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The third weekend of October is going to be a special one for Big Blue Nation.
The NBA's Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards will play a preseason game in Rupp Arena on October 15 at 7 p.m. ET, the Bluegrass Sports Commission and Global Sports Management announced Wednesday.
The game will feature the return to Lexington of former UK stars DeMarcus Cousins and Willie Cauley-Stein of the Kings along with John Wall of the Wizards.
"Rupp Arena holds a special place in my heart and I look forward to playing in front of the best college basketball fans in the country," said Wall.
It may also have Kings point guard Rajon Rondo, though he's set to hit free agency this summer and may be playing for a new team next year. Still, getting to see Wall, Willie and Boogie in action in Rupp Arena once again is enough to pique the interest of any UK fan.
"I am excited for the upcoming preseason game in Lexington versus the Wizards," said Cousins. "Getting a chance to play at Rupp in front of the Kentucky fans is always a good feeling. Kentucky fans are the best fans in college and have supported me my entire career so it is great to come back and give them a show."
Taking place the day after UK Basketball's annual Big Blue Madness, the game will help tip off the basketball season for Big Blue Nation and provide fans a unique opportunity to be part of the excitement of NBA basketball.
"I'm thrilled to play in Lexington once again with my Kings teammates," said Cauley-Stein. "Last year we had a blast entertaining the Big Blue Nation crowd at Rupp Arena—home of many great memories for me."
Tickets range in price from $10 - $250 and go on sale to the public Friday, June 10 at 10:00 a.m. They can be purchased at the Rupp Arena box office, www.ticketmaster.com or www.RuppArena.com, or by calling Ticket Master at 800-745-3000.
"We have had tremendous crowds the first two times we brought NBA basketball to Lexington and we are expecting the great fans of Kentucky to come out and show their support for these former Wildcat stars and these two up and coming NBA teams," said Brian Breslin, Vice-President of Global Sports Management.