Holiday Hoopsgiving returns for its 6th anniversary, bringing a high-energy doubleheader of men’s college basketball to Atlanta at the award-winning State Farm Arena on Dec. 13, 2025. Since 2020, this neutral-site showcase has become a season highlight, blending competitive matchups with community impact through Play for Orange.
Matchups – 2025 College Edition
Georgia vs. Cincinnati: The Bulldogs once again bring SEC power and fan passion to Atlanta. They’ll face the Bearcats, led by Head Coach Wes Miller, who posted a 19–16 overall record in 2024–25, going 7–13 in the Big 12. Cincinnati showed postseason grit, reaching the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals and logging solid wins in the NIT.
Auburn vs. Chattanooga: Bruce Pearl’s Auburn returns to Holiday Hoopsgiving with a dynamic, SEC-ready roster. They’ll face the Chattanooga Mocs, who capped their season with a historic 29–9 record while winning the SoCon regular-season title (15–3). The Mocs then swept through the NIT bracket—beating Middle Tennessee, Dayton, Bradley, and Loyola—before clinching the first-ever NIT championship in program and Southern Conference history with an overtime win over UC Irvine.
Holiday Hoopsgiving & Play for Orange: “This year is extra special — our 6th anniversary — and this year’s field delivers high-stakes matchups with real postseason pedigree,” said Christopher Williams, Event Director & Founder. Holiday Hoopsgiving is more than basketball. Operating under the Play for Orange non-profit, the event raises awareness and support for children fighting leukemia at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA). Just last year, Auburn and Coach Bruce Pearl visited the new Arthur M. Blank CHOA facility, bringing joy and inspiration to families. We look forward to continuing that tradition of impact again this year.
Launched in 2020, Holiday Hoopsgiving has become a premier neutral-site college basketball event featuring standout programs from the SEC, Big 12, ACC, American, and more. With its unique doubleheader format and tangible charitable impact, it captures the spirit of competition and community each holiday season.
