Michigan State Will Host Exhibition Game October 2
The Spartans will face the University of the Incarnate Word in an exhibition match at the Breslin Center.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Basketball
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Would you attend a replacement basketball exhibition event instead of a traditional Midnight Madness kickoff?
Michigan State University will play an exhibition game against the University of the Incarnate Word on October 2, 2026. This game replaces the traditional Midnight Madness event.
Why it matters
The shift away from Midnight Madness marks a change in the kickoff format for the upcoming basketball season in East Lansing. Fans will instead have the opportunity to participate in the Izzone Campout directly following the exhibition.
The exhibition game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start time at the Breslin Center. This matchup against the University of the Incarnate Word serves as the primary evening event for the basketball program.
The players
Michigan State University
This public research university in East Lansing is home to the Spartans athletic programs.
University of the Incarnate Word
This is a private Catholic university based in San Antonio that competes in collegiate athletics.
The details
Michigan State University has confirmed it will not hold its annual Midnight Madness event for the 2026 basketball season. Instead, the school will shift the focus to a men's basketball exhibition game followed immediately by the traditional Izzone Campout.
Timeline
The exhibition game and Izzone Campout are set for October 2, 2026.
The basketball game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
Season Trajectory
The cancellation of the traditional Midnight Madness event alters the standard preseason experience for the Spartan basketball program. By replacing it with an exhibition game, the team shifts its immediate focus toward competitive preparation against the University of the Incarnate Word.
Fans planning to attend the event should note the 7 p.m. start time for the game at the Breslin Center. The Izzone Campout will now take place immediately after the final buzzer of the exhibition contest.
The takeaway
Supporters of the program should adjust their expectations for the start of the season due to the absence of the typical Midnight Madness festivities. Attendees of the Izzone Campout should prepare for a late-evening start following the exhibition game.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming athletic calendar, visit the Basketball page.
Live Poll
Would you attend a replacement basketball exhibition event instead of a traditional Midnight Madness kickoff?
