Men’s Basketball Featured in 2024 Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic Field
Honolulu, Hawaii – The College of Charleston Cougars are set to compete in the 2024 Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic along with seven other teams. The tournament, in its 15th edition, will feature a competitive field including teams like Charlotte, Hawai’i, Loyola Chicago, Murray State, Nebraska, Oakland, and Oregon State. The games will be held on Dec. 22, 23, and 25 at the SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu.
Field Highlights
Charlotte finished with an impressive 19 wins and a top-three conference finish under the leadership of Aaron Fearne, a finalist for the Joe B. Hall Coach of the Year award. College of Charleston, the defending CAA regular-season and tournament champions, is looking to continue their recent success under head coach Chris Mack. Hawai’i, the tournament host, has had back-to-back 20-win seasons, while Loyola Chicago and Murray State have shown consistency in their performances over the years.
Nebraska, led by Big Ten Coach of the Year Fred Hoiberg, made a remarkable return to the NCAA Tournament last season with 23 wins. Oakland, making its first appearance in the tournament, had a memorable 2023-24 campaign with Horizon League championships and a notable upset over Kentucky. Oregon State, transitioning to the West Coast Conference, is another team to watch out for in the tournament.
Tournament Format
Each team will play one game per day over the course of three days, with the teams advancing through the bracket. The two teams with unbeaten records will battle it out in the championship game on the final day of the tournament. Tickets for the games are expected to go on sale in October. Fans can visit the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic website for more information on special offers and promotions.
About ESPN Events
ESPN Events, the organizer of the tournament, hosts a variety of collegiate sporting events across the country. The 2024 schedule includes a total of 34 events, ranging from college football games to basketball tournaments, attracting millions of viewers and attendees annually. ESPN Events aims to provide unique experiences for teams and fans while showcasing the talents of student-athletes from over 20 Division I conferences.
About Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines, Hawai’i’s largest airline, has been serving the islands for 95 years. The airline offers numerous daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands and to 16 U.S. gateway cities, as well as connecting flights to international destinations. Hawaiian has consistently been recognized for its exceptional service and on-time performance, earning top rankings in consumer surveys.
About the Hawai’i Tourism Authority
The Hawai’i Tourism Authority is responsible for representing The Hawaiian Islands globally and managing tourism in a sustainable manner. The agency works with the community and industry to promote responsible tourism practices and preserve the natural beauty of the islands while supporting the visitor industry’s economic goals.