Get ready for some thrilling basketball action! The College Basketball Experience Classic (CBE), formerly known as the Guardians Classic, is an annual tournament that kicks off the college basketball season each year. This exciting competition was established in 2001 and brings together top teams from across the country.
This year’s CBE is sponsored by O’Reilly Auto Parts and takes place in mid-November. It’s a big deal, featuring sixteen teams representing sixteen different athletic conferences. These teams are split into groups of four, with the exception of 2008, where only fourteen teams participated.
The first two rounds of the CBE are held in different locations across the country, with participating teams serving as hosts. These regional games take place on consecutive days, with the hosting team having the home-court advantage. This usually results in the host teams advancing to the finals, which are held at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The championship round takes place a week after the initial rounds, giving teams time to rest and regroup.
The CBE has a fascinating history. It was initially known as the Guardians Classic and then renamed the College Basketball Experience Classic (CBE) in 2006 after the College Basketball Experience fan facility. Before 2007, the final rounds were usually held at Municipal Auditorium, with the exception of 2001 when they took place at Kemper Arena. In 2010, the regional hosts were Duke, Kansas State, Marquette, and Gonzaga, making for some highly competitive matchups.
Behind the Scenes: The NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches) is the brains behind the CBE, with the Gazelle Group handling the production.
A Season Opener You Won’t Want to Miss!
The CBE is more than just a tournament – it’s a celebration of college basketball. With top teams from across the country battling for supremacy, it’s a great way to get your season off to a hot start. So, grab your friends, get your game face on, and enjoy the excitement of the CBE!
