BP Extends Top of the World Classic Contract

Submitted by Scott Wilson
Phone: (907) 474-6807
08/11/03

BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. has extended its sponsorship of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ annual BP Top of the World Classic basketball tournament through 2007.

"This is a clear sign of how local business and UAF can work together in a mutually beneficial relationship," said Dr. Cory Schwartz, UAF director of athletics. "It will strengthen our tournament and demonstrates BP’s long-term commitment to the university and the Fairbanks community."

"We are proud to sponsor such a high-caliber tournament," said Steve Marshall, president of BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. "It demonstrates BP’s commitment to support education in Alaska, and it reinforces the local economy by generating visitor activity during the winter."

This year’s tournament will run Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 20-23, at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks. It will include UAF, the University of Texas-San Antonio of the Southland Conference, Binghamton University of the America East, Idaho State University from the Big Sky, Western Athletic Conference member Rice University, St. Mary’s of California from the West Coast Conference, Virginia Military Institute from the Southern Conference and Washington State University from the Pac 10.

"BP’s sponsorship of the Top of the World Classic started in 2000. The extension to the agreement will allow us to continue to make this one of the premiere tournaments in the country," said Kip Harmon, associate director of athletics at UAF and tournament director.

The UAF Nanooks put the world of college basketball on notice last season when they upset Weber State to win the 2002 BP TOWC championship, marking the first time in NCAA history a Division II team won a Division I tournament.

For information on the BP Top of the World Classic and how to get tickets, call the UAF ticket office at (907) 474-5977.