Norfolk interested in keeping MEAC tournament in town

COURTESY MEAC.ORG

NORFOLK, Virginia  -- Talks between the city and the MEAC regarding the future of the league's basketball tournament here are temporarily on hold, but a government official said the city is “definitely interested” in keeping the annual event at Scope.

John Rhamstine, who oversees Norfolk's arts and entertainment cultural facilities, said the weeklong tournament has been good for commerce.

“It seems like the hotels and restaurants are happy to have the business, especially during a slow time,” Rhamstine said. “I think it's been a win-win.”

The tournament completed the second year of a three-year agreement to stay in Norfolk when North Carolina Central beat Morgan State for the title on Saturday. Discussions on extending the deal have begun, but they won't resume until after the NCAA tournament ends next month, Rhamstine said.

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