INAUGURAL HBCU TIP-OFF CHAMPIONSHIP TO BE HELD IN ATLANTA
Philips Arena set to host annual HBCU basketball event; Marking the first such event in its 14-year history. Eight men’s college basketball teams from four major HBCU conferences will compete.
ATLANTA, GA - The partners of Atlanta-based JumpBall LLC have announced a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Tip-Off Championship event to be held in Atlanta, Nov. 7-11, 2013. The inaugural men’s college basketball tournament will feature eight schools from all four HBCU conferences that will compete for the Tip-Off championship.
Philips Arena, home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, will host the annual event. It will mark the first time in the arena’s 14-year history that it has hosted a HBCU function.
"We are excited to be part of history,” said Kevin Clayton, JumpBall founder. “The HBCU Tip-Off was created for our schools to play in a competitive, first-class event in a first-class arena to kick off the season."
Additionally, NBA Hall of Famer Sam Jones, who is a graduate of North Carolina Central University, will serve as ambassador of the event. "I have been involved with HBCU's all of my life, and it will be wonderful to see our schools having an opportunity to play in an all-HBCU, first-class tournament like the Tip-Off,” Jones said.
“It is an honor for the city of Atlanta and Philips Arena to work together to make history,” stated Bob Williams, President, Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena. “Philips Arena is looking forward to providing a memorable experience for all of the players, coaches, parents and fans participating in this first-of-its-kind event.”
The championship tournament will feature a combination of eight Division I and Division II schools. The brackets will match up a Division II school against a Division I school only in the title or consolation game. Each school will play three games. The field is designed to replace at least seven schools each year. Only the defending champ will receive an invitation to return. Tickets will go on sale April 1, 2013, and can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com. More information on the tournament can be found at www.hbcutipoff.com.
The Tip-Off Championship tournament will be a week-long celebration of events showcasing the athletic talents and achievements of current and past HBCU players and coaches. Additionally, it will celebrate the rich history and contributions of the HBCU culture and provide a platform for alumni, friends and supporters to come together to address social, health and economic issues and opportunities.
“This championship tournament is another tremendous example of the types of events we attract and are proud to host in Atlanta,” Ceasar Mitchell, Atlanta City Council president said. “This historic event represents the wonderful diversity, culture and rich history that defines Atlanta, and we look forward to a fantastic showcase and celebration in the fall.”
As part of the festivities, organizers of the Tip-Off Championship have established a virtual HBCU Basketball Hall of Fame. Inductees will be nominated and officially inducted as part of the tournament.
Proceeds from the HBCU Tip-Off Championship will benefit the Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM). Founded in 1975, MSM is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities and to increasing the diversity of the health professional and scientific workforce. MSM also addresses primary health needs through programs in education, research and service, with emphasis on people of color and the underserved urban and rural populations in Georgia and the nation.
About JumpBall LLC: JumpBall is an Atlanta-based corporation founded by Kevin Clayton, Wendy Davis and Torarie Durden. JumpBall specializes in diversity and inclusion, multi-cultural marketing, and collegiate license apparel.