NAIA Selects Billings for 2019 DI Women’s Basketball Championship

Rocky Mountain College and Visit Billings announced today the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) selected Billings, MT as the host community for the 2019 Division I Women’s Basketball Championship. The event, held for the first time in Billings earlier this year at MetraPark, was originally contracted through 2018, but the success of 2017 lead the organization to extend through a third year.

"We are thrilled to be awarded a third year on our agreement to host the Women's NAIA Division I Basketball Tournament," said Bruce Parker, Rocky's Director of Athletics. "It is a tribute to our great community after an exceptional first year. The hard work by Visit Billings, Rocky Mountain College, the Frontier Conference and all of the tremendous sponsors and volunteers really paid off to help us produce a wonderful event. And what about the great facility and personnel from the Rimrock Auto Arena!  I'm really excited about the next two years."

“We’re proud of the success we saw with the 2017 Wells Fargo NAIA DI Women’s Basketball Championship in March,” stated Billings Tourism Business Improvement (BTBID) District Chair Shelli Mann. “Extending our two-year contract to a three-year contract bodes well for Billings as a sporting event host city. With these events on our résumé, we hope to continue building our sports offerings in the coming years.”

The NAIA event is the result of a bid put together by Visit Billings, the BTBID and Rocky Mountain College. The partnership also includes MetraPark who worked closely with the planning division to help ensure a successful tournament. “NAIA is just the kind of event Visit Billings looks to bring to this community,” continued Mann. “It brings in quality sports action during a time of year when hoteliers and other businesses are even more appreciative of the economic boost. It’s great for all involved.”

The extended contract will allow the planning committee to offer two-year sponsorship agreements. To learn more about sponsoring the event or getting involved, please email Bruce Parker at bruce.parker@rocky.edu.