From UConn:
Webster Bank Arena, along with the University of Connecticut and Fairfield University, are proud to announce that they will host the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championships for regional play in both 2016 and 2017.
“We would like to thank the NCAA for honoring Webster Bank Arena with the women’s basketball regional,” said Arena President Howard Saffan. “It is a great reflection on the continued growth of the city of Bridgeport as well as the improvements throughout our venue. We could not have received this honor without our loyal partners at Fairfield University and the University of Connecticut.”
“The news that UConn has been selected to co-host the Regionals of the 2016 and 2017 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport is exciting,” said UConn Senior Associate Director of Athletics/SWA Deb Corum. “This provides another opportunity for the fans in Fairfield County, and across the state, to see high level competition right here at home. The staff at Webster Bank Arena does an excellent job and teams that have played in that facility always enjoy a superlative experience. Our hearfelt thanks go out to the fans who have helped make Connecticut one of the nation’s premier college basketball locations.”
“We’re obviously delighted with the announcement,” said Fairfield Director of Athletics Gene Doris. “We’ve been hosting NCAA events pretty much since the building opened. We’re pleased to be partnering with the University of Connecticut and Webster Bank Arena in hosting this event.”
The city of Bridgeport will see the best women’s basketball has to offer in the Sweet Sixteen and the Elite Eight.
“This is great news,” said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch. “In our improving downtown, we’re extremely proud to serve as home to Webster Bank Arena, which is a world-class sports and entertainment facility. It’s playing a key role in our city nearing a renaissance. And, I’m crossing my fingers that my alma mater, UCONN, gets to play – and win – in our backyard.”
Webster Bank Arena has hosted two regionals previously, back in 2006 and in 2013. The 2016 tournament will run from March 25 to 28 and the 2017 regional will run from March 24 to 27.
