Conway - Coastal Carolina University will host the inaugural Myrtle Beach Invitational Men's Basketball Tournament Nov. 15, 16 and 18, 2018 at the HTC Center.

ESPN is adding the early-season basketball event. After working with the city of Myrtle Beach and Coastal Carolina to host last year's Puerto Rico Tip-Off following Hurricane Marie that hit the island forcing the move, ESPN looked to the Chanticleers home to host the event.

"We are excited to launch the Myrtle Beach Invitational," said Pete Derzis, ESPN senior vice president of college sports programming and ESPN Events. "After collaborating with Visit Myrtle Beach and the city of Myrtle Beach to move last year's Puerto Rico Tip-Off to the area due to the effects of Hurricane Maria, we saw first-hand the community's outstanding facilities and passion for college basketball. Based on that experience, we determined that Myrtle Beach would be an ideal location for college basketball teams and their fans to visit each November.

The tournament will feature Cal State Fullerton, Saint Joseph's, Central Florida, Valparaiso, Wake Forest, West Virginia and Western Kentucky. An eighth team will be announced later.

"We are excited to host ESPN and eight Division I men's college basketball programs in November for the inaugural Myrtle Beach Invitational," said Carla Schuessler, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Chair of the Board. "We are also looking forward to welcoming all the fans to our destination; in addition to the exciting action on the court, the Myrtle Beach area has so much to offer fans from the beautiful beach, to dining and attractions."

For more information on the event, including travel packages, please visit www.myrtlebeachinvite.com.