BUTTE -- The Frontier Conference men's and women's basketball championships will remain in the Mining City through 2029. 

The conference office announced a two-year extension of the championships' venue at the Butte Civic Center this week, confirming Montana Tech as the host for the next three seasons. 

"We are incredibly grateful for the confidence our Frontier Conference colleagues have placed in Montana Tech and the Butte community by extending our opportunity to host the conference basketball championships," Matt Stepan, Montana Tech's athletic director, said. "To be entrusted with four consecutive tournaments is both humbling and exciting. This recognition belongs to an entire community that has embraced the event and helped create an exceptional championship experience for our student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans." 

Since bringing the championships to Butte, Montana Tech has worked alongside the Butte Civic Center, Advantage Butte, and numerous other community partners to provide a first-class championship experience for student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans from across the league.

"The Montana Tech women's basketball players, parents, and fans are thrilled that Butte will host the Frontier Conference Tournament for the next three years," Jeff Graham, head coach of the defending champion Oredigger women's basketball team, said. "This is a tremendous opportunity for our program, our community, and the conference. Advantage Butte, the community of Butte, and Montana Tech all stepped up to make this possible through their generosity, vision, and hard work. Their commitment to hosting the tournament reflects the pride they take in supporting collegiate athletics and the Mining City. 

"Butte and the Butte Civic Center have earned a reputation as exceptional hosts for basketball tournaments," Graham continued. "The crowds last year were phenomenal, creating an atmosphere that was second to none. We are grateful for the opportunity to compete in Butte in front of the best fans in the Frontier Conference and look forward to three more exciting tournaments in one of the premier basketball venues in Montana." 

Hosting the championships continues Montana Tech's commitment to supporting the Frontier Conference while showcasing the university, the Butte Civic Center, and the city of Butte as a premier destination for collegiate athletics. The annual tournament draws teams and fans from throughout the conference, providing a significant economic impact for the local community while highlighting the hospitality and tradition that have become hallmarks of the event. 

"The opportunity to host the Frontier Conference Basketball Tournament at the Butte Civic Center is something our entire institution and community are incredibly proud of," Oredigger men's basketball head coach Adam Hiatt said. "The Civic Center is one of the premier basketball venues in the region, and we believe it provides an unmatched championship atmosphere for all student-athletes, coaches, and fans. Hosting this tournament for the next three seasons provides us the opportunity to showcase not only Montana Tech, but also the pride, hospitality, and passion that define Butte. We look forward to providing a first-class championship experience that reflects the very best of our institution, our city, and our conference." 

Due to its 12-school membership, the Frontier Conference receives two automatic bids to the NAIA men's and women's basketball national tournaments. The first automatic berth is awarded to the regular-season champion, while the second is awarded to the Frontier Conference Tournament champion. If the regular-season champion also wins the conference tournament, the second automatic berth is awarded to the regular-season runner-up.

Visit Montana Tech athletics' home online, GoDiggers.com, anytime for up-to-the-minute news and coverage of the Orediggers. Give Montana Tech athletics a like on Facebook, and follow the Orediggers on X and Instagram at @DiggerAthletics.