In Spokane, Washington, the atmosphere around the NCAA Tournament is notably more subdued this year due to fewer teams, games, and spectators attending the events. Currently, women’s tournament games are being hosted at Spokane Arena, featuring top-seeded UCLA and their star player, 6-foot-7 All-America center Lauren Betts, as one of the eight teams present.
Spokane is a mid-sized city located roughly 100 miles south of the Canadian border. While unique due to its regular hosting of March Madness events, it has witnessed both men’s and women’s tournaments multiple times since 2003. The Spokane Arena has welcomed women’s games four times, with seven overall events hosted in the city.
According to Ashley Blake, CEO of Spokane Sports, the local sports commission, “Spokane has a long history of hosting championships,” further emphasizing, “Our city shows up for sports, and this tournament is no exception.” The city’s established reputation and experience contribute significantly to its frequent selection as a tournament venue.
However, hosting these events hasn’t always been without challenges. Last year, Spokane faced logistical issues when it hosted concurrent events, including men’s tournament games and a substantial youth volleyball tournament. The situation was further complicated by Gonzaga’s women securing a spot in the tournament, leading to games at the McCarthey Athletic Center with minimal notice.
This confluence of events resulted in an accommodation shortage, as suitable hotel rooms were scarce. Consequently, some women’s teams were housed in hotels located in Idaho, necessitating a drive exceeding 30 minutes from downtown Spokane. This situation led to controversy when Utah’s women’s team experienced a racial incident involving the driver of a pickup truck wielding a Confederate flag. The players faced verbal attacks while heading to dinner. After a two-month investigation, an 18-year-old admitted to the racial slur, but hate crime charges weren’t pursued by the Coeur d’Alene city attorney.
This year, with no men’s games happening, such issues have been alleviated. Spokane Sports has since reevaluated ways to manage future congestion effectively. The city is set to host men’s tournament games again in 2027. Blake emphasized the significance of addressing past incidents, stating, “It’s a reminder of the responsibility we all share to ensure athletes feel supported, respected, and safe.”
High-profile athletes like Connecticut’s Paige Bueckers appreciate Spokane’s vibrant support for basketball, highlighted by a sellout crowd for the anticipated Sweet 16 game against Oklahoma. Bueckers, who first played in Spokane with USA Basketball, values the city’s nickname “Hooptown,” a testament to its rich basketball culture and connection with past NCAA tournaments and the annual 3-on-3 summer event.
This year, Spokane is promoting the “Spokane Champions Women in Sports” initiative, organizing events aimed at fostering community support for visiting teams and fans. The city’s commitment to women’s sports extends beyond basketball, seamlessly transitioning into hosting 2,000 athletes for USA Wrestling’s women’s nationals following the NCAA games.
Blake shared insights on Spokane’s vision, noting, “We leverage this platform to tell the story of what sports tourism means for Spokane and, specifically, for women’s sports.”