College basketball fans, mark your calendars — a blockbuster preseason clash is set for Knoxville. Tennessee basketball has officially announced that it will host the Duke Blue Devils in an exhibition game at Food City Center on October 26. The highly anticipated showdown is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET, with television coverage details to be announced at a later date.
This exhibition isn’t just another warm-up game — it’s a rare opportunity for fans to witness two of the nation’s most respected programs face off ahead of the regular season. While the matchup won’t count toward either team’s win-loss record, the stakes feel far from low. For Tennessee and Duke, it’s a chance to fine-tune rotations, test talent, and generate national buzz before the games start to matter.
The University of Tennessee made the announcement earlier this week, sparking excitement across the college basketball landscape. With two passionate fanbases, strong coaching staffs, and rosters brimming with elite talent, this exhibition is shaping up to be one of the marquee events of the 2024-25 preseason.
The game will take place at Tennessee’s home arena, the Food City Center, formerly known as Thompson-Boling Arena. The venue is expected to be packed as Vol Nation shows out in force to welcome one of college basketball’s bluebloods to Knoxville.
Ticketing information has also been released, with fans encouraged to purchase early due to high demand. Tickets will be made available through the University of Tennessee’s athletics website, with priority access given to season ticket holders and donors before opening to the general public. Given the stature of the opponent and the excitement surrounding the upcoming season, a sellout crowd is expected.
This matchup will also provide fans a sneak peek into what could be two of the most compelling teams in college basketball this season. Tennessee enters the year with momentum following a strong showing in last season’s NCAA Tournament and returns a solid core of experienced players. Under the leadership of head coach Rick Barnes, the Vols have become one of the most disciplined and defensively sound teams in the country.
Duke, meanwhile, brings its own high-level expectations into the 2024-25 campaign. The Blue Devils boast a top-tier recruiting class and will once again be led by head coach Jon Scheyer, who has quickly made his mark since taking over the program from the legendary Mike Krzyzewski. Known for their fast-paced offense and NBA-ready talent, Duke will provide a stern test for Tennessee in this early measuring-stick contest.
While the outcome won’t go down in the official record books, the intensity, atmosphere, and competition are expected to mirror that of a regular-season showdown. For players, it’s a chance to simulate high-pressure scenarios before conference play. For fans, it’s an early-season treat featuring two national powerhouses on the same court.
Circle October 26 on your calendar. With Tennessee hosting Duke under the lights in Knoxville, college basketball’s preseason just got a lot more exciting.