NYSPHSAA Boys Basketball Championship Scores Big in Broome County

This was a slam dunk in many ways for the Southern Tier and Broome County. Our area got a second chance and we didn't foul up the opportunity. I’m talking about the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Boys Basketball Championship that was held March 21st through the 24th.

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The NYSPHSAA Boys Basketball Championship had been held in Glen Falls for 38 straight years from 1981-2016. We got our three point ( I mean, year) shot beginning in 2017 and ran into a few problems including a horrible snowstorm and the loss of a parking ramp near the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena.

The three-year deal ended in 2019 with no event in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID. Glen Falls won it back with the winning bid in 2022. I'll be honest, I didn't think we would get a second-chance but we did and we made the most of the opportunity.

Hoops and High Fives for the Local Economy

This b-ball extravaganza wasn’t just fast breaks and three-pointers – it pumped some serious cash into our community! According to the numbers from Visit Binghamton, the event brought in $1.9 million in economic impact. From hotels to diners, the local businesses were feeling it as almost 20,000 fans traveled inside the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena for the games.

Local Leaders Cheer on the Action

The big shots in Broome County were singing the praises for the championship hoopla too. County Executive Jason Garnar was saying how these events put their town right on the map. The County Legislature Chairman, Dan J. Reynolds, was thrilled about highlighting the area to players and families from all over the Empire State.

Dunking Dollars and Celebrating Court Side Excitement

Mayor Jared Kraham said it best – with packed hotels, bustling restaurants, and a roaring crowd at the arena, the city was buzzing with basketball fever. It didn't hurt that the Binghamton Patriots was in the Class AA finals and won it for the first time since the King Rice years in 1986.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Visit Binghamton’s Lisbeth Koch was about the community working together to showcase Broome County as a top-tier destination. It was a real win-win for everyone involved!

Excitement is Sky-High for the Future

The hooping has halted for now, but the buzz is still in the air. With over 19,900 folks in the stands, $1.9 million spent locally, the future games are going to be lit. As we get ready for the next round of slam dunks and buzzer-beaters for the next two years, Broome County is ready to show off its A-game.

I'll see you courtside when our version of March Madness returns in 2026.

A Lookback at Binghamton Sports

Binghamton is a city filled with culture and community. What is one piece of culture that brings the community together? Sports; and Binghamton has a long line of historic teams.