It’s a full circle moment for the Westchester County Center as Section One Basketball, the last event held there in 2020, returns, Monday, Feb. 27, through Sunday, March 5. Tickets will be available at the door and are $8 for those ages five and older; free for those under the age of five. County Executive George Latimer and guests hosted a press conference earlier today to officially welcome back Section One.
Watch the Section 1 Press Conference on YouTube.
Watch ‘Westchester County Center: How Far We’ve Come’ on YouTube.
Watch a Tribute to Westchester County Basketball Legend Keith Yizar on YouTube.
The Westchester County Center is affectionately known as the, “Mecca of High School Basketball,” so it is only appropriate that its first event since closing to operate as a medical facility for COVID-19 is the return of Section One Basketball.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “As a kid growing up on the South Side of Mount Vernon, I understand the importance of Section One Championship Basketball in this County. That importance extends to this tournament being held at the Westchester County Center, which has been a major landmark in this County for generations – and for Section One Basketball players that facility’s elevated status is even greater. This tournament was the last event hosted at this facility before COVID-19 hit and now it will be first event hosted upon its re-opening. With Section One Basketball returning to the County Center, this iconic tournament is in its rightful home and I look forward to welcoming these exceptional schools, student-athletes and families back.”
Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said, “There’s nothing like walking into the County Center during a sporting event and seeing the community come together for local sports. The staff has done an incredible job restoring the facility to welcome back Section One!”
Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Interscholastic Athletics Executive Director of Section One Todd Santabarbara said: “As the last sporting event to be played in the County Center in March of 2020, how fitting it is for Section One to be a part of re-opening its doors, Our Basketball Sport Chairs, the Championship Committee and the Executive Committee remain focused on offering premier championship events. Being able to renew our partnership with Westchester County reinforces the value we place on collaboration in order to build the best possible championship experience for the student-athletes and school communities in Section One.”
When the County Center was transformed into a medical facility, the building’s infrastructure, which includes the basketball court, was completely rearranged as hospital rooms and offices were built to accommodate the public.
In order to get the County Center back up and running, the main wood floor was replaced, as well as carpets in meeting rooms A through D, Atrium flooring was replaced and additional repairs were made throughout the building as well as its parking lots.