State Farm Named Title Sponsor of Seattle U Women's Basketball Holiday Hoops Classic

State Farm Insurance has reached a three-year agreement with Seattle University to become the title sponsor of a Redhawk women's basketball tournament, announced today by director of athletics Bill Hogan. State Farm has a long history of supporting college athletics, including outstanding women's basketball events, including the annual women's tipoff classic.

The Dec. 29-30, event at KeyArena at Seattle Center, which features four women's basketball programs from private, Catholic institutions, will be called the State Farm Holiday Hoops Classic. The field includes two teams that advanced to the 2010 NCAA Sweet 16, Notre Dame and Gonzaga, along with two rising programs, Loyola Marymount and Seattle U.

"We are pleased to have support from State Farm, and particularly from the Pacific Northwest zone, which represents 870 agents across six states," Hogan said. "Coach Bonvicini did a great job attracting an outstanding field to this tournament. KeyArena provides a first-class venue. State Farm's title sponsorship helps bring this event the appropriate recognition as a national tournament."

"I am excited to host a major tournament at KeyArena," said head women's basketball coach Joan Bonvicini. "We are grateful to State Farm for sponsoring our holiday classic, boasting great teams in Gonzaga, LMU and Notre Dame. The State Farm Holiday Hoops Classic will provide fans the opportunity to see great teams in a world-class venue in Seattle."

The Seattle U women's basketball team will open the classic with Loyola Marymount on Wednesday, Dec. 29, at 7 p.m. and close out action the following day versus Gonzaga in a 7 p.m. game.