The state’s capital city will host the Division II Regional Tournament for the National Wheelchair Basketball Association.

2008 will be the first time Lincoln has hosted the event. Six teams will compete for the title of Division II Regional Champion: Arkansas Rollin’ Razorbacks, Illinois’ Champaign Fire, Rockford Chariots, St. Louis Rams, the Oklahoma Sooners and Lincoln’s own Madonna Magic.

“This is an exciting time for Lincoln because of the success we’ve had bringing sporting events to our city,” said Jeff Maul, executive director of the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This year features a lot of variety in our events, and I think Lincoln residents will benefit from being exposed to that variety.”

The Madonna Magic will represent the host city. Men and women from eastern Nebraska and western Iowa comprise the Madonna Magic, which is the only adult wheelchair basketball team in Nebraska. The Magic play in the Midwest Conference of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association and have finished with a ranking as high as No. 9 nationally.

“We are very excited to be a part of this event,” said Ian Thompson, event director for Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. “Wheelchair basketball has been a part of our program at Madonna for the last 14 years. It is exciting to offer this level of competition to the players and community.”

The National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament takes place March 14 and 15 at the Nebraska Coliseum, located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s city campus. Games will begin at 10 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday and admission is free of charge.

The tournament is being hosted by the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Eastern Nebraska Athletic Association and the Cornhusker Wheelchair Athletic Association.

More than 200 people are expected to attend the event. The Lincoln community is encouraged to show their support of the Madonna Magic and all participating teams.