2026 Summit League Basketball Championships: All-Session Ticket Update

[Sodakbull]

The March 9th Happy Hour seemed to agree that the announcement of an extension in Sioux Falls was nigh. That makes the ticket changes seem like a strategy to try to placate other teams while maintaining site stability.

True, especially if they are going to add new schools. I believe they also said the revenue from the tournament provided 20% of the budget for the conference. I can’t see it leaving Sioux Falls for a while just because there are too many blue shirts in the crowds! I feel that getting lower bowl tickets was easier the past two years than it has been in a long while. I imagine that’s partly because USD WBB isn’t very competitive right now.

[6-4-3 Jackrabbit]

I don't think that the tournament can be played in anyone's home arena.

So CHI is the option being considered? Wow. That place would be empty. 18,320 for basketball. 500 people for the afternoon sessions would great in that setting. Go for it Fenton!

There’s not another option in Omaha that I can think of besides Baxter.

[jakejc795]

This seems to be a reasonable assumption as the income generated is significant. It would be insane to believe a change would be considered without similar dollars in a bid. Minneapolis(less centered geographically) may have contacts through St Thomas to attract the cash and maybe crowd to look for a venue to compete with Sioux Falls. The Denny Sanford Premier Center and Sioux Falls Sports people have set a high bar for the competition for the SLT. Accepting less by Fenton and board might be a new definition for stupid.

Their CVB could also argue there are more amenities and activities available in Mpls, but my bias has me agreeing that Sioux Falls is the most viable option

[jakejc795]

So CHI is the option being considered? Wow. That place would be empty. 18,320 for basketball. 500 people for the afternoon sessions would great in that setting. Go for it Fenton!

There’s not another option in Omaha that I can think of besides Baxter.

If demand remains stable and/or increases, they could potentially boost ticket prices and try a smaller venue like Council Bluffs' Mid-America Center

[OldHare]

If demand remains stable and/or increases, they could potentially boost ticket prices and try a smaller venue like Council Bluffs' Mid-America Center

The pressure for commercial sponsors would also be needed to balance the ticket sales. It is definitely a package deal to reach similar or greater guarantees. It will be a steep hill for any of the competing bids. My 2 cents

[Jacked_Up]

Sorry this is so late, but it might clarify things a tiny bit.
Commissioner Josh Fenton spoke to the Staters Club in Sioux Falls the day before this year's tourney tipped off. I wasn't very encouraged by what he said (which was not much) about future prospects of Sioux Falls continuing to host the tournament in 2027 and beyond. He dodged specifics but said 10 to 12 communities had submitted proposals to host the Summit Tournament in 2027. The nine university presidents supposedly will make the final decision. I fear that non-S.D. schools are tired of the blue and red in the stands and will team up to get the tourney moved, at least for a trial run.
Fenton also mentioned that ticketing for next year's tourney in Sioux Falls is being kicked back to member schools for next season. Schools will buy however many tickets they want (or can get) and distribute them to their fan base based on their own criteria. There will continue to be a public ticket sale for 2026, too. Some tickets in each price category will be withheld from the schools for the public sale, Fenton said.
One more item of note: Fenton pooh-poohed published reports that Southern Utah and Utah Tech are considering joining the Summit League for basketball and other sports.

[OldHare]

I am watching the finish of the WBB MVC tourney in Evansville, Indiana at Ford Center. It is a 10,000 seat facility. Yesterday's semi games drew 1566. I would guess today is similar. The men still play in St Louis. The men drew 7952 for the final. The combined men and women seems to work for The Summit League.

[mitchellrabbit]

I am watching the finish of the WBB MVC tourney in Evansville, Indiana at Ford Center. It is a 10,000 seat facility. Yesterday's semi games drew 1566. I would guess today is similar. The men still play in St Louis. The men drew 7952 for the final. The combined men and women seems to work for The Summit League.

But is their “fan experience” better? That apparently is more important than attendance.