SALT LAKE CITY – In a press release this morning, the Pac-12 announced a multi-year partnership with the Maverik Center of West Valley to host the Women’s Gymnastics conference championships.
“The Pac-12 is thrilled to bring one of our premiere events to the Salt Lake Valley,” Pac-12 Senior Associate Commissioner Teresa Gould said in the release. “With a rich tradition of excellence across the sport and a strong following among Utah’s community, we look forward to this showcase featuring some of the top gymnasts in the world competing at Maverik Center.”
The three year deal made by the Utah Sports Commission/Visit Salt Lake will run through 2021, and even though it’s a neutral site venue, there’s no doubt that the Red Rocks will have at least a small home crowd advantage being just 10 miles from their own facilities. Although close to the University of Utah, it will be the first time in conference history that the championships will be held at a neutral site – something AD’s and coaches around the Pac-12 have been pushing for.
In their press release, the Pac-12 cited Utah’s strong women’s athletics interest as a key reason for the move, “Utah consistently has drawn strong attendance, engagement and interest among the surrounding community. The Utes’ women’s gymnastics team averaged 15,139 fans per meet last season at the Huntsman Center, leading all NCAA women’s sports in attendance for the eighth time.”
Information on Pac-12 women’s gymnastics is available at Pac-12.com. More information on the Maverik Center is available at maverikcenter.com.
