NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) — The Illinois High School Association renewed its contract on Tuesday to continue holding the girl’s basketball state finals in CEFCU Arena on Illinois State University’s Campus.
According to an IHSA news release, the five-year contract extension will keep the state finals in Normal through 2029.
“CEFCU Arena feels like home for the IHSA Girls Basketball State Finals, so we are excited to be able to announce an extension that pushes us closer to 40 years of the state tourney being held on the ISU campus,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “CEFCU Arena is beautiful, and we have an incredible support from the ISU staff and community volunteers. Their passion and professionalism make for an unforgettable experience for our student-athletes, coaches, and fans.”
Horton Fieldhouse on the ISU campus hosted the inaugural girl’s basketball state finals in 1977. The finals then moved to Champaign, before returning to CEFCU Arena in 1992, where it has remained ever since.
“Illinois State University values the long-standing relationship between ISU, the IHSA, and the Bloomington/Normal Convention and Visitors Bureau,” said ISU Interim Director of Athletics Jeri Mullins Beggs. “We’re proud that the IHSA Girls Basketball Tournament is synonymous with Illinois State University. We look forward to providing a first-class experience to all the teams and their fans.”
In 2021-22, the IHSA altered the state final format and now crowns state champions in all four classes on a single weekend. In June 2024, the IHSA Board approved time and game order schedule changes to the state tourney that will go into effect in 2025.