CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — The Illinois High School Association Boys State Basketball Tournament will return to Champaign this week, bringing thousands of fans and athletes to the area.

The tournament will be held March 12 through March 14 at the State Farm Center, with 16 teams competing across four classes in a total of 16 games over three days.

Organizers estimate more than 34,000 fans will attend the event, which is also expected to generate over $6 million in economic impact for the Champaign-Urbana community.

“We’re excited to bring sixteen of the top teams in Illinois to compete for the title at the State Farm Center,” said Jayne DeLuce, president and CEO of Experience Champaign-Urbana. “With contributions from community sponsors and the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, we are able to provide these student-athletes, their families and their fans with memories that will last a lifetime.”

The tournament begins Thursday with the Class 1A and 2A semifinals, followed by Class 3A and 4A semifinals on Friday. Games both days begin at 10 a.m., with each game starting about 30 minutes after the previous game concludes.

Consolation games will take place Thursday evening for Classes 1A and 2A and Friday evening for Classes 3A and 4A, beginning at 7 p.m. Championship games for all four classes will be played Saturday starting at 10 a.m.

Teams competing include Goreville, Lawrenceville, Eastland and Marshall in Class 1A; Peoria Manual, Unity, Quincy Notre Dame and Farragut Career Academy in Class 2A; Deerfield, Kaneland, Chicago Leo and East St. Louis in Class 3A; and Marist, York, Benet Academy and DePaul Prep in Class 4A.

In addition to the tournament, the IHSA-Special Olympics Unified Basketball State Tournament and the IHSA Wheelchair Basketball State Championships will be held at the University of Illinois Activities and Recreation Center.

The Unified Basketball tournament will take place Friday and Saturday, while the Wheelchair Basketball championships are scheduled for Saturday morning. Those events are free and open to the public.

Fans attending the tournament can also visit the All Star Zone inside the State Farm Center, featuring activities for children including face painting, caricatures, games and interactive basketball experiences.

Tickets are available for individual sessions or multi-day passes through the State Farm Center box office and website.