The Great Alaska Shootout has a new title sponsor, one that hopes for a return to the glory days when top-ranked college basketball teams and huge crowds filled Sullivan Arena. GCI and UAA have entered into a multiyear deal that makes GCI the primary sponsor of the Thanksgiving-week college basketball tournament held every year since 1978.
The Shootout brings in college basketball teams each year from all across the country to compete. It’s an annual budget of $700,000 to $750,000. GCI will help with the cash and will promote it heavily in its 40 retail stores across the state, and likely on its cable network.
And unlike in the past, UAA doesn’t plan on asking the state for money, which should make Brad Keithley happy.
