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2014 EA SPORTS Maui Invitational Travel Guide: Kansas State Wildcats Edition

This Thanksgiving, Kansas State will be traveling to the island of Maui for the 2014 EA SPORTS Maui Invitational where it will join Arizona, BYU, Missouri, Pittsburgh, Purdue, San Diego State , and host Chaminade in the 31st edition of the premier early-season men's college basketball tournament. The 2014 Championship Round will take place November 24-26 as the Wildcats will look to start the 2014-15 basketball season off with a bang.

Please let us know if you will be joining the Wildcats in Maui or if you have any questions about the Tournament in the comments section. Aloha and mahalo.

What´s the story behind the Tournament? How did it all start?

On December 23, 1982, little known NAIA Chaminade University upset top-ranked Virginia, which was led by three-time National Player of the Year and future NBA draft first overall pick Ralph Sampson, 77-72. It was called "the greatest upset in college basketball history," and the win put Chaminade on the map. In honor of the historic victory, the tournament now known as the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational was born and has since become the longest running early-season college hoops tournament in the country. Read the full story in an article by Alexander Wolff in Sports Illustrated about the "Greatest Upset Never Seen."

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Experience in Maui:

The Basketball:

The eight-team D-I basketball event takes place Thanksgiving week at the 2,400 seat Lahaina Civic Center located just 1,000 yards from the Pacific Ocean. The intimate arena creates a memorable experience, placing fans right on top of the action where players can truly feel the support of their team's cheering section. Don't believe us? Take it from the coaches:

"The whole total atmosphere inside that little gym is as loud, as noisy as Madison Square Garden or any other place that we play... We love it here in Maui and the tournament was absolutely sensational."
- Jim Calhoun, former head coach, Connecticut

"And there's something -- this atmosphere may be as good a neutral court atmosphere that you could play in. It's better than the NCAA tournament atmosphere because you can feel the crowd. They're actually a part of it."
- Bill Self, head coach, Kansas

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The Island:

U.S News has listed Maui as the #4 on its list of ‘World's Best Places to Visit' - here are some attractions to take in while you are on the island:

  1. Go to the beach - Maui is home to three of the Top 10 Travelers' Choice U.S Beaches
  2. Attend a luau at Old Lahaina Luau
  3. Snorkeling or diving adventure
  4. Drive the road to Hana
  5. Watch the sunrise at Haleakala National Park
  6. Attend the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational

For more information, go to www.visitmaui.com


I'm sold, what are my ticket and travel options?

Kansas State travel packages are available through Oahu Travel, and are the only way to guarantee and purchase Kansas State game tickets. Packages include:

  • Kansas State booster game ticket package - good for each of the Wildcats' three games

  • Accommodations at the Westin Maui Resort, Kansas State's beach front hotel

  • Game day bus transfers to and from your hotel and the Lahaina Civic Center

  • More information on travel packages can be found on our 2014 Travel & Ticket Information page. There are a variety game and event ticket packages available. For more information on each of these ticket options, please visit our Tickets & Packages page.

For more information on the 2014 EA SPORTS Maui Invitational, please visit mauiinvitational.com.

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