Crossroads Classic to remain in Indy through 2014

Following a successful debut in 2011, the athletic directors at Butler, Indiana, Notre Dame and Purdue universities have agreed to a two-year extension that will keep college basketball’s Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis through 2014.

Indiana will face Butler while Notre Dame battles Purdue on Dec. 15, 2012. IU will serve as the host school for the second-annual Crossroads Classic.

“We are so proud to partner with four outstanding Indiana institutions and build on the success of the inaugural Crossroads Classic,” Rick Fuson, chief operating officer of Pacers sports and entertainment, said in a press release. “We are excited that the extension will continue this great tradition in Bankers Life Fieldhouse.”

Athletic Directors Barry Collier of Butler, Fred Glass of Indiana, Jack Swarbrick of Notre Dame and Morgan Burke of Purdue each signed an addendum to the original Crossroads Classic contract. Bankers Life Fieldhouse will remain the location for the full term of the agreement.

“I think very early on you could see the excitement building about having these four programs together at one venue,” IU Vice President and Director of Athletics Fred Glass said. “I think it has quickly become a showcase event for college basketball fans in the state of Indiana.”

In 2011, Indiana beat Notre Dame 69-58 and Butler beat Purdue 67-65 before a sellout crowd of more than 19,000 fans. CBS broadcasted the Butler-Purdue matchup while Indiana-Notre Dame aired on ESPN2.

The contract extension also sets future game dates. The Classic will be held Dec. 14, 2013, and Dec. 20, 2014.

Game times and ticket information for this year’s Crossroads Classic will be announced at a later date.


-- Joe Popely