Kentucky, Michigan, Marist and Maine to Compete in December 2022
Springfield, Mass. – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame re-announced today the field of teams for the Basketball Hall of Fame London Showcase, a one-of-a-kind college basketball double-header that will be held in conjunction with The O2 arena on Sunday, December 4, 2022. The event will mark the first college basketball game ever played at O2 arena, which is globally renowned for being the busiest arena in the world. Originally scheduled for December 6, 2020 but postponed for concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the revamped event will be headlined by the University of Kentucky vs. University of Michigan at 6:00 p.m. London time/1:00 p.m. ET, with Marist College vs. University of Maine leading the festivities off at 3:30 p.m. London time/10:30 a.m. ET.
“The Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to celebrate the game on a global scale and we couldn’t be more excited to host four Division I men’s teams in London this December,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “We were disappointed to postpone our event in 2020, but could not be more excited to get the inaugural games underway soon. The O2 is a beautiful, world-class venue and we expect many U.S.-based fans will make the trip to enjoy its amenities and support their teams abroad. We’re also looking forward to showcasing collegiate hoops to the local fans and growing the appreciation for basketball at all levels worldwide.”
“We are honoured to be hosting the Basketball Hall of Fame London Showcase at The O2 this December,” Gael Caselli, VP of Sports, AEG Europe commented. “Fans from around the world will come to celebrate basketball and enjoy the excitement and experience of college basketball in our world class venue for the very first time, as we look forward to welcoming teams from Kentucky, Michigan, Marist and Maine as part of this inaugural event.”
The Basketball Hall of Fame London Showcase 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. Tickets for the Basketball Hall of Fame London Showcase will go on-sale to the general public on Friday, March 4, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. London time/4:00 a.m. Eastern Time via AXS.com and The O2 arena box office. A special O2 Arena presale will be available starting Thursday, March 3rd. Television broadcast information will be released at a later date.
Quotes from Participating Head Coaches
“When we announced this game a few years ago, we were excited to be able to do something different – to be first, which our fans know we loved to do – and play this game in London. Our world has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years, and I’m hopeful we are finally able to do this. I know our fans have been anticipating this game and will show up in full force, but this will also be an unforgettable experience for our players both on and off the court. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is known for putting together first-class events and I am confident this will be another one. - John Calipari, Kentucky coach and Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2015 Hall of Famer
"After all that has transpired over the last few years for us, and even the world, it will be a tremendous opportunity for Michigan, Kentucky and college basketball itself to get the chance to showcase this game. We had to wait, but it will be that "once-in-a-lifetime" experience for our young men and our fans. We are thankful the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has continued to provide this opportunity and make sure everyone is safe. This is going to be truly special." - Juwan Howard, Michigan
“We’re excited for the opportunity to play a quality opponent in London. It will be a great chance for our guys to see another country and help expand Marist’s reach. We’re looking forward to the showcase.” - John Dunne, Marist
"The University of Maine Men's Basketball program is both honored and excited about our selection to participate in the Hall of Fame Showcase at the O2 Arena in London, England. This trip will be educational while providing lifelong memories for our players and staff. For many of our European players, it will also offer an opportunity to play in front of family and friends. We thank the Naismith Hall of Fame for the opportunity." – Maine Basketball
About The O2
The O2 is the world’s most popular music, entertainment and leisure venue and has been visited by over 100 million people since opening in 2007.
Playing host to over 400 events a year, The O2 is home to The O2 arena which is globally recognised as one of the world’s most iconic venues to play, and club sized music venue indigo at The O2.
A full day-out destination, there’s plenty to explore at The O2 including Up at The O2, a climbing experience across the world famous roof; Icon Outlet, one of London’s most exciting retail destinations with up to 70% off 60 superstar brands; TOCA Social – an interactive football experience; BOOM BATTLE BAR – a gaming battleground featuring Axe Throwing, Shuffleboard, Digital Darts and more; Cineworld, London’s largest cinema with 19 screens; the 12-lane boutique Hollywood Bowl; Oxygen Freejumping trampoline park; immersive dining experience Mamma Mia! The Party; interactive photo experiences Selfie Factory and Tikky Town, and over 30 bars and restaurants.
Located just 15 minutes from Central London, The O2 is easily accessible via road, tube, bus or Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.
About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving and celebrating the game of basketball at every level – men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches and contributors, both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 400 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum and events, visit www.hoophall.com, follow @hoophall #BHOFGlobal or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.