For Media Covering the Tournament

Those interested in broadcasting from the State Farm Holiday Classic should contact Greg Halbleib.

• Credentials

  All media personnel who provide proper identification* receive complimentary admission to the tournament. You may be asked to sign in at the main entrance of each venue when you arrive. Your credentials will also allow you access to hospitality rooms. On your first visit to the tournament, you may obtain a copy of the Classic program/media guide.

  *If your organization doesn’t provide you with credentials (i.e., press pass) you’ll need a letter on official letterhead signed by the General Manager/Editor saying you’re working for that news outlet.

• Schedules & Results

  Brackets can be found at theclassic.org/brackets/ and a complete team list can be found at theclassic.org/team-list/. Please make special note of the times as games, especially in the first round, are often not played in bracket order. The tournament website, theclassic.org, also updates scores regularly during play and serves as your source for results.

• Parking

  Parking is not reserved, and there is no fee at any venue.

• Internet Access

  Wireless internet and Ethernet ports on press row are available at Shirk Center. Access is contingent upon professional use related to your coverage. The Classic and Illinois Wesleyan University reserve the right to terminate access without advance notice for any reason including but not limited to unprofessional or excessive usage. You are responsible for your own internet access at the high school venues.

• Press Box / Media Area Conduct

  Please remember that media areas are considered neutral and professional. Only working personnel (media and school video) will be allowed. Cheering, criticism of participants (including officials and tournament administration) and other unprofessional behavior will not be tolerated and may result in ejection from the facility as well as revocation of credentials for that reporter and media outlet.

• Broadcast Information

  • Fees and promotional announcements

    There is no rights fee charged to cover the Classic. We would appreciate it if you could air promotional announcements in advance of the tournament as you are able. A suggested script is at the end of this media manual and a produced 30-second version is available by request at sfholidayclassicmedia@yahoo.com. Broadcasters are asked to contact Greg Halbleib to notify us of your plans to originate broadcasts from the Classic.

  • Internet

    Wireless internet is available at Shirk Center, as are Ethernet ports at Shirk Center (multi-port switch at center court table on upper level press row). There is no public internet available at Normal Community, Normal West and Bloomington High Schools. Again, the Classic assumes no responsibility for your transmission, which is entirely the responsibility of each media outlet. Access is contingent upon professional use related to your coverage, and the Classic and Illinois Wesleyan University reserve the right to terminate access without advance notice for any reason including but not limited to unprofessional or excessive usage.

  • Video

    Video webcasts are NOT ALLOWED, including video simulcasts of your audio broadcasts.

  • Broadcast locations

    Shirk Center: tables on upper level opposite benches (phone lines are 309-556-xxxx as marked—incoming or toll-free only), additional space on upper level on bench side
    Normal Community and Normal West: table courtside opposite benches
    Bloomington: end zone balcony

    Please feel free to contact Media/Broadcast Coordinator Greg Halbleib at any time before or during the tournament if you have any questions or need assistance. You may also contact any committee member, identifiable by Classic pullovers or shirts and lanyard badges. We want to help you in any way we can, and we appreciate your coverage!

  • Suggested 30-second promo

    The State Farm Holiday Classic, 64 teams gathering in Bloomington-Normal the week after Christmas in one of the largest co-ed holiday basketball tournaments in the nation!

    The Classic is committed to the student-athletes by awarding four scholarships each year to tournament participants. Plus, Special Olympics players get a chance to shine during their showcase!

    All-tournament passes are available at TheClassic.org and are the best and most convenient way to enjoy the Classic!

    Visit theclassic.org. The State Farm Holiday Classic—The Best Basketball This Side of March!