The Lone Star Conference and the Bartlesville Sports Commission (BSC) announced Thursday a three-year agreement that allows Bartlesville, Okla., to host the LSC Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments for three consecutive years, beginning in 2008.

"This is an exciting day for the LSC, as it marks the start of a three-year journey in which we will partner with the BSC to redefine what it means to compete in a conference championship event," said Stan Wagnon, LSC Commissioner. "I am confident our championship participants will be treated to a first-class experience in Bartlesville and that the citizens of Bartlesville will be impressed with the quality of competition our teams will bring to town."

Bartlesville bid against three other cities to be the first neutral location to host the tournament, which dates back to 1975 for men and 1983 for women. Previously, the tournament has been played in various formats, but never away from member institution campuses.

In considering Bartlesville a potential site for the tournament, the LSC sent a site-visit team comprised of athletic administrators and coaches from several member institutions. Representatives came from various cities - some from rural Oklahoma communities and some from Texas cities of 100,000-plus populations.

"Our site-visit team brought a variety of perspectives, but we all walked away impressed with Bartlesville," Wagnon said. "Every aspect of the city, including the high school's amazing new field house, exceeded our expectations."

Tournament games will be played at Bartlesville High's Bruins Field House, which opened its doors this past fall.  The $5.5 million, 2,221-seat field house is owned and operated by Bartlesville Public Schools and features 1,121 chairbacks along the sidelines and bleacher seating for 1,100 along the baselines. Additionally, there are two concession stands, a spacious athletic training area, seven fully-equipped locker rooms and a hospitality room that overlooks the playing court. The arena has a state-of-the art scoreboard and video board as well.

See photos of the Field House here by clicking on facilities.

"Obviously the arena is a huge asset because of its' innovative design and the fact that it's brand new," Wagnon said. "But we think the leadership and commitment shown by the Bartlesville Sports Commission will be every bit as big of an asset in this partnership."

The newly formed BSC led the bidding effort with comprehensive tours and presentation about Bartlesville and its ability to host the conference.

"As an organization that is passionate about both sports and Bartlesville, we could not be more thrilled to host the LSC tournament," said Gene Batchelder, BSC Chairman. "We are confident the athletes and fans alike will be impressed with the caliber of Bartlesville's facilities and the support of our citizens during this exciting athletic event."

The 2008 tournament, to be held the first week in March, will be comprised of the top eight men's and top eight women's teams, according to the LSC regular-season standings. There will be a total of 14 games played over a five-day period, and the winners will receive automatic bids to the NCAA Division II national tournament. Ticket information will be available  this fall at http://www.lonestarconference.org/.

The LSC, with headquarters in Richardson, Texas, has 15 member institutions that span three states: Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

Texas schools include Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Angelo State University in San Angelo, Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas A&M University-Commerce in Commerce, Texas A&M University-Kingsville in Kingsville, Texas Woman's University in Denton, and West Texas A&M University in Canyon.

Oklahoma institutions include Cameron University in Lawton, the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, East Central University in Ada, Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, and Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford.

Eastern New Mexico, in Portales, N.M., rounds out the membership.

Bartlesville, a city of nearly 40,000, is located 40 miles north of Tulsa, Okla. The city houses the Global Shared Services of ConocoPhillips, Schlumberger REDA Production Systems, and numerous small industries.