The Big East Conference is a collegiate athletic conference in the United States, primarily composed of schools from the northeastern and midwestern regions. Founded in 1979, it originally focused on basketball but has since expanded to include various sports. The conference is known for its competitive programs and has produced numerous successful teams and athletes. The Big East consists of 11 member institutions, including notable schools like Villanova University and Georgetown University. The conference is recognized for its strong basketball tradition, with several teams regularly competing in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.