Earlier today, it was announced the annual State Farm Champions Classic will be renewed for three more years.
The Champions Classic is an annual basketball doubleheader headlined by powerhouses Duke, Kansas, Kentucky and MSU.
Champions Classic renewed through 2016
Head coach Tom Izzo yells at players from the sidelines during the game against Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Nov. 4, 2013, at Breslin Center. The Spartans beat the Crimson Hawks, 83-45. Danyelle Morrow/The State News
The event started in 2011 and will be renewed through 2016, with the next three years hosted in Indianapolis, Chicago and New York City, respectively.
This year’s Champions Classic will be Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the United Center in Chicago.
No. 2 MSU will be pitted against No. 1 Kentucky at 7:30 p.m. The second game will be at 9:30 p.m. with No. 4 Duke playing No. 5 Kansas.
The four teams participating in the Champions Classic have a combined 17 NCAA National Championships since 1939. Kentucky leads with eight, followed by Duke (four), Kansas (three) and MSU (two).
“We all knew it was a great event when we first signed on, but it certainly has exceeded our expectations. Three years ago I said the Champions Classic was like having a Final Four in November,” MSU head coach Tom Izzo said in a press release. “Combining these four elite programs in one event has provided a great tip-off event for the college basketball season.”
Future Champions Classic Matchups- Kansas vs. Kentucky
- Michigan State vs. Duke
Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015 (Chicago)
- Kansas vs. Michigan State
- Kentucky vs. Duke
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016 (New York City)
- Kentucky vs. Michigan State
- Duke vs. Kansas
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