VPA announces changes to H.S. basketball tournament

For the first time in recent memory, the Vermont high school boys and girls basketball basketball semifinals held annually at Barre Auditorium will undergo significant changes.

The Vermont Principals' Association and the Barre Tournament Committee have announced scheduling alterations to enhance the fan experience for the Division II, III and IV Final Four contests at Barre Aud.

Each division's semifinal games will be played on the same night. Previously, D-II and D-IV were split up during the week before a Saturday championship tripleheader.

More: Fair Haven girls basketball unseats North Country with second-half comeback in D-II final

The changes take effect for the 2025 tournament.

"These changes are aimed at optimizing the tournament for players, coaches, and most importantly, the fans who make this event so special," said Lauren Thomas, the VPA's assistant executive director, in a statement.

The new semifinal schedule at Barre Auditorium

The new schedule for semifinals:

• Division IV: To be played Monday night at 5:30 p.m. and 7:45.
• Division II: To be played Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m. and 7:45.
• Division III: To be played Thursday night at 5:30 p.m. and 7:45.
• Additional note: Championships will remain in the same order on Saturday: D-IV, D-II and D-III. As has been the case for years, the semis for D-III remain on Thursdays.

New protocol for spectators at Barre Auditorium

The VPA also announced a new protocol for fans who plan on attending semifinal games at Barre Aud. Upon conclusion of the first game, officials will ask spectators to vacate the gym before the start of the second semifinal.

"This strategic adjustment ensures that both games and their respective spectators have ample access to seating within the Barre Auditorium without disruption," a VPA news release stated.

Last year, the VPA sold 10,178 online tickets for the 12 games played at Barre Aud (six semifinals, six title games), according to data the VPA provided to the Burlington Free Press.

Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com . Follow him on Twitter: @aabrami5 .

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: VPA announces changes to H.S. basketball tournament