May 16, 2012
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Fort Collins, Colo. — University of Iowa men’s basketball fans can purchase travel packages for the 2012 Cancun Challenge during Thanksgiving week at the all-inclusive Moon Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico.
Packages can be purchased through Winebrenner Red Carpet Travel located at 755 Gilbert St. in Iowa City or by calling 319-351-4510. Fan packages are the only way to gain admission to the games played in Mexico. More information on travel packages is also available at CancunChallenge.net.
The 2012 field includes Iowa (Big Ten), DePaul (Big East), Western Kentucky (Sun Belt), and Wichita State (Missouri Valley) playing in the Riviera Division. The Mayan Division features Howard (MEAC), Austin Peay State (Ohio Valley), Western Carolina (Southern) and Gardner-Webb (Big South).
The tournament format features eight games played in the United States (Nov. 15 and 17) where the four teams in the Riviera Division host the four schools in the Mayan Division. All eight teams then travel to Cancun for two games (Nov. 20-21) played at the Moon Palace Resort. A champion is crowned in both divisions.
The Cancun Challenge is regarded as one of the most unique preseason men’s college basketball tournaments. Teams stay at the all-inclusive Moon Palace Resort and enjoy all the amenities the resort has to offer. A ballroom is converted into an arena and fans who attend the event get an up-close perspective of their team while enjoying an all-inclusive setting. Previous champions include Vanderbilt (2008), Kentucky (2009), Missouri (2010), and Illinois (2011).
