The Basketball Hall of Fame Belfast Classic are teaming up with major American TV company, CBS Sports Network, in an exciting new partnership to televise the upcoming two-day basketball tournament on December 1 and 2.
The Network will televise live two games per day from the two-day tournament while thousands of fans are expected to visit the SSE Arena, Belfast, to experience the games first-hand.
The first NCAA collegiate basketball tournament to be played in Europe, The Basketball Hall of Fame Belfast Classic, will be a landmark moment in American basketball history.
It has been brought to Northern Ireland through a partnership with the Sport Changes Life Foundation, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Metro Athletic Conference (MAAC).
“We are honoured to welcome CBS Sports Network into our family as we complete this fantastic journey to bring NCAA Division 1 College basketball to Belfast for the first time in sports broadcasting history,’’ said Marc Mulholland, Executive Producer of Broadcasting and Executive Director of the Basketball Hall of Fame Belfast Classic, said:
“Working with CBS Sports Network raises the bar for the already prestigious two-day tournament, the Basketball Hall of Fame Belfast Classic, and we look forward to presenting a showcase of basketball which will prove what Northern Ireland can deliver on an international stage - we are made for sport.”
Eddie Rowan, Tourism NI Events Manager added: “Revenue generated by visitors from the USA has doubled since 2010 and last year injected £63 million into the local economy, the CBS telecast partnership with the Basketball Hall of Fame Belfast Classic presents a unique opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland to thousands of people in the United States.
“Together with our overseas promotions partner Tourism Ireland, we will maximize promotion and advertising opportunities on the CBS Sports Network to showcase Northern Ireland as a must experience destination via a suite of engaging advertisements to capitalize on the recent growth in visitors from the United States.”
Aubrey Irwin, Head of Northern Ireland, Tourism Ireland, commented: “Tourism Ireland is delighted to have helped play its role in securing CBS Sports Network as the Basketball Hall of Fame Belfast Classic television partner, ensuring this first-of-its-kind in-season basketball event will be televised across the US and will showcase the range of cultural activities and fantastic attractions to
The Basketball Hall of Fame Belfast Classic is supported by partners including The Rory Foundation, Aer Lingus, Tourism Northern Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Belfast City Council and travel package partner Chaka Travel.
The event will be powered by Darius, Velocity Worldwide’s customer engagement technology, to create an experience like no other for the fans attending the unique event.
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster - all day tickets cost from £16 per adult, £11.50 for child tickets and family tickets start at £42.
For more information on the Classic visit www.belfastbasketballclassic.com or follow the event on Facebook.com/belfastbasketballclassic, Twitter @BelfastClassic and Instagram @BelfastBasketballClassic
