FORT COLLINS, CO – Tournament officials are excited to announce the eight teams selected to compete in the 2014 men’s Cancun Challenge at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in Mexico.
This year’s Riviera Division features UNI, Miami (Ohio), Northwestern, and Virginia Tech. The Mayan Division includes Elon, Liberty, Morgan State, and North Florida. Both Morgan State (2010) and North Florida (2010) are playing in the event for the second time.
“We’re pleased to announce another competitive field this year played at the beautiful Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya,” said Cancun Challenge Director Brent Amick. “This is a special event for teams and fans and is played in an incredible ocean-front setting in Mexico. Fans making the trip down to cheer on their school will be able to watch great competition while enjoy the warm climate and beautiful beaches of the Riviera Maya.”
The tournament format includes eight games played in the United States between Nov.19-30 as the four teams in the Riviera Division host the four schools in the Mayan Division. All eight teams then travel to Mexico for two games played in their respected divisions (Nov. 25-26). All four games of the Riviera Division will be nationally televised live in HD from the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya on CBS Sports Network. The Mayan Division games will be webcast live on CBSsports.com, ULive.
The Cancun Challenge is one of the most unique basketball events held each year. Teams stay and play at the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya near Cancun, Mexico. The resort’s convention center ballroom is converted into an arena which provides fans a special close-up view of the games. Once arriving to the hotel, teams and fans are treated to a spectacular all-inclusive rock star vacation with games, practices, unlimited dining and drinks, world class entertainment, and fun all in one location. Previous champions include Vanderbilt (2008), Kentucky (2009), Missouri (2010), Illinois (2011), Wichita State (2012), and Wisconsin (2013).
“We are beyond excited to be hosting this year’s Cancun Challenge at the all-new Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya,” said Frank Maduro, Vice President of Marketing for All Inclusive Collection. “Not only will this be a great experience for the players, but an unforgettable one for our guests as they get to cheer on their favorite teams all while vacationing like true rock stars.”
Located just off the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya offers the ultimate vacation for guests of all ages with both the adults-only and family friendly resort experiences. With a combined 1,264 ultra-posh and lavishly appointed guestrooms boasting balcony, terrace views or new, expansive sky terrace options with picturesque views, hydro tubs in each room, world-class shopping and endless style, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is nothing short of the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Complete with expansive outdoor pools and private beach, this all-inclusive escape offers nine world-class restaurants, eight bars and lounges, in addition to 88,915 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space ideal for elegant banquets, themed parties, weddings, concerts, and more.
