The Les Schwab Invitational is moving.
After 19 years at Liberty High School in Hillsboro, the esteemed holiday high school basketball tournament that’s hosted some of basketball’s greatest 21st century players is moving the 2024 event to the Viking Pavilion on the campus of Portland State University.
John McCallum, President of PrimeTime Sports who has and continues to run the showcase event, said the company has signed on for at least a three-year rental agreement with the school.
“On behalf of the university, I am thrilled to be here today to welcome the Les Schwab Invitational tournament to this wonderful venue,” Portland State President Ann Cudd said during a press conference on Monday afternoon, Aug. 19. “The talent that has been through this tournament is incredible, and it’s just going to be a thrill, I think, for all of us on campus and for all of Portland to be able to witness it in a beautiful Viking Pavilion.”
The Viking Pavilion has a capacity of roughly 3,000 and offers amenities such as two 20-foot video display boards, six AV-equipped breakout rooms, on-site concessions and complimentary Wi-Fi, compared to Liberty High School which, while similar in size, failed to meet the standard of the newly renovated college arena.
Additionally, McCallum cited traffic and a dearth of entertainment options for participating players during their downtime as cons for the Hillsboro location.
Despite what is undoubtedly a facility upgrade, McCallum said it was not their intention to leave Liberty and that they were looking forward to celebrating their 20th year there this December. But the PrimeTime president said that significant cost increases implemented by the Hillsboro School District left them with no choice but to seek an alternative venue.
“Honestly, we didn’t want to leave,” McCallum said. “It’s sad that we didn’t get our 20th year at Liberty and have that kind of celebration, but sometimes change is meant for the better.”
Jim Etzel, CEO of Sport Oregon, whose mission is to drive economic growth and enhance positive social impact through sports, said he couldn’t have been happier to see the tournament partner with PSU. He said he believes the new location can only enhance what’s already a premium event.
“When John (McCallum) and PrimeTime Sports first started talking about this as a potential new home, to us, it was a home run,” Etzel said. “This is one of the most premium high school, if not the most premium high school holiday tournament in the country. The deep and rich history it has, and it really deserved a premium home. And I mean, this place speaks for itself.”
The Les Schwab Invitational has hosted some of the game’s premier players over the years, including but not limited to Kevin Durant; Kevin Love; Tyson Chandler; Greg Monroe; Kemba Walker; Marvin Bagley III; former University of Oregon and current Boston Celtic guard Payton Pritchard; and Carmelo Anthony, whose son Kiyan Anthony is set to play in this year’s invitational with Long Island Lutheran High School from Brookville, New York, becoming the first father/son combination to play in the event.
McCallum said the Les Schwab Invitational has built quite a reputation over the last two decades, and at times even he’s been surprised by the reaction from kids from across the country regarding the tournament.
“I’ve seen interviews with kids online talking about the tournament and it blows me away,” McCallum said. “I was talking with the coach from Long Island Lutheran and he said all the kids know about it. So, it does have a very good reputation.”
Etzel said the city of Portland too is excited about the coming tournament, which will only enhance holiday festivities downtown.
“It continues a comeback story for downtown Portland,” Etzel said. “I know from leadership at city hall to those at Travel Portland and, of course, us at Sport Oregon, we think this is going to be a huge addition to the downtown scene during the holiday season.”
The 2024 Les Schwab Invitational is scheduled for Dec. 26-30.
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