Green Bay tourism officials are excited about a plan to host state high school basketball tournaments at the Resch Center.
The WIAA board voted Thursday to tentatively accept a bid to move the tournaments from Madison to Green Bay as early as 2013, when an agreement with the Kohl Center is set to expire. Officials have been looking for a new location because of possible conflicts with the UW athletics schedule in Madison.
Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau President Brad Toll says it’s great news for the city and he believes it will mean a major boost for businesses in the region. The boys and girls tournaments generate an economic impact of about $9 million each year in the Madison area. Toll believes Green Bay and surrounding communities could see similar results.
AUDIO: Brad Toll (:17)
The decision is not expected to become final until it’s certain the Kohl Center will no longer be available on the WIAA’s preferred dates. Madison has hosted the boys’ tournament for 90 years and the girls’ tournament since its debut in 1976.
Rick Schuh, WHBY
