WEST COAST CONFERENCE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP MOVES TO LAS VEGAS
The West Coast Conference Basketball Tournament heads to the bright lights of Las Vegas and the Orleans Arena in 2009 as 16 teams battle for two chances to "Advance to the Dance". This will mark the first time in WCC history that the conference's premier event will be held at a neutral site. The 2009 basketball championships will be the 23rd annual event on the men's side and the 17th annual women's tournament, and will take place March 6-9, 2009.
About the Orleans Arena
Since opening our doors in 2003, the Orleans Arena has proven to be Las Vegas' favorite arena. The Orleans Arena hosted over 175 events in 2006 and over 200 in 2007, including multiple concerts and touring shows; and a variety of sporting events. The Orleans Arena seats 7,471 for basketball events, and is also the home of the ECHL's Las Vegas Wranglers professional hockey team. For more information on the Orleans Arena, visit orleansarena.com.
About the West Coast Conference
The West Coast Conference was formed in 1952 and has evolved and grown to become a nationally recognized and competitive force in Division I intercollegiate athletics, with 13 conference-sponsored sports: baseball, men's and women's basketball, women's crew, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's tennis and women's volleyball. The WCC is characterized by the stability of its membership - only two conferences have been together longer - and its unique emphasis on combining excellence in athletics with excellence in academics.
TOURNAMENT FORMAT
Men's Tournament Format
Under the format that was adopted in 2003, the #5 through #8 seeds will compete in the opening round to determine who will advance to the next round of the tournament. Waiting for the winners in the quarterfinals will be the #3 and #4 seeds, who will have first round byes. The winners of the quarterfinal match-ups will go head-to-head with the #1 and #2 seeds, who will have byes through the first two rounds of the tournament.
Women's Tournament Format
The women will change formats for the 2009 tournament, adopting the same format the WCC men have used since 2003. The #5 through #8 seeds will compete in the opening round to determine who will advance to the next round of the tournament. Waiting for the winners in the quarterfinals will be the #3 and #4 seeds, who will have first round byes. The winners of the quarterfinal match-ups will go head-to-head with the #1 and #2 seeds, who will have byes through the first two rounds of the tournament.
Friday, March 6
Women's First Round Session Game 1 (5 vs. 8) - 12:00 PM
Women's First Round Session Game 2 (6 vs. 7) - 30 mins after the conclusion of Game 1
Men's First Round Session Game 1 (5 vs. 8) - 6:00 PM
Men's First Round Session Game 2 (6 vs. 7) - 30 mins after the conclusion of Game 1
Saturday, March 7
Women's Quarterfinal Round Session Game 1 (5/8 vs. 4) - 12:00 PM
Women's Quarterfinal Round Session Game 2 (6/7 vs. 3) - 30 mins after the conclusion of Game 1
Men's Quarterfinal Round Session Game 1 (5/8 vs. 4) - 6:00 PM
Men's Quarterfinal Round Session Game 2 (6/7 vs. 3) - 30 mins after the conclusion of Game 1
Sunday, March 8
Women's Semifinal Round Session Game 1 (5/8/4 vs. 1) - 12:00 PM
Women's Semifinal Round Session Game 2 (6/7/3 vs. 2) - 30 mins after the conclusion of Game 1
Men's Semifinal Round Session Game 1 (5/8/4 vs. 1) - 6:30 PM (ESPN 2)
Men's Semifinal Round Session Game 2 (6/7/3 vs. 2) - 8:30 PM (ESPN 2)
OFFICIAL WCC FAN HOTEL The Orleans Hotel
4500 W. Tropicana Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89103
General Phone: 702-365-7111
Toll Free: 800-ORLEANS (675-3267)
WCC Fan Rates and Booking Information
• $60 weekdays (Sunday through Thursday)
• $130 weekend days (Friday and Saturday)
• Each room is subject to Clark County room tax (currently 9%) and $5 resort fee per room, per day. The resort fee includes access to the fitness center, in-room coffee, unlimited local and 800 calls as well as free high speed internet access in the business center.
• Call 1-800-675-3267
• Identify yourself as an attendee of the WCC Tournament Fan Block or group code 9FANC03.
• As an alternative, guests can also book online by visiting www.orleanscasino.com, clicking on "Book a Room" and entering the group code, 9FANC03, in the Group Code field.
WCC TOURNAMENT TRAVEL PACKAGES
The WCC has partnered with Anthony Travel, which will serve as the official fan travel agent for the 2009 WCC Basketball Championships. Fans can book through Anthony Travel ("one-stop shop" travel agent) or directly through the Orleans. By booking through Anthony Travel, fans will receive assistance with the following items:
Flights
Anthony Travel will be able to tailor individual flight accommodations through every major airline from any US airport to Las Vegas (service fee will apply). Hotel
Anthony Travel will work directly with the Orleans Hotel to book fan hotel accommodations at the Orleans Hotel to fulfill the WCC general fan contract (service fee will apply). Transportation
Anthony Travel will be able to assist fans with the booking of rental cars once they arrive in Las Vegas. Anthony will also be able to provide information (no booking) of airport transfer options.
Contacting Anthony Travel
• Call 1-888-632-6951
• Identify yourself as an attendee of the WCC Basketball Tournament
