With the return of the 71st Annual Gridley Invitational Basketball Tournament, the city is preparing for three days of high school competition, community pride and economic activity. 

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - December in Gridley means more than twinkling lights and festive cheer. It means basketball.

With the return of the 71st Annual Gridley Invitational Basketball Tournament, the city is preparing for three days of high school competition, community pride and economic activity. Scheduled for Dec. 11–13 at Farmers Hall, the tournament draws top-tier teams from across Northern California and fills local restaurants, shops and hotels with visiting families and fans.

In October, the Gridley City Council unanimously approved a $1,500 grant to help finance the event.

“This is one of the jewels of Gridley and we need to support it,” Mayor Mike Farr said during the council meeting.

The Gridley Invitational Basketball Tournament began in 1953 as a way to unite Northern California communities through high school basketball. Founded by Gridley High School coach John Valentino, the three-day event became known for hosting top-tier teams and housing visiting players with local families, fostering lasting friendships and social connection, officials said.

City Administrator Elisa Arteaga noted that the contribution had been included in the city’s annual budget planning.

“In this year’s budget, the City of Gridley has established a line item of $12,000 for contributions, of which $1,500 was earmarked for the GIBT,” Arteaga said.

The city’s financial support qualifies it as a Major Sponsor, a designation that includes a full-page advertisement in the tournament program, prominent signage in the gym throughout the boys’ and girls’ basketball season and additional visibility during the Butte County Fair. The sponsorship also includes radio advertising, nightly announcements during the tournament, six season passes to all home basketball games, six tournament passes and six tickets to the Friday Night Hospitality Party at the Moose Lodge.

Additional sponsorship tiers are available for businesses and individuals who wish to support the tournament. Gold Sponsors contribute $500 and receive a full-page ad, a smaller gym sign and four passes to each event. Blue Sponsors contribute $250 and receive a half-page ad, a modest gym sign and two passes.

For more information or to become a sponsor, contact Chris McIntire at 530-682-6610 or mail checks payable to “GIBT” to 1507 Larkin Road, Gridley, CA 95948.

The Gridley Invitational remains a cornerstone of the city’s winter calendar, offering competitive basketball and community celebrations in equal measures.