Prudential Center will be hosting the fourth annual Never Forget Tribute Classic, presented by United Rentals, on Saturday, December 14 in an exciting doubleheader tournament between four high-profile universities: the Delaware Blue Hens vs. Villanova Wildcats and the Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Kansas State Wildcats. Mississippi State University vs. Kansas State University tip off is at 11:30AM, and University of Delaware vs. Villanova University tip off is at 2PM. One ticket is good for both games. (Keep reading to see who won the family four-pack of tickets to see both games!)
As in previous years, the Never Forget Tribute Classic will partner with a local charity that provides resources to victims and families of victims of 9/11. This year's charity will be SoliderStrong, which was created to support the men and women of the armed forces that sprung into action, protecting our freedom in the wake of 9/11. As the charitable partner of the Never Forget Tribute Classic, SoldierStrong will continue to service American veterans by providing resources that aid both mental and physical rehabilitation, as well as by assisting with scholarship grants for domestic and foreign affairs.
"Beyond providing an incredible day of college basketball, this is really about helping first responders in our armed forces through SoliderStrong. Choosing to leverage this incredible platform to make a difference to those who continue to give of themselves to keep us safe is an honor and a privilege,” said Scott O’Neil, CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. “As a Villanova Alumni, I look forward to welcoming my alma mater and three-time NCAA National Championship Wildcats back to Prudential Center for this truly meaningful event.”
Villanova finished its 2018-19 season with a 26-10 record. It has made 39 NCAA Tournament appearances and won three NCAA National Championships since 1985. The Wildcats will be playing against the Delaware Blue Hens, who are coming off a 17-16 season, finishing fifth overall in the Colonial Athletic Association. The Blue Hens have played in the NCAA Tournament five times since 1992.
The second matchup of the event is a clash of two highly-touted teams entering the 2018-2019 season. Mississippi State will look to continue its 23-11 winning streak from last year. This is Mississippi State’s second appearance at the event after winning against Clemson last year. The Bulldogs have reached the NCAA Tournament 11 times in school history. Finishing with a record of 25-9 last season under current Head Coach Bruce Weber, Kansas State is coming off of an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats have reached the NCAA Tournament 31 times in school history.
Past teams that have participated in the Never Forget Tribute Classic tournament include: Notre Dame, Villanova, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Seton Hall, Virginia Commonwealth, Florida, UConn and Cincinnati.
Tickets, starting at $40, are now on sale through ticketmaster.com or at the Prudential Center Box Office. Group rates are also available. For more information and updates about the 2019 Never Forget Tribute Classic, visit prucenter.com and follow @PruCenter.
Prudential Center is located at 25 Lafayette Street in Newark, NJ.
CONGRATULATIONS TO JENNIFER W FOR WINNING THE FAMILY FOUR PACK OF TICKETS TO SEE THE 4TH ANNUAL NEVER FORGET TRIBUTE CLASSIC!
Disclosure: Macaroni Kid Northeast Bergen received complementary tickets in exchange for this article. All opinions are solely that of the author.
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