Notre Dame, Villanova Set for 2026 Season Opener in Rome
Catholic college basketball powerhouses Notre Dame and Villanova are set to compete in the 2026 season opener in Rome, Italy, at the Palazzo dello Sport.
Orlando Daytona Beach Melbourne, FL, October 16, 2026 —
Notre Dame and Villanova are set to meet in the 2026 college basketball season opener at the Palazzo dello Sport in Rome, Italy. The matchup will bring the two Catholic college basketball programs together for a season-opening game outside the United States.
The available details identify Rome as the host city and the Palazzo dello Sport as the venue. The exact date and start time have not been provided. It is also unclear whether other events or teams are planned as part of the trip or game-day program.
No information was provided about ticket availability, broadcast arrangements, travel plans, or the organizations coordinating the game. Details about the teams’ schedules beyond this opening matchup were not included, so the game’s place in either program’s broader 2026 season remains unspecified.
The announced matchup is limited to Notre Dame and Villanova competing in the season opener in Rome. Further logistical details, including the precise date, have not been provided.
Story summarized from the original created by David Crary, Associated Press on www.clickorlando.com, see more information here.
