Bristol Schools Announce Name Change for Holiday Basketball Tournament

The Classic basketball tournament brings excitement to Bristol's holiday festivities.

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News Summary

The Bristol holiday basketball tournament, previously known as the Arby’s Classic, will now be called ‘The Classic.’ This change follows a sponsorship negotiation between Bristol Tennessee City Schools and AES Restaurant Group. The tournament will take place from December 26-28 and December 30-31, featuring 18 competing teams. The new name aims to strengthen community involvement and reflect the tournament’s history. Local sponsorship efforts are already underway, and excitement is building for what promises to be an unforgettable event.

Exciting Changes Coming to the Holiday Basketball Tournament in Bristol

Big news is brewing in Bristol, and it’s all about basketball! The beloved holiday basketball tournament, which has been a treasured tradition for 40 long years, has been given a brand-new name: “The Classic.” This fantastic event, which has attracted high school players and sports fans from all corners of the globe, will be taking place this year from December 26-28 and December 30-31.

A Time-Honored Tradition Transforms

Previously known as the Arby’s Classic, this tournament has brought together nearly 30,000 fans and countless athletes, making it a marquee event not just for Bristol, but for the entire Tri-Cities area. However, a recent shake-up involving sponsorship has led to this transformation. After a thorough bid process that took place in late 2023, Bristol Tennessee City Schools (BTCS) found themselves in a challenging six-month negotiation period with the tournament’s longtime sponsor, the AES Restaurant Group.

Unfortunately, BTCS and AES could not come to terms regarding the tournament’s branding. This led to the decision to rename the event, but the focus still rests on the heart of the tournament: the athletes, coaches, and the wonderful community that supports them. The meaning of the tournament transcends its name, ensuring that its essence remains intact despite this branding change.

Community First: A Step Toward Growth

One of the exciting components of this change includes a more localized connection. The incorporation of the high school’s name in the title of the tournament was a key factor in this shift, as previous restrictions had hindered such a progression. This new branding is seen not merely as a change, but as an evolution—a step forward to foster increased community involvement and carve out more local partnerships.

As preparations ramp up for The Classic, a total of eighteen teams have already signed on to compete this winter. Richard Ensor, who is tasked with overseeing the tournament, expressed confidence that all teams are committed and excited to participate. After decades of athletic competition, the community is buzzing with anticipation for what this year’s event will bring.

Looking Ahead: Future of the Tournament

Even with this name change, it appears that AES Restaurant Group is still interested in maintaining a connection to local basketball. They have already received inquiries from a local high school regarding the possibility of running their own “Arby’s Classic.” It looks like the legacy of the old tournament may continue to thrive in some form or another!

In the coming weeks, BTCS will be reaching out to long-time local sponsors as part of their strategy to ensure that the new tournament thrives. More exciting details about the participating teams in The Classic are set to be released next week, providing fans and players alike with the information they crave.

Get Ready for The Classic!

As the community gears up for a fun-filled holiday tournament that the Tri-Cities can be proud of, the anticipation grows. From passionate players hitting the courts to fans showing their spirit in the stands, The Classic promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. So mark your calendars, basketball enthusiasts—it’s going to be an epic showdown in Bristol!