MAUI, HAWAII (March 11, 2016) – With a total attendance of more than 28,000 over 12 games, the 2015 Maui Jim Maui Invitational generated $17.2 million in visitor spending for the island of Maui according to data provided by the Hawaiian Tourism Authority, up from $13.3 million in 2014. Since the Tournament's inception in 1984, the Maui Jim Maui Invitational has contributed more than $205 million to the local island economy and has welcomed 110 different schools from 40 states and Washington D.C. to Maui for the annual preseason event.
 
"The Maui Jim Maui Invitational annually attracts thousands of visitors, and this influx directly benefits the local communities and residents of our island," said Terryl Vencl, executive director of the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau. "We are proud to host the best teams and fans from around the country, and thrilled to showcase the culture, scenery, lifestyle and Aloha Spirit that are unique to Maui."
 
The Hawaiian culture was on full display during the 2015 Tournament. All 12 games at the Lahaina Civic Center were 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 and ESPN Pacific Rim.
 
Kansas won its second Maui Jim Maui Invitational Tournament last November, knocking off Vanderbilt in a battle of two top-20 programs. Indiana, St. John's, UCLA, UNLV, Wake Forest and host Chaminade rounded out the field and together created an unforgettable tournament.
 
The 2016 Maui Jim Maui Invitational, scheduled for Nov. 21-23, will feature traditional powers and perennial championship contenders. Georgetown, North Carolina, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Tennessee, UConn and Wisconsin will join host Chaminade for the 33rd annual event. All-Tournament Travel Packages are now on sale at www.mauiinvitational.com/travel, by contacting the Tournament Travel Department at 800-856-0024 or mauiinvitational@wyndhamjade.com.
 
About the Maui Jim Maui Invitational
In December 1982, then No. 1 ranked Virginia, led by National College Player of the Year Ralph Sampson, played little-known NAIA Chaminade University in Honolulu while on the way back from a trip to Tokyo. The Silverswords stunned Virginia 77-72 in one of the greatest upsets in college basketball history. Two years later, in 1984, Chaminade University hosted the first Maui Jim Maui Invitational and it has proven to be the premier early-season college basketball tournament for 31 years running. Each year, the Maui Jim Maui Invitational attracts the top programs, best-known coaches and most outstanding players to compete in an exciting atmosphere at the Lahaina Civic Center near the beautiful beaches of Maui.
 
About Maui Jim Sunglasses
Maui Jim sunglasses were born on the beaches of Maui and designed to protect eyes from the harsh rays of the island sun. Today, Maui Jim is recognized for unparalleled "Aloha Spirit" and customer service as well as patented PolarizedPlus2® lens technology, which blocks 100% of UV rays and eliminates glare while enhancing color, definition and depth perception.  Maui Jim sunglasses have earned the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation as an effective UV filter for the eyes and surrounding skin.  For more information, visit MauiJim.com or on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at @OfficialMauiJim.
 
About Tournament Sponsors
Other tournament sponsors include the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau, County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation, Hawaii Tourism Authority, adidas, Continental Tire, GEICO, GNC, Hawaiian Airlines and Odor-Eaters. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa and Westin Maui Resort & Spa, all located in the beautiful Ka'anapali Beach Resort area, serve as host hotels.
 
About Chaminade University
Chaminade University, the only Catholic university in Hawaii, provides a rich educational experience. Chaminade is a place where people grow: professionally, intellectually and spiritually. The Society of Mary, the Marianists, founded Chaminade University in 1955 (as St. Louis Junior College.) Chaminade University offers its students an education in a collaborative learning environment that prepares them for life, service and successful careers.
 
About KemperLesnik
KemperLesnik is a sports marketing, events and public relations agency. Ranked by Crain's Chicago Business among Chicago's top PR agencies, KemperLesnik produces integrated communications programs and manages major national events, including the Maui Jim Maui Invitational, the CBS SPORTS Classic, the McDonald's All American Games, the POWERADE Jam Fest and activation for KitchenAid and its PGA of America partnership. KemperLesnik has operated the Maui Jim Maui Invitational since 1990. For more information, visit www.kemperlesnik.com.