Discover Green Bay and WIAA Celebrate 50 YEars of Girls Basketball State Tournament with NEw Exhibit

Discover Green Bay and the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) will unveil a new public exhibit honoring the 50-year history of the WIAA Girls Basketball State Tournament, celebrating five decades of athletic excellence, community pride, and Wisconsin sports tradition.

The exhibit will be officially unveiled during a press conference on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Discover Green Bay Visitor Center (1945 Argonne St.).

The display highlights the legacy of the Girls Basketball State Tournament through curated historical stories, visual displays, and meaningful artifacts, including the 2026 Division 1 championship trophy, on-site for visitors to view.

“Green Bay has a proud history of hosting major sporting events and welcoming athletes and fans from across Wisconsin,” said Brad Toll, President & CEO of Discover Green Bay. “This exhibit is a meaningful way to honor the legacy of the WIAA Girls Basketball State Tournament while offering visitors a deeper connection to the history and impact these athletes have had over the last 50 years.”

Designed as a visitor-friendly exhibit space, similar to a small museum experience, the display is intended to be enjoyed by tournament participants, families, and sports fans visiting Green Bay during the WIAA State Tournament.

“This exhibit represents more than just milestones and memorabilia; it’s about celebrating the athletes, teams, coaches, and communities that have helped shape girls’ basketball in Wisconsin over the last 50 years,” said Jacob Servais, Vice President of Experiences for Discover Green Bay. “We’re honored to partner with the WIAA to create a meaningful experience that tells these stories in a way visitors can feel and connect with.”

“Reaching the 50th anniversary of this state tournament is more than just a celebration of the game. This incredible historical display is a tribute to five decades of courage, persistence, athleticism, and the pursuit of excellence for our female athletes,” said Stephanie Hauser, Executive Director of the WIAA. “It honors every person who paved the way for the female athletes who will be playing at the Resch Center in March. The WIAA staff is grateful for the commitment that Discover Green Bay has made to this milestone tournament, and we invite all to join us in celebrating this commemorative event.”

“As a former WIAA basketball player myself, I am incredibly proud and excited about this exhibit honoring the history of girls’ basketball,” said Melissa Gehring, Associate Director of the WIAA. “It shines a light on the perseverance, talent, and impact of all the girls and women who played and are currently playing the game. We appreciate the partnership with Discover Green Bay and their willingness to go above and beyond for our student-athletes.”

The exhibit is sponsored by Healy & Son Lawn Care, and Discover Green Bay also extends special thanks to Skyline for installing the graphics that helped bring the exhibit to life.

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