Arch Madness Returns to St. Louis
The Missouri Valley Conference revealed that its women's basketball championship will shift to St. Louis in 2027, ending a long stint in Coralville, Iowa. The change is part of a broader re‑imagining of the postseason, with both the men's and women's brackets now sharing the same week under the Arch Madness banner.
Under the new structure, ten teams will compete across four days, and the top two seeds in each bracket will receive a direct pass to the semifinals, a reward for regular‑season excellence that underscores the conference’s emphasis on competitive balance.
A Historic Venue
St. Louis has been the home of the MVC men's tournament since 1991, forging a deep connection between the city and the conference’s championship tradition. The move to a unified event promises to amplify that legacy while bringing fresh energy to the women's side.
"St. Louis offers a passionate fan base and a venue that truly embraces basketball," said Brian Hardin, Drake’s athletics director, highlighting the city’s historic role in the conference’s postseason narrative.
Looking Ahead
The 2027 schedule outlines specific dates for each round, with opening games slated for early March and the championship finals set for the weekend’s climax, ensuring a concentrated burst of excitement for players, coaches and supporters alike.