Thursday, October 21, 1999

Rainbow Classic
sponsor renews

By Pat Bigold
Star-Bulletin

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts has agreed to continue as the title sponsor of the Rainbow Classic this year but at a reduced level.

The hotel chain became the tournament's title sponsor in 1995 and has put $100,000 toward that sponsorship each year.

But the lack of national TV exposure this year, a contractual requirement for that level of sponsorship, has led Outrigger to reduce its investment.

"We adjusted the sponsorship level," said Bryan Klum, the hotel chain's marketing director.

Asked what amount Outrigger will invest, Klum said, "We're not commenting on that, but we did adjust it downward."

The classic, which is likely to receive only local TV coverage by KHNL, is scheduled for Dec. 27-30 at the Stan Sheriff Center.

The classic field this year includes Hawaii, Gonzaga, Colorado, Villanova, Bradley, Ohio, Oregon and Wake Forest.

"We did not want to reduce it (sponsorship) to the point where it would negatively impact this tournament and what they need to do to put on a quality event. So, we came up with a dollar amount that was reasonable, given the fact there is no national TV."

ESPN ended a four-year arrangement with the classic after the Western Athletic Conference signed a football-basketball TV deal with Fox Sports Net.

But Fox also snubbed the classic for national and regional coverage.

Klum said Outrigger gave no guarantee of title sponsorship for 2000 but he did say that he will work with the university toward regaining national TV exposure.

He said that whether or not Outrigger is the title sponsor next year will depend upon the TV deal.

"We're confident that with 14 months to work on it, we can find a way to resolve the TV issue," said Klum.