River City Classic
Important Information
USI Men's Basketball vs. University of Evansville
Saturday, November 7, 2026, at The Ford Center
Pre-Game Party at The Rooftop 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Doors Open at 6:00 PM
Game Starts at 7:00 PM
Theme - Red Out
USI Seating - Sections 106 - 116
*To Avoid Paying TicketMaster Fees, Purchase Your Tickets at The Ford Center Box Office*
USI Heads Downtown for the Inaugural River City Classic
The River City Classic represents another significant milestone in USI's Division I journey, brining the Screaming Eagles to center stage in a historic downtown matchup.
The inaugural River City Classic is more than a basketball game. It's an opportunity for Screaming Eagle fans to come together, show their pride and help create an unforgettable atmosphere for USI on one of the biggest stages in our region.
All USI Fans are Encouraged to Wear Red
Every red shirt in the crowd matters! Help create a home-away-from-home atmosphere for USI. Purchase your tickets today, wear red and join fellow fans, alumni, students and supporters as we cheer on our Screaming Eagles! A USI River City Classis apparel store is coming soon!
USI Student Ticket Distribution: (Updated 08/17/26)
Student section tickets will be distributed based on your fall sport attendance. Students should download the Archies Army app and start tracking their athletic attendance by checking in at all USI home games. The top 75 students in attendance on the app will receive FREE tickets to the River City Classic. Participation for free tickets will conclude on October 24th and students will be contacted by their email on file with their Archies Army app. The 75 giveaway tickets are located in the courtside student section (Section 11). Students are able to purchase tickets ahead of time and are encouraged to sit in section 111. USI is working to secure additional ticket options for students. As pricing and availability details are finalized, updates will be posted here. Please check back regularly for the latest information.
Start Your Game Day with Fellow Screaming Eagles
All Screaming Eagle fans are invited to our pregame celebration at The Rooftop from 5-7pm. Come start your night with friends, food and drink specials, door prizes, and a free spirit giveaway while supplies last!
Location: The Rooftop, 112 NW Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Time: 5-7pm
Cost: Free
Who: Fans and Families Welcome
Festivities will include:
- Free Face Painting
- Free spirit item giveaways *While supplies last*
- Door Prizes (BFit 6 month membership, Amazon Gift Cards and more)
- USI-themed photo opportunities
- Visits from Archie, USI Cheer team and athletic staff
- Food and drink specials
For more information, see the FAQs below or click here to read more about the game.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does "neutral site" mean when the game is being played at Ford Center, where UE plays its home games?
Answer: While Ford Center serves as the home venue for University of Evansville men's basketball, it also hosts numerous collegiate basketball events throughout the year, including conference tournaments and NCAA championship competition. The River City Classic is hosted by the Evansville Regional Sports Commission, making neither university the designated home team. The court setup, game operations, and seating arrangements will all reflect a true neutral-site environment.
I am a season ticket holder at UE and/or USI. Is this game included in my season ticket package?
Answer: No. The River City Classic is not included in either university's season ticket package. However, both universities will offer season-ticket holders the opportunity to reserve their current seats before tickets are made available to the general public. Additional details will be communicated directly by each university's ticket office.
Where will general public ticket purchasers be seated?
Answer: The Ford Center seating layout has been divided to accommodate both fan bases, with designated sections for University of Evansville and University of Southern Indiana supporters. However, fans are welcome to purchase tickets in any available section.
Is this a regular-season game or an exhibition?
Answer: The River City Classic is a regular-season contest that counts toward both teams' official records. The game will be played on Saturday, November 7, which marks the opening day of the NCAA Division I men's basketball regular season.
What is the financial agreement or buyout for each university to participate in this game?
Answer: The Evansville Regional Sports Commission serves as the event host and organizer. The financial terms associated with the event are part of private agreements between the participating parties and will not be publicly disclosed.
How often will the River City Classic be played? Is this a one-year event, a multi-year agreement, or an intended annual rivalry game?
Answer: Currently, the universities have agreed to play the inaugural River City Classic men's basketball game on November 7. With the ever-evolving landscape of NCAA athletics and scheduling, discussions regarding future games will continue.
