FanPost

The Official Gonzaga Guide to the 2013 EA SPORTS Maui Invitational

This Thanksgiving, Gonzaga will be traveling to the island of Maui for the 2013 EA SPORTS Maui Invitational where they will join Arkansas, Baylor, California, Dayton, Minnesota, Syracuse and host Chaminade in the 30th edition of the premier early-season men's college basketball tournament. The 2013 Championship Round will take place November 25-27 as the Zags will look to repeat as the Tournament champions and start the 2013-14 basketball season off with a bang.

Please let us know if you will be joining the Zags in Maui or if you have any questions about the Tournament in the comments section. Aloha and mahalo.

Gonzaga, 2009 Maui Champions

What´s the story behind the Tournament? How did it all start?

On December 23, 1982…little known NAIA Chaminade upset top-ranked Virginia, led by three-time MVP Ralph Sampson, 77-72. Called "the greatest upset in college basketball history," the win put host Chaminade University on the map nationwide and led to the creation of the Maui Classic which is now known as the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational, the longest running early-season college hoops tournament. Read the full story written by Alexander Wolff in Sports Illustrated about the "Greatest Upset Never Seen."

What will my experience be like in Maui?

The Lahaina Civic Center provides college basketball’s best neutral court atmosphere. The intimately seated LCC, with only 2,400 seats, gives each team’s fan base an opportunity to provide a home court advantage at a neutral site game. There are few better basketball experiences when the LCC is full with the crowd supporting their teams. Don’t believe us? Take it from the coaches:

"Obviously, this is the pinnacle and the crème de la crème of all preseason tournaments. This is the kingpin and any other analogy you’d like to use. And that’s why it’s so special." – Mark Few, Gonzaga University, November 2009

"And there's something -- this atmosphere may be as good a neutral court atmosphere that you could play in. It's better than NCAA tournament atmosphere because you can feel the crowd. They're actually a part of it." - Bill Self, University of Kansas, November 2011

What are some of the best activities to do on island?

  • Go to the beach – Ka’anapali Beach, Lahaina was named America’s top beach in the 2013 Travelers’ Choice Beaches Awards
  • Attend a luau at Old Lahaina Luau
  • Snorkeling or diving adventure
  • Drive the road to Hana
  • Watch the sunrise at Haleakala National Park
  • Attend the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational

I’m sold, how do I buy a Gonzaga Booster Ticket & Travel Package?

Gonzaga Travel packages are available through Anthony Travel. Travel packages are the only way to guarantee and purchase Gonzaga game tickets. Packages include:

  • Five night accommodations at the team hotel, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
  • GA ticket to all three Gonzaga games at the Lahaina Civic Center
  • Dinner and admission to the 2013 Tournament Tip-Off Banquet, An Evening with the Coaches
  • Round trip airport and game day transportation

For more information please visit mauiinvitational.com/travel.

This post does not reflect the views of the blog authors or SB Nation.

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