Formerly known as Northwest Sports, Idol Sports and Entertainment (ISE) may have a new look, but not necessarily a new state of mind. The company has recently taken on a bold new name, created a fresh new website, and has involved itself in several new and exciting events. However, the company has never abandoned its mission to create, organize, and operate unique basketball and other events throughout the United States.
The company, originally founded in 1994 in Seattle, recently shed the name of Northwest Sports and Entertainment as it could no longer be identified as contained to a single region of the country. The new name of Idol Sports better personifies the company’s mission to actively seek ways to spread the spirit of cutthroat competition and present today’s athletic icons to communities nationwide.
In the past Idol Sports has run the Northern Quest Casino Spokane All Americans Charity Classic on the Gonzaga campus in Spokane, Washington. This event featured NBA players with former Gonzaga Alum playing together in an event to raise money for needy charities. They also have run the largest known youth basketball camp in the world, titled Santa Slam, in coordination with NBA teams. This camp hosted approximately 25,000 participants in 25 cities.
Honing in on the Southwest, ISE recently sponsored the first basketball event to take place at University of Phoenix Stadium, featuring four top college teams in the Grand Canyon State’s newest arena. The four teams highlighted in the 2008 tournament, including Louisville, Brigham Young, Arizona State, and Minnesota all earned a selection in the NCAA tournament. This event will be a major stepping stone in the effort to bring the Final Four to Arizona.
This year, ISE will also take on a partnership role in The Desert Duel Memorial Tournament, a highly competitive prep showcase tournament in Gilbert, AZ that dually raises money for Tom Crawford’s Leadership Children’s Foundation. This invitational promises to attract the nation’s top college coaches and talent scouts to watch the most distinguished high school players in the country.
Even while taking on new tournaments and tackling different turf, Idol Sports and Entertainment has not forgotten its roots in the Northwest. Idol will host its 7th Annual Comcast Battle in Seattle this year, featuring Gonzaga. ISE is currently looking to promote its season ticket packages to cater to loyal fans and perpetuate its presence in the Washington area. In accordance with this commitment, Idol Sports will also host the 5th Annual Cougar Hardwood classic featuring Washington State and Louisiana State. They will also continue to host the Northern Quest Casino Celebrity Poker Tournament featuring Dan Dickau. This 4th annual event will be comprised of 100 entrants plus approximately 20 celebrities from the basketball world, along with three world champion poker players.
It is clear that Idol Sports and Entertainment will continue to foster its strong relationship with the Northwest area, but will not be confined to this demographic. Rather, it will continue to expand its client base for a future that encompasses a wide array of events in locations across the country.