March 8, 2023 – Following a successful tournament in 2022, the Illinois High School Association Boys State Basketball Tournament will return to the State Farm Center in Champaign this weekend.
Sixteen teams representing four classes will compete across sixteen games over three action-packed days of basketball.
“We had a phenomenal event in 2022 with an incredible turnout from fans and the community, so we are excited to build on that foundation as we welcome back athletes and fans this week,” exclaims Jayne DeLuce, President & CEO of Visit Champaign County. “With contributions from our community supporters, the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, and the State Farm Center, we are able to provide these student-athletes, their families, and their fans with memories that will last a lifetime.”
The tournament will kick off on Thursday, March 9 with the 1A semi-finals at 10:00 a.m. and the second game starting 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game. The 2A semi-finals beginning at 2:30 p.m. with the second game starting 30 minutes later. The same schedule will be followed on Friday for 3A and 4A games. The Championship games will all be held on Saturday, March 11 starting at 11:00 a.m.
In addition to the Boys State Basketball Tournament, the IHSA-Special Olympics of Illinois (SOILL) Unified Basketball State Tournament and the IHSA Wheelchair Basketball State Championships will take place at the Activities & Recreation Center (ARC) on the University of Illinois campus. The Unified Basketball tournament will be held Friday, March 10, starting at 1:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 11, starting at 8:30 a.m. The Wheelchair Basketball tournament will be held on Saturday, March 11, starting at 9:30 a.m. with five teams competing. These games are free and open to the public.
“Whether they’re playing on the court at State Farm Center or at the ARC, these athletes get to enjoy state-of-the-art facilities befitting state champions,” explains Mike Koon, Director of Sports, Events, and Film for Visit Champaign County. “Their experience in our community is top-notch from the moment they pull into town. From police escorts to the arena, to community hosts that will be their dedicated guide, teams will experience the hospitality our community is known for before they even take to the courts.”
To see bracket matchups, Click HERE.
