The Classic Basketball Tournament Begins in Bristol

A lively atmosphere at The Classic Basketball Tournament in Bristol as fans show their support.

News Summary

The Classic basketball tournament has kicked off at Tennessee High School in Bristol, Tennessee, marking its 41st year. Formerly known as ‘The Arby’s Classic,’ this year’s tournament features 18 teams, including many local and out-of-state competitors. New amenities and a livestream option enhance the experience for attendees and fans at home. The event is significant for the community, bolstering local businesses and providing a family-friendly holiday tradition amid thrilling basketball action.

Excitement in Bristol, Tennessee: The Classic Basketball Tournament Kicks Off!

Get ready, basketball fans! The Classic basketball tournament has officially started at Tennessee High School in the heart of Bristol, Tennessee. It’s not just any tournament; this is the 41st consecutive year of this beloved holiday tradition, and it’s sporting a fresh new name after switching gears from “The Arby’s Classic” to simply “The Classic.”

What’s Behind the Name Change?

So why the change? The local Bristol Tennessee City Schools couldn’t reach a contract agreement with the former sponsor, AES Restaurant Group. But no worries! The spirit of the tournament remains as vibrant as ever, filled with excitement, family fun, and, of course, some riveting basketball.

A Family Tradition

For many in the community, The Classic is more than just a tournament; it’s a holiday tradition that has been enjoyed by generations of families. People gather to watch their favorite teams play, and many also enjoy predicting the winning team. This unique aspect turns the tournament into a fantastic family event, filled with joy, anticipation, and healthy competition.

Teams from Near and Far

This year’s competition is fierce! A total of 18 teams are battling it out on the court, featuring seven local teams, nine teams from various corners of Tennessee, and another nine out-of-state teams. Among these are nine of the top 91 basketball teams in the entire country! That’s some serious talent hitting the floor.

Rise to the Challenge

Players from Tennessee High and Virginia High both expressed how thrilling it is to take on these high-caliber teams. Competing at this level inspires athletes to elevate their game, all while experiencing the joy of facing fresh competition from different states. Even when Virginia High faced a tough loss against Webb in their opening game, they took the experience to heart, viewing it as a valuable learning opportunity.

New Features to Amp Up the Fun

new fan amenities. Visitors can now enjoy a vibrant food court, a fun bounce house for the kids, a photo booth to capture memories, and impressive new video boards. Additionally, they’ve added various crowd engagement activities like fan cams, ensuring that everyone has a blast throughout the event!

Catch the Action Live!

If you can’t make it to the venue, don’t fret! The tournament games are being livestreamed through the streaming service Hudl, with broadcasting support from BTES. This way, fans near and far can still catch all the action and cheer for their favorite teams from the comfort of their homes.

Boosting Local Business

Appreciation for Sponsors

Mark Your Calendars!

The Classic tournament will run until December 31, with a break on December 30. Be sure to check out the full schedule available on The Classic’s official website!

Bristol, Tennessee, is buzzing with energy, and whether you’re a lifelong attendee or a first-timer, The Classic promises to deliver unforgettable moments that will keep you coming back year after year!