Tennis Legacy Meets Basketball
Credit One Stadium, a 10,200‑seat arena best known for hosting the annual Charleston Open, has a storied tennis pedigree. The venue has welcomed icons such as Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Serena and Venus Williams, Tracy Austin and UVA tennis alum Danielle Collins, cementing its reputation as a crossroads of sporting excellence.
On September 27, the University of Virginia’s men’s basketball team will step onto the outdoor hardwood to face Vanderbilt in a one‑off exhibition that marks the first basketball contest ever staged at the historic site. The match is part of The LinkU Invitational, a doubleheader that will also feature a second game at 3 p.m., promising a full afternoon of college sport.
Coach Ryan Odom of the Cavaliers expressed excitement about the unconventional setting, noting that the unique backdrop offers student‑athletes a chance to create memories that extend beyond the traditional gymnasium.
Fan Experience Beyond the Game
Beyond the competition, the event is designed to immerse fans in a festival atmosphere. Attendees can explore behind‑the‑scenes areas, watch open practice sessions and join watch parties that keep the energy high throughout the venue. The organizers have promised interactive experiences that highlight the crossover between tennis and basketball cultures.
Tickets and Community Impact
Tickets for The LinkU Invitational start at $25 and will be sold online, with Virginia fans able to apply the promotional code ‘uvaatcos’ for a discount. Premium courtside seats are also on offer, providing an up‑close view of the action.
The weekend also coincides with UVA Football’s home opener against Delaware on September 26, a game designated the annual UVA Strong Game, adding a broader athletic spotlight to the campus community.
Bob Moran, president of Beemok Sports & Entertainment, emphasized the event’s power to bring people together, stating that college basketball has a unique ability to unite communities and create shared experiences.