WATERTOWN, S.D. (PlayNorthStar.com) –  The City of Watertown and The Watertown Convention & Visitors Bureau are pleased to announce the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) Conference of the NAIA has named Watertown as the host city for its men’s and women’s basketball conference championships. The games will be held at the Watertown Civic Arena on February 23 and 24, 2019.

This will be the first time that the NSAA has held its conference championship games in Watertown. The members of the NSAA Conference are: Bellevue University, Dakota State University, Dickinson State University, Mayville State University, Presentation College, Valley City State University, Viterbo University, and Waldorf University.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Convention and Visitors Bureau to bring the North Star Athletic Association Basketball Championships to the city of Watertown. I believe the venue and experiences coupled with high quality teams will provide an incredible opportunity for people in the region to participate actively,” said NSAA Commissioner, Cory Anderson.

The Watertown Civic Arena seats up to 3,880 people, has four locker rooms, athletic training amenities, and is located in the center of Watertown. Throughout the summer of 2018, the arena will be undergoing an extensive remodeling project, complementing the recently installed new seating, updated locker rooms and other new amenities.

Commissioner Anderson adds, “We are always looking to bring new experiences to studen tathletes, their families and fans of the North Star. Watertown is a great location and unique setting for the North Star Basketball Championships as their community is active, collaborative and sport-centric and will truly add to the championship experience of our student-athletes and fans.”

“Although the sports tourism industry is in its infancy in Watertown, the city’s facilities and hospitality are amazing and will definitely set us apart. With our relationship with the Business Improvement District and the Watertown High School, we are thrilled about the tournament and can’t wait to give the NSAA an exceptional experience,” said Knutson.

The NSAA will be holding an Honors Reception prior to tournament play and athletes will perform community outreach activities put together by their student board.