The Governor’s Challenge Basketball Tournament Returns to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center with Exciting Additions

The Governor’s Challenge Basketball Tournament will return to Delmarva this weekend, as the biggest basketball tournament of the season hits the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center December 26-27 and 29-30. The event promises to be bigger and better than ever this year, due in large part to the new partnership with DMVelite Showcase Events. One of the major changes we’ll be seeing this year is the addition of the Girls Division.

The Governor’s Challenge has been a highlight of the holiday season since 2010, when Governor O’Malley of Maryland and Governor Markell of Delaware brought notoriety to the event with a friendly wager of a Maryland Smith Island Cake to a Delaware Peach Pie. Over the past few years the event has grown in size and popularity, with teams hailing from more than just the Delmarva region – the event now includes Maryland, Delaware, DC, Virginia, North Carolina, North Carolina and New York.

The format for the 2014 Governor’s Challenge will include 4-team brackets. Each participating team will play two games and have an opportunity to win a championship. The event is open to the public, with tickets available both online here, at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office, or by calling 410-548-4911. Week-long passes are $30, with daily admission $10. Children under the age of 11 are admitted free.

In addition to the regular tournament schedule, fans get to enjoy several contests and activities such as the Slam Dunk Contest, High School 3-Point Contest, High School Skills Contest, and Fans Contest. Fans will also enjoy giveaways, door prizes, and a Dr. Pepper sampling. For giveaways and door prizes, expect a wide selection of goodies including: NBA and/or NCAA basketball jerseys, restaurant gift cards, athletic apparel, Washington Wizards tickets, sporting equipment, concessions vouchers, event t-shirts, Dick’s Sporting Goods gift cards, etc…

The stakes will run high once again this year as Maryland fights to defend their title against Delaware. Last year marked the first year that Maryland’s prized Smith Island Cake didn’t make a trip to the Delaware State House. Instead, a Delaware Peach Pie was brought to Annapolis to celebrate Maryland’s first victory over Delaware.

With the addition of the girls division, the increased number of teams, and the ever-growing popularity of the event, the 2014 Governor’s Challenge is shaping up to be this weekend’s biggest event here on Delmarva. See you all at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center!