Inaugural Basketball Hall of Fame Belfast Classic Coming to Northern Ireland

By Sam Neter on September 8, 2017

Four American colleges will be facing off in Northern Ireland in December at the inaugural Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Belfast Classic at the SSE Arena Belfast.

Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) sides Manhattan College, College of the Holy Cross, La Salle University and Towson University will all be flying across the channel for the two day tournament taking place on December 1 and 2, which is expected to attract thousands of basketball fans from across Ireland and Britain.

We got this!!! @Sportchanges Life @Hoophall @BelfastClassic @MAACSports partner @NITouristBoard @AerLingus @TourismIreland Book Now! pic.twitter.com/FqDleGsBUN

— BHOF Belfast Classic (@BelfastClassic) July 7, 2017

The event is a result of a partnership between Belfast City Council and the Sport Changes Life Foundation, along with the MAAC and official airline partner Aer Lingus, to produce the first of its kind competitive collegiate basketball tournament outside of America.

“Belfast’s reputation continues to grow for hosting world class sporting events,” Belfast Lord Mayor Nuala McAllister commented.

“It’s going to be a fantastic spectacle, and the action packed weekend will have something for everyone to enjoy. All those who attend will witness competitive end-to-end action, with lots of in game entertainment on show as well. The positive impact on our local economy and tourism will be boosted by those travelling to support the visiting colleges, and we will roll out our great Belfast welcome.

“I look forward to an exciting weekend of sporting action. My theme for the year is ‘Global Belfast’ and this gives us another excellent opportunity to strengthen Belfast’s links with America.”

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster – all day tickets cost from £16 per adult, £11.50 for child tickets and family tickets start at £42. There are also group discounts available for advance bookings over 10 people.

For more information on the Classic visit belfastbasketballclassic.com or follow the event on Facebook.com/belfastbasketballclassic, Twitter @BelfastClassic and Instagram @BelfastBasketballClassic.

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