A marquee matchup in the desert
The Acrisure Series is set to return to the Coachella Valley in December 2026, headlining a college basketball doubleheader that pits Gonzaga against Michigan State on the hardwood. The event will be staged at Acrisure Arena on December 19, 2026, and will showcase the Bulldogs’ and Spartans’ men’s and women’s teams in a single ticketed experience.
Ticket sales will open on July 15, 2026, at 10:00 am Pacific Time, with fans able to purchase admission that grants access to both the men’s and women’s contests. The showcase is presented by Acrisure, Visit Greater Palm Springs and Spotlight 29 Casino, underscoring the region’s growing role as a hub for high‑profile college basketball.
Elite programs and coaching talent
Michigan State’s men’s squad will be led by All‑American guard Jeremy Fears Jr. and senior forward Coen Carr, while Gonzaga’s men’s team enters the 2026‑27 season among the nation’s top rankings under head coach Mark Few. On the women’s side, Gonzaga’s squad is guided by head coach Lisa Fortier, featuring standouts Allie Turner and Lauren Whittaker, whereas Michigan State’s women’s team is coached by Robyn Fralick and showcases All‑Big Ten honorees Kennedy Blair and Theryn Hallock.
The matchup also brings familiar faces from the coaching community, including Michigan State’s Tom Izzo, a longtime pillar of the program, and Gonzaga’s Mark Few, whose strategic vision has kept the Bulldogs consistently competitive. Their presence adds a layer of narrative intrigue to an already compelling event.
Beyond the games, the doubleheader reflects the Acrisure Series’ commitment to delivering elite college basketball to the Greater Palm Springs area, a tradition that has drawn passionate fan bases and highlighted the region’s capacity to host marquee sporting events.