Here are some thoughts and takeaways from their picks, as well as other thoughts about outdoor college basketball matchups:
Army-Navy at the White House would increase that game’s ratings by a factor of ten
David Cobb’s pick was Army vs Navy on the White House lawn, and just the sound of that makes me want to circle and block off a date on the calendar. Army and Navy play each other in the Patriot League multiple times every season, but unlike the football game, hardly anyone watches it. A game at the White House, however, might get more views than even the football game, and grab the attention of people who don’t even watch basketball, let alone two college mid-majors. Weather would, of course, be a factor, and it would probably have to be very early in the season, but the game would go down in memory for a very long time if successful and be quite the amazing sight to see. The military has already hosted multiple games on its aircraft carriers. If not at the White House, at least let one of the Army-Navy games be on one of those.
Rose Bowl would be a lot of people. A lot.
Kroger Field is small compared to other Power 5 stadiums, seating “only” 61,000. UK vs U of L in a basketball game would fill every seat no problem, though—the rivalry is just that big. Finding two teams to fill the Rose Bowl might be a taller order, I’m thinking, however. It seats just under 90,000, and Norlander suggested USC vs Texas. One of those teams missed the NCAA Tournament last year, and the other just barely squeezed into the First Four. I’m not sure that will get fans into the nosebleeds with their binoculars. But hey, you never know.
If it’s gonna happen, UK vs somebody at Kroger Field would be an awesome place to start
As Mitch Barnhart said, “Why not?” The Cats have the stadium and location for it, and all they need is some good, clear November weather and an opponent willing to accept the challenge. Indiana’s coming to town this fall. Why not ask them if they’re up for a change of venue?