Southern Conference Inks 10-Year Basketball Extension with Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina, will remain the host of the Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Championships through 2035, under a new agreement between the collegiate conference, the city of Asheville, Explore Asheville powered by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority and the Asheville-Buncombe Regional Sports Commission.

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The deal continues a long-standing partnership between the four entities.

“This 10-year extension represents one of the most significant and stable championship partnerships in all of collegiate athletics,” said SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross. “Very few conference basketball tournaments can claim the kind of continuity and deep-rooted connection that we’ve built with Asheville over the past quarter-century. This isn’t just about finding a venue – Harrah’s Cherokee Center-Asheville has become synonymous with the Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Championships, and our student-athletes, coaches, and fans have created memories here that will last a lifetime.”

Asheville has hosted the conference championships since 2012, and hosted previously from 1984 to 1995.

“The passion of this community and the volunteers, the exceptional management of the Harrah’s Cherokee Center, and the unwavering support from our partners at Explore Asheville and the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission made this decision the right one for the SoCon,” Cross said. “We’re not just extending a contract; we’re affirming a competitive legacy to create the next decade of championship moments. With basketball, volleyball, and wrestling all calling Asheville home, we couldn’t be more proud or excited about our future here.”