Fort Worth, TX (July 29, 2021) – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the field of teams for the first-ever Basketball Hall of Fame Classic to be held at Dickies Arena on Saturday, December 11, 2021. The one-day triple-header will feature Mississippi State vs. Colorado State, North Texas vs. UMass, and Stephen F. Austin vs. Liberty. Game times, ticket information and television broadcast details will be released at a later date.
“We’re very excited to be hosting our first collegiate showcase in the Dallas / Fort Worth area, a region several of our Hall of Famers have played in and call home,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “We appreciate the hospitality Dickies Arena will provide to the fans and the six teams participating in the Hall of Fame Classic and we know it will be a fantastic event.”
The Basketball Hall of Fame Classic is one event in the Hall of Fame’s series of collegiate events, which continues to grow in an effort to celebrate the game outside the museum walls. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to continue its relationship with Learfield IMG College for sponsorship representation of its portfolio of collegiate events and Position Sports in an event operations and media relations capacity.
As the health and safety of the athletes, fans and staff is of the utmost importance, the Basketball Hall of Fame will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely in the coming months and provide updates as needed.
Quotes from Participating Head Coaches
“We are excited for the opportunity to play a tough and well coached team like Mississippi State and be part of this great event hosted by the Basketball Hall of Fame.” – Niko Medved, Colorado St.
“Liberty is privileged to play in the Hall of Fame Classic against an exceptional opponent in Stephen F. Austin. This is a wonderful and exciting opportunity for our team to play in a tournament-like atmosphere at Dickies Arena.” – Ritchie McKay, Liberty
“We’re excited about the opportunity to play Colorado State. It will be a very competitive, tough game. They’re well-coached, extremely talented and return a majority of their team that went to the NIT Final Four last year. We’re looking forward to playing in an event that benefits the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, which I think is really important.” – Ben Howland, Mississippi St.
“We’re excited to be part of one of college basketball’s premiere events. At North Texas, we strive to compete at the highest level and to do so in our backyard where Mean Green nation can turn out makes it even better. Many thanks to the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame for the opportunity.” – Grant McCasland, North Texas
“We are very excited to travel to Dallas/Fort Worth this December to take on a talented North Texas team. We have been fortunate to participate in events hosted by the Basketball Hall of Fame over the years, and we are looking forward to yet another first-class experience later this year.” – Matt McCall, UMass
