Mid-American Conference tournament to remain in Cleveland through 2023

With the current contract between the Mid-American Conference and Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland set to expire in 2017, the two parties announced an agreement to extend the deal through 2023 on Wednesday. Quicken Loans Arena has hosted the conference tournament every year since 2000, and having a consistent location can help tournaments when it comes to attracting fans ahead of the NCAA tournament.

That was one of the points conference commissioner Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher touched on in the release announcing the agreement on Wednesday.

“Throughout the long history of the Mid-American Conference basketball tournament, there have been exciting and memorable tournament games,” Dr. Steinbrecher said. “Over the past 15 years the Conference has built a tradition of “coming to Cleveland.” This is a destination that keeps getting better and better. We look forward to having the opportunity to host and provide many more memorable experiences at The Q in the years to come,” Steinbrecher added.

The MAC is one conference that holds both of its conference tournaments at the same location, with that being the case since 2001 (the first year of the women’s tournament being held at “The Q”). This year’s event is scheduled for March 11-14, and the arena will also host the Midwest Regional March 26 (regional semifinals) and March 28 (regional final).