Throughout the history of the tournament, the organizers have sought to offer the best possible faculties to the participating teams and their fans. The 2019 State Farm Holiday Classic will be held at the following locations in Bloomington-Normal:
Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan University
302 E. Emerson Street, Bloomington
The Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) is the championship site of the State Farm Holiday Classic. This $15 million facility was funded in part by the largest contribution ever made to IWU, a $5 million gift from the Russell and Betty Shirk Foundation of Bloomington. The two-level, 135,344-square foot multipurpose complex seats 2,680 for sporting events (3,100 with standing room) in its arena, and also houses four multipurpose courts, a 200-meter track, wellness center, pool, classrooms and athletic offices. A $6.5 million two-story addition and renovation of the fitness center (completed in 2015) includes new classrooms, flooring, installation of a reusable water bottle station and several new cardiovascular machines and circuit training weight equipment.The Shirk replaced Fred Young Fieldhouse in 1994 as the basketball home of the Titans, and is also the centerpiece of one of the nation’s finest NCAA Division III athletics complex. It has also hosted the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball, Women’s Volleyball and Track & Field National Championships.
Bloomington High School
1202 E. Locust Street, Bloomington
The current Bloomington High School (BHS) opened its doors in 1959 after replacing the original building (built in 1917) which still stands to this day on Washington Street near downtown Bloomington. BHS played host to The Classic in 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2018, and has hosted numerous IHSA Regional and Sectional games. Tournament action will take place in Robert Frank Sports Complex which seats approximately 2,000 fans and is named for the long-time BHS athletic director.
Normal Community High School
3900 E Raab Road, Normal
Normal Community High School has been a tournament site of The Classic since 2005. Both the main and secondary gyms are used at NCHS during our tournament, with the main gym seating approximately 2,400 people. NCHS has played host to several IHSA basketball and volleyball Regional, Sectional and Super-sectional events for both boys and girls.
Normal Community West High School
501 N. Parkside Road, Normal
Normal Community West High School has been a tournament site of The Classic since 2003. Both the main and secondary gyms are used at West during our tournament, with the main gym seating approximately 2,400 people. West has played host to numerous IHSA basketball and volleyball Regional, Sectional and Super-Sectional events for both boys and girls.
