Four of the most historic programs in all of college basketball will take the floor on Saturday as part of a new college basketball showcase called the CBS Sports Classic. The doubleheader, featuring North Carolina vs. Ohio State in the first game, followed by UCLA vs. Kentucky in the finale, will take place at the United Center in Chicago. These four schools have combined to win 25 National Championships and are among the winningest college basketball programs of all time.
Given the programs on display, it is no surprise that this event has one of the highest average ticket prices of any college basketball games this weekend, with an average price of $114.28, according to data from Razorgator.com. The get-in price, however, is a much more manageable $13, which is a steal for Kentucky basketball tickets, notwithstanding the other high-end teams taking to the hardwood.
The first game will tip off at noon central time with the 12th ranked Ohio State Buckeyes facing the 24th ranked North Carolina Tar Heels, in a big out of conference ACC-Big Ten matchup. Ohio State is 8-1 on the season with their only loss coming to ACC powerhouse Louisville in early December. North Carolina is 6-3 this year including a loss to the Big Ten’s Iowa Hawkeyes, so both teams will be looking to avenge a loss in each other’s conference. Talented players like D’Angelo Russell and Shannon Scott for Ohio State, and Brice Johnson and Marcus Paige for UNC will make this game a treat for college basketball fans.
The second game will feature unanimous top ranked Kentucky and their bevy of NBA-ready talent facing 11-time champions UCLA and their red-hot sophomore guard Bryce Alford, who is the only player in the nation averaging above 18 points and 6 assists per game. Kentucky is undefeated at 11-0 and coming off of a win against North Carolina, while UCLA is 6-3 having won four of their last five games. UCLA and Kentucky have not faced off since 2006, a 73-68 UCLA win in a battle of two top-20 teams.
UCLA last played in Chicago at the United Center in 1996, making this a great opportunity for fans of not only the Bruins but also the other three programs to travel to the Windy City. Even local fans of these programs can get in on the action, especially with a low get-in ticket price and $19 Chicago parking at ParkWhiz.com. What a wonderful holiday treat for college basketball fans.
