BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) - The field is being narrowed for the WIAA girls state basketball tournament.
For the first time since the event started in 1976 it will be played in a city other than Madison.
The Resch Center secured a two year contract.
As for our local basketball teams, five have earned a number one seed in the tournament, including Notre Dame. The girls are excited for a second shot after losing their first game in Madison last year.
"It was a lot of fun but we were young and very nervous so it is going to be more fun this year knowing how much experience we have" says Notre Dame senior Brianna Byrne.
A nearby team like Notre Dame making it to state would be a dream come true for the Resch Center.
[We are] "Looking at the teams and hoping that some of the neighboring teams of Algoma and Kewaunee teams come in, we know those are the types of communities that will come full force, you know the last person out of town turn out the lights" says Cora Haltaufderheid, COO for PMI Entertainment Group.
The more local teams, the stronger ticket sales are expected to be.
However out of town teams are the ones who will fill hotels and generate extra revenue.
"The perfect scenario is a combination of local teams that will really fill the Resch Center and sell tickets and the out of town teams that will fill our hotel rooms" says Brad Toll, President of the Greater GB Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The final brackets will include 20 teams from around Wisconsin. They are vying for one of five golden basketballs.
"It is phenomenal" says Sabrina Rapisarda a Senior at Notre Dame. "It is nice to have it be at home but at the same time going Madison was fun, you get excited, you get off of school early but still its nice to have the comfort of home" she says.
The tournament is also helping local youth basketball programs.
"So many young girls are interested in basketball and now that we have this tournament here it will give them the opportunity to go watch some state games and see what its all about and just the atmosphere and everything" explains Sara Rohde the Varsity Head Coach for Notre Dame.
On the other end of the education spectrum local colleges are excited about the move to Titletown as well.
"I think the most important thing is if we have recruits, or even people who have committed to them, to support them and watch them play. It also gives us an opportunity to look at the talent from around the state particularly juniors and sophomores" explains Connie Tilley Head Women's Basketball Coach at Saint Norbert College.
"I think this shows that a community of this size believes in and supports girls athletics" says Haltaufderheid. "It is something that we are proud to be able to host. We also want to do it right the first time because we only get one time to make a first impression".
The state tournament is March 14-16. Tickets are already selling strong at just $10 a session. You can find out more by clicking here.
To see part one of "The Tourney in Titletown" click here.
