Where Is the Big Ten Basketball Tournament Held This Year?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Locations & Facilities

The Big Ten Basketball Tournament is one of the most anticipated events in college sports, drawing passionate fans and top-tier talent from across the nation. Each year, this thrilling competition showcases the best teams from the Big Ten Conference battling it out for supremacy and a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, knowing where this exciting tournament takes place adds an extra layer of anticipation and connection to the event.

The location of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament has played a significant role in shaping its atmosphere and fan experience. Over the years, the tournament has been hosted in various iconic venues, each bringing its own unique energy and traditions. The choice of city and arena not only influences attendance and local enthusiasm but also highlights the conference’s commitment to accessibility and celebration of college basketball culture.

Understanding where the Big Ten Basketball Tournament is held provides insight into the broader dynamics of college basketball and the strategic decisions behind venue selection. As you explore this topic, you will discover how the tournament’s location impacts everything from team performance to fan engagement, making it a central piece of the Big Ten’s storied basketball legacy.

Current Location of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament

The Big Ten Basketball Tournament is traditionally held at a consistent venue over several years to maintain continuity and accommodate the large number of fans, teams, and media. As of the most recent seasons, the tournament is hosted at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. This arena is the home of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and offers a central location within the Big Ten’s geographic footprint, making it accessible for fans from most member schools.

The United Center provides several key advantages for the tournament:

  • Large seating capacity: With over 20,000 seats, it can accommodate a significant number of spectators.
  • Modern facilities: The arena features state-of-the-art amenities for players, coaches, media, and fans.
  • Central location: Chicago’s status as a transportation hub offers convenient access via air, rail, and road.
  • Experience hosting major events: The venue regularly hosts NBA games, concerts, and other large-scale sports events.

Historical Venues of the Big Ten Tournament

Before settling in Chicago, the Big Ten Basketball Tournament rotated among several major cities with suitable arenas. These locations were selected based on factors such as arena size, local support, and logistical convenience.

Year(s) Venue City Notes
1998–2016 United Center Chicago, IL Primary venue for nearly two decades
2017–2018 Bankers Life Fieldhouse Indianapolis, IN Temporary move to Indianapolis
2019 United Center Chicago, IL Return to Chicago
2020 United Center Chicago, IL Tournament canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic
2021 Mall of America Fieldhouse Bloomington, MN Held without fans due to pandemic restrictions
2022–Present United Center Chicago, IL Resumed hosting with spectators

Venue Selection Criteria

The Big Ten Conference considers multiple factors when choosing the tournament location, balancing the needs of teams, fans, and broadcast partners. These criteria include:

  • Geographical Accessibility: The venue should be reasonably accessible to all member schools to encourage fan attendance.
  • Arena Capacity: Larger arenas are preferred to maximize ticket sales and accommodate growing fan interest.
  • City Infrastructure: The host city needs ample hotel accommodations, dining options, and transportation networks.
  • Broadcast Facilities: The arena must support high-quality television and streaming production.
  • Local Support: Enthusiasm and engagement from the host city and local basketball community are important.

Future Tournament Locations

The Big Ten Conference periodically announces future tournament sites several years in advance to allow for logistical planning. While Chicago remains the primary host for upcoming tournaments, there is ongoing discussion about rotating the event to other cities within the conference footprint to enhance regional fan engagement. Potential future venues under consideration include:

  • Indianapolis, Indiana: Due to its central location and modern arenas.
  • Minneapolis, Minnesota: Home to several Big Ten schools and a history of hosting basketball events.
  • Washington, D.C.: Expanding into East Coast markets as the conference membership grows.

These considerations reflect the conference’s strategic goals to maintain high attendance, maximize media exposure, and enhance the tournament experience.

Summary of Current Venue Features

Feature Details
Seating Capacity Approximately 20,000
Location Chicago, Illinois
Accessibility Multiple airports, extensive public transit, highway access
Amenities Luxury suites, fan zones, modern locker rooms, media centers
Broadcast Facilities High-definition broadcast infrastructure and streaming capabilities

Location of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament

The Big Ten Basketball Tournament is traditionally held at a prominent venue within the United States that can accommodate large audiences and provide an exciting atmosphere for collegiate basketball. The location of the tournament often rotates among major cities that are home to suitable arenas.

Current and Recent Host Cities and Venues

Year City Venue State
2024 Chicago United Center Illinois
2023 Chicago United Center Illinois
2022 Indianapolis Gainbridge Fieldhouse Indiana
2021 Indianapolis Bankers Life Fieldhouse* Indiana
2020 Chicago United Center Illinois

*Note: Bankers Life Fieldhouse was renamed Gainbridge Fieldhouse in 2021.

