Visit Shreveport-Bossier Press Release
For the first time in conference history, the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships will move from a member institution’s campus to a neutral site as Shreveport-Bossier prepares to host the tournament at Brookshire Grocery Arena.
The move will coincide with the tournament’s 25th anniversary, marking its silver anniversary with a new beginning.
The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission with Visit Shreveport-Bossier showcased the destination’s ability to host the championships, and with the help of community and state partners, secured a three-year agreement with SCAC. Presented by Ochsner LSU Health, the tournament will debut in Shreveport-Bossier on February 26–28, 2027, and return in 2028 and 2029.
“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.”
The three-day tournament will feature the top six men’s teams and top six women’s teams from the 10-member SCAC, competing for conference championships and automatic berths in the NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships.
The 2027 championships are expected to generate approximately $650,000 in economic impact as visiting student-athletes, coaches and fans support local hotels, attractions and restaurants.
“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 provide a neutral championship setting 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 play an important role in welcoming fellow conference institutions and their supporters to the community.
“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 and Gents while introducing visiting teams and fans to the hospitality and character of our area.”
SCAC member institutions vying for tournament berths 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 will extend beyond the tournament through community programs and fan activities. In partnership with Bossier Parks & recreation, a youth basketball clinic will take place Thursday, Feb. 25 at the Brookshire Grocery Arena, giving local students an opportunity to train with college athletes and coaches.
If you wish to be a sponsor for tickets provided to students and basketball teams in Caddo & Bossier Parishes, please contact Senior Sponsorship Manager, Matthew Hammock at [email protected].
Also, the East Bank District will serve as a fan zone, where visitors can enjoy a community barbecue event taking place during championship weekend. Additional details will be announced as plans are finalized.
Ticket information for the 2027 championships will be announced this fall.