MAUI, HAWAII (April 14, 2017) – The 2016 Maui Jim Maui Invitational attracted more than 5,500 visitors and generated $16.3 million in visitor spending statewide. 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 Hawaii'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 Hawaii 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."
 
"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." 
 
The beauty and culture of Hawaii was on full display during the 2016 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, 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 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 32 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, and Continental Tire. 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 is a private, Catholic university offering more than 25 undergraduate and graduate programs and is federally designated as a Native Hawaiian serving institution. Guided by its Catholic, Marianist and liberal arts educational traditions, Chaminade prepares students for careers in an evolving global marketplace rooted in the development of moral character, personal competencies and a commitment to build a just and peaceful society. Please visit chaminade.edu for more information.
 
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.