Now it's really official

BURN THE HORSE

As first reported on Burn the Horse in October and confirmed again in November, the Sun Belt Conference is keeping its men's and women's basketball tournaments in Hot Springs through 2014.
We thought they might make the announcement during Basketball Media Days. Then we thought they might get to it before basketball season began. Now, here it is:

"This is an exciting time for the Sun Belt Conference as we have agreed to a new term to have our basketball tournament at a neutral site for another three seasons. Our fans, administrators, coaches and student-athletes have been provided with a great basketball tournament over the last two years in Hot Springs and the event will keep getting bigger and better thanks to our extension," said Sun Belt Conference commissioner Wright Waters.
The 2011 tournament is scheduled for March 5-8 and will be the final year of the original three-year contract. The extension will keep the tournament there for 2012, 2013 and 2014.
"We are very excited to be hosting the Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championships for three additional seasons. The past two tournaments have been great for our facility and the city of Hot Springs. I know that the next four championships will be a great experience for everyone," said Steve Arrison, CEO of the Hot Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The tournament will continue to be played using two courts. The main court will be Summit Arena, while a secondary court will continue to be constructed in the adjoining convention center space.
"I think it is a great place to have it," UALR Women's Coach Joe Foley said. "The way they set it up last year with the men's and women's basketball teams was great. It allows all the fans from different schools to plan ahead. I don't think any arena in the country could do that type of setup like Summit Arena does."
Here's what other Sun Belt officials had to say about it:

"Hot Springs has been a superb host for the Sun Belt Conference tournament. Hot Springs provides quality facilities, entertainment options for our fans and unequaled hospitality." -- Sun Belt President and Troy Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr.

"The city of Hot Springs has opened its arms to Sun Belt Conference basketball and provided a great home for the league. The experience for our student athletes and fans has been phenomenal so an extension is definitely the right move for the Sun Belt Conference." -- Middle Tennessee President Dr. Sidney McPhee.