Three primary thoughts here:
1. I initially thought that doing Senior Day on Feb. 22 and not for the last home game of the season was a misprint. Apparently it’s not. Not sure what the rationale there is,
but it’s super strange.
2. Honoring the 1986 national championship team during the Memphis State game is perfect. Even more so since Arkansas is playing a home game against Kentucky that night.
I’m not saying that this was 100% intentional, BUT … I think it’s best for all parties concerned that there isn’t going to be a “will Kenny Payne be showing up and how will he be treated” discussion for a week leading up to the game.
3. We don’t lost March games on Literacy Day. Never have. Never will.
Here’s the full rundown from U of L:
Theme Game Information
Friday, Oct. 24 vs Kansas (EXH)
KFC Yum! Center 15th Anniversary Celebration
Join the thrill and excitement of Cardinals Basketball as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the KFC Yum! Center.
Tuesday, Oct. 28 vs Bucknell (EXH)
KFV Classic
Louisville Men’s Basketball has partnered with the Kentuckiana Friends of V Classic for a charitable exhibition game. A portion of the single game ticket revenue being donated to the Kentuckiana Friends of V Foundation. Click here to purchase tickets.
Monday, Nov. 3 vs South Carolina State
Season Opener
Men’s Basketball returns to the KFC Yum! Center after a resurgent 2024-2025 season.
Thursday, Nov. 6 vs Jackson State
Neon Night
Light up the night with Louisville Men’s Basketball! Wear your bright colors and enjoy the show as neon takes over the KFC Yum! Center.
Kroger Food Drive
In partnership with Kroger, fans are asked to bring non-perishable food items and hygiene products to the game for UofL students, faculty and staff in need. Collection bins will be placed at each entrance to the arena.
Tuesday, Nov. 11 vs Kentucky
Battle of the Bluegrass
This year’s rivalry game is scheduled sooner than it’s ever been scheduled before. Pack the Yum! and Go Cards.
Saturday, Nov. 15 vs Ohio
Salute to Service
Both military veterans and active duty personnel are invited to the KFC Yum! Center with discounted tickets and exclusive recognitions for their service. Any active or retired service member may purchase discounted tickets by using this ID.me verified link.
First Responders
Healthcare and frontline emergency personnel are eligible to receive discounted tickets, click here to purchase.
Hall of Fame Weekend
As part of the Hall of Fame weekend festivities, Cardinals Forever Peyton Siva and Russ Smith, along with the entire 2025 Louisville Athletics Hall of Fame class, will be recognized during the game.
Monday, Nov. 24 vs Eastern Michigan
Kyle Kuric’s Toy Drive
For the 15th year, Kyle Kuric partners with Louisville Men’s Basketball for a holiday toy drive for donation to local children in need. Fans can bring new toys to the game and drop off at collection bins at each arena entrance.
Wednesday, Nov. 26 vs NJIT
Never Delay Gratitude and Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night
In true Coach Kelsey fashion, Louisville Men’s Basketball gives thanks to our campus community with discounted tickets. All faculty and staff members are able to purchase, and must use their @louisville.edu email address to check out. Click here to purchase.
Saturday, Dec. 13 vs Memphis
Junior Bridgeman Jersey Retirement
The Timeless No. 10. We will honor the life and legacy of Junior Bridgeman with a jersey retirement ceremony.
1975 Team Celebration
Members of the 1975 Missouri Valley Conference Champion and NCAA Final Four Semifinalist team return to the KFC Yum! Center for a special recognition.
Saturday, Dec. 20 vs Montana
Teddy Bear Toss
It’s raining teddy bears!! For the fifth consecutive year, fans can bring teddy bears to throw onto the court during halftime. All collected stuffed animals will be donated to the UofL Health Peace Hospital.
Tuesday, Jan. 6 vs Duke
Stripe Out
The Stripe Out returns for another season! Prepare your game day outfit based on your designated section.
Saturday, Jan. 10 vs Boston College
502 Day
Celebrate the city we all call home throughout the game with special activations and recognitions.
Mental Health Awareness
Stand with Louisville Men’s Basketball and the Cards All In student-athlete mental health organization in recognizing the importance of mental health.
Tuesday, Jan. 13 vs Virginia
Ville’ns Appreciation
Students of the official student section of Louisville Athletics, The Ville’ns, will have a chance to win exclusive giveaways and participate in activations throughout the game.
Saturday, Jan. 24 vs Virginia Tech
Coaches vs Cancer
Join Men’s Basketball and the Coaches vs Cancer cause in the fight against cancer as survivors from the community are recognized throughout the game.
Saturday, Jan. 31 vs SMU
1986 Team Celebration
Members of the 1986 National Championship team return to the KFC Yum! Center for a special recognition.
Wednesday, Feb. 4 vs Notre Dame
Honoring Black Excellence
In recognition of Black History Month, Louisville Men’s Basketball honors influential figures in the community throughout the game.
Season Ticket Member Appreciation
Louisville Men’s Basketball thanks its most loyal supporters with exclusive prizes, experiences, and recognitions.
Monday, Feb. 9 vs NC State
White Out
Be loud, wear white, and pack the KFC Yum! Center.
Saturday, Feb. 21 vs Georgia Tech
Kids Day
The KFC Yum! Center has been taken over by kids! The youngest members of Card Nation will participate in exclusive activations and experiences. Members of the Junior Louie’s Kids Club have first access to activity registration. Are you a member of the Kids Club? New memberships can be purchased here.
Senior Day Red Out
Support the Louisville Men’s Basketball seniors and wear red to commemorate their time in The Ville.
Tuesday, Mar. 3 vs Syracuse
Literacy Day
In observation of National Reading month, Louisville Men’s Basketball is raising awareness for local literacy programs in partnership with the #Fight4Literacy initiative and NCAA Readers Become Leaders programs. Local elementary schools are recognized for their participation in the Louisville Basketball Literacy Challenge during the month of February.
