St. Louis to host 2018 SEC tourney

The Southeastern Conference announced Tuesday the league's directors of athletics have unanimously approved St. Louis as the host site of the 2018 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament.

The announcement was made Tuesday night at the league's annual spring meetings in Destin, Fla.

"There were many worthy venues and cities competing for this championship, and I know our fans, our state and the city of St. Louis will help create a memorable experience for our student-athletes, coaches and fans traveling in for this great event," Missouri athletic director Mike Alden said in a statement. "What an exciting day for our university and our state."

Missouri joined the SEC in 2013, opening the possibility of playing events in St. Louis, a major television market.

"Congratulations to St. Louis, the St. Louis Sports Commission and the great basketball fans in the city and our state for earning the right to host the 2018 Southeastern Conference Basketball Tournament," Missouri men's basketball coach Kim Anderson said.

"It's an honor to have the SEC Tournament hosted in our state's footprint for the first time and I know fans from throughout our league will be treated to a first-class experience and a great week of college basketball."