Two of college basketball’s bluest bloods are meeting in the game’s most iconic building. The 2026 Blue Blood Classic brings Duke to Allen Fieldhouse to face Kansas on Sunday, October 25, 2026, an exhibition during Kansas Homecoming Weekend. Here is everything on the matchup: the date, the rivalry history, tickets, and how to watch, plus both teams’ full 2026-27 schedules.
2026 Blue Blood Classic: Quick Facts
- Matchup: Kansas vs. Duke (exhibition)
- Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Venue: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kansas
- Occasion: Kansas Homecoming Weekend
- Tip time and TV: to be announced
- Return game: Kansas visits Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium in October 2027
What Is the Blue Blood Classic?
The Blue Blood Classic is a preseason exhibition pitting Kansas and Duke, two of the sport’s most decorated programs, against each other in front of one of college basketball’s best crowds. Because it is an exhibition, it will not count in the regular-season standings, but it is a rare early-season look at two likely Top 10 teams and the start of a home-and-home: Kansas will play the return game at Cameron Indoor Stadium in October 2027.
Kansas vs. Duke: Two Blue Bloods, 16 Meetings
Kansas and Duke have met 16 times since 1985, and this is only the second time Duke has played at Allen Fieldhouse. The first visit came on February 20, 1988, when Duke won 74-70 in overtime. Kansas got the last word that season, beating the Blue Devils in the Final Four semifinals on the way to the 1988 national championship. Any time these two share a floor it carries weight, and doing it inside Allen Fieldhouse only raises the stakes.
Date, Tickets, and How to Watch
The game tips off Sunday, October 25, 2026 at Allen Fieldhouse as part of Kansas Homecoming Weekend. Tip time and the TV or streaming plan had not been announced as of publication. On tickets, Kansas season-ticket holders can purchase starting July 29, donors gain access on August 20, and public sales begin August 26. Note that tickets for the Kansas-Duke game are sold separately from the Kansas season-ticket package.
2026-27 Schedules and More College Hoops
- 2026-27 Kansas Basketball Schedule
- 2026-27 Duke Basketball Schedule
- 2026-27 Men’s College Basketball Schedule Hub
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 Blue Blood Classic?
It is an exhibition basketball game between Kansas and Duke at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas, on Sunday, October 25, 2026, during Kansas Homecoming Weekend.
When and where is Kansas vs. Duke?
Sunday, October 25, 2026 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. Tip time and TV are to be announced.
Is the Blue Blood Classic a regular-season game?
No. It is a preseason exhibition, so it does not count in the regular-season standings. Kansas will play a return exhibition at Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium in October 2027.
How do I get tickets to the Blue Blood Classic?
Kansas season-ticket holders can buy starting July 29, donors get access on August 20, and public sales begin August 26. Tickets for the game are separate from the Kansas season-ticket package.
How many times have Kansas and Duke played?
The programs have met 16 times since 1985. This is only Duke’s second trip to Allen Fieldhouse; the first was February 20, 1988, a 74-70 overtime win for Duke.
