vibrant Arena box office and on TicketMaster.com. Various ticket discounts are offered, including special rates for families, active or retired military, first responders, educators, and school district staff.
Game 1 tips off at 12:02 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, with No 8 Southern Illinois facing off against No. 9 Indiana State. Visit the MVC website for the full bracket and gameplay details.
The MVC is a premier women’s basketball league, with an impressive track record of postseason participation. Over the past 23 seasons, an average of four league teams have competed in postseason play, including five teams in the 2021-22 season.
The MVC boasts multiple NCAA Tournament bids in 14 seasons, with two bids in the 2022 tournament alone and multiple bids in four of the last five seasons. Notable alumni from the league include former NCAA all-time leading scorer Jackie Stiles (Missouri State, 1998-2001) and NCAA’s career rebounding average leader Wanda Ford (Drake, 1983-86). Both are Hall of Fame members. The MVC’s Hall of Fame includes 11 other distinguished women’s basketball figures. With 12 diverse member institutions across six states, the MVC fosters collaboration and competitiveness while upholding a strong regional and national brand. For more information, visit www.mvc-sports.com.
