 The pageant was held in Gary for the first time, at the Genesis Convention Center, and was held in early March for the first time in two years, after being held in Branson, Missouri from 1999 to 2000 in early February.This became only the second time in seven years that a Miss Teen USA state delegate did not win or inherit the Miss USA title.William Shatner hosted the event for the only time, and color commentary was provided by Tommy Davidson, Vanessa Minnillo, Miss Teen USA 1998 and Lara Dutta, the reigning Miss Universe.