Arkansas will host Cincinnati in a men’s basketball exhibition game at Bud Walton Arena on October 24 at 7 p.m. The event, named the CareSource Invitational – Fayetteville, Supporting Mental Health, marks the first meeting between the two programs since 2021. This is the second year Arkansas has partnered with CareSource to focus on mental health awareness through college basketball.
The matchup is part of a larger initiative led by CareSource, a nonprofit managed care organization. The initiative seeks to promote open conversations about mental health and reduce stigma, particularly among children and teens. The final game of this series will feature Louisville facing Indiana in Indianapolis on December 6.
“We are pleased to host Cincinnati in this exhibition game and once again have the opportunity to highlight the importance of mental health,” said Arkansas head coach John Calipari. “We are grateful for the platform to raise awareness and advocate for a cause that affects so many individuals.”
Cincinnati’s head coach Wes Miller added, “We’re grateful for the opportunity to play this exhibition game. It’s been a while since the Bearcats were in Fayetteville. It’s meaningful our return is way to spotlight mental health – an issue that touches countless lives – and to use our platform to raise awareness and support.”
Tickets for the event will be available to the public starting at 1 p.m. Central Time on October 1 through ArkansasRazorbacks.com. The exhibition is not included in season ticket packages for Arkansas’s 2025-26 men’s basketball season.
The game will air live on SECN+.
CareSource began its support of collegiate basketball events promoting mental health in 2023 when it sponsored a charity benefit featuring Dayton against Ohio State, which raised around $500,000 for adolescent and young adult mental health efforts, including Jay’s Light—a fund established by Dayton Coach Anthony Grant and his wife after their daughter died from mental illness.
“When CareSource saw the power and impact of the inaugural game and events in Dayton, we immediately felt more people should hear the powerful messages around mental health and breaking the stigma,” said Scott Markovich, executive vice president, markets and products at CareSource. “Wellness is a core part of CareSource’s mission, and it’s an honor to support our communities’ health and wellbeing by expanding awareness and resources through these games. We want to make a real, meaningful impact on the communities and members we serve.”
Historically, Arkansas trails Cincinnati 2-3 in their all-time series but won their last encounter in November 2021 during the Hall of Fame Classic championship game.
