Second annual tourney set for March 14-16, 2008

With the rousing success of the first “March Mania” held in 2007, Durango will host the second, now annual, regional basketball tournament for boys and girls, 3^rd through 8^th grades, March 14-16, 2008.

Officially sanctioned by Mid America Youth Basketball (MAYB), and in association with Durango Youth Basketball Association (DYBA), Durango’s tournament is open to any interested youth basketball player. Six divisions are planned, with a limit of eight teams per division. The 3^rd and 4^th grade divisions will play at the Durango Community Recreation Center, and the 5^th through 8^th graders will play on the Fort Lewis College Campus, with support from the Fort Lewis Skyhawks.

“We had such a great time last year,” said Pam Glasco, March Mania’s local director and the tournament’s founder. “And people remember that. Durango is a vibrant basketball town and a fun destination for families. We’ve already had quite a few teams register on-line. The 2007 tournament was full with a waiting list, so I encourage teams to not delay.”

With the Durango tournament, as with all programs organized by MAYB, teams compete against a varied field, with an emphasis on providing youth as much “court time” as possible. MAYB has been offering summer youth tournaments for 14 years, and this year is celebrating the eighth year of winter basketball in states throughout mid-America. All winter teams, including those competing in Durango, qualify for the MAYB Summer National Tournament, July 31 – August 3, 2008.

Cost to participate in Durango’s regional basketball tournament – which will be limited to the first 60 teams, ten players per roster, is $150 per team. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of three scheduled games, and all players will receive an official March Mania t-shirt as part of the package.

March Mania has for the second year received a grant from the Durango Business Improvement District (BID) to assist with the fledgling tournament’s expenses, and thereby accomplish the BID’s core mission, to enhance business within the district.

 “We’ve seen what sporting events such as this do to spur business, March Mania notwithstanding. The tournament brought a lot of people to town last year,” said John Wells, BID presiding officer. “Our merchants saw a spike in sales and our hotel rooms were full. My suggestion to basketball parents from out of the area is to book your rooms early because the town will fill up.”

In addition to the BID and site hosts Fort Lewis College and the Rec Center, March Mania sponsors include Bank of Colorado, CJ’s Diner, Coca-Cola of Durango, Dairy Queen, Durango Joe’s Coffee, First National Bank of Durango, La Plata Electric Association, Subway Sandwiches, SunUte Community Center and Zia Taqueria.

To register teams for the Durango tournament, visit www.MAYB.com or contact Glasco at 970.769.3126. Registration deadline is Feb. 29. For additional information about Durango and the surrounding area, as well as lodging opportunities, visit www.durango.org.