BOISE — The Big Sky Conference basketball tournament is underway at Century Link Arena in downtown Boise as fans have the opportunity to catch a whole week of basketball action.
Eleven different schools, 22 teams including both men and women will lace it up this week and that also includes the Idaho Vandals and the Idaho State Bengals.
Boise is rolling out the red carpet as this is the first year of a three year contract that will bring the Big Sky Tournament to Boise and the Downtown Association hopes to make it a permanent event.
"We want everybody to have a good time," said Lynn Hightower the executive director of the Boise Downtown Association. "The economic activity generated by all this excitement is really going to have a positive impact beyond downtown Boise."
The Downtown Association is also connecting fans with local businesses as every school has their own designated restaurant/bar to gather and celebrate during the week, the Bardenay Distillery will be home to Idaho State.
"We are excited for the added business," said Joely Rhodes of Bardenay. "It's great for Boise to bring new fans and not just for basketball but to see Boise and what we have to offer, we are excited to host the Bengals."
It's something the Big Sky Conference also looks forward to as well as an improved fan experience that includes having basketball hoops to shoot on in the Grove Plaza everyday between noon and two p.m.
"It is a way to make it a little more personal," said Tom Wistrcill the commissioner of the Big Sky Conference.
The women's championship game will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday and the men's championship will be at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, tickets are available for a single session or passes can be purchased for all the games.
For more information on tickets and the downtown fan zones click here.
