Maui Invitational Generated $12.7M for Island Economy

The EA Sports Maui Invitational tournament was held at Lahaina Civic Center, Nov. 25-27, and featured host Chaminade University, Arkansas, Baylor, California, Dayton, Gonzaga, Minnesota and Syracuse. File photo by Rodney S. Yap.

By Wendy Osher

The 30th annual EA SPORTS Maui Invitational generated an estimated $12.7 million in visitor spending for the local economy, according to a tournament announcement.

The event, held on Thanksgiving week, drew an estimated 4,919 visitors to the island and was viewed by an estimated 6.7 million via live televised coverage on ESPN, the announcement said.

“For 30 years, the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational has continued to bring thousands of visitors to the County of Maui during Thanksgiving week,” said Terryl Vencl, executive director of the Maui Visitors Bureau in a press release.

“These visitors patronize many of our local businesses, including our hotels and restaurants, and experience the Aloha Spirit first-hand. It is a tremendous benefit to our islands to showcase the Hawaiian culture, beauty and people to such a diverse audience,” she said.

Tournament representatives say the event worked with nearly 75 local vendors this year, and on average spends upwards of $1 million annually in direct spending with businesses in the county.

The 2014 edition of the event will be held Nov. 24-26, and will feature host Chaminade, No. 1 Arizona, No. 10 San Diego State, No. 22 Pittsburgh, BYU, Kansas State, Missouri, and Purdue.