The Southeastern Conference will host the 2019 SEC Gymnastics Championship at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, it was announced Thursday.
“We are excited about the opportunity to bring the SEC Gymnastics Championship to New Orleans for the first time in 2019,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “New Orleans has a rich tradition of hosting championship events in all sports and the SEC is proud to have played a significant role in that legacy. The SEC Gymnastics Championship is annually a preview of competition at the national championship meet, and we know this will be another successful event that will produce life-long memories for our student-athletes, coaches and fans in the sport of gymnastics.”
This will mark the first time that the SEC Gymnastics Championship will take place in the state of Louisiana. Previous host sites include: Birmingham, Ala. (2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2011 and 2014); Duluth, Ga. (2004, 2005, 2008, 2012 and 2015); North Little Rock, Ark. (2007, 2013 and 2016); Nashville, Tenn. (2009), Jacksonville, Fla. (2010 and 2017); and St. Louis, Mo. (2018).
“The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation is honored to have partnered with SMG to attract the 2019 SEC Gymnastics Championship,” said Jay Cicero, President/CEO of the GNOSF. “The popularity of New Orleans as a fan favorite destination and the tremendous growth in interest in the sport of college gymnastics should be the perfect recipe for an exciting Championship in 2019. Gymnastics fans from the entire state and SEC footprint are going to love it.”
The Smoothie King Center is a state-of-the-art venue adjacent to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and situated on the 55-acre campus of the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District. It is home to the New Orleans Pelicans, and has previously hosted regionals for the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments and the Women’s Final Four.
“New Orleans’ history as a premier sports and entertainment host city is well known and continues to flourish,” notes SMG General Manager Alan Freeman. “New Orleans is a tourist destination and we are confident the 2019 SEC Gymnastics Championship will appeal to both locals and fans from all the SEC schools. We are thrilled the SEC has awarded us the opportunity to showcase our event venues and all the attractions available in our home city.”
Details on ticket information for the 2019 SEC Gymnastics Championship in New Orleans are being finalized. Fans interested in receiving advance ticket information can go to www.gnosports.com to register their name, email and favorite SEC school.