A packed schedule in Las Vegas
St. John's University will step onto the court at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, joining a field of teams eager to make an impact in the innovative tournament format.
The Red Storm's first test arrives on Tuesday, November 24, when they meet Oregon at Michelob Ultra Arena. The tip‑off is slated for no earlier than 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time, a slot that places the game well after most viewers in the Northeast have already retired for the night.
What the schedule means for fans
Because the game is scheduled late, many supporters will need to adjust their viewing plans or rely on recordings to follow the action. The unusual hour underscores the festival's experimental approach, which prioritizes television windows over traditional afternoon slots.
Should St. John's defeat Oregon, they will be back on the court just two days later, on Thursday, November 26, at roughly 4:00 p.m. ET. Their opponent in that next round will emerge from the Texas Tech versus Louisville matchup, adding an element of uncertainty to the preparation.
A loss in the opening game would push their subsequent appearance to an 11:30 p.m. ET start, further compressing recovery time and testing the team's depth.
Victory in both the first two contests would elevate the Red Storm to the semifinals on Friday, with play beginning no earlier than 11:30 p.m. ET. The championship game, should they advance that far, is set for Saturday night at 10:30 p.m. ET, a timing that again tests the endurance of players and the appetite of viewers.
If the team fails to win its opening two games, their final Las Vegas outing will occur on Friday, with the start time depending on the results of other matches, potentially landing at 3:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., or 8:30 p.m. ET.
Last season the Red Storm posted a 1‑2 record at the festival, a modest showing that adds a layer of expectation for this year's squad. Coach Kevin Willard and his players are aware that each game carries implications beyond the immediate standings, influencing seeding, momentum and fan engagement.
The tournament itself is held at the Michelob Ultra Arena on the Las Vegas Strip, a venue that has become a focal point for this new format of basketball. The event blends competitive play with a festival atmosphere, drawing attention from both traditional basketball fans and newer audiences drawn by the unique scheduling and production elements.