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Kentucky, Duke To Make History In Men's Champions Classic By Playing In Indianapolis

Wildcats, Blue Devils To Tip-Off Season in Indianapolis For First Time in 11-Year History of Champions Classic

Event Moves To Gainbridge Fieldhouse For First Time Since Event's Inception In 2011

MIAMI – The Kentucky Wildcats and Duke Blue Devils will make history on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, when the two college basketball powerhouses square off in Indianapolis, Ind. for the first time in the 11-year history of the Champions Classic.

The annual event that tips off the college basketball season will look a little different this year. The Champions Classic will be played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the NBA's Indiana Pacers, for the first time since the event's inception in 2011. The game will be televised on ESPN at 9:30 p.m. ET.

"We are excited to bring the Champions Classic to Indianapolis and Gainbridge Fieldhouse," said Kentucky coach John Calipari. "This is a great event that showcases the best of college basketball. We are looking forward to competing against Duke in front of a passionate fan base."

"We are honored to host the Champions Classic in Indianapolis," said Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski. "This is a tremendous opportunity for our program to play against a great opponent like Kentucky in a first-class facility."

The Champions Classic is a four-team event that features some of the top programs in college basketball. The other two teams participating in this year's event are the Kansas Jayhawks and Michigan State Spartans.

The Wildcats and Blue Devils are two of the most storied programs in college basketball history. Kentucky has won eight national championships, while Duke has won five.

The two teams have met 133 times, with Kentucky holding a 65-68 record. The Wildcats have won the last three meetings, including a 79-71 victory in the 2020 Champions Classic.

The Champions Classic is a great way to tip off the college basketball season. The event features some of the top teams and players in the country. Fans will be treated to a great night of basketball in Indianapolis.