The Southeastern Conference men's and women's basketball tournaments are headed back to the Atlanta area.
The SEC announced Wednesday that the 2014 men's tournament will be played at the Georgia Dome, which had previously been selected as site of the 2011 event.
Gwinnett Arena in Duluth was also a big winner, earning the right to host the women's tournament in 2010, 2013 and 2014. Also on Wednesday, Nashville was awarded the 2011 and 2012 women's tournaments, along with 2013 for men.
"[The SEC is] excited to return to cities that have shown tremendous support ... all have great facilities and enthusiastic communities that are perfect to showcase our basketball programs," SEC commissioner Mike Slive said in a statement.
"We know our student-athletes, coaches and fans will greatly enjoy return visits to all three areas."
Major sports tournaments are big business for Atlanta. The 2008 SEC men's basketball tournament pulled in 26,000 fans and had an estimated economic impact of $15 million, according to the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The city also will host the men's Final Four basketball championship in 2013, the 75th anniversary of the organization. It also will be the third time Atlanta has hosted the "Big Dance" in 11 years; the previous occasions were in 2002 and 2007.
"We are pleased that the SEC continues to have the confidence in our venue and the city of Atlanta," said Carl Adkins, the dome's general manager.
The SEC men's tournament also had previously been awarded to Nashville for 2010 and New Orleans for 2012.
The Georgia Dome already has played host to the men's tournament nine times since 1995, while Gwinnett Arena welcomed the women in 2007.
Staff writer Leon Stafford contributed to this article.
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