The National Junior College Association (NJCAA), Muskogee Public Schools, Muskogee Tourism Authority (MTA), and the City of Muskogee announced an updated location for the Region II Men’s and Women’s Division I Basketball Tournament at the newly completed Rougher Village arena. The tournament is scheduled March 8 –11, 2023.
“Muskogee is honored to host this major tournament and showcase the new Rougher Village arena,” said Muskogee Mayor Marlon Coleman. “The decision of NJCAA Region II to host this tournament in Muskogee is a testament to our community’s vibrant tourism economy.”
“We are pleased to host this collegiate event and proud to showcase Muskogee to communities across the state,” said MPS Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall. “The response from our students and community to the new arena has been incredible. Hosting this tournament is a milestone in the opening of the facility.”
“The Muskogee Tourism Authority (MTA) competed to host the tournament through a competitive process, and we are honored that Muskogee was selected as the host City,” said MTA’s COO Dr. Jerri Stoutermire. “Rougher Village Arena will provide players, coaches, officials, recruiters, and spectators from across the state a first-class experience.”
The new arena at Rougher Village was completed in late December. The arena is located on the Muskogee High School campus at 3200 E. Shawnee Rd. The MTA is responsible for coordinating the logistics of the event.
About NJCAA Region II
The NJCAA is the governing association of community college, state college and junior college athletics throughout the United States. Currently the NJCAA holds 24 separate regions across 24 states and is divided into three divisions.
NJCAA Region II Division I colleges include Eastern Oklahoma State, Murray State College, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, Northern Oklahoma-Enid, Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa, Redlands, Seminole State, and Western Oklahoma State.
2019 Bond and Rougher Village
Hosting the NJCAA Region II Division I basketball tournament at Rougher Village comes three years after the passing of the historic 2019 bond and 90 days after completion of the facility. Rougher Village is home to the high school football field and arena. The facility was a flagship project of the bond proposal recommended by the Muskogee Public Schools long range planning committee, set forth by the board of education, and passed by a supermajority citizen vote.
The state-of-the-art facility is a student-focused amenity. As a regional destination, the facility will serve to attract area and state-wide events to Muskogee which positively impacts tourism and the local economy. The multi-use arena houses football and basketball locker rooms and training facilities, staff offices, and the Rougher Spirit Store. The facility will host varsity basketball, school events, and community events with the capacity to host regional competitions and tournaments.
The 2019 bond includes 13 projects at school sites throughout the district. To date, eight bond construction projects have been completed and two projects are currently underway. All projects remain on schedule to be completed by the end of 2023. For more information about Muskogee Public Schools and the 2019 bond projects, visit www.muskogeeps.org.
