MAC extends contract with Quicken Loans Arena to host men’s, women’s basketball tournament through 2017

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The Mid-American Conference will continue to host its basketball tournaments in Cleveland for the next six years.

In a statement released this afternoon, the MAC announced a contract extension with Quicken Loans Arena to host its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments through 2017. The previous deal was due to expire after the 2011 tournament.

“This partnership provides our student-athletes and our fans the finest basketball facility in the country for our conference basketball tournament,” MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said in the release. “The entire Quicken Loans Arena and Cavaliers staff have been extremely supportive to ensure our membership and student-athletes receive a positive experience in Cleveland.”

Cleveland has served as the MAC tournament host city since 2000.

In an effort to cut costs across the board last season, conference presidents adopted a new tournament format that included first round games played at campus sites. The agreement will remain in effect for next year’s tournament.

CMU was upset 69-60 by No. 7 Western Michigan in the quarterfinals of the 2010 tournament after earning a No. 2 seed and first round bye. No. 9 seed Ohio beat Akron 81-75 in overtime to win the tournament championship and receive an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

The No. 6 seed CMU women’s basketball team was also eliminated in the quarterfinals, losing 68-55 against Kent State. Top-seed Bowling Green defeated Toledo 62-53 to win the women’s tournament.

The 2011 MAC men’s and women’s basketball tournament will be held March 9-12, 2011.