Men's Basketball: Tournament Times Announced
July 25, 2006 02:28 PM | General
July 25, 2006
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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- ESPN Regional Television (ERT), a subsidiary of ESPN, Inc., has reached a multi-year agreement with Old Spice to title sponsor a newly created, ERT owned-and-operated eight-team, 12-game college basketball tournament to be played over three days Thanksgiving weekend at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Fla.
The first-ever “Old Spice Classic” (formerly called “The ESPNU Classic”) will tip off Thursday, November 23 at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The inaugural tournament field will feature a number of top quality teams: Arkansas, Marist, Minnesota, Montana, Southern Illinois, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Western Michigan. The tournament will feature four games on each day with each team playing daily. The two undefeated teams will face off in a championship match on the final day of competition. ESPN Regional Television owns and operates three other basketball events -- the O'Reilly Auto Parts All-College Classic, Papé Jam and the Spartan Clash.
"Old Spice is a cherished brand with fans and the athletic community, and we are honored to have them associated with our event," said Pete Derzis, senior vice president and general manager, ESPN Regional Television. “We look forward to working with Old Spice to build this tournament into a first-class experience for participants and fans.”
“We are excited to have Old Spice on board as the title sponsor,” said Burke Magnus, vice president and general manager, ESPNU. "This event will be a great supplement to ESPNU's already extensive and quality college basketball programming schedule."
The entire competition, which will take place Nov. 23, 24 and 26, will be televised live with nine games on ESPN2 and three on ESPNU. The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) will serve as the sponsoring conference of the event.
As part of the agreement, Old Spice will receive television advertising and be recognized as the title sponsor during ESPN2 and ESPNU’s telecast of the Old Spice Classic. In addition, Old Spice will be incorporated into the official tournament logo and receive on-site exposure via signage, program advertising, VIP/hospitality packages and other in-game promotional elements.
"We're thrilled to have the opportunity to sponsor this great new ESPN preseason college basketball tournament," said Carl Stealey, Brand Manager for Old Spice. "We know our Old Spice guys will look forward to a great weekend of basketball after celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and family."
“The Old Spice Classic at Disney Sports Attractions is quickly becoming recognized as the major opening event in men's college basketball and having the brand support of Old Spice provides the event with added credibility," said MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor. "The broadcast schedule on ESPN2 and ESPNU is exciting and will provide a great platform for college basketball and the corporate partners associated with the Classic."
“Old Spice is a distinguished brand that is recognized and respected everywhere,’’ said Reggie Williams, Vice President of Disney Sports Attractions. “The brand’s universal appeal will undoubtedly increase the visibility and prestige of this event at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, which is the leading sports venue for amateur and professional sports in the country.”
Anthony Travel will serve as the Official Travel Partner of the Old Spice Classic, providing team travel support and fan travel packages for the participating schools. For Old Spice Classic transportation and travel package information, please visit AnthonyTravel.com or call Anthony Travel at (800) 736-6377.
ESPN2 and ESPNU Tournament Schedule
Thurs., Nov. 23
12 p.m., Arkansas vs. Southern Illinois, ESPN2
2 p.m., Marist vs. Minnesota, ESPN2
7:30 p.m., Virginia Tech vs. W. Michigan, ESPN2
9:30 p.m., West Virginia vs. Montana, ESPN2
Fri., Nov. 24
10:30 a.m., Game #5, ESPN2
12:30 p.m., Game #6, ESPN2
5 p.m. , Game #7, ESPN2
7:30 p.m., Game #8, ESPNU
Sun., Nov. 26
11 a.m., Game #9 (7th/8th Place), ESPNU
1 p.m., Game #10 (5th/6th Place), ESPNU
5:30 p.m., Game #11 (3rd/4th Place), ESPN2
7:30 p.m., Game #12 (Champion/2nd Place), ESPN2
