Officials for the Culligan City of Palms Classic have decided to cancel the 2020 high school basketball tournament. The decision is based on continuing health and safety concerns, according to a press release.

The Culligan City of Palms Classic was scheduled to be played Dec. 18-23 at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College.

Tournament organizers had been preparing several contingency plans, all with the safety and well-being of players, fans and officials in mind. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, organizers decided this week that the best plan of action was to cancel the tournament for 2020 and look toward 2021.

This marks the first time in its 48-year history that the tournament will not be played.

But there is something to look forward to, as officials have already set the dates for the 2021 tournament. Next year’s Culligan City of Palms Classic is scheduled for Dec. 17-22 at Suncoast Credit Union Arena.

“This was without a doubt the toughest decision we have ever had to make regarding the nation’s top high school basketball tournament,” executive director John Naylor said. “With the health of the teams and fans our number one priority, we had to make this decision. We know how much people across the nation– and especially in Lee County–

look forward to this great event each year, and we know the 2021 version will be viewed with high anticipation.”

Visit cityofpalmsclassic.com for updates on the 2021 Culligan City of Palms Classic

City of Palms Classic Throughout the Years

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  FORT MYERS, FL - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Steve Smith of Oak Hill Academy talks with Evan Johnson #5 and Cam Thomas #24 against Riverview High School during the City of Palms Classic at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on December 17, 2018 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

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  FORT MYERS, FL - DECEMBER 21: Cole Anthony #3 of Oak Hill Academy drives to the basket against Imhotep Charter High School during the City Of Palms Classic at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on December 21, 2018 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

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  FORT MYERS, FL - DECEMBER 19: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on during the City Of Palms Classic at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on December 19, 2018 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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  FORT MYERS, FL - DECEMBER 19: Cole Anthony #3 of Oak Hill Academy dunks during the City Of Palms Classic Dunk Contest at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on December 19, 2018 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

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  FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: Paolo Banchero #5 of O’Dea High School celebrates with teammates against Blanche Ely High School during the City of Palms Classic Day 2 at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on December 19, 2019 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

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  FORT MYERS, FL - DECEMBER 19: Malachi Wideman #1 of Riverview Highh School dunks during the City Of Palms Classic Dunk Contest at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on December 19, 2018 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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  FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: Jarace Walker #25 of IMG Academy goes up for a dunk against Fort Myers High School during the City of Palms Classic Day 2 at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on December 19, 2019 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)