NCAA gives BC, Garden ’12 regional
When Boston College served as host for the East Regional last spring, athletic director Gene DeFilippo said he hoped Boston would become part of the rotation of cities the NCAA uses for its 65-team men’s basketball tournament.
Yesterday, in announcing sites and dates for the 2011, 2012 and 2013 tournament, the NCAA granted DeFilippo his wish. BC will be the host institution for the 2012 East Regional with TD Garden serving as the site March 22 and 24.
“We are extremely pleased that the NCAA has decided to return to Boston for college basketball’s showcase event,’’ said DeFilippo in a statement. “This decision is a tribute to the outstanding cooperation Boston College has received from Mayor Menino’s office, the city of Boston, the TD Garden, the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau and the local business community. We are grateful for the support and excited to have this opportunity again.’’
It will be the second time a regional has been held in Boston and the fourth time the Garden has served as a tournament site. First- and second-round games were held there in 1999 and 2003.
Phoenix (West), Atlanta (South) and St. Louis (Midwest) are the other 2012 regional sites, with the Final Four slated for the Super Dome in New Orleans.
The 2011 regional sites are Anaheim (West), New Orleans (Southeast), Newark (East) and San Antonio (Southwest), with the Final Four at Reliant Stadium in Houston.
Los Angeles (West), Arlington, Texas (Cowboys Stadium, South), and Indianapolis (Midwest) will serve as hosts in 2013, with a site for the East yet to be determined. The 2013 Final Four will be held at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
