The Sioux City Tourism Bureau and the Sioux City Sports Authority are proud to announce that 33,189 fans attended the 2009 NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship that was held March 11- 17, 2009 at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena.

Aran Rush, Event Facilities Department (EFD) Executive Director, commented, "The tournament was an outstanding success. The NAIA Organizing Committee would like to thank the entire EFD staff, volunteers, sponsors, fans, teams and all involved for their hard work and dedication; without them this event would not have been possible."

Highlights from the tournament include:

- Morningside capped an undefeated 38-0 season by winning the national championship 68-63 over Hastings College.

- Championship game was broadcast by College Sports Television to over 21 million DISH & cable subscribers.

- Over 200 volunteers participated in the event

- 1,050 athletes, coaches, fans and sponsors attended the night before banquet at the convention center.

- State Farm extended their event title sponsorship until 2012.

- NAIA and Sioux City reached an agreement to extend the current agreement thru 2012, which will represent the 15th consecutive year that the tournament will be in Sioux City.

- Sioux City was named a top sports destination by "Sports Travel" magazine.

The 2010 NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship will be held March 10-16, 2010.