It took 28 years of building, a recent collaboration of four different organizations and the local chamber of commerce, and some last-minute red carpet treatment for organizers by tourism and athletics officials.
But beginning this March, the City of Spartanburg will not only play host to the signature Carolinas Classic All-Star boys and girls basketball games for three consecutive years, it is now the odds-on favorite to become the event’s permanent home.
“This is one of the most prestigious all-star basketball games anywhere in the country,” said Phil Weaver, executive director with the North Carolina Athletic Coaches Association (NCACA) in Greensboro, N.C., one of the event’s longtime partners. “It’s the only time the kids get to play for their state, and the quality of the game is hard to top.”
The awarding of the Classic came in early January through a combined effort from officials with OneSpartanburg, Spartanburg School District Six, both NCACA and the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association (SCACA), and Dorman High School.
Dorman’s facilities and longstanding reputation for basketball competitiveness and excellence were significant factors in the selection – as was the obvious and eager desire by local officials to secure the event.
“They wanted it more than anyone else,” said SCACA executive director Scott Early. “And Spartanburg is the up-and-coming tourism spot for sports in all of the Southeast.”
The Classic will be held March 21 at Dorman High, and feature a boys game and girls game, showcasing the best high school basketball talent across the Carolinas.
“I have been blessed to coach in the game on two occasions,” said Dorman boys head basketball coach Thomas Ryan. “And it truly is a special event for the players and community.”
Players on all four teams represent 90 percent Power 4 athletes – meaning most are caliber for the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC.
“It’s like watching college basketball – and the girls level is higher than the boys,” Earley said. “Over 50 percent of the kids in these games are already committed to playing in college.”
And, the Classic is certain to be a boon to the local economy.
“The event is expected to generate over $100,000 in direct visitor spending from athletes’ families, coaches, officials, and spectators,” said John Mark Freeze, OneSpartanburg vice president of tourism development. "Our team helped align local stakeholders, support the bid process, and facilitate communication with event ownership, while demonstrating Spartanburg’s ability to successfully host a high-profile high school all-star event.”
With its securing of the Classic, Spartanburg is now home to both it and the Shrine Bowl, which showcases the best football talent between the Carolinas.
“Spartanburg has hosted the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas for over 20 years,” said Billy Dunlap, OneSpartanburg chief tourism development officer. “The Carolinas Classic is the hardwood equivalent of the Shrine Bowl, so it’s only appropriate the tournament be held in Spartanburg for the next three years.”
But if all goes as expected, Earley said Spartanburg could become the Classic’s permanent host city.
“Since the event began in 1998, it’s been hosted by Rock Hill (1998-2007), Charlotte (2008), Myrtle Beach (2009-17), and Wilmington (2018-2025) – The thought was that it should be in N.C. sometimes and S.C. sometimes,” Earley said. “But we are hoping that from this point, the Classic will have a permanent home in Spartanburg, because when you have a permanent home, it makes your game a lot more attractive. And we are excited to be in Spartanburg.”
