Arkansas and Illinois basketball are officially set for a Thanksgiving Day tilt from the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City (Mo.). Tip time is scheduled for 3 p.m. (CT) on CBS and Paramount+.
The matchup between the Razorbacks and Illini will follow the Chicago Bears-Detroit Lions game earlier in the afternoon. It will mark the first time CBS has televised a college basketball game on Thanksgiving.
While the contest has been known for several weeks, the coaches of both programs weighed in following Friday’s official announcement:
“What a great opportunity CBS is giving Arkansas and Illinois. Thanksgiving is a day that gets all of America — whether you are a sports fan or not — watching sports on TV. Playing in this time slot will provide tremendous exposure for both programs. Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center is a premier arena that is located close enough that both fan bases can attend. We have a great deal of respect for Coach Underwood and his Illinois program, and we know this game will be one the whole nation will be watching.” – John Calipari | Arkansas
“We are thrilled for this opportunity. Playing in Kansas City — a tremendous basketball city that is near and dear to me — and taking on a great opponent in Arkansas, led by a Hall of Fam coach in Coach Calipari, is a big test for our team. It is an honor for Illinois Basketball to play on CBS on Thanksgiving Day; we know the sports world will be watching.” – Brad Underwood | Illinois
Arkansas has only come out on top once in six opportunities against the Illini, but the 73-63 NCAA Tournament win in Des Moines in 2023 will certainly churn fond memories for the fanbase.
It will also be somewhat of a family affair as new Razorback center Zvonimir Ivisic will square off against his brother, Tomislav, who is set to begin his freshman campaign in Champaign.
Interestingly, many expected Arkansas and Illinois to meet at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City in 2021 at the Hall of Fame Classic, but the Illini slipped up in the opening round against Cincinnati, who the Razorbacks defeated the following night to win the event.