National Club Basketball Men’s and Women’s Championships Coming to Erie

CollClubSports announced today that both the Men’s and Women’s National Championship will be held in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Men’s Championship will be held at Gannon University, while the first ever Women’s National Championship tournament will take place at Mercyhurst University.

For Women’s, the winners of each of the seven regional playoff tournaments plus one at-large bid will earn the right to participate in a single elimination tournament to be crowned the National Champion. While on the Men’s side, the winners of the five regional playoff tournaments along with three at-large bids will compete, hoping to be crowned a National Champion. All games begin on Friday, April 22nd with the skills competition and All-Star Game taking place on Saturday, April 23rd. The tournaments will conclude with the National Championship Games on Sunday, April 24th.

“The NCBBA and the Erie Sports Commission developed a great relationship after Erie and Gannon University were awarded the 2020 NCBBA-Women’s National Championship. Unfortunately, due to COVID that event didn’t happen,” Christian Smith, VP of Basketball Operations for CollClubSports, said. “Luckily the relationship that was developed didn’t diminish and the Erie Sports Commission was eager to open talks about hosting our events in 2022. Both Gannon (Men’s) and Mercyhurst (Women’s) will be incredible venues to host these National Championships and I know the eight qualifying teams will feel the same way. We couldn’t be more excited about this announcement.”

The Highmark Events Center is located on the campus of Gannon University in downtown Erie. It has been host to Gannon Basketball since the programs began during the 1949-1950 season. The arena’s capacity is 2,800 and it has been voted as the toughest place to win in Division II numerous times by opposing coaches.

The Mercyhurst Athletic Center is located on the campus of Mercyhurst University and has undergone extensive renovations. The arena now includes a new playing surface, upgraded seating for 1,500 and new video scoreboard. Mercyhurst has established itself as one of the elite Division II basketball schools in the region, fueled by three-straight NCAA appearances for the men’s program, including an Elite Eight appearance in 2019.

“We are excited and honored to continue our relationship with CollClubSports and welcome the National Club Basketball Association Men’s and Women’s Championships to Erie in April,” said Mark Jeanneret, executive director of the Erie Sports Commission. “These national championships will offer the opportunity to see the very best club basketball teams in the country in two of the very best basketball venues in Erie County.”

The National Federation of Collegiate Club Sports Leagues LLC (CollClubSports) is a compilation of governing bodies which oversee collegiate club athletics.

Additional information, including information on tickets, will be released closer to the championship weekend.

The Erie Sports Commission is committed to promoting the Erie region as a prime destination for sports and recreation. The major goals of the ESC are to attract, create, support, and host sporting and recreational events that have a positive economic impact on the region, and assist in maximizing the potential of all regional sports facilities and venues. The ESC strives to enhance the image of Erie by showcasing the community, promote wellness through healthy lifestyles, and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages.