2020 Maui Invitational is Moving

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Like everything else in the sports world, NCAA basketball’s Maui Invitational has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.  Due to health concerns, it will not be held in the tropical paradise of Hawaii and will instead move to Asheville, North Carolina.  It was announced yesterday that the Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville will host the most famous early-season tournament, and it will take place from November 30th to December 2nd.  This is about a week later than normal because of the season getting a later-than-normal start.  The field of teams will remain the same, which includes Alabama, Davidson, Indiana, North Carolina, Providence, Stanford, Texas, and UNLV.

My first reaction is I’m glad the tournament wasn’t canceled.  I enjoy watching the Maui Invitational every year, and while it will have a much different feel to it this year, we will still have it.  And being a resident of North Carolina, I think it’s pretty cool that it is being moved to our state.  Now, I have my questions as to why they chose Asheville to host it, from all the cities across America.  Even in North Carolina, Charlotte or Greensboro would have been the cities I figured would get the bid.  So Asheville is a surprise city to get the tournament, but it’s definitely not a bad choice.

Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville

exploreasheville.com

I also wonder if fans will be able to attend this event.  If I had to guess, I would say probably not (or a very small partial capacity crowd).  But if by some miracle fans are allowed to attend like usual, then this move will be a big advantage for the two North Carolina schools, especially the Tar Heels.  North Carolina fans travel well anyway, so the place would basically be the Dean Smith Center for four days.  And don’t forget that Roy Williams is from Asheville, so it would be a homecoming for him.

This is likely just one of many adjustments the NCAA will have to make to the season this year.  College basketball is one of my favorite sports to watch on tv, so as long as these changes are just adjustments, and not cancelations, I’m totally fine with it.  After the way last season ended, I think we’re all ready to see our teams back on the court competing this year.

Garett