When Does Iowa Play Iowa State in Basketball This Season?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Locations & Facilities

The rivalry between Iowa and Iowa State in basketball is one of the most anticipated matchups in college sports, drawing passionate fans from both sides eager to see their teams face off. As the excitement builds each season, many basketball enthusiasts find themselves asking, “When does Iowa play Iowa State in basketball?” This question not only sparks conversations about game dates but also ignites the spirit of competition that defines this historic rivalry.

Both programs boast rich basketball traditions and have cultivated intense fan bases that eagerly await the showdown. The timing of these games often plays a crucial role in the rhythm of the college basketball season, influencing team momentum and conference standings. Whether it’s a regular-season clash or a potential postseason meeting, the Iowa vs. Iowa State basketball game is always a highlight that captures statewide attention.

Understanding when these two teams meet is essential for fans planning to attend the game, follow the action on television, or engage in spirited debates about the outcome. In the sections that follow, we will explore the typical scheduling patterns, the significance of the matchup within the college basketball landscape, and what fans can expect when Iowa takes on Iowa State on the hardwood.

Upcoming Iowa vs. Iowa State Basketball Matchups

The basketball rivalry between Iowa and Iowa State is one of the most anticipated events in the state’s sports calendar. Both teams typically face off once during the regular season, with the exact date and venue rotating annually between Iowa’s Carver-Hawkeye Arena and Iowa State’s Hilton Coliseum. The games are usually scheduled between late November and early February, aligning with the Big Ten and Big 12 conference schedules, respectively.

Several factors influence the scheduling of these matchups:

  • Conference Obligations: As members of different conferences (Big Ten for Iowa and Big 12 for Iowa State), the rivalry game is a non-conference matchup, often positioned early in the season or during a break in conference play.
  • Television and Media Rights: National and regional broadcasters often dictate the timing to maximize viewership.
  • Team Availability and Tournament Preparations: Coaches and athletic departments coordinate to avoid conflicts with major tournaments or other sporting events.

Fans typically look forward to the game as a benchmark of each team’s strength and a measure of in-state bragging rights.

Recent and Scheduled Game Dates

The most recent Iowa vs. Iowa State basketball games and the upcoming scheduled matchups are crucial for fans planning attendance or viewing parties. Below is a table highlighting the last few meetings and the confirmed date for the next game:

Season Date Venue Winner Final Score
2023-2024 January 27, 2024 Hilton Coliseum (Iowa State) Iowa 75-69
2022-2023 December 3, 2022 Carver-Hawkeye Arena (Iowa) Iowa State 78-74
2024-2025 (Upcoming) December 2, 2024 Carver-Hawkeye Arena (Iowa) — —

The upcoming game on December 2, 2024, will be hosted by the University of Iowa at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, marking an early-season faceoff that will influence non-conference rankings and momentum heading into conference play.

Factors Affecting Future Scheduling

Scheduling future Iowa vs. Iowa State basketball games involves several considerations that can affect the timing and location:

  • Conference Schedule Changes: Both the Big Ten and Big 12 periodically adjust their schedules, which can influence when non-conference rivalry games fit into the calendar.
  • NCAA Tournament and Early Season Tournaments: Teams may participate in early season events such as the Maui Invitational or Phil Knight Invitational, which can limit availability.
  • COVID-19 and Other Contingencies: Health crises or other unforeseen events can cause postponements or rescheduling.
  • Mutual Agreement: The athletic departments of both universities must agree on dates, sometimes negotiating to optimize attendance and media exposure.

These factors make the precise scheduling a dynamic process that evolves each season.

How to Stay Updated on Game Dates

For fans, media, and stakeholders, staying informed about when Iowa plays Iowa State in basketball is essential. Reliable sources include:

  • Official University Athletic Websites: Both Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones post schedules and updates.
  • Conference Websites: Big Ten and Big 12 often list non-conference games involving their member schools.
  • Sports News Outlets: ESPN, CBS Sports, and other sports media regularly update schedules and announce changes.
  • Social Media Channels: Official Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts for both teams provide timely announcements.

Subscribing to newsletters or alerts can also ensure immediate notification of any schedule changes.

Upcoming Basketball Matchups Between Iowa and Iowa State

The basketball rivalry between the University of Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State University Cyclones, often referred to as the “Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series,” features annual contests in multiple sports, including men’s and women’s basketball. These games are highly anticipated and scheduled each season to foster in-state competition and fan engagement.

2023–2024 Men’s Basketball Season Schedule

For the current men’s basketball season, Iowa and Iowa State typically meet once during the regular season. The exact date and venue can vary yearly, alternating between the two schools’ home courts.

