Elite College Basketball Programs to Face Off in Los Angeles
USC, Oklahoma, St. John’s and Arizona State Featured in Double Header on December 8
Los Angeles, CA – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the field of teams for the second annual Basketball Hall of Fame Classic, a premier college basketball showcase held in conjunction with STAPLES Center on December 8, 2017. The one-day doubleheader will feature University of Oklahoma vs. the University of Southern California and St. John’s University vs. Arizona State University.
“The Basketball Hall of Fame is excited to return to the legendary STAPLES Center to provide a premium experience for these outstanding college programs and their loyal fans,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “We appreciate the hospitality of AEG and STAPLES Center and look forward to another terrific college showcase in southern California.”
“STAPLES Center is excited to have the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic return to Los Angeles this December,” Lee Zeidman, President, STAPLES Center. “We are looking forward to hosting the incredible fans of USC, Oklahoma, St. John’s and Arizona State here in downtown LA.”
Tickets for the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic will go on-sale to the general public on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. PT via AXS.com, by phone at 888-929-7849 and the STAPLES Center box office. Game times and television broadcast information will be released at a later date.
Quotes from Participating Head Coaches
“We’re very excited to play in this marquee event next season. Not only will our players have an opportunity to play in one of the most famous arenas in the world, but this event pits us against a very talented USC team. Coach Enfield has done a fantastic job in his few years with the Trojans and it promises to be a great matchup for our team and fans.” – Lon Kruger, University of Oklahoma head coach
“We look forward to playing in STAPLES Center as part of a great doubleheader in the non-conference season. Senior Tra Holder gets one final trip home as we continue our plan to schedule attractive non-conference games at various sites against major conference teams. We look forward to a fun 2017-18 season with a solid mix of returners and newcomers, and a game in STAPLES Center in December is a great addition to the schedule." – Bob Hurley, Arizona State University head coach
“We look forward to participating in the 2017 Basketball Hall of Fame Classic at STAPLES Center. It’s a first-class event at a renowned venue and it is always an honor for our program to be affiliated with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.” – Chris Mullin, St. John’s University head coach and member of the Basketball Hall of Fame (Class of 2010: Dream Team and Class of 2011: Player)
“We are thrilled to be part of such a competitive event at STAPLES Center for the second year in a row. It’s always exciting to be a part of a Basketball Hall of Fame event, especially in your own city.” – Andy Enfield, University of Southern California head coach
About STAPLES Center
STAPLES Center has clearly established itself as the sports and entertainment center of the world. As the home of four professional sports franchises – the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and the most recent 2016 WNBA Champions Los Angeles Sparks – STAPLES Center has proven to be a home court advantage for the local teams. The AEG owned and operated arena continues to distinguish itself as the host of major, high-profile events of national and international distinction including the 2004 & 2011 NBA All-Star Games, 2002 NHL All-Star Game, 2000 Democratic National Convention, 2009 World Figure Skating Championships and 15 of the last 16 GRAMMY Awards shows. STAPLES Center’s sixteen years have also been marked with performances and special events that brought international stature to the downtown Los Angeles venue including concerts Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Prince U2, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, Usher, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Keith Urban, Roger Waters, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Sade and Justin Timberlake, as well as world championship boxing, family shows and special events. Hosting over 250 events a year, the arena’s reputation for world-class amenities, features and commitment to quality of service and the guest experience is second to none. Staples, Inc. entered into a 20-year agreement to become the arena’s Naming Rights Partner December 1, 1998, which has since been extended into perpetuity.
About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the birthplace of basketball, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level – professional, collegiate, men and women. For more information on these and other upcoming events, please visit www.hoophall.com or call 1-877-4-HOOPLA.
For more information:
Visit us on the web: www.hoophall.com
… on Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhof
… on Twitter/Instagram: @Hoophall #HOFClassic