​College basketball fans across the Coachella Valley are set to benefit once again from the Acrisure Series, which has helped elevate the region’s profile as a major college hoops destination. A highly anticipated matchup has been scheduled for Acrisure Arena on December 19, featuring two storied programs with Hall of Fame coaches: Michigan State and Gonzaga. This game is part of the annual Acrisure Series, a multi-team event that occurs during Thanksgiving week in Palm Desert, California, and serves as a spotlight moment for the sport in the desert.
The December clash will be part of a distinctive doubleheader, with the Michigan State and Gonzaga women’s teams meeting each other prior to the men’s game. Dan Shell, president of Total Sports Consulting and co-tournament director, spoke about the event, emphasizing that bringing Gonzaga and Michigan State to Acrisure Arena creates a premier, marquee experience for holiday basketball in the Coachella Valley. He highlighted the value of showcasing both men’s and women’s programs in a single weekend and expressed confidence that the event will continue to build the region’s reputation as a top destination for college hoops.
This summer has already seen another major announcement for Acrisure Arena, which will host Duke versus Washington State on November 21 to commence the 2026 Acrisure Series. Ticketing for the MSU-Gonzaga doubleheader goes on sale July 15, with a single ticket granting admission to both the men’s and women’s games, making for a convenient and exciting weekend of basketball.
On the court, both Michigan State and Gonzaga are riding long-standing NCAA Tournament streaks as they prepare for the fall season. The Spartans have appeared in 28 consecutive NCAA Tournaments under coach Tom Izzo, while the Bulldogs have made 27 straight appearances with Mark Few at the helm. The two programs have one of college basketball’s most memorable recent meetings, having last faced each other at a neutral Southern California location when they played on the deck of an aircraft carrier in San Diego on November 11, 2022. The two teams also share a special connection to Acrisure Arena itself: in November 2023, Michigan State participated in the arena’s first-ever college basketball game, taking on Arizona, further establishing Acrisure Arena as a venue with a growing legacy in college hoops.
Izzo himself commented on the excitement of returning to Palm Springs to play at Acrisure Arena. He noted that Michigan State had previously played there and enjoyed a superb atmosphere and facility, which made the decision to schedule a game with Gonzaga straightforward. Facing Gonzaga, a program led by his longtime friend and colleague Mark Few, added another compelling layer to the matchup and ensured that this December game would be a must-watch event for fans in the Coachella Valley and beyond.
For fans looking to experience high-caliber college basketball in a stunning setting, the Michigan State–Gonzaga doubleheader promises a memorable weekend. With the opportunity to see both programs’ men’s and women’s teams in action and the added prestige of two of college basketball’s most successful programs facing off, Acrisure Arena’s December showcase stands out as a centerpiece of the season’s early excitement. Tickets are expected to move quickly, and fans are encouraged to secure their seats when sales begin, given the event’s potential to become a hallmark of holiday basketball in the Coachella Valley.