BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Webster Bank Arena will continue to be the home court for Fairfield Stags basketball. Fairfield University and Harbor Yard Sports and Entertainment reached an agreement on a five-year contract for the Stags to continue playing at the Bridgeport venue. The Fairfield University men's basketball team plays its home games there and the women's basketball team schedules select games at the site.

                The announcement was made at a joint news conference at the Webster Bank Arena on Thursday afternoon. Mark Reed, vice president for Administration and Chief of Staff at Fairfield University, was joined by Howard Saffan, president of Harbor Yard Sports and Entertainment, and Mayor Bill Finch, City of Bridgeport, in making the announcement.

“We are very pleased to continue our relationship with Webster Bank Arena and the City of Bridgeport,” Reed said. “The Arena is home court for the Fairfield Stags and has been a critical factor in the success of our basketball programs.  We are pleased to have as partners, Harbor Yard Sports and Entertainment. In the short time that they have operated the building, the organization has shown a strong commitment to our teams and our fans in providing a first-class venue for us to call home. I look forward to working with Howard Saffan and his staff and utilizing their expertise in helping Fairfield University basketball continue to make its mark in Connecticut and throughout the region.”

Saffan said Fairfield University is a valued partner and a cornerstone of Webster Bank Arena.

“We're proud of our relationship with Fairfield University, and we're committed to growing the fan base by providing every person who walks through our doors with an outstanding experience,” Saffan said.

                Fairfield University basketball has been one of the building's primary tenants since the arena opened in October, 2001. During its association with Webster Bank Arena, the University has hosted seven NCAA championship events and two Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) basketball championships.

                “Fairfield University has taken great pride in its relationship with the city of Bridgeport by engaging the community through academic and community outreach programs,” Reed said. “We are equally proud of the economic opportunities which were provided by bringing championship hockey and basketball to Bridgeport. With this agreement, Fairfield University and Harbor Yard Sports and Entertainment can continue to provide these opportunities to the local and regional communities.”

“We take great pride in having Fairfield University call Bridgeport and the Webster Bank Arena their home, and I am very happy that the University has extended its contract with the Arena for another five years,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “We look forward to seeing many more loyal Fairfield U. fans patronizing downtown businesses and enjoying all that Bridgeport has to offer.”

The Fairfield University men's basketball team, under Head Coach Sydney Johnson, finished the 2011-12 season with a 22-15 record and advanced to the semifinals of the 2012 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. The women's basketball team, under Head Coach Joe Frager, earned a berth to the Women's National Invitation Tournament after earning a 24-9 overall record. Both teams advanced to the 2012 MAAC tournament championship game.

For season ticket information for the 2012-13 Fairfield University basketball season, please email Helen Smaldone at hsmaldone@fairfield.edu.