Iowa Men’s Basketball To Take On Washington State In The Quad Cities

You won't need to drive to Iowa City to essentially one home Iowa men's basketball game this year.

For the first time in 26 years, the Hawkeyes will be coming to Carver-Hawkeye Arena East, actually named Vibrant Arena at The Mark. They'll be taking on a team that they've only played once many decades ago, Washington State.

It'll be exciting to have the Hawks in town in November and it will be exciting to have two Hawkeye players playing in their hometown of Moline, Ill. again.

Iowa To Play Washington State In The Quad Cities

Intersport, a Chicago-based agency with a specialty in sports marketing and event development, will manage the Nov. 15 Quad Cities Hoops Showdown between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Washington State in a matchup that will take place at Vibrant Arena in Moline, Ill.

The two programs have met just one time previously on Dec. 30, 1963, a game Iowa won, 74-66.

Last year, Washington State recorded its best season in more than 15 years when the program posted a 25-10 record, tied a school record with 14 conference wins, and earned a No. 7 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Iowa returns major performers from last year’s team, which saw them finish with 19 wins and earn a second-round appearance in the NIT. Notably, Big Ten Freshman of the Year Owen Freeman and teammate Brock Harding attended Moline High School, where they led the program to a state championship in 2023.

Additionally, third-team All-Conference performer Payton Sandfort returns for his senior season under head coach Fran McCaffery, who in 14 years owns the program’s all-time wins record (280) and will become Iowa’s longest-tenured head coach in 2024-25.

“We are looking forward to playing in the Quad Cities against a strong Washington State team," said Iowa Head Coach Fran McCaffery. "We’re excited to be able to bring our program back to the venue for the first time in 26 years. I am thrilled for Brock and Owen to be able to play a college basketball game in their hometown.”

Tickets for the event will go on sale in September. Game time and television information will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans interested in presale access for tickets and other event information can visit www.vibrantarena.com. Intersport, a marketing and events agency based in Chicago, will manage the event.