NEW YORK – The Big East Tournament will be held at Madison Square Garden until at least 2032, ensuring that one of the most popular and historic events in college basketball will be held in “The Most Famous Arena in the World” for 50 consecutive years.
The league and stadium announced a contract extension Friday during a press conference at MSG ahead of the Big East semifinals. His current deal was set to expire in 2028.
“I am very happy to report that we have renewed our votes,” said Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman. “Hopefully many more anniversaries.”
After playing in three different venues during the Big East's first three seasons, the conference has annually held its postseason exhibition just off Broadway in Midtown Manhattan since 1983. That makes it the longest-running college basketball postseason championship held in one place.
“Believe me, it will be more than 50 years,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president of marquee operations and events for MSG Entertainment. “It's been getting better every year. And we didn't think it could be like this.”
Even with the league's reconfiguration in 2013 to include Midwestern schools like Creighton, Marquette and Xavier, college basketball fans still flock to MSG in March. Last year's Big East Tournament was a sellout, with 19,812 fans filling The Garden over the five sessions.
“A New York City staple, this event has long been synonymous with tradition, rivalries and heartwarming moments,” Ackerman said in a statement, calling the league's partnership with MSG “one of the most lasting in the world of sports.
Fisher said, “The rich tradition of the Big East Tournament has produced many of The Garden's most celebrated college basketball moments and has established itself as one of the most anticipated annual events.”
