For the first time since 2012, the University of Missouri and the University of Kansas will play each other in a men’s basketball scrimmage to raise money for hurricane relief.
Despite the historic MU and KU rivalry,n both teams are partnering with the Sprint Center and the Kansas City Sports Commission and are hoping to collectively raise $1 million through tickets sales at the game on October 22. The game will be held at the Sprint Center.
Nick Joos, MU Executive Associate Athletics Director of Communications, spoke about the impact he hopes this event will have.
“There are a lot of parties coming together in the spirit of collegiality and to bring a special event to Kansas City and to also help a lot of people in need who have had their lives really impacted by the hurricanes,” Joos said.
The teams are hoping to sell out the Sprint Center, which holds 18,000 people.
All of the proceeds will go toward organizations that benefit victims affected by the hurricanes in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Both of the teams received clearance from the NCAA to have a scrimmage. KU is a part of the Big 12 and MU moved to the SEC in 2012.
The scrimmage will not be televised or streamed, but each school will able to have their radio network to broadcast it to fans.
Jim Marchiony, KU Associate Athletics Director of Public Affairs, explained what both teams are hoping to do through this event.
“The only focus is to raise as much money as we can for people who have been devastated by these natural disasters.”