Champaign, IL – The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has confirmed that the Boys Basketball State Finals will remain at the State Farm Center in Champaign-Urbana through 2029. This decision follows a new five-year contract extension covering tournaments from 2024-25 through 2028-29, ensuring that the State Farm Center will host these prestigious events for years to come.
According to IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson, the decision reflects the organization’s satisfaction with the venue and the strong community support in Champaign-Urbana. The area’s history of hosting significant sporting events was a key factor in the continuation of this long-standing tradition, which began in 1919.
University of Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman expressed pride in the ongoing partnership, highlighting the positive feedback received over the past three years. Local officials, including Jayne DeLuce, President & CEO of Experience Champaign-Urbana, noted the economic and communal benefits brought by the tournament.
The IHSA is also in talks to extend the hosting contract for the IHSA Girls Basketball State Finals at CEFCU Arena in Bloomington-Normal, with a potential announcement expected soon. The current three-day format of the tournament, which was adopted in 2022, will be reviewed and finalized in an upcoming IHSA Board meeting in June.
