Holiday Basketball Tournament Takes Center Court

11/17/2011

For More Information, Contact:                                                       For Immediate Release

Travis Harper                                                                                          November 17, 2011

Sports Services Manager

Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

(309) 282-3276

6th annual State Farm Tournament of Champions Nov. 22-26 in Washington

WASHINGTON, IL - Top high school basketball teams from across the country will battle it out on the court at the 6^th annual State Farm Tournament of Champions Nov. 22-26 at Washington Community High School and Illinois Central College in East Peoria.  Locally, teams from East Peoria, Illinois Valley Central, Limestone, Peoria Notre Dame, Richwoods and Washington will compete for tournament titles.

This year's Thanksgiving Hoops Extravaganza features 22 teams representing eight states, including Alabama and Texas.  A total of 35 games will be played during the holiday week in four mini tournaments sponsored by Methodist Medical Center, Uftring Auto Group, Team Works and Peoria Chevrolet.

The State Farm Tournament of Champions is considered the No. 1 Thanksgiving event in the nation.  Each year it gains more notoriety due to the highly ranked teams and players it attracts.  Many of the players rank among the country's top 100 prospects.  There will be an estimated 2,500 participants and fans attending.

Tipoff for the first game is 5 p.m. Tuesday.  Games continue the rest of the week and weekend.  Championship games are Saturday, Nov. 26, followed with an awards ceremony recognizing the winners.

For more tournament information, including team highlights, complete schedule list and ticket prices, go to sftofc.org.

Created in 2005 in Tampa, Florida, the State Farm Tournament of Champions was formed to rival all other amateur basketball events in the country.  In six years, the tournament has grown to become one of the most recognized boys' hoops competitions in the nation.  It provides students and teams from across the country with an opportunity to showcase their competitive skills outside of the normal season schedule. 

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            The 6^th annual State Farm Tournament of Champions will create an economic impact of about $233,250 and fill 305 hotel rooms in the Peoria Area.  There will be about 2,500 individuals in attendance.

            The PACVB represents an eight county region including Bureau, Fulton, Marshall, Mason, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell and Woodford. The organization's mission is to promote the Peoria Area as a destination for visitors and contribute to the economic growth of the communities they represent.