This year marks the 42nd anniversary of The Classic, a tournament whose legacy has remained steadfast even as its name has evolved. This year’s field features eight new programs joining the tradition, along with five defending state champions from the 2024–2025 season: St. Thomas Aquinas (FL), North Mecklenburg (NC), Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (MD), Webb School of Knoxville (TN), and Upperman High School (TN). The Classic remains a celebration of talent, tradition, and the spirit of high school basketball at its finest. Established in 1983, The Classic has grown into one of the nation’s most respected high school basketball tournaments, showcasing elite teams, future college stars, and unforgettable matchups for more than four decades. Fans from across the country travel to Bristol each year to be part of this holiday tradition, filling Viking Hall with the energy and excitement that only The Classic can deliver.

Our History

During the 1982 basketball season, the Tennessee High Vikings traveled to Louisville, Kentucky to play in the King of Bluegrass Tournament. After returning to Bristol, Coach Dale Burns discussed with then Athletic Director Bill Bingham the possibility of having a similar tournament to take advantage of Tennessee High’s tremendous facility, Viking Hall.

The original goals were to promote basketball in the region and to expose the fans to outstanding players and teams in the country. The Classic at Tennessee High School has accomplished those goals and more. It has not only been a boost to basketball in Bristol and the region, it has been a boost to the area financially. Exciting teams and individual players resulting in packed houses have made The Classic one of the top high school basketball tournaments in the country.

The tournament has formerly been named the Mountain Empire Classic and the Arby’s Classic until taking on its current name, The Classic at Tennessee High School, since 2024.