WVU vs. Pitt to headline Hope Gas Backyard Basketball Classic
Trending
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – PPG Paints Arena will become the center of the college basketball world on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, as the Hope Gas Backyard Basketball Classic brings four of the region’s premier programs together for a special doubleheader featuring University of Pittsburgh vs. West Virginia University and Robert Morris University vs. Duquesne University.
The highly anticipated event will showcase two compelling regional matchups in one of Pittsburgh’s premier sports and entertainment venues, giving fans an opportunity to experience an entire night of college basketball featuring four programs with deep local ties and passionate fan bases.
The evening will feature Robert Morris taking on Duquesne, and the marquee matchup between Pitt and West Virginia in another chapter of the storied Backyard Brawl rivalry.
“The Hope Gas Basketball Classic is about bringing Pittsburgh’s basketball community together for one incredible night,” said Gary Desjardins, Sr. Vice President/General Manager of OVG/PPG Paints Arena. “We’re incredibly excited to welcome four outstanding programs to PPG Paints Arena and give fans the opportunity to experience two great matchups under one roof. The combination of Robert Morris-Duquesne and Pitt-West Virginia makes this a truly special event for basketball fans throughout the region.”
The opening matchup will feature two Pittsburgh-area programs when Robert Morris and Duquesne meet on the PPG Paints Arena court. The matchup provides an opportunity to showcase two local universities while giving fans a chance to experience an all-Pittsburgh basketball rivalry on a major stage.
The night will then culminate with Pitt vs. West Virginia, renewing one of the region’s most passionate college rivalries. The 2026 meeting marks the 193rd all-time meeting between Pitt and West Virginia men’s basketball, with WVU holding a 102-90 advantage in the series entering the matchup. The game will also mark the first time West Virginia has faced Pitt at PPG Paints Arena.
“This will be a fun and exciting night of basketball at PPG Paints Arena," West Virginia Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker said. "It's exciting to continue our partnership with Hope Gas and play the Backyard Brawl at PPG Paints Arena. Four great teams with loyal fan bases will make this one of the best early season college basketball nights in the country.”
The Hope Gas Basketball Classic is designed to bring together fans from throughout Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and the surrounding region for a celebration of college basketball. With four universities, two marquee matchups and one iconic venue, the event will offer fans a unique opportunity to experience multiple rivalries during a single night.
Tickets for the Hope Gas Basketball Classic will be available to the public at ppgpaintsarena.com and ticketmaster.com beginning on Friday, September 25 at 10 a.m. A single ticket will provide fans access to both games, allowing them to experience the full night of college basketball at PPG Paints Arena.