Organizers for the National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championships have signed agreements with the Convention & Visitors Bureau and Greater Springfield Area Sports Commission to bring the tournament to Springfield in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

The event, which takes place over a six-day period in March, first came to Springfield in 2009 after it moved from Oklahoma City.

Dates for the tournaments are: March 19-24, 2012; March 18-23, 2013; and March 17-22, 2014. The 2011 tournament is March 14-19.

The tournament brings an estimated 8,000 people to the city and generates about 10,000 room nights at area hotels. Out-of-town participants and spectators spend $3 million to $4 million in Springfield during the tournament. Regional tournaments leading up to the championships take place in Indianapolis, Atlanta, Dallas, Omaha and Oklahoma City.

Besides the basketball championships, other National Christian Homeschool events taking place in Springfield include the Fall Sports Championships Oct. 28-30 with competition in girls’ volleyball, boys’ soccer, cross country and the Basketball Tip-off Tournament. In May, the National Christian Homeschool Spring Championships brings in athletes to compete in track and field, girls’ soccer and golf.

For more information about National Christian Homeschool Championships, visit www.nchclive.com.