ESPN and the Charlotte Sports Foundation have announced the Vitale Classic, an annual men’s college basketball event dedicated to honoring Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale. The inaugural game, set for November 4, will feature the Texas Longhorns and Duke Blue Devils. This event aims to celebrate Vitale’s contributions to sports broadcasting while providing fans with a high-profile college basketball matchup.
Named after the legendary sports commentator, the Vitale Classic will be held annually at a new venue, combining both ESPN’s media influence and the Charlotte Sports Foundation’s community engagement efforts. The game between the Texas Longhorns and Duke Blue Devils has been chosen to kick off the event, as both teams have notable histories in college basketball and bring significant fan bases to the matchup.
The announcement of the Vitale Classic has been met with positive reception from sports executives and fans alike, highlighting the ongoing interest in college basketball and the legacy of broadcasting icons like Vitale. It also signals a new chapter in the partnership between ESPN and the Charlotte Sports Foundation, which has been focused on promoting youth sports and community development initiatives.