Attention, B-ball fans: Vancouver Basketball Showcase launches in 2018

The Vancouver Basketball Showcase marks the first time NCAA Division 1 tournaments will be held in Canada.

Credit: Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver

NCAA Division I basketball tournaments come to Canada for the first time

Since Vancouver lost its NBA franchise, the Grizzlies, to Memphis 16 years ago (grrr!), the city has been starved for basketball. Well, relief is in sight: the Vancouver Basketball Showcase, launching November 2018. Taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre, this event marks the first time that NCAA Division I basketball tournaments will be held in Canada. It features eight-team men’s and women’s contests, headlined by the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Texas A&M Aggies men’s squads.

Organizers will convert the exhibition space in the Convention Centre’s East building into an arena with seating for more than 3,000 fans. The Vancouver Basketball Showcase is presented by U.S. event promoter BD Global LLC in partnership with Tourism Vancouver and Sport Hosting Vancouver.