UMass, Rhode Island, Temple, and Arizona State to Play in Doubleheader on December 21

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (July 17, 2024) – The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, in collaboration with key investors including Explore Western Mass, Springfield Business Improvement District, UMass, and the MassMutual Center, is proud to announce the field of teams for the 2024 Basketball Hall of Fame Classic, including the Top-10 ranked Arizona State University recruiting class, the highest ranked class in program history. The Basketball Hall of Fame Classic will take place on Saturday, December 21, at the MassMutual Center.

Saturday, December 21

UMass vs. Arizona State

Rhode Island vs. Temple

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the MassMutual Center, Explore Western Mass, Springfield BID, and UMass for their vital investment and partnership in bringing this year’s Hall of Fame Classic to life,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “Their significant support not only enhances our mission to preserve the rich history of the game but also contributes to the economic revitalization of downtown Springfield. We are thrilled to bring these four outstanding teams to Springfield in December, where we will deliver a memorable event that celebrates both the heritage and the future of the sport.”

"Hosting the Hall of Fame Classic at the MassMutual Center is an incredible honor and a testament to Springfield's rich basketball heritage. This event not only brings top-tier collegiate basketball to our city but also reinforces Springfield's status as the birthplace of basketball,” said Joseph Flanagan, AGM at MassMutual Center. “We're excited to welcome fans and teams from across the nation to experience the energy and passion that make our community and venue unique. It's a privilege to play a role in celebrating the sport's history and showcasing its future right here in the heart of Massachusetts."

“We are grateful for the chance to continue our strong partnership with John Doleva, his staff at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and important local partners for an annual game at the MassMutual Center,” said Massachusetts Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford. “We have been fortunate to play many meaningful opponents in Springfield and look forward to UMass fans filling the arena for another exciting matchup when Coach Hurley and his program come to the Commonwealth. As the birthplace of basketball, UMass relishes the opportunity to work with the Springfield community to produce another top-tier sporting event in our region.”

Tickets for the 2024 Basketball Hall of Fame Classic will go on sale Friday, September 6, via massmutualcenter.com and the MassMutual Center Box Office. Details surrounding the game time, broadcast information, and credentials will be announced at a later date. For more information, please visit hoophall.com.

Quotes from Participating Head Coaches

"Super excited to once again play a neutral site game in Springfield as part of the Hall of Fame Classic against a quality opponent like Arizona State. Bobby Hurley has built Top-25 program which is competing for the NCAA Tournament every year. The Hall of Fame Classic provides a lot of excitement to our fanbase, and it will be great to bring Coach Hurley back to the Northeast in a place where the Hurley name means so much to basketball fans." – Frank Martin, UMass

"The Hall of Fame Classic is a showcase opportunity that brings us to the birthplace of our sport. Add that to the chance to renew an old Atlantic 10 rivalry against Temple, and it creates a mark-thecalendar event on our schedule. We are looking forward to visiting Springfield." – Archie Miller, Rhode Island

“Arizona State is honored to play in the 2024 Basketball Hall of Fame Classic. We are excited to be featured in one of the premiere events in college basketball. Our staff is always looking for ways to challenge our team in the non-conference and competing in this tournament is a perfect way to do that. This trip will not only be a tremendous opportunity to educate our players about the history of the game, it will also present a chance for us to bond and become closer as a unit. We thank the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for the invitation.” – Bobby Hurley, Arizona State

“We are very excited to play in the Hall of Fame Classic in Springfield. This will be an excellent opportunity for our team to play against a really good and well-coached Rhode Island team.” – Adam Fisher, Temple

Tickets for the 2024 Basketball Hall of Fame Classic will go on sale Friday, September 6, via massmutualcenter.com and the MassMutual Center Box Office.

Details surrounding the game time, broadcast information, and credentials will be announced at a laterdate. For more information, please visit hoophall.com.