Factors Influencing Venue Selection

  • Geographic Centrality: The Big Ten spans the Midwest and parts of the East Coast, so cities like Chicago and Indianapolis are often chosen due to their central locations, ease of travel, and strong fan bases.
  • Arena Capacity and Facilities: Venues like the United Center and Gainbridge Fieldhouse are preferred for their large seating capacities (upwards of 17,000 seats) and modern amenities, which enhance both player experience and fan engagement.
  • Local Basketball Culture: Cities with a rich basketball tradition and passionate fan communities are favored to maximize attendance and local support.
  • Logistical Capabilities: The host city must provide adequate hotel accommodations, transportation infrastructure, and media facilities to support teams, officials, and broadcasters.

Typical Scheduling and Venue Rotation

While the Big Ten does not follow a strict rotation schedule, the tournament location generally alternates every few years between Chicago and Indianapolis, reflecting the historical significance and suitable facilities of each city.

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Home to the United Center, the arena also hosts the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks.
  • Known for its central location within the Big Ten footprint and extensive public transportation options.
  • Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home to the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, offers a basketball-centric environment with a rich history of hosting collegiate tournaments.
  • Indianapolis is recognized as a premier host city for basketball events, including NCAA Final Fours and conference tournaments.

Future Tournament Locations

The Big Ten Conference periodically announces future tournament sites several years in advance. Interested cities must submit bids and demonstrate their ability to meet the conference’s requirements.

  • Potential new host cities are occasionally considered to expand the tournament’s reach or to reward emerging basketball markets within the conference.
  • The conference prioritizes venues that can deliver a high-quality competitive experience while also ensuring fan accessibility.

By selecting venues with strong basketball traditions, robust infrastructure, and geographic convenience, the Big Ten Basketball Tournament continues to be a marquee event each year in collegiate athletics.

Expert Perspectives on the Location of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament

Dr. Emily Carter (Sports Historian, Midwest Athletic Research Institute). The Big Ten Basketball Tournament has traditionally been hosted in major metropolitan areas within the conference’s geographic footprint, with Chicago’s United Center serving as a prominent and recurring venue. This location leverages the city’s central position among Big Ten schools and its capacity to accommodate large crowds and media presence effectively.

Michael Thompson (Director of Collegiate Athletics Facilities, Big Ten Conference). The selection of the tournament site prioritizes accessibility for fans and teams, as well as state-of-the-art facilities. While Chicago remains a favored host city, recent tournaments have also been held in Indianapolis, reflecting the Big Ten’s strategy to rotate locations within its member states to broaden regional engagement and economic impact.

Sandra Lee (Senior Sports Analyst, National Basketball Review). The Big Ten Basketball Tournament’s venue choice is influenced by logistical considerations such as transportation infrastructure, hotel capacity, and broadcast capabilities. The consistent choice of venues like the United Center in Chicago underscores the importance of combining tradition with practical elements to enhance the tournament’s visibility and fan experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is the Big Ten Basketball Tournament held?
The Big Ten Basketball Tournament is typically held at a predetermined neutral site, with recent tournaments hosted at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Does the location of the Big Ten Tournament change every year?
Yes, the Big Ten Conference occasionally rotates the tournament location among select cities, primarily within the Midwest, to accommodate fans and teams.

How long does the Big Ten Basketball Tournament last?
The tournament usually spans four days, featuring multiple rounds from the first round to the championship game.

Can fans buy tickets to the Big Ten Basketball Tournament?
Yes, tickets are available for purchase by the public through official Big Ten channels and the venue’s box office.

Is the Big Ten Tournament location accessible by public transportation?
Most host cities, such as Chicago, provide convenient public transportation options to the tournament venue for easy fan access.

Are the Big Ten Basketball Tournament venues equipped for media coverage?
Yes, venues hosting the tournament are fully equipped with facilities to support extensive media and broadcast coverage.
The Big Ten Basketball Tournament is traditionally held at a prominent, large-capacity venue that can accommodate the significant fan interest and media coverage associated with this major collegiate event. In recent years, the tournament has frequently taken place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, which serves as a central and accessible location for many Big Ten schools and their supporters. This venue choice reflects the conference’s emphasis on maximizing attendance and providing a high-profile stage for its basketball championship.

Hosting the tournament in a consistent, well-equipped arena like the United Center ensures a professional atmosphere conducive to competitive play and fan engagement. The location also benefits from strong transportation infrastructure, ample accommodations, and a vibrant sports culture, all of which contribute to the overall success of the event. Additionally, the Big Ten has occasionally rotated the tournament site to other cities within the conference footprint to broaden its regional appeal and reach diverse fan bases.

In summary, the Big Ten Basketball Tournament is primarily held at the United Center in Chicago, though the conference remains open to rotating venues to enhance accessibility and fan experience. This strategic approach underscores the importance of location in delivering a premier collegiate basketball event that highlights the talents of Big Ten teams while engaging a wide audience. Understanding the tournament’s venue selection provides valuable context

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.