WBB: Storm to host NCAA Tourney in 2013
For any St. John’s women’s basketball fans hoping to see their squad play in an NCAA Tournament game, you might not have to go too far next season.
St. John’s was awarded a bid to host the first and second rounds of the 2013 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. St. John’s will be one of 16 host sites.
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For any St. John’s women’s basketball fans hoping to see their squad play in an NCAA Tournament game, you might not have to go too far next season.
St. John’s was awarded a bid to host the first and second rounds of the 2013 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. St. John’s will be one of 16 host sites.
Other sites include: Baton Rouge, La.; Boulder, Colo.; College Park, Md.; College Station, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; Durham, N.C.; Iowa City, Iowa; Knoxville, Tenn.; Louisville, Ky.; Lubbock, Texas; Newark, Del.; Spokane, Wash.; Stanford, Calif.; Storrs, Conn., and Waco, Texas. The four selected regional sites are Norfolk, Va.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Spokane, Wash., and Trenton, N.J.
"St. John's University is excited and honored to be given an opportunity to host the NCAA Tournament for 2013," said Associate Vice President for Athletics Kathy Meehan. "We are honored to be selected for the first time, and we think that it shows just how far our program has come on the national scene. It's a privilege to showcase not only our excellent facility, but to welcome four outstanding teams who will be vying for a run at the women's Final Four and 2013 NCAA title."
Carnesecca Arena has a maximum capacity of 5,062 seats. Previously, the NCAA minimum requirement for hosting first and second round women’s games was 5,000. There will be no such number beginning in 2013. St. John’s hosted the WNIT in 2005, 2008 and 2009.
The hope is that the Red Storm, which has qualified for the tournament in three of the last six seasons, earns a bid next season.
"It is truly an honor for our University and our women's basketball program to be chosen to host," said St. John’s coach Kim Barnes Arico. "This is a wonderful opportunity as it is great for both the sport of women's basketball and St. John's and will give increased exposure to the game as well as to our University. Hopefully, we take care of our part and get there because there will be no greater honor than to play on your home court in the NCAA Tournament."