A New Tradition Under the Lights
The CareSource Invitational opens its season with a doubleheader that brings together Ohio State, Xavier, Cincinnati and Dayton in a unique outdoor setting. Scheduled for October 7, the games will be staged at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, a venue normally reserved for racquet sports but now transformed into a basketball arena illuminated for the occasion.
The event was conceived as a platform for mental health awareness, a cause that gained personal resonance for Dayton head coach Anthony Grant after the loss of his daughter to suicide. Grant hopes the visibility of the initiative will encourage athletes and fans alike to prioritize psychological wellbeing.
Coaches from across the participating schools echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that mental health support is as essential to performance as physical conditioning. Their messages underscore a growing consensus that the rigors of collegiate competition must be balanced with accessible resources and open dialogue.
For the players, the prospect of playing under the night sky adds an exhilarating twist to the usual pre‑season routine. Many expressed excitement about the novelty of an outdoor court, noting that the ambience could foster a different kind of connection between teammates and spectators.
Organizers envision the doubleheader becoming a staple of the Cincinnati Open, hoping to establish a yearly tradition that blends sport with social impact. Ticketing details will be announced in the coming weeks, with a single purchase granting access to both contests.