Arkansas, Purdue Likely to Hook Up Two Years in a Row

Razorbacks announce annual holiday tournament destination, will feature Boilermakers as part of the field

Author:
Kent Smith
Publish date:
Oct 24, 2023 2:33 PM EDT

In this story:

SAN DIEGO – According to a press release sent out by the Arkansas athletics department Tuesday, Sports San Diego has announced Arkansas will get a second chance to play the Purdue Boilermakers next season, but, instead of it being an exhibition game, it will be as part of the 2024 Rady Children’s Invitational on Nov. 28-29.

The field also includes BYU and Notre Dame. Fans may not recognize the tournament name because its inaugural tournament hasn't taken place yet. That will happen in a few weeks when Oklahoma, Iowa, USC and Seton Hall kick off the annual event that will be held inside LionTree Arena on the campus of UC San Diego.

However, Arkansas fans should recognize the destination. San Diego not only is a big part of Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman's childhood, it's also where he went to college. He also may have a bit of a local following invested in not missing an opportunity to heckle the local lad following a few moments of high emotion against San Diego State in Hawaii.

“We are fired up to have these premier college basketball programs and institutions with amazing traditions and fan bases set to play in San Diego next year,” said Mark Neville, CEO of Sports San Diego. “Together with Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, FOX Sports, UC San Diego Athletics, and Global Sports & Events, we endeavor to produce one of the best early season college basketball tournaments in the country. Part of that means securing top basketball programs year after year. We are extremely proud of this 2024 field.”

Fans who purchase tickets to the 2023 Rady Children’s Invitational will have priority on tickets for the 2024 tournament, which might make things a little tougher if Arkansas brings its usual large traveling party.

The games for this year's tournament will air nationally on FS1 and FOX Nov. 23-24 if Razorback fans would like to get a peek. There's no formal announcement yet on ticket prices, but tickets to the 2023 tournament range from $35 to $125 per day. Each day includes two games.

If things continue as structured this season, Razorback fans will be able to scoop up tickets in advance at www.RadyChildrensInvitational.com. Much like the exhibition game between Arkansas and Purdue, this will be a charity event. A donation of $5 for each ticket sold will be sent to Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego.