SPORTS

Michigan State, Arkansas Set Thanksgiving Game in Detroit

PUBLISHED Jul 8, 2026, 2:10 PM ET

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Sources: 4

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Sources: 4

Detroit. Michigan State will play Arkansas at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday, Nov. 26, officials announced Wednesday, July 8, with coaches Tom Izzo and John Calipari confirming the nonconference matchup; the game is scheduled as part of a busy Thanksgiving Day sports lineup in downtown Detroit. The announcement noted tickets go on sale Oct. 1 and that CBS will broadcast the game; the day also features the 100th anniversary Thanksgiving Parade beginning at 8:45 a.m. and the Lions hosting the Bears at 1 p.m., with organizers and coaches citing national exposure and strong recent Nielsen audiences.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Feb. 21, 1993 — Purdue vs. Indiana drew 7.225 million viewers (historical benchmark).
Thanksgiving last year — Arkansas vs. Duke averaged 6.813 million viewers, per Nielsen.
July 8 — Arkansas and Michigan State officially announced the Thanksgiving matchup at Little Caesars Arena.
Oct. 1 — Tickets for the game scheduled to go on sale at DetroitHoops.com/tickets.
Nov. 26 — Game scheduled to tip off on Thanksgiving Day and air on CBS.

News Intelligence

This Thanksgiving, Detroit's sports scene is bustling. The Michigan State vs. Arkansas game is part of a packed day, including the 100th anniversary Thanksgiving Parade and a Lions game. If you're a sports fan, it's a day to mark on your calendar. Tickets go on sale Oct. 1 at DetroitHoops.com/tickets.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 4
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 4

Who Benefited

CBS, Little Caesars Arena, local Detroit businesses, and both university programs benefit from national television exposure, ticket revenue and increased local economic activity.

Who Impacted

Local residents and downtown visitors may face heavier traffic and crowding on Thanksgiving; smaller competing events could see reduced attendance.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 4
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 4
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

CBS, Little Caesars Arena, local Detroit businesses, and both university programs benefit from national television exposure, ticket revenue and increased local economic activity.

Who Impacted

Local residents and downtown visitors may face heavier traffic and crowding on Thanksgiving; smaller competing events could see reduced attendance.