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Jumpman Invitational tips off in Uptown Tuesday

The Jumpman Invitational will feature Oklahoma, Florida, North Carolina and Michigan competing at Spectrum Center on Dec. 20 & 21.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Festivities began Monday ahead of the Jumpman Invitational college basketball event at Spectrum Center in Uptown Charlotte. 

The 2022 Jumpman Invitational presented by Novant Health is the inaugural showcase event of Jordan Brand, featuring four of college basketball's most successful programs ahead of the Christmas holiday. The men's and women's teams for Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and Oklahoma will compete in the Queen City as part of the inaugural event. 

2022 Jumpman Invitational schedule

Dec. 20
7 p.m.: Michigan women vs. North Carolina women
9:30 p.m.: Florida men vs. Oklahoma men

Dec. 21
7 p.m.: Michigan men vs. North Carolina men
9:30 p.m.: Florida women vs. Oklahoma women

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Spectrum Center unveiled the event's court Monday afternoon ahead of Tuesday's opening tip between Michigan and North Carolina.

The Jumpman Invitational was first announced in July 2021 by the Charlotte Sports Foundation. The event is currently signed to take place for three years at Spectrum Center and will be broadcast by ESPN. Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione is credited with developing the idea. 

“We’re incredibly excited to bring what we believe will quickly become the marquee college basketball event of the holiday season to the Queen City,” said Danny Morrison, executive director of the Charlotte Sports Foundation. “These are four of the most storied and competitive programs in the game, and we’re looking forward to the interconference play.”

In the past, the Queen City has been home to North-South, CIAA Tournament, ACC Championships, and an NCAA Final Four. Now with the Jumpman Invitational, the goal is to get one step closer to making Charlotte a college basketball destination.

"The Jordan Brand as part of it adds a little energy, some creativity and when people walk into the Spectrum Center this is going to feel different than any other basketball event they’ve been to," Miller Yoho, Charlotte Sports Foundation spokesperson, said. "It draws to the history of Charlotte’s basketball tradition and then takes it to the evolution of college basketball in Charlotte.”

The Charlotte Sports Foundation is also calling for a citywide "Sneak Out" on Tuesday to kick off the first day of play. They are encouraging people to put on their best pair of sneakers, take a photo, and post it on social media using #JumpmanInvitational.

Tickets remain available through Ticketmaster. Click here for more information. Fans can also purchase tickets for the Duke's Mayo Bowl between NC State and Maryland at Bank of America Stadium on Dec. 30. 

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