USC and Cal Set for Thrilling Showdown at Bay Area Women's Classic

Chase Center, San Francisco, USA - The excitement is building for the upcoming Invisalign® Bay Area Women’s Classic, set to kick off on December 21 at the renowned Chase Center in San Francisco. This doubleheader event will feature powerhouse matchups: USC will face off against California, while Stanford will go up against Oregon. With both games poised for national television on ESPN, this marks a major opportunity for women’s college basketball to shine on a significant stage.

The Chase Center is typically home to the Golden State Warriors and Golden State Valkyries, providing a vibrant backdrop for this showcase. According to Reign of Troy, Coach Lindsay Gottlieb sees this event as an important opportunity for fans and analysts to evaluate her team’s roster. The game will not only allow for increased exposure to a higher caliber of competition but will also enhance the players‘ experience, as they battle it out in a well-regarded NBA arena.

Bridging Historical Context

This upcoming matchup is particularly significant given the shifting landscape of collegiate sports. While the game against Cal is a highlight, it reflects the changing nature of rivalries in men’s and women’s basketball as USC transitions to the Big Ten. The event honors the historical context of the old Pac-12 teams, emphasizing a connection to the past that fans will surely appreciate. The Bay Area Women’s Classic aims to build on the success of the inaugural event last season, which featured Ohio State facing Stanford and Creighton taking on UCLA.

The USC women’s basketball team notched an impressive 31-4 record last season, ultimately earning the Big Ten regular season championship and reaching the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight. The Cal women’s basketball team, under the leadership of head coach Charmin Smith, also made waves in the previous season, securing an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament with 25 wins and maintaining a Top 25 ranking for eight weeks. It’s a testament to the growing competitiveness of women’s college basketball in the region.

Event Logistics

Looking ahead, fans can purchase tickets starting Friday, June 27 at 12 p.m., with presale access for Chase Center Insiders available the day prior. One ticket grants access to both exciting matchups, a format designed to maximize fan engagement and excitement. Tickets can be conveniently purchased at Chase Center’s website.

Align Technology is the event’s title partner and supports the initiative, emphasizing the impact of sport in building self-confidence and resilience among athletes. For many, there’s something to be said for women’s sports receiving the spotlight they deserve.

A New Era for Women’s College Basketball

This event arrives at an interesting juncture for the Pac-12 Conference and women’s basketball, with significant changes on the horizon. The Pac-12 has lost several members and is gearing up for a transformation with new additions, aiming to sustain the competitiveness and allure of the tournament, which has been a staple of women’s college basketball since it first launched in 2002. Enough can’t be said about the resilience of these women, who have consistently proven their mettle on the court.

For many fans and players alike, the Bay Area Women’s Classic will not just be another series of games; it’s a celebration of tradition, talent, and the evolving landscape of collegiate sports. With USC and Cal leading the charge, expect an exhilarating atmosphere come December 21.