Basketball Finals Moving to UGA & Georgia Tech

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 26, 2016

GHSA ANNOUNCES NEW VENUE FOR 2017 GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL FINALS

University of Georgia and Georgia Tech to Share Hosting Duties

THOMASTON, GA. – The Georgia High School Association, in conjunction with the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech, today announces that agreements have been reached allowing the two schools to share the hosting of the sixteen championship games of the 2017 GHSA state basketball tournament. These March 2017 games will mark the return of the basketball finals to Georgia Tech for the first time since 2003 and will be the first ever for the University of Georgia.

"The University of Georgia and Georgia Tech have two of the premier basketball complexes in the state," said GHSA Executive Director Gary Phillips.  "Both schools worked tirelessly with the GHSA to devise a schedule that eliminates any conflict between the state championship games and the Bulldogs’ and Yellow Jackets’ own use of these marvelous facilities.  The primary goal of the GHSA is to promote the best interests of Georgia’s high school student-athletes, and we are thrilled at the experience these venues will offer to the teams, their schools, and their fans."

UGA's Stegeman Coliseum will host eight championship games on Wednesday, March 8 and Thursday, March 9, 2017.  Georgia Tech's McCamish Pavilion will be the site of the eight remaining championship games on Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11, 2017.  The first of the four games on each day will tip-off at 2:00 p.m.  The specific order and facility assignment for the sixteen championship games have not yet been determined. 

Teya Ryan, President and CEO of Georgia Public Broadcasting said, "For more than 20 years GPB has been an enthusiastic supporter of Georgia's high school athletics. The relocation of the high school basketball state championships will give the students the opportunity to play on the storied courts of the Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets.  All of us at GPB wish the GHSA continued success with the move."

About the GHSA

The GHSA is a voluntary organization composed of over 450 public and private high schools. The GHSA strives to promote education in Georgia from a mental, physical, and moral viewpoint; to standardize and encourage participation in high school athletics; and to promote sportsmanship and an appreciation for and study of music, speech, and other fine arts through Region and State competitions.

CONTACTS

Steve Figueroa, GHSA Director of Media Relations (stevefig@ghsa.net or 706-647-7473 Ext. 26)