HUTCHINSON– A large crowd gathered on Monday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena to celebrate the signing of a new contract between the American Legion and the National Junior College Athletic Association.

The agreement will keep the NJCAA men’s basketball tournament in Hutchinson for the next 25 years.

The contract follows a promise from the NJCAA that they would keep the tournament in Hutchinson if improvements were made to the sports arena

The planned improvements include replacing the plumbing, electrical and heating systems and adding air conditioning and new locker rooms. Additional plans include a new main entrance, lobby and ticketing area, multi-purpose rooms, more restrooms, three full-sized practice gyms, a Hall of Fame and a new weight room. Additional seating compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act will be also be created on the upper level of the arena.

It also means a long-term commitment for the American Legion.

Tournament Director Jerry Ricksecker says they are ready to fulfill the contract with special wording in place if that were to change.

The contract calls for a provision for the Legion to partner with another organization or even pass it on to another entity if they ever cannot fulfill their obligation.

Monday’s ceremony included comments from NJCAA Executive Director Mary Ellen Leicht, City Manager John Deardoff, and Chamber President Jason Ball.

The NJCAA is the second-largest intercollegiate athletic association in the United States, with over 500 member colleges, and nearly 60,000 student-athletes competing in 48 national championships each year.