A while back, it was announced that Pitt and Penn State would meet up in basketball this season but the parameters weren't yet known. That changed on Wednesday with the announcement that the two teams would play as part of the Never Forget Tribute Classic - a new event created in remembrance of 9/11.
"We are excited to be a part of this event and to renew our rivalry with Penn State," head coach Kevin Stallings said. "December 10th will be a great day of basketball and having the ability to help provide opportunities for families impacted by the tragedy of 9/11 will make it even more special. We could not be more honored to be a part of the Never Forget Tribute Classic."
The game will be held on Saturday, December 10th and is part of a doubleheader also featuring Villanova and Notre Dame. The game will bring about some nice exposure as it is being featured on CBS Sports Network. Unfortunately, it's being relegated there while Nova-Notre Dame gets top billing and will be on CBS. Still, it's better than a game against a mid major on ESPN3, so it's hard to complain too much.
Of note is that the game is on a neutral court at the Prudential Center in New Jersey (home of Seton Hall and the New Jersey Devils). While it's great that the two sides will play anywhere, as I said at the time of the announcement, I'd be much more in favor of a long-term deal to play home and away games in Oakland and Happy Valley. If the game is being billed as a rivalry, it just makes more sense to play it on the respective campuses. But for a one-year deal, again, this is a better alternative than playing an unrecognizable school that fans care little about.
Tickets start at $30.00 and go on sale Thursday, May 5 at 10:00 a.m. via Ticketmaster or the venue's box office.
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