The top sixteen high school volleyball teams from across the state will arrive in Bloomington-Normal this week for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Girls Volleyball State Finals. The event will take place at Illinois State University’s Redbird Arena for the 30th time on November 15-16, 2019.
On Friday, November 15, the tournament begins with a Class 1A match-up at 9am, followed by opening games in Class 2A at 12pm, Class 3A at 4pm and Class 4A at 7pm. Consolation and championship games begin play at 9am on Saturday, November 16. State Championship matches for each class are scheduled for 10:30am (1A), 1:55pm (2A), 5:30pm (3A) and 8:55pm (4A). For up-to-the minute game results, please visit www.ihsa.org.
Additionally, on October 15 the IHSA announced that the Girls Volleyball State Finals will return to Bloomington-Normal on another 5-year contract for 2020-2024. “We enjoy a tremendous partnership with Illinois State University and the Bloomington-Normal area,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “We have worked together for many years to run first-class events at Redbird Arena, and believe the arena renovations should only enhance the experience for the student-athletes, coaches and fans.”
Redbird Arena recently underwent a $6.2 million-dollar renovation that includes new seating in the arena’s lower bowl. “We’re honored to be awarded the IHSA Girls’ Volleyball State Finals through a competitive bid process, and delighted to continue to showcase Redbird Arena, the Illinois State campus and our community to its attendees,” said Illinois State Athletics Director, Larry Lyons. “The IHSA has been a valued partner for many years, and we continually strive to earn their trust as a first-class host organization.”
Hosting events like the IHSA Volleyball State Finals are a win for the BN economy. Bloomington-Normal Hotel and Lodging Association President, Ray Ceresa, says, “The BNHLA would like to thank the IHSA Board of Directors for choosing Bloomington Normal again for the 2020-2024 Volleyball State Finals! We are thrilled to have the players, coaches, parents and siblings stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, shop in our stores and experience the hospitality of Bloomington Normal.” The estimated direct economic impact of hosting the IHSA Girls Volleyball State Finals in Bloomington-Normal is $945,600.
Tickets for the tournament can be purchased at the door, or in advance by calling the Redbird Ticket Office at 309-438-8000. General admission tickets are $8 per session for children and adults.
For more information regarding the event, please contact Stacey Lambert at the Illinois High School Association (309-663-6377) or Matt Hawkins at the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (309-665-0033).
