Bristol, Virginia, September 12, 2025
News Summary
The prestigious Arby’s Classic basketball tournament is relocating to Virginia High School in Bristol, marking the end of a nearly 40-year partnership with Tennessee High School. Set to begin in December 2025, the tournament will introduce two competitive divisions and offer monetary prizes to the top-performing teams. Virginia High School aims to enhance the local sports landscape through this event, while the tournament will also gain national exposure during a NASCAR event featuring promotional designs on a driver’s car.
Bristol, Virginia – The Arby’s Classic basketball tournament is officially set to relocate to Virginia High School, with the move scheduled for December 2025. This significant change was revealed at a press conference led by John Wade, the owner of AES Restaurant Group, marking the end of nearly 40 years of partnership with Tennessee High School which officially concluded in July 2024.
Despite the shift, Tennessee High School remains committed to hosting a tournament dubbed “The Classic,” but it will no longer carry the Arby’s sponsorship. The Virginia High School administration moved quickly to secure a partnership with Arby’s following the split, reflecting their enthusiasm for enhancing the local sports landscape.
The upcoming Arby’s Classic will boast two competitive divisions: one designated for local high schools and another for private and prep schools. Each division will offer competitive prizes for the top teams, with first-place winners receiving a $5,000 grant for their respective athletic programs, while the second and third place teams will earn $3,000 and $2,000 respectively.
While specific dates for the 2025 tournament have not been released, it is anticipated to occur during the December holiday break. Organizers aim to elevate the event further, promising an enhanced tournament experience that surpasses previous years.
As part of the promotional efforts, Michelle Carter and Mindi McKeeman from AES Restaurant Group introduced the new Arby’s Classic logo by showcasing it on NASCAR driver Cody Ware’s car during an unveiling event at Virginia High School. The event created excitement, as Cody Ware engaged with students, signing autographs and posing for photographs.
The milestone 40th annual Arby’s Classic basketball tournament is slated to run from December 26-31, 2025, featuring notable teams such as Oak Hill Academy and the defending VHSL Class 2 state champions, John Marshall from Richmond. Virginia High School athletic director Brad Harper expressed optimism about the new partnership, emphasizing how Bristol is poised to become a hub for high school basketball. He reassured attendees that the tournament venue at Bearcat Den ensures a “not a bad seat” experience for fans.
The tournament will also gain national visibility during the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, with the promotional paint scheme featuring the tournament on Cody Ware’s No. 51 Ford. The bracket draw for the anticipated 20-team tournament is scheduled for November 5, 2025, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming event.
Key Details of Arby’s Classic Basketball Tournament
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Virginia High School, Bristol, Virginia |
| Initial Year | Beginning December 2025 |
| Former Partner | Tennessee High School |
| Prize Money for Teams | $5,000 (1st), $3,000 (2nd), $2,000 (3rd) |
| Tournament Dates | December 26-31, 2025 |
| Notable Teams | Oak Hill Academy, John Marshall |
| Bracket Draw Date | November 5, 2025 |
FAQ
Where will the Arby’s Classic be held starting in 2025?
The tournament will be held at Virginia High School in Bristol, Virginia.
What changes occurred after the partnership with Tennessee High School ended?
Tennessee High School will continue to host a tournament called “The Classic,” but it will no longer feature Arby’s sponsorship.
What is the prize money for the teams participating in the tournament?
The first-place team will receive $5,000, while the second and third places will earn $3,000 and $2,000, respectively.
When is the Arby’s Classic tournament scheduled?
The tournament is expected to run from December 26 to 31, 2025.
What is planned for the visibility of the tournament?
The tournament will gain national exposure during the Bass Pro Shops Night Race with promotional features on NASCAR driver Cody Ware’s car.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bristol Schools Announce Name Change for Holiday Basketball Tournament
Additional Resources
- WCYB Sports
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Virginia
- TriCities Sports
- Google Search: Arby’s Classic Basketball Tournament
- TriCities Sports Results
- Google Scholar: Arby’s Basketball Tournament
- WJHL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arby’s Classic
- Super Talk 929
- Google News: Arby’s Classic Basketball Tournament Virginia High
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
