Two of the West’s Premier College Basketball Programs Set for a Holiday Showcase in Greater Palm Springs on Saturday, December 19, 2026
The Acrisure Series returns to the Coachella Valley this December with one of the premier holiday events in college basketball as the Brigham Young University Cougars and San Diego State Aztecs men’s basketball will meet in a major men’s neutral site game on Saturday, December 19, 2026, at Acrisure Arena. The 2026 Acrisure Series is presented by Acrisure, Visit Greater Palm Springs and Spotlight 29 Casino.
This showcase will feature two of college basketball’s premier brands on one of the sport’s biggest December stages. With elite programs and passionate fan bases, the BYU vs. SDSU game is expected to be one of the marquee non-conference events of the holiday season.
Tickets for the Saturday, December 19 showcase featuring BYU vs. San Diego State men’s basketball will go on sale on Wednesday, July 22 at 10:00 am PT at Ticketmaster.com, the official ticketing provider of Acrisure Arena, and at the Ticketmaster Box Office at Acrisure Arena with exclusive presale access for club members beginning today.
Additional event details, including courtside seating, suites, and group sales opportunities, will be announced when available.
“We are thrilled to welcome the BYU and San Diego State programs to round out our holiday college basketball program at Acrisure Arena,” said Total Sports Consulting President and co-tournament director Dan Shell. “Having this matchup bookend the Michigan State/Gonzaga doubleheader creates an incredible holiday basketball experience and continues to elevate what the Acrisure Series represents nationally. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our key partners in making this particular event possible and look forward to working with these institutions on their return matchup in the 2027-28 season at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.”
Robert Wright III leads BYU into Year Three of the Kevin Young era after earning All-Big 12 accolades last season playing alongside a pair of NBA Draft picks. The junior guard returns to Provo after averaging 18.1 points, 4.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game as a sophomore while shooting 46.7 percent from the field, 41.0 percent from three and 82.1 percent from the free throw line and leading the Cougars to the NCAA Tournament for a 33rd time in program history. He is joined by returners Khadim Mboup and Dawson Baker along with transfers Collin Chandler, Tyler Betsey, Jake Wahlin and No. 7 in SCNext 100 Bruce Branch III.
“We are excited to play San Diego State as part of the Acrisure Series,” said BYU head coach Kevin Young. “BYU and San Diego State have played some incredible games in the past, and we look forward to continuing the tradition this season. I know our guys will be up for the challenge and look forward to seeing Cougar Nation cheer us on at Acrisure Arena on December 19.”
“We are looking forward to renewing our series against Brigham Young, one of the most storied rivalries in West Coast basketball, at this year’s Acrisure Series,” said San Diego State head coach Brian Dutcher. “Some of the most memorable and exciting games in San Diego State history have come against the Cougars, and it’s been three years since our last meeting. I know fans from both schools will love seeing high-level basketball in a beautiful setting like Acrisure Arena in the Greater Palm Springs area.”
“Sponsoring the Acrisure Series reflects our continued commitment to excellence and community engagement,” said Greg Williams, Chairman and CEO of Acrisure. “Bringing programs like BYU and San Diego State to the Coachella Valley creates an incredible experience for fans while continuing to establish Acrisure Arena as a premier destination for major sporting events.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome BYU and San Diego State to Greater Palm Springs this December,” said Scott White, President & CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs. “This event brings tremendous national visibility to our destination while creating an unforgettable experience for alumni, donors, and fans who travel here for elite college basketball.”
“The Tribe has always supported sports and entertainment that help grow the region,” said Darrell Mike, Chairman of Spotlight 29 Casino. “We’re proud to continue supporting the Acrisure Series and helping make the Coachella Valley one of the top sports destinations in Southern California.”
This December showcase continues the Acrisure Series tradition of bringing elite college basketball to the Greater Palm Springs area and further establishes the Coachella Valley as one of the premier destinations in the country for major non-conference college basketball events.
Event Details
Saturday – December 19, 2026
7:30 PM PT – BYU Cougars vs. San Diego State Aztecs
Ticket Information
Tickets will be available online at Ticketmaster.com, the official ticketing provider of Acrisure Arena. Tickets will also be available at the Ticketmaster Box Office at Acrisure Arena. Premium hospitality options, courtside seating, suites, and group sales opportunities will also be available.