2027 Nashville Hoops Showdown - North Carolina vs Illinois
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DateJan 30, 2027
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Event StartsTBA
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AvailabilityOct 15 at 10:00 AM
Showings
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On Sale SoonJan 30 / Saturday TBA
Event Info
North Carolina and Illinois will square off in the 2027 Nashville Hoops Showdown on Saturday, January 30 in a crucial late-season non-conference contest.
Tickets for the Nashville Hoops Showdown will go on sale starting October 15, with a one-day presale taking place the day prior. Fans can register for the ticket presale at NashvilleHoopsShowdown.com/tickets.
Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase official travel packages for the Nashville Hoops Showdown, which will include game tickets, hotel accommodations in downtown Nashville near the venue and VIP Hospitality at Bridgestone Arena. Fan travel packages are set to go on sale in August, allowing fans exclusive early access to secure their seats for the event ahead of the launch of public ticket sales. For more information visit NashvilleHoopsShowdown.com/travel.
North Carolina is entering a new era in Chapel Hill as Michael Malone was hired as the program’s new head coach on April 7. Malone brings an extensive 24-year NBA coaching resume to the Tar Heel sidelines, having won the NBA Championship in 2023 with the Denver Nuggets. Carolina will also welcome a bevy of talented newcomers and transfers to the program this season, but will be anchored by Jarin Stevenson, who started 25 games for the Tar Heels in 2025-26. North Carolina is one of the most decorated men’s basketball programs in college basketball history, with six NCAA Tournament championships, a record-21 Final Fours and more than 2400 wins, third-most all time.
Illinois advanced to the 2026 Final Four, earning the program’s first appearance in the national semifinals in more than 20 years. The program is set to return many familiar faces that led the team to its most successful season in decades, including David Mirkovic, Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic, Andrej Stojakovic and Jake Davis. Head coach Brad Underwood enters his 10th season with the Illini. He has guided Illinois to the NCAA Tournament in each of the last six seasons, highlighted by last year’s run to the Final Four and 28-9 overall record. The program boasts 18 Big Ten Championships, 36 all-time NCAA Tournament appearances and six Final Four berths.
January’s contest will be the ninth all-time meeting between the programs, and first since 2010. Each team has won four games in the series. North Carolina and Illinois first met in 1951 before completing a home-and-home in 1986 and 1987. They faced each other five times in an eight-year span from 2002-2010, including a showdown for the 2005 national championship that was won by the Tar Heels.
Bag Policy
For enhanced safety and speed of entry, we strongly discourage guests from bringing bags to events. All fans are urged to arrive early and travel light.
If a bag is necessary, the following restrictions and processes apply:
- Backpacks of any size are considered prohibited items and are NOT allowed into the arena.
- Bags that measure larger than 12”x12”x6” are prohibited and are NOT allowed into the arena.
- Bags that measure between 6”x4”x1.5” and 12”x 12”x6” (including clear bags and Nashville Locker Room bags) are subject to x-ray screening and visual inspection.
- Bags that measure smaller than 6” x 4” x 1.5” may proceed through express screening lanes for visual inspection.
- Diaper bags and bags needed for medical reasons are allowed but will be subject to x-ray screening.
- We kindly ask that you reach out to Bridgestone Arena Customer Service (accessibilityservices@powersmgmt.com) 24 hours prior to your event if you want to arrange for additional accommodations before arrival.
Reminder: Patrons with prohibited items will not be permitted entry to the arena. Bridgestone Arena does not provide on-site storage. Guests are asked to plan accordingly and allow for extra time when arriving at Bridgestone Arena.
Exceptions to this bag policy may be made for extenuating circumstances such as medical needs and diaper bags. Please contact Bridgestone Arena if you require additional information or guidance at customerservice@nashvillepredators.com or 615-770-2000.