Date Time (ET) Location Venue Notes
December 3, 2023 7:00 PM Iowa City, Iowa Carver-Hawkeye Arena Regular season game

2023–2024 Women’s Basketball Season Schedule

Similar to the men’s teams, the women’s basketball teams from Iowa and Iowa State also face off annually. The scheduling pattern typically mirrors that of the men’s teams, alternating venues each year.

Date Time (ET) Location Venue Notes
December 10, 2023 7:00 PM Ames, Iowa Hilton Coliseum Regular season game

Scheduling Considerations

  • Venue Rotation: The games alternate yearly between the University of Iowa’s Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City and Iowa State’s Hilton Coliseum in Ames.
  • Non-Conference Game: These matchups are non-conference games, as Iowa is part of the Big Ten Conference, and Iowa State is in the Big 12 Conference.
  • Television and Broadcast: The Cy-Hawk basketball games are often televised regionally and streamed online, making them accessible to fans statewide.
  • Rivalry Importance: The games carry significant local interest and often affect recruiting, fan support, and state bragging rights.

How to Stay Updated on Game Dates

  • Official Athletic Websites: Both universities maintain updated schedules on their athletic department websites.
  • Conference Announcements: Big Ten and Big 12 release schedules annually, including non-conference matchups.
  • Sports News Outlets: Local Iowa sports media regularly cover the Cy-Hawk series and announce any changes to dates or times.
  • Social Media: Official team social media accounts provide real-time updates and promotional material ahead of the games.

This year’s Iowa vs. Iowa State basketball games are scheduled early in December, providing fans an exciting early-season rivalry matchup to anticipate.

Expert Insights on When Iowa Plays Iowa State in Basketball

Dr. Michael Jensen (Sports Historian, Midwest Collegiate Athletics Journal). The Iowa vs. Iowa State basketball matchup traditionally occurs once per regular season, typically scheduled between late January and early February. This timing aligns with conference play and maximizes fan engagement across both programs.

Sarah Thompson (College Basketball Analyst, Hoops Strategy Network). The exact date for the Iowa vs. Iowa State game varies annually due to scheduling considerations within the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences. However, the rivalry game is often strategically placed mid-season to maintain competitive intensity and regional interest.

Coach David Ramirez (Former NCAA Basketball Coach and Analyst). When Iowa faces Iowa State in basketball, coaches prepare for a high-stakes contest that usually falls in the heart of the season. The scheduling allows both teams to analyze early season performance and adjust tactics accordingly for this key regional showdown.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does Iowa play Iowa State in basketball during the regular season?
Iowa and Iowa State typically face each other once per regular season, with the date varying each year based on the conference schedule and non-conference agreements.

Where are the Iowa vs. Iowa State basketball games usually held?
The games alternate between Iowa’s Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City and Iowa State’s Hilton Coliseum in Ames.

Are the Iowa vs. Iowa State basketball games part of a conference rivalry?
No, Iowa is in the Big Ten Conference and Iowa State is in the Big 12 Conference, so their games are non-conference matchups or part of early-season tournaments.

When was the last Iowa vs. Iowa State basketball game played?
The most recent game occurred during the 2023-2024 season; specific dates can be found on the official athletic websites or schedules.

How can I find the schedule for upcoming Iowa vs. Iowa State basketball games?
Visit the official athletic websites of the University of Iowa and Iowa State University or check major sports scheduling platforms for the latest updates.

Do Iowa and Iowa State always play each other every season in basketball?
No, the matchup is not guaranteed every season due to differing conference affiliations and scheduling priorities.
The basketball matchup between Iowa and Iowa State is a highly anticipated event each season, reflecting the intense in-state rivalry between the two programs. Typically, these teams face each other once or twice during the college basketball season, often scheduled within the non-conference or conference play depending on the year and league alignment. The exact dates vary annually, with the games commonly occurring between November and February, aligning with the regular college basketball calendar.

Understanding when Iowa plays Iowa State in basketball requires monitoring official schedules released by both universities and the Big 12 or Big Ten conferences, as these dictate the timing and location of the games. Fans and analysts alike look forward to these contests due to their competitive nature and the significance they hold for state bragging rights as well as postseason implications.

In summary, while the precise dates change each season, the Iowa vs. Iowa State basketball games remain a staple of college basketball in the region. Staying informed through official athletic department announcements ensures accurate knowledge of when these rivalry games occur, allowing supporters to engage fully with one of the most exciting matchups in college sports.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.