ESPN Events, in collaboration with the Charlotte Sports Foundation, has announced the creation of the Dick Vitale Invitational, a new men’s college basketball event that will annually honor Dick Vitale, the Hall of Fame broadcaster and one of the sport’s most iconic voices and ambassadors, who celebrates his 86th birthday today.

The inaugural Dick Vitale Invitational will feature a marquee matchup between national powers –Texas Longhorns vs. Duke Blue Devils – at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C., in the opening days of the 2025-26 season. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4, on ESPN. Tip-off time will be announced at a later date.

“ESPN has been such a vital part of my life since December 5, 1979, and I was so thrilled to learn that ESPN Events will have an annual Dick Vitale Invitational,” said Dick Vitale. “Jimmy Pitaro and all my colleagues and friends at ESPN have been so good to me and I am so thankful for all of the prayers and love I have received from them during my cancer battles. ESPN has been family to me and has given me a life that has been even better than my dreams. To the Vitale family, ESPN is ‘Awesome, baby’ with a capital A!”

Since joining ESPN during its first year in 1979, Vitale has called more than 1,000 games. His unmistakable passion and signature style have helped shape the college basketball experience for fans for more than four decades, while cementing his legacy as one of the most beloved and enduring figures in sports broadcasting history. Vitale’s countless accolades include induction into the Naismith Basketball and Sports Broadcasting Halls of Fame. Most recently, he received the prestigious Dean Smith Award from the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), as well as The New York Athletic Club Winged Foot Award.

“We are thrilled to host the inaugural Dick Vitale Invitational in Charlotte,” said Will Pitts, CEO of the Charlotte Sports Foundation. “Bringing together two powerhouse programs like Texas and Duke is an incredible way to kick off this new tradition. More importantly, this event celebrates the enduring legacy of Dick Vitale—his passion for college basketball, his advocacy for cancer research, and the joy he brings to fans everywhere. It’s an honor to carry his name on this event, and we look forward to making this a special experience for everyone involved.”

“For over 30 years, Dick Vitale has been the voice of college basketball,” said Clint Overby, Vice President of ESPN Events.  “I can’t think of a better way to honor his legacy than have a basketball event featuring the very best of the sport.  As a kid, I grew up listening to his calls and developing a love for the sport, its traditions and the personalities involved.  We can’t thank Mr. Vitale enough for what he’s done for the sport and look forward to a special night!”

Fans are encouraged to visit dickvitaleinvitational.com to sign up for exclusive ticket presale opportunities and be the first to know when game details are announced.