Thanksgiving week has long been one of the highlights of the college basketball season.
This year, Thanksgiving Day is getting even better, with a first-of-its-kind matchup.
Arkansas and Illinois have agreed to play a neutral-site game at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, it was jointly announced Friday by the schools and CBS Sports, which will air the game on Nov. 28. The 4 p.m. ET tip time will follow the Chicago Bears-Detroit Lions matchup earlier that afternoon on CBS. (As such, it’s going to be a huge day on CBS for fans of the Bears and Illini.) The Razorbacks-Illini game will air live on both CBS and Paramount+.
The game marks the first time CBS has televised a college basketball game on Thanksgiving.
Adding to the intrigue, of course, is Arkansas hiring former Kentucky coach John Calipari. The Razorbacks were a huge factor in the 2024 transfer portal, and because of that, they’ll enter the season with expectations of competing for an SEC title. Calipari has been ambitious in his scheduling desires since taking the Arkansas job. He wanted a high-profile game on national television the week of Thanksgiving. Illinois coach Brad Underwood was happy to oblige.
“What a great opportunity CBS is giving Arkansas and Illinois. Thanksgiving is a day that gets all of America — whether you are a sports fan or not — watching sports on TV,” Arkansas coach John Calipari said. “Playing in this time slot will provide tremendous exposure for both programs. Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center is a premier arena that is located close enough that both fan bases can attend. We have a great deal of respect for Coach Underwood and his Illinois program, and we know this game will be one the whole nation will be interested in seeing.”
Arkansas is ranked 13th in Gary Parrish’s Top 25 And 1 heading into the season, while Illinois could have a batch of breakout players, led by lead guard/Arizona transfer Kylan…
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