2016 Maui Invitational Generates More Than $16 M for Local Economy

Maui Jim Maui Invitational courtesy image.

The 2016 Maui Jim Maui Invitational attracted more than 5,500 visitors and generated $16.3 million in visitor spending statewide, according to tournament officials.

Since the Tournament’s inception in 1984, the Tournament has contributed more than $220 million to the local island economy, including more than $45 million in the last three years.

“This basketball tournament has become one of Hawaiʻi’s marquee sporting events drawing a field of top collegiate basketball programs from across the country and showcasing Maui’s natural beauty and island culture to a large national audience,” said George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.

“The intimate setting of the Lahaina Civic Center creates an energized atmosphere for locals and visitors who travel to Maui to take in the action. It’s a great experience for sports fans and we look forward to partnering with the Maui Jim Maui Invitational on another successful tournament this November.” said Szigeti.

“Maui takes great pride in being the host location for the Maui Jim Maui Invitational, as it attracts thousands of visitors from across the country every year. The positive economic impact of the event directly benefits the local communities and residents of our island,” said Sherry Duong, executive director of the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host the top teams and loyal fans from around the country, as it helps us showcase Maui’s unique culture, scenery, lifestyle and Aloha Spirit.” she said.

The beauty and culture of Hawaiʻi was on full display during the 2016 Tournament with all 12 games at the Lahaina Civic Center, televised live to a national audience by the ESPN networks, reaching more than 3.6 million households. In addition, Tournament games were seen internationally on ESPN Caribbean, ESPN Pacific Rim, ESPN Latin North, ESPN Latin South and ESPN Brasil.

North Carolina claimed its fourth Maui Jim Maui Invitational Tournament last November, winning each of its three games by at least 15 points. The Tar Heels defeated Wisconsin in the Tournament title game, after knocking off Chaminade and Oklahoma State. Georgetown, Oregon, Tennessee and UConn also took part in the 2016 event.

The 2017 Maui Jim Maui Invitational, scheduled for Nov. 20-22, will feature some of the most successful programs of the last decade. Cal, LSU, Marquette, Michigan, Notre Dame, VCU, Wichita State will join host Chaminade for the 34th annual event.

Since the 2010-11 season, the field has combined for 33 total NCAA Tournament appearances, 11 Sweet 16 berths, four Elite Eights and three Final Fours, while Michigan, Notre Dame, VCU and Wichita State rank among the top 30 nationally in wins. In total, the teams of the 2017 Maui Jim Maui Invitational have combined for 234 all-time postseason bids.

All-Tournament and School Travel Packages are now on sale at www.mauiinvitational.com/travel, by contacting the Tournament Travel Department at (800) 856-0024 or [email protected].