Tickets are now on sale for a special basketball doubleheader that will bring together some of Ohio’s most storied college programs at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason. The event, now in its fourth year, showcases a pair of exhibition matchups that pit the Dayton Flyers against Xavier and the Ohio State Buckeyes against the Cincinnati Bearcats.
A Tradition in Its Fourth Year
The CareSource Invitational debuted in 2023 with a Dayton‑Ohio State clash and has since become a staple of the state’s college‑basketball calendar. Each game carries the message “It’s OK to not be OK,” underscoring the event’s commitment to mental‑health awareness.
Fans can expect the first contest to tip off at 3 p.m. when Ohio State meets Cincinnati, followed by the 5:30 p.m. showdown between Dayton and Xavier. Both games are scheduled for October 7, offering a full afternoon of high‑level basketball.
Tickets go on sale through Ticketmaster.com, with the most affordable option starting at $29 for the 400‑level seats. The pricing structure is designed to make the event accessible while still generating significant support for charitable causes.
The Lindner Family Tennis Center will be transformed into a basketball arena for the first time to accommodate the matchups. Should inclement weather threaten, the games will be moved to the nearby UD Arena, ensuring the event proceeds regardless of conditions.
Since its inception, the CareSource Invitational has raised more than $500,000 for mental‑health nonprofits, including organizations such as Jay’s Light. The proceeds from this year’s doubleheader will continue that momentum, providing vital resources to local support groups.