MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina, Feb. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Myrtle Beach area is once again playing host to the VisitMyrtleBeach.com Big South Basketball Championships from March 4-9, 2014. Twenty-three teams will thrill fans with plenty of hoops action, to be played at Coastal Carolina University's HTC Center.

As exciting as the action is sure to be on the court, there are plenty of opportunities for fun and excitement off the court during these six days of competition. A number of the Myrtle Beach area's finest resorts and attractions are offering specials throughout the championships. They can be found at www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/bigsouth.

"The Big South Championships are a time for not only the teams and coaches to shine, but the Myrtle Beach area as well," said Brad Dean, president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. "We're putting our best foot forward to make sure everyone coming for these great basketball championships has a wonderful experience at our fantastic beach destination."

This is the second year the Big South Championships are being played in Myrtle Beach, as part of a three-year agreement with the conference. In 2013, the championships attracted 26,336 fans to the Myrtle Beach area.

One of the most popular features from the 2013 Big South Championships was the large sand sculpture that was created using 150 tons of sand. Another sculpture is set to be constructed for the 2014 edition.

"I don't know that we can find a better partner for our basketball championships than VisitMyrtleBeach.com. From the basketball venue to the hospitality to the entertainment options, everything was tremendous in our first year at Myrtle Beach," said Kyle Kallander, commissioner of the Big South Conference. "Our student-athletes and their fans all had a wonderful experience.  As I travel around the conference, it has become apparent to me that the reputation of the VisitMyrtleBeach.com Big South Basketball Championships has grown. Big South basketball fans are looking forward to experiencing Myrtle Beach Madness the first week in March."

A game schedule and other information about the Big South Championships can be found at www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/bigsouth.

SOURCE Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce / CVB