KNOXVILLE -- Official travel packages allowing fans to support the Tennessee basketball team at the 2012 Puerto Rico Tip-Off in San Juan Nov. 15-18 are now available for purchase. Those who reserve first will receive a package that includes access to an exclusive banquet reception with UT players and coaches at the Volunteers’ team hotel (limited availability).
For complete details on the package, offered in partnership with Anthony Travel, Inc., can be accessed at http://www.anthonytravel.com/espn/puerto-rico-tipoff/
“We’re looking forward to representing the SEC in Puerto Rico this November,” UT head coach Cuonzo Martin said. “It’s a quality field and should provide a great early test for our team. Every team in the field had an RPI near the top 150 last season, and they’re all well coached.
“From a fan perspective, you can’t ask for a much better destination than San Juan. You’ve got great weather, great beaches and great basketball.”
Accommodations include five nights (Nov. 14-19) at the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza, which serves as the tournament’s official headquarters. Extended-stay options and room upgrades also are offered, based upon availability.
Anthony Travel will have sports travel experts on site and will be accessible 24-hours a day during the duration of the tournament.
Travel packages do not include airfare, though Anthony Travel can connect customers with travel experts who can compare and secure flight options.
Joining Tennessee in the eight-team field in San Juan is Akron, NC State, Oklahoma State, Penn State, Providence, UMass and UNC Asheville.
Puerto Rico’s average year-round temperature is 82 degrees, with mild easterly trade winds. Although a wide range of international cuisines are available, authentic Puerto Rican and Caribbean are more common. Many major American restaurant chains are found island-wide.
The U.S. dollar is the official and only currency used in Puerto Rico. Major U.S., Canadian and European banks have branches on the Island. ATM’s are plentiful, and linked to major worldwide banking networks.
Puerto Rico is a U.S. Commonwealth with U.S. citizenship. Therefore, passports are not necessary for U.S. citizens. Foreign nationals should have valid passports and visas as required.
(E-mail Stan Crawley at wscrawley@earthlink.net)