The Governor's Challenge basketball tournament takes place Dec. 27-30 at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center in Salisbury. (Photo credit: salisburychampionships.org)

The Governor’s Challenge, which according to organizers is the largest holiday basketball tournament on the East Coast – returns to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center in Salisbury, Maryland Dec. 27-30.

Tournament organizers say this year’s format will include a larger DMVelite Showcase division, including 16 top teams from around the region, as well as a new post graduate division. The tournament also features varsity boys division, varsity girls division and a boys JV division.

In total, 101 teams from Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina and Virginia will participate in this year’s tournament, which is sponsored by The Bank of Delmarva.

Fan Information

– M&T Bank Skills Challenge – On Dec. 27 and 29 at 9 p.m. at the civic center, watch the top point guards from the event compete in a timed course just like the NBA All Star Skills Challenge.

-Three Point Contest – Watch top sharp shooters compete in the Three Point Contest on Dec. 27 & 29 at 9 p.m. at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Each player will have 60 seconds to make it through five ball racks and try to claim the three point crown.

-Slam Dunk Contest – A fan favorite every year, the Slam Dunk Contest will take place on Dec. 29 at 9 p.m. at the civic center. Click here to see highlights from last year’s Slam Dunk Contest.

-Halftime Contests – Enjoy free halftime contests for prizes such as gift certificates. All you have to do is find the tournament’s MC Eric in the arena during the event to sign up for contests.

-Video Games – NBA 2K will be available to play on the big screens in the lobby for free.

-Giveaways – Each day there will be giveaways including rally towels, mini basketballs and more.  T-shirt tosses will occur daily in the arena.

-Flu Shots – Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s Wagner Wellness Van will be on site from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily administering flu shots for $10.

For more information about the Governor’s Challenge click here.