On November 4, ESPN will launch the college basketball season with two statement events showcasing top men’s and women’s programs. The Peraton Armed Forces Classic returns for its 10th year hosting the first-ever women’s college basketball matchup with Louisville and UConn play at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN and the ESPN App. Following at 8:45 p.m., Texas and Duke will face off for the inaugural Dick Vitale Invitational, honoring Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale.
“College basketball is in the DNA of ESPN’s history,” said Clint Overby, Vice President of ESPN Events. “To have basketball act as a stage to highlight our proud military and veterans as well as celebrate a true legend speaks to the value of the sport as well as live events.”
“November 4 will be an electric day in the ESPN college basketball space and the perfect way to launch the season,” said Dan Margulis, ESPN Senior Director, Programming and Acquisitions. “In tandem with our ESPN Events team, we will showcase four top programs while simultaneously honoring our servicemen and women, as well as one of the sport’s most beloved voices. The Armed Forces Classic and the Dick Vitale Invitational are our opportunity to grab the attention of college basketball fans right off the bat and set the tone for the rest of the season.”
Overby and his team have spent months preparing for the events, including a late logistical shift. “We were originally going to be in Ramstein, Germany for this year’s Armed Forces Classic,” he said. “It wasn’t until two weeks ago we made the decision to pivot to the Naval Academy; picking up an entire year’s worth of planning, logistics, travel coordination, build out, etc., coupled with the launch of a brand-new event in the Dick Vitale Invitational, has proven to be a heavy lift. That said, our team has reacted well and we have a great plan to execute both events for the teams and the in-arena crowds. I’m excited to see the night come together and am proud of our team for bringing them both to life.”
Overby added, “I’ll be on-site in Annapolis and am always in awe of the pageantry of the military and how that connects with the teams, the in-arena crowd and the viewing audience. From there, I’m excited to watch the Dick Vitale Invitational as I know there will be so many great memories and highlights from his past that will get woven into the game narrative.”
Meg Aronowitz, ESPN Senior Vice President, Production, echoed that excitement: “We could not be more thrilled for these two historic events to tip off the college basketball season on ESPN. From showcasing the first ever women’s matchup in the Armed Forces Classic to honoring the legacy of Dickie V and his immeasurable contributions to college basketball in this inaugural event, November 4 is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the entire season. The Events team has worked incredibly hard alongside us to make these events shine as we start the season.”
