RPI's East Campus Arena will be an 11th Grade Division venue at the 2018 GymRat CHALLENGE 

An extensive economic impact study conducted at the beginning of 2017 by one of the most respected economic development firms in America concluded that the GymRat CHALLENGE provides an annual impact of over $19.6 million for its host economy with over 22,000 people traveling to New York State's Capital District to attend the largest event of its kind in the eastern United States .  As a result, the GymRat CHALLENGE has unique access to outstanding new host facilities.  The GymRat CHALLENGE utilizes only the highest quality competition venues.  NO high school facilities will be used as host venues for the GymRat CHALLENGE.  A complete list of competition venues for the 2018 GIRLS GymRat CHALLENGE (June 16-17, 2018) can be found at  http://gymratchallenge.com/girls-event/game-sites-directions/ 


The GymRat CHALLENGE annually plays host to the BIG EAST as the most storied conference in college basketball history utilizes the largest basketball event in the eastern United States as a platform to evaluate prospective referees for potential BIG EAST contracts.
  
BIG EAST Supervisor of Officials John Cahill has invited highly regarded officials from thr oughout the c ountry to the GymRat CHALLENGE to be a part of the BIG EAST's REFEREE PROSPECTS CAMP.  The camp  will run in conjunction with one of the most visible and competitive basketball events in the nation during the annual GymRat CHALLENGE.  During the event, Cahill and his staff will evaluate these highly touted officials during game action as they officiate some of the top club basketball programs in the country.
 
"John Cahill is one of the most respected and accomplished referees in the history of college basketball" commented GymRat CHALLENGE Executive Director, John Kmack "We were very pleased to partner with John and the BIG EAST. The ability to partner with someone as accomplished and widely-respected as John Cahill and an entity as storied as the BIG EAST Conference is a great honor for the GymRat CHALLENGE and speaks volumes about both the quality and reputation of the event."

Cahill, who took on the role of BIG EAST Supervisor in 2013 after 40 years as a game  official, is basketball referring royalty. Cahill was
John Cahill was worked a record seven NCAA Championship Games and eleven Final Fours
assigned to 20 consecutive NCAA DIVISION I tournaments.from 
1993 to 2012.  In 2007, he received the prestigious Naismith Award as the top basketball official in the country.  In addition, Cahill has officiated eleven Final Fours and ranks first all time in being assigned to seven NCAA Championship Games, including the 2012 title game that featured Louisville and Michigan.
 
"I first became aware of the GymRat CHALLENGE when my son (John, Jr. who later played at Boston College) participated in it", said Cahill. "I was immediately impressed with how well the event was run and the quality of talent that it attracted.  When we started to evaluate events to host the Prospects Camp, the GymRat CHALLENGE was the first event that came to mind for both me and my son. I really think that this is a match made in Heaven that will prove to be beneficial for both the BIG EAST CONFERENCE and the GymRat CHALLENGE."

The  GymRat CHALLENGE  has signed a three year contract with BallerTV to provide exclusive live streaming of all GymRat CHALLENGE games beginning with the 2018 event. BallerTV will live stream every game at every Age Division of the GymRat CHALLENGE in order to allow fans and college coaches across the nation the opportunity to view the GymRat CHALLENGE in real-time, as well as to allow players, coaches, and parents to have access to game footage during and after the event. In addition, BallerTV's exclusive technology will integrate with the GymRat CHALLENGE's social media platforms in order to provide a video highlight package at the conclusion of each game.  Game highlights will immediately appear on the GymRat CHALLENGE's twitter feed (@GymRatCHALLENGE) along with interviews to shine a spotlight on top individual and team performers.