The Kentucky Derby Festival Committee has announced that the Derby Classic basketball game will not be played this year. The Committee is not ruling out its return in future years, but there will be no game this year.

 

This is disappointing. I have been going to the Derby Classic since its earliest days in the mid-70's. I'm afraid it will never return.

That's truly a shame. Started going myself in the late 70s. This was a natural....one KY tradition played as part of another.

Reason given?

Reason given?

 

"Low attendance and financial struggles." I think it has become increasing difficult to get the players they want to play in the game and also to get a game sponsor.

"Low attendance and financial struggles." I think it has become increasing difficult to get the players they want to play in the game and also to get a game sponsor.

 

So it's called "The Derby Classic" but the Ky Derby Festival isn't a sponsor?

The attendance has been terrible for years. Add that to the fact that kids are limited to how many All-Star games they can play in, this was bound to happen sooner or later.

There is an overload of all-star games and kids are limited in how many they can attend.

Never heard of it. :idunno:

This was a nice tournament to get an early look at some of the top instate players along with incoming freshmen to many of the colleges in and around this state. There does seem to be an oversaturation of tournaments for high school kids, but hate to hear this one has to go.

The ancient Indiana-Kentucky summer games are on their last legs too IMO.