Here is the press release from the MIAA regarding the state basketball finals.
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) is pleased to announce “The Road to Springfield 2017”, with the return to the “Birthplace of Basketball” for the March 2017 state basketball championship finals. This first class weekend experience for the 16 qualifying teams is made possible by the MIAA’s continued partnership with the Western Massachusetts Sports Commission and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The event will mirror last season’s most successful inaugural event.
The state finalist schools will arrive in Springfield on Friday, March 17 and practice at their designated game venue, with four games scheduled for Saturday, March 18 at both the Mass Mutual Center and Blake Arena on the campus of Springfield College. Additional weekend highlights include team tours at the Hall of Fame and a Friday evening celebratory banquet on the Hall’s Center Court. Corporate sponsorships also provide schools with top quality overnight accommodations and a morning breakfast leading up to their Saturday tip-off.
A press conference providing more detailed event information will be planned and announced for late fall. As the 2016-2017 regular season progresses, the partnership will provide ongoing communication with all MIAA member basketball schools along with the general public through the MIAA website and a dedicated “Road to Springfield 2017” webpage, to be available for review by late January.
