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University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers/SMU Announce Matchup Partnership
8/28/2026 10:52:00 AM | Men's Basketball
The Dallas Duel will mark the first of a two-game series between the programs, with SMU scheduled to make a return trip to Minneapolis in 2028.
DALLAS – SMU and Minnesota will meet in the inaugural Dallas Duel on Saturday, December 12, 2026, as the Mustangs host the Golden Gophers at Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
The neutral-site men's basketball matchup brings together two nationally recognized programs and provides college basketball fans across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with an early-season showdown between the ACC's SMU Mustangs and the Big Ten's Minnesota Golden Gophers.
"Facing a Big Ten opponent like Minnesota provides another high-profile neutral-site game for our players and fans. We are excited for the opportunity," said SMU Head Coach Andy Enfield.
"We're really excited to add another Power-4 conference opponent to our schedule this year and face a tough SMU team that made the NCAA Tournament last season," said Minnesota Head Coach Niko Medved. "We're looking forward to playing at the Comerica Center, but also building a great partnership with SMU for a future date in the Minneapolis area during the 2028-29 season. I have no doubt it will be two great events against two competitive teams."
The Dallas Duel will mark the first of a two-game series between the programs, with SMU scheduled to make a return trip to Minneapolis in 2028.
Tip-off time, television information and ticket details will be announced at a later date.
The matchup renews a memorable postseason connection between the programs. SMU and Minnesota last met in the 2014 National Invitation Tournament Championship Game at Madison Square Garden, where the Golden Gophers edged the Mustangs, 65-63, in a tightly contested championship game.
Located in the heart of one of the nation's premier sports and entertainment corridors, Comerica Center provides a first-class setting for the Dallas Duel and another opportunity to showcase college basketball in the Dallas-Fort Worth market.
Additional event information, including ticket on-sale dates, premium hospitality opportunities and game-week festivities, will be announced in the coming months.
ABOUT COMERICA CENTER
Comerica Center is a dynamic sports and entertainment venue located in Frisco, Texas. It houses the practice facility for the NHL's Dallas Stars and also hosts the Texas Legends (NBA G League) and the Dallas Pulse (Major League Volleyball). With seating for over 6,000 it is a popular site for concerts, family shows, graduation ceremonies, corporate events, and other live entertainment. A recent multi-million-dollar renovation will introduce four new video boards, ribbon boards, audio system, new seats, and a party deck. For more information, please visit ComericaCenter.com.
Release provided by Scheduling Consultants, LLC
The neutral-site men's basketball matchup brings together two nationally recognized programs and provides college basketball fans across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex with an early-season showdown between the ACC's SMU Mustangs and the Big Ten's Minnesota Golden Gophers.
"Facing a Big Ten opponent like Minnesota provides another high-profile neutral-site game for our players and fans. We are excited for the opportunity," said SMU Head Coach Andy Enfield.
"We're really excited to add another Power-4 conference opponent to our schedule this year and face a tough SMU team that made the NCAA Tournament last season," said Minnesota Head Coach Niko Medved. "We're looking forward to playing at the Comerica Center, but also building a great partnership with SMU for a future date in the Minneapolis area during the 2028-29 season. I have no doubt it will be two great events against two competitive teams."
The Dallas Duel will mark the first of a two-game series between the programs, with SMU scheduled to make a return trip to Minneapolis in 2028.
Tip-off time, television information and ticket details will be announced at a later date.
The matchup renews a memorable postseason connection between the programs. SMU and Minnesota last met in the 2014 National Invitation Tournament Championship Game at Madison Square Garden, where the Golden Gophers edged the Mustangs, 65-63, in a tightly contested championship game.
Located in the heart of one of the nation's premier sports and entertainment corridors, Comerica Center provides a first-class setting for the Dallas Duel and another opportunity to showcase college basketball in the Dallas-Fort Worth market.
Additional event information, including ticket on-sale dates, premium hospitality opportunities and game-week festivities, will be announced in the coming months.
ABOUT COMERICA CENTER
Comerica Center is a dynamic sports and entertainment venue located in Frisco, Texas. It houses the practice facility for the NHL's Dallas Stars and also hosts the Texas Legends (NBA G League) and the Dallas Pulse (Major League Volleyball). With seating for over 6,000 it is a popular site for concerts, family shows, graduation ceremonies, corporate events, and other live entertainment. A recent multi-million-dollar renovation will introduce four new video boards, ribbon boards, audio system, new seats, and a party deck. For more information, please visit ComericaCenter.com.
Release provided by Scheduling Consultants, LLC
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