Vanderbilt’s women’s basketball team will open its 2024‑25 season with a marquee matchup at Bridgestone Arena on December 18, 2024, facing cross‑state rival Belmont in a doubleheader that also features Tennessee and Baylor.
A Renewed Rivalry
The contest marks the first meeting between the Commodores and the Bruins since the 2016‑17 campaign, reviving a rivalry that once defined middle‑Tennessee college basketball.
The games will be part of a larger showcase, with the Volunteers and the Bears also in action, turning the arena into a hub of women’s college basketball on the same day.
Belmont, which captured six straight NCAA Tournament berths from 2018 through 2022, has fallen short of the Big Dance in the past four seasons, while Vanderbilt has ridden a wave of March Madness appearances, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen in 2026.
The Commodores’ 2026‑27 roster is stacked with talent, headlined by Mikayla Blakes, the 2026 SEC Player of the Year, and freshman sensation Aubrey Galvan, who earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors.
What’s at Stake
Beyond bragging rights, the matchup offers both programs a chance to fine‑tune strategies ahead of conference play and to cement fan interest in a region that has seen a surge in women’s basketball attendance.
Fans can expect a high‑energy atmosphere, with the arena’s historic setting amplifying the significance of a game that could set the tone for the Commodores’ campaign.
As the date approaches, the excitement is palpable, and the Commodores look to translate their recent successes into a strong start on the national stage.