ESPN Events and Shriners Hospitals for Children have come to a four-year agreement, making Shriners Hospitals for Children the new title sponsor of the Charleston Classic. The multi-team tournament, to be played November 18th, 19th, and 21st, at TD Arena, will feature 12 games across three days, with winners advancing through the bracket. Teams set to play in the 2021 Shriners Children's Charleston Classic include Boise State, Clemson, Elon, Marquette, Ole Miss, St. Bonaventure, Temple and West Virginia.
“We are excited to welcome Shriners Hospitals for Children into our ESPN Events family,” said Clint Overby, vice president of ESPN Events. “This title sponsorship will provide many opportunities to highlight and support this incredible organization during tournament week both in Charleston and during game telecasts. We look forward to highlighting and supporting their work, as well as welcoming student-athletes, coaches and fans back to Charleston for this wonderful event.”
“We are thrilled to team up with ESPN and the Charleston Classic in support of our life-changing mission,” said James R. “Jim” Smith, Imperial Potentate of Shriners International and CEO of Shriners Hospitals for Children. “Our healthcare system has helped nearly 1.5 million children in the last century, transforming the lives of so many and giving them the ability to pursue their passions including sports such as basketball.”
Field Highlights
- St. Bonaventure is ranked No. 15 in ESPN's “Way Too Early” Top 25 for the upcoming season
- West Virginia earned a No. 3 seed in the 2021 NCAA Tournament and advanced to the second round
- Marquette is led by new head coach Shaka Smart, who finished with a 109-86 record at Texas, earning a No. 3 seed in the 2021 NCAA Tournament
- Clemson has reached two of the last three NCAA Tournaments, securing a No. 7 seed last season
- Boise State and Ole Miss played in the 2021 NIT Tournament
- Temple is a returning Charleston Classic champion (2017)
- Elon advanced to the CAA Championship last season
This family-friendly tournament offers the teams a week of practice, play, and experiences in and around historic Charleston.
Tickets will be available for purchase following the announcement of the complete tournament schedule later this summer. In the meantime, fans can secure up to $25 off each all-tournament ticket by signing up for the pre-sale at www.charlestonclassic.com.
