UofL has released the 2023-2024 non-conference schedule for the men’s basketball team. The schedule features 8 home contests, 1 true road game, and the Empire Classic. It’s a favorable schedule for UofL to pile up some early season victories while also testing themselves against the likes of uk, Texas, and either UConn or Indiana.
For the full schedule, check out the press release below:
Press Release from University of Louisville Athletics:
UofL MBB: Louisville Announces 2023-24 Non-Conference Schedule
Cardinals will play eight non-conference home games, along with two exhibitions.
Date: September 14, 2023
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A total of 10 home games in the KFC Yum! Center, two games against elite competition in New York and a home clash with rival Kentucky highlight the University of Louisville’s 2023-24 non-conference men’s basketball schedule released Thursday.
In head coach Kenny Payne’s second season at the helm, the Cardinals will play eight non-conference home games this season, along with two exhibitions.
“We are excited to play in front of our passionate fan base this season,” Payne said. “Our non-conference schedule will allow us to prepare against challenging competition and provide a competitive atmosphere that our team is looking forward to. We’re thrilled to show you the high-character and competitive group that will be wearing the Cardinal uniform this season.”
The Cardinals are 104-86 all-time against all of their potential non-conference opponents. Their full group of potential opponents for the season includes six programs in the ESPN way-too-early Top 25, including No. 2 Duke, No. 5 UConn, No. 15 North Carolina, No. 17 Kentucky, No. 18 Miami and No. 24 Texas.
After UofL hosts its annual Red and White Scrimmage on Oct. 11 at the KFC Yum! Center, the Cards will officially open exhibition play against Simmons College on Oct. 18.
Simmons is led by head coach Tony Branch and athletic director Jerry Eaves, both members of Louisville’s 1980 national championship team and UofL Athletics Hall of Fame inductees.
Louisville will conclude exhibition play against Kentucky Wesleyan on Oct. 30.
The Cardinals open the regular season with three straight home games at the KFC Yum! Center, starting against first-time opponent UMBC on the first day of college basketball on Nov. 6. The opener will be followed against matchups with Chattanooga (Nov. 10) and Coppin State (Nov. 15).
UofL will then head to New York for two games against top competition in the 2023 Empire Classic benefiting Wounded Warrior Project presented by Continental Tire.
The Cards open play in the tournament against Texas at 3 p.m. ET on Nov. 19 at Madison Square Garden. The game will air on ESPN. Louisville is 4-1 all-time against Texas, which finished 29-9 last season, won the Big 12 Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight.
UofL will face either defending national champion UConn or regional rival Indiana in the final game of the Empire Classic on Nov. 20.Tickets for the Empire Classic can be purchased at the following link: https://uofl.me/45apnEI
After returning from New York, Louisville will play five of its final six non-conference games in the comfort of the KFC Yum! Center.
The Cardinals host New Mexico State on Nov. 26 and crosstown foe Bellarmine on Nov. 29, then go on the road to visit former conference opponent DePaul on Dec. 9. The teams have played 60 times previously, with UofL holding a 38-22 all-time edge.
Three more home games conclude the non-conference portion of the schedule before the holidays. Games against Arkansas State (Dec. 13) and Pepperdine (Dec. 17) will lead into the annual rivalry tilt against Kentucky on Dec. 21.
Kentucky leads the all-time series 38-17, including the Wildcats’ victory last year in Lexington. The Cardinals are 10-13 all-time at home in the series. The teams have met every season since 1983 except for 2021-22, when the matchup was canceled due to COVID-related issues. Prior to 1983, the teams had not met in regular season play for 62 years.
Times and television assignments will be released at a later date. Louisville’s ACC schedule will also be released by the conference in the coming weeks.
Tickets for the Oct. 11 Red and White Scrimmage, priced at $10 each for lower-level seating, will go on sale Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. online at Ticketmaster.com.
All Louisville men’s basketball season ticket members will have the ability to claim complimentary tickets to this year’s Red and White Scrimmage. Season ticket members can access this offer by logging into their My Cardinals Account. UofL students may also claim up to two free tickets for the event. Additional details will be sent in the coming week.
Cardinal fans can save on single-game pricing with season tickets, starting as low as $17 per game. Season ticket members also enjoy exclusive benefits, including the opportunity to exchange tickets throughout the season and receive additional complimentary tickets for a select game. Fans interested in purchasing season tickets can visit gocards.com/mbbtickets, or email sales@gocards and call 502-852-5151 for additional information.
