A Thanksgiving Showcase
The LSU Tigers are slated to headline a pair of high‑profile college basketball games in Palm Springs, California, as part of the 2026 Acrisure Series, a six‑day event that will feature 26 contests across the Coachella Valley.
On November 25 the Tigers will meet Arizona State at 1 p.m. CT, followed the next day by a 6 p.m. CT showdown with SMU on November 26. Both matchups will be televised on CBS Sports Network and carried on the LSU Sports Radio Network, giving fans multiple ways to follow the action.
The series marks a continuation of LSU’s recent history against these opponents. The Tigers and the Sun Devils previously met twice on neutral sites, with their 2007 overtime thriller still remembered by fans. In the last two years LSU and SMU have split their meetings, each team holding a 4‑3 edge in the all‑time series.
Dan Shell, president of Total Sports Consulting, serves as co‑tournament director for the event, helping to shape a schedule that highlights some of the nation’s most anticipated Thanksgiving basketball traditions.
Tickets for the Palm Springs doubleheader will go on sale through Ticketmaster beginning August 8 at noon CT, giving supporters a chance to secure seats for what organizers are calling one of the premier Thanksgiving college basketball events in the country.
Historical Context
The Acrisure Series has quickly become a cornerstone of the holiday college basketball calendar, drawing teams from across the country to the sunny courts of the Coachella Valley. Its growing reputation reflects a broader trend of neutral‑site events that blend competitive play with festive atmosphere.
For LSU, the upcoming games represent more than just a holiday fixture; they are an opportunity to test new strategies and build momentum heading into the spring season, while SMU looks to capitalize on its recent edge in the series.
Fans attending the events can expect a festive environment, with the added benefit of local accommodations and the chance to explore the Palm Springs area during the Thanksgiving weekend.