FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The Iowa State women’s basketball team is headed to Mexico to take part in the 2015 Women’s Cancun Challenge, which will be held at the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya near Cancun, Mexico.
Iowa State will participate in the Cancun Challenge over the Thanksgiving break during the 2015-16 season.
Tournament officials announced the 10-team field today, which features Duke (ACC), Georgia Tech (ACC), High Point (Big South), Idaho (Big Sky), Iowa State (Big 12), NC State (ACC), Northern Iowa (MVC), Seton Hall (Big East), Texas State (Sun Belt), and UAB (CUSA).
“We’re pleased to announce another outstanding field in 2015 with all games being played at the beautiful, all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya,” said women’s Cancun Challenge director Renee Carlson. “This is a special event for teams and fans and is played in an incredible ocean-front setting in Mexico. Fans making the trip down to cheer on their school will be able to watch great competition while enjoying the warm climate and beautiful beaches of the Riviera Maya.”
The Cancun Challenge is one of the premier basketball events held each year and was rated as a top-five preseason tournament by Sports Illustrated in 2014. Teams stay and play at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. The resort’s convention center ballroom is converted into an arena, which provides fans a special close-up view of the games. Once arriving to the hotel, 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.
Four teams will make up the Mayan Division – Idaho, Iowa State, Duke and Texas State – and will compete in a three-game round-robin. The other six teams will be in the Riviera Division and play two games apiece during the event. Game schedules will be released later this spring.
Located just off the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, 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.
Seating is limited for this exclusive event, and all fans should book land travel packages through Triple Crown Sports for admission into games in Mexico. Travel packages are the only way to guarantee admission to games at this time. For travel package information, contact Sarah Sullivan by phone at 970-672-0533 or by email at [email protected], or visit the website at www.cancunchallenge.net.
