AKRON, Ohio – ESPN Events released the game schedule, game times and broadcast information Monday (Sept. 28) for the 20th Annual ESPN Events Invitational, which will be held Nov. 23-25 at State Farm Field House at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Fla.
The Akron Zips will open the three-day event against Wright State on Monday, Nov. 23, at 1:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU. Akron will then face Belmont on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 12:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 before concluding the invitational against Appalachian State on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 3 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
ESPN EVENTS INVITATIONAL SCHEDULE
• Monday, Nov. 23 – Akron vs. Wright State – 1:30 p.m. ET – ESPNU
• Tuesday, Nov. 24 – Akron vs. Belmont – 12:30 p.m. ET – ESPN2
• Wednesday, Nov. 25 – Akron vs. Appalachian State – 3 p.m. ET – ESPNU
FIELD HIGHLIGHTS
Akron (MAC)
Akron is coming off a 29-6 season and has advanced to the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive seasons and four of the last five years. Dustin Ford begins his first season as the Zips’ head coach after spending nine seasons on Akron’s coaching staff, including six seasons as an assistant coach during MAC championship campaigns.
Appalachian State (Sun Belt)
Appalachian State finished 19-13 last season in the seventh year under head coach Dustin Kerns. The Mountaineers have posted a winning conference record in five of the last seven seasons in the Sun Belt.
Belmont (Missouri Valley)
Belmont finished 29-6 last season and extended its streak to 16 consecutive seasons with at least 20 wins. The Bruins have established themselves as a consistent postseason program, earning nine NCAA Tournament berths since 2006.
Wright State (Horizon League)
Wright State went 23-12 last season and returned to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022. The Raiders fell to Virginia, 82-73, in the first round and became the first team in program history to win both the Horizon League regular-season and tournament championships.
All games will be played at State Farm Field House, a multipurpose venue that has hosted world-class basketball competitions, including NBA playoff games and elite youth tournaments. ESPN Events Invitational website
NEED TICKETS TO THE ESPN EVENTS INVITATIONAL?
Tickets are on sale now. Fans can purchase tickets through the ESPN Events Invitational website. Purchase ESPN Events Invitational tickets
ABOUT ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS COMPLEX
The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is located approximately 21 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO), which offers nonstop service to more than 100 domestic destinations. Traveling fans are encouraged to visit Experience Kissimmee for information about accommodations, including resorts and vacation homes.
AKRON BASKETBALL TICKETS
Akron basketball season tickets and single-game tickets are available now at GoZips.com/Tickets or by calling or texting the Akron ticket office at 888-99-AKRON (25766). Fans also can visit The C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Health Field, located at 375 E. Exchange St. near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SAVE WITH GROUPS
Group experiences for the 2026-27 season also are available. Individual and corporate groups can plan a memorable experience at Akron basketball home games by visiting the Akron Athletics ticket page. Discounted group tickets and fan experiences are available for groups of 10 or more. Fan experiences are available on a first-come, first-served basis for Akron’s home basketball games throughout the 2026-27 season.
