Local Economy Gets $13M Boost From 2014 Maui Invitational

The 2012 Maui Invitational Basketball Tournament at Lahaina Civic Center. File photo by Rodney S. Yap.

By Maui Now Staff

The EA SPORTS Maui Invitational basketball tournament held over the Thanksgiving week on Maui had an estimated economic impact of $13.3 million in visitor spending to Maui County, according to estimates by tourism officials. This represents a nearly 5% increase over the previous year.

Representatives from the Maui Visitors Bureau say the early season college tournament drew nearly 5,000 visitors, providing a tremendous economic benefit to many businesses on the island, including hotels and restaurants.

“Each year, our local businesses, restaurants and hotels are proud to host eight of the nation’s best college basketball teams, along with thousands of fans looking to enjoy the culture, beauty and lifestyle of the Aloha Spirit,” said Terryl Vencl, executive director of the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau in a press release statement. “This Tournament makes an immediate economic impact in our community and showcases the island in front of millions of viewers, and potential visitors, around the world.”

Since its debut in 1984, tournament officials say the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational has boosted the local economy by more than $190 million.

All 12 games of the tournament were broadcast to a national television audience via the ESPN network of stations, reaching an estimated 4.5 million viewers.

Arizona claimed its second Tournament title in 2014, defeating San Diego State in the championship game.