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The Kentucky Wildcats begin their season next week with the Bluegrass Showcase, which is quickly followed by perhaps their toughest challenge of the new season.
The ninth-ranked Cats are set to face the fifth-ranked Kansas Jayhawks in the 2020 Champions Classic, which takes place Dec. 1 in Indianapolis.
We now know the game will be a late-night affair, as the two teams will face off at 9:30 pm EST on ESPN.
The Champions Classic and Jimmy V Classic are official:
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) November 18, 2020
Dec. 1
No. 13 Michigan State at No. 9 Duke (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
No. 10 Kentucky vs. No. 6 Kansas (9:30 p.m., ESPN)
Dec. 2
No. 12 Tennessee vs. No. 1 Gonzaga (7 p.m., ESPN)
No. 2 Baylor vs. No. 8 Illinois (10 p.m., ESPN)
Kentucky pretty much always plays the late game in this event, so it’s no surprise to see they’ll once again playing late into the night and possibly the next day.
In addition, Jon Rothstein reports that no fans will be allowed at the game.
Sources: No fans will be in attendance for the matchup between Kentucky and Kansas in the Champions Classic in Indianapolis on December 1st.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 18, 2020
This will be part of seven-day stretch that will see the Cats play four games, so they’re getting an early glimpse of what it’s like to play in the SEC and NCAA Tournament.
Hopefully, they’ll have enough juice left to take down the Jayhawks in primetime.
In addition, Kentucky announced that the Holiday Hoopsgiving clash with Georgia Tech on Dec. 6 will be broadcast on ESPN at 5 pm EST. The game will take place at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Rothstein reported last week that up to 1,000 fans will be allowed in the arena. He currently has the Yellow Jackets ranked 43rd in his preseason top 45.
Sources: Kentucky's game against Georgia Tech on December 6th at State Farm Arena in Atlanta will currently allow up to 1,000 fans.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 13, 2020
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