One of the most monumental moments in South Carolina history was the removal of the Confederate flag from the statehouse grounds last July.
It was taken down just three weeks after the slaying of nine at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston.
Since April 2001, the National Collegiate Athletic Association has had a policy banning predetermined events in the state due to the Confederate flag’s display.
Cities in South Carolina are now eligible to host NCAA basketball tournaments, conference baseball tournaments and bowl games, according to the NCAA.
This is good news for venues in the state that normally would vie for these lucrative sporting events.
“Unlike in the past, we now have the opportunity to host events that we didn’t before, like the NCAA men’s basketball,” said Beth Paul, general manager for Bon Secours Wellness Arena, located in Greenville, S.C. “Now we and our peer buildings will definitely benefit from this development.”
Still, it will take some time for the state to see this action, as basketball regional sites have been chosen through 2018, and baseball postseason tournaments have been filled, reports the NCAA.