Holiday Hoopsgiving Marks 6th Anniversary with High-Energy Doubleheader in Atlanta

Holiday Hoopsgiving is back and better than ever, celebrating its 6th anniversary with a can’t-miss doubleheader of men’s college basketball at Atlanta’s award-winning State Farm Arena on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Since tipping off in 2020, this neutral-site showcase has grown into one of college basketball’s early-season highlights — mixing powerhouse programs, postseason-tested teams, and a community-first mission through Play for Orange.

Georgia will take on Cincinnati in the first matchup, as the Bulldogs bring SEC pride and fan energy back to Atlanta. They’ll face a Bearcats team led by Wes Miller, who guided Cincinnati to a 19–16 finish last season, including a gritty Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal run and NIT wins that showcased their toughness. Expect a high-tempo clash where Georgia’s firepower meets Cincinnati’s postseason edge.

In the nightcap, Auburn returns to Hoopsgiving under Bruce Pearl, this time facing a Chattanooga squad coming off a history-making season. The Mocs went 29–9, rolled to a Southern Conference regular-season crown, and then made national noise by storming through the NIT — defeating Middle Tennessee, Dayton, Bradley, and Loyola before clinching the program’s first-ever NIT championship in overtime against UC Irvine. Auburn’s SEC-tested roster squaring off against Chattanooga’s championship pedigree is a December treat fans won’t want to miss.

“This year is extra special — our 6th anniversary — and this year’s field delivers high-stakes matchups with real postseason pedigree,” said Christopher Williams, Event Director & Founder. But Holiday Hoopsgiving isn’t just about basketball. Through its Play for Orange non-profit, the event shines a spotlight on kids battling leukemia at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA). Last year, Auburn and Coach Pearl visited the new Arthur M. Blank CHOA facility, spreading joy and inspiration to patients and families. That spirit of impact continues in 2025.

Tickets will be available first through each participating school’s presale, where programs will provide unique passcodes for fans and boosters to access early. Public on-sale details will be announced soon at StateFarmArena.com/Events and HolidayHoopsgiving.com.

Atlanta, mark your calendars — December 13 belongs to Holiday Hoopsgiving, a celebration of hoops, heart, and community you won’t want to miss.