Indiana, Kentucky Finalize Locations, Dates For Four-Game Basketball Series

The Indiana versus Kentucky basketball series will finally resume during the 2025-26 season. The schools have agreed to a four-year series, with two games at Rupp Arena, one at Lucas Oil Stadium and one at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana versus Kentucky rivalry will officially return in a few seasons. 

Indiana University Athletic Director Scott Dolson and Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart jointly agreed to a four-game series on Tuesday, per a news release from Indiana. 

Indiana-Kentucky basketball series

• Dec. 20, 2025: Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky.
• Dec. 27, 2026: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
• Dec. 18, 2027: Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky.
• Dec. 16, 2028: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind.

It's 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠. pic.twitter.com/ayD9z36kNU

— Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) October 3, 2023

According to the release, Indiana has elected to hold one of its home contests at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis to provide more Hoosier fans with an opportunity to witness an IU-UK game firsthand. The two programs faced each other in Indianapolis 10 times from 1987-2005 at the Hoosier/RCA Dome, games that featured electric atmospheres in front of crowds in excess of 40,000.

Indiana and Kentucky have not played since the 2015-16 season, when coach Tom Crean and the Hoosiers defeated Kentucky 73-67 in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32. The last regular season matchup took place on Dec. 10, 2011, when Christian Watford hit a 3-point buzzer beater to give Indiana a 73-72 victory at Assembly Hall.

Kentucky leads the all-time series 32-25. Kentucky ranks second all-time with eight national championships, and Indiana is fourth with five.

Dolson, Barnhart, Indiana coach Mike Woodson and Kentucky coach John Calipari each commented on the rivalry being renewed.

“This is an exciting day for not only IU and UK Basketball, but college basketball,” Dolson said. “When you consider the history, the passion, and the proximity of our schools, this is a game that means a great deal to so many people. I appreciate Mitch Barnhart’s willingness to work together to resume what I believe to be college basketball’s best non-conference rivalry. I also appreciate the support of Coach Calipari and Coach Woodson and their desire to bring this series back. Their relationship is a big reason why we are able to make today’s announcement.”

“It’s great to renew this series, which is among the most competitive rivalries and storied traditions of college basketball,” Barnhart said. “The matchup will resume its place as one of the nation’s most anticipated games of the season. This emanated from Coach Cal and Coach Woodson getting together and talking about playing again. I’ve enjoyed spending time with Scott Dolson and getting to know him better as we’ve worked out the details.”

“This is a great day for our program and our fans,” Woodson said. “Indiana-Kentucky is one of the best rivalries in college basketball, with so many great games over the years. We worked hard to get this done, and I could not be happier to be playing Kentucky once again.”

“This is a really important rivalry to our fans and the game of college basketball and we’re happy to bring it back,” Calipari said. “Mike and I have been friends for years and I have the utmost respect for him as a coach and as a man. Let’s do this!” 

Indiana Hoosiers center Thomas Bryant (31) dunks the ball against Kentucky Wildcats forward Alex Poythress (22) in the second half during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena / Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

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