NCAA Selects Erie to Host 2021 Women’s Frozen Four

The Erie Sports Commission is proud to announce that the NCAA has chosen Erie, Pa. to host the 2021 Women’s Frozen Four, which will be hosted by Mercyhurst University at the Erie Insurance Arena March 19-21, 2021 as announced by the NCAA Tuesday.

The championship event was previously held at the Erie Insurance Arena in 2011, also hosted by Mercyhurst University. The bid to secure the event was submitted jointly by Mercyhurst University and the Erie Sports Commission in August 2016.

The tournament provides for a maximum field of eight teams. Four quarterfinal games will be played at the site of participating institutions March 12 and 13, 2021, with winners advancing to the Frozen Four in Erie.

Teams will begin to arrive on Wednesday, March 17. Two Semifinal games will be held Friday, March 19 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. before the Championship Game on Sunday, March 21 at 2 p.m. 

“Hosting an event of this caliber is an enormous honor, not only for Mercyhurst University and the Erie Sports Commission, but for Erie as a whole,” said Ron Sertz, Executive Director of the Erie Sports Commission. “Being afforded the opportunity to host this national championship event for the second time speaks volumes to those in our great sports city, especially Mercyhurst University, who made the first event such an overwhelming success. In Erie, we truly get sports, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to partner with Mercyhurst University once again to show off our great region to the athletes, staff, and fans of the 2021 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four.”

“It’s a great opportunity – not only for the University and the town,” said Joe Kimball, Mercyhurst University Director of Athletics. “But most importantly for our women’s ice hockey program. Erie Insurance Arena is a tremendous facility and a will be a great choice to host the event.”

“This is yet another wonderful accomplishment for our women’s ice hockey program, Mercyhurst University, the Erie Sports Commission and the city of Erie,” said Mike Sisti, Head Women’s Hockey Coach at Mercyhurst University. “We have enjoyed so much success over the years with great players, coaches, administrators and outstanding hockey fans and supporters from Erie. I am positive everyone will work together to make this a memorable event.”

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.