The University of Evansville and University of Southern Indiana, in partnership with Evansville Regional Sports Commission and presenting sponsor Old National Bank, have announced the inaugural River City Classic, a highly anticipated neutral-site men’s basketball showdown between the University of Southern Indiana and the University of Evansville.
The River City Classic marks the first regular-season Division I meeting between Evansville’s two Division I men’s basketball programs, creating one of the most anticipated sporting events in recent local history. The game will be played Saturday, November 7, at the Ford Center, with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Managed and operated by the Evansville Regional Sports Commission, the River City Classic provides a unique opportunity to showcase two Evansville institutions on one stage in the heart of downtown while celebrating the city’s rich basketball tradition.
In keeping with the event’s neutral-site format, University of Southern Indiana fans are encouraged to purchase tickets on the south end of the Ford Center, while University of Evansville fans are encouraged to purchase tickets on the north end. The seating arrangement is designed to create an electric game-day atmosphere that highlights the passion and pride of both fan bases.
“The River City Classic is exactly the type of event the Evansville Regional Sports Commission strives to bring to our community,” said Brandon McClish, Executive Director of the ERSC. “There are thousands of people throughout the region who have attended, worked for, supported, or cheered for USI and UE over the years. Bringing these two programs together at the Ford Center provides a special opportunity to celebrate those connections while creating an exciting experience for student-athletes, fans, and our community. We are proud to work alongside Old National Bank, USI, and UE to make this event possible.”
The partnership with Old National Bank further supports the ERSC’s mission of bringing high-quality sporting events to the region while creating opportunities for local fans, student-athletes, and the broader Evansville community.
“Old National is excited to be the presenting sponsor of this first-ever Division I showdown between longtime Evansville rivals, the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana,” said Old National Business Banking Director, Senior EVP and Evansville Market President George Day. “We’re looking forward to a spectacular, competitive event delivered in partnership with the Evansville Regional Sports Commission and our local universities.”
Tickets for the public will be available for purchase July 15th through Ford Center box office.
What the Coaches Are Saying:
“Our community has wanted to see these two programs compete for a long time, and we’re excited to provide that opportunity for our fans and student-athletes,” said University of Evansville Head Coach David Ragland. “Playing at the Ford Center in an atmosphere that showcases the passion of Evansville basketball is a tremendous way to open the season. We know this game will generate a lot of excitement throughout the community, and we’re looking forward to being a part of it.”
“We are excited to compete against a great local program led by a great coach in David Ragland,” said University of Southern Indiana Head Coach Stan Gouard. “Anytime two local teams have the opportunity to play each other, there’s an added level of excitement. Our fans have been looking forward to an opportunity like this, and we’re proud to be part of an event that highlights both universities while shining a spotlight on the city of Evansville and the passion this community has for college basketball.”