ATLANTA- The Southwestern Athletic Conference is ready to make Atlanta its home for men’s and women’s basketball. Earlier this summer the SWAC announced that its men’s and women’s tournaments would be headed to the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta this upcoming season. Today the conference announced that both men’s and women’s media days will be held in Atlanta as well beginning this fall.
The International Convention Center will host the events on Thursday, September 19 (WBB) and Friday September 20 (MBB) at 10:00 a.m. EST on both days.
All SWAC head men’s and women’s basketball coaches and two student-athletes from each team will be in attendance to address the media regarding the upcoming 2024-25 basketball seasons. The league will also announce the 2024 SWAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Preseason Teams as well as the predicted order of finishes at the events.
A complete listing of student-athletes slated to be in attendance will be announced at a later date by the conference.
SWAC excited for Atlanta
“We’re extremely excited to host our upcoming Men’s and Women’s Basketball tournaments in the City of Atlanta,” said SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland. “The Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority (AFCRA) has been a tremendous partner in working with us to make the relocation of our basketball tournaments a reality.”
“Atlanta is one of the top tourist destinations in the country and hosting our tournaments here will undoubtedly give our fans and supporters a wide variety of travel options, lodging accommodations, and recreational activities upon their arrival. Atlanta is also a very unique fit for this event when you analyze the significant amount of membership alumni and fan bases already located in the Greater Atlanta area.”
“Our overall vision is to make the SWAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments a signature destination event filled with exciting high-level competition on the court and a plethora of entertaining ancillary events off the court that will uniquely enhance the overall tournament experience for all attendees.”
The Grambling men won its first ever SWAC championship last season and went on to win its first ever NCAA Tournament game. GSU’s 88-81 win over Montana State in the First Four earned the SWAC roughly $2 million dollars over the next six years.
The Jackson State women won the championship last season before losing to UConn in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. After the season Tomekia Reed left JSU and took over the head coaching position at Charlotte.