Auburn Basketball to play in 2016 Cancun Challenge
AUBURN, Ala. (auburntigers.com) – Auburn has been selected to play in the 2016 Cancun Challenge along with No. 15/13 Purdue, Texas Tech and Utah State in one of college basketball’s premier destination tournaments, it was announced on Wednesday by Triple Crown Sports.
The Tigers will be a part of the Riviera Division of the event, held just before the Thanksgiving holiday at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The Cancun Challenge features games in both the U.S. and Mexico. The four teams playing in the Mayan Division will be announced later this spring.
The tournament format includes eight games played in the United States 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 onNov. 22-23. All four games of the Riviera Division will be nationally televised live from the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya on CBS Sports Network.
The Cancun Challenge, entering its ninth year, is one of the most unique basketball events held each year. Teams stay and play at the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya; the resort’s convention center ballroom is converted into a basketball arena, providing fans a special close-up view of the games. Upon arrival, 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), Wisconsin (2013), Northern Iowa (2014) and Maryland (2015).
Located just off the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, the 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.
