Pittsburgh, Pa. – As part of its 2026 non-conference schedule, the Duquesne University men's basketball team will take part in the Hope Gas Backyard Basketball Classic Wednesday, Dec. 9, at PPG Paints Arena. The Dukes will face off against Robert Morris in the second game of a doubleheader that will also include Pitt and West Virginia. The announcement was made Wednesday as part of a press conference at PPG Paints Arena.
The Hope Gas Backyard Basketball Classic is designed to bring together fans throughout Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and the surrounding region for a celebration of college basketball. The event, which features four universities, two marquee matchups and one iconic venue, offers fans a unique opportunity to experience multiple rivalries during a single night.
"We're super excited for the opportunity to play in the Hope Gas Backyard Basketball Classic," head coach
Dru Joyce III said. "It's a chance to unite the city and bring some great basketball to the area. It will be an exciting day of college basketball with local rivalries that have a chance to take place at PPG Paints Arena. We'll have fans from all corners of the city and the region, and it's a great opportunity to showcase the talented programs in our own backyard."
The matchup against the Colonials marks the first meeting in the all-time series since 2017, a 66-59 victory for RMU at the A.J. Palumbo Center. Overall, Duquesne leads the all-time series, 16-12 (.571), but RMU has won seven of the last eight contests. The game Dec. 9 at PPG Paints Arena will mark the second between Duquesne and Robert Morris in the venue. The Colonials earned a 64-60 victory over the Dukes at PPG Paints Arena Dec. 6, 2016, in a contest designated as a home game for RMU due to the construction of the UPMC Events Center on the Moon Township campus.
"I think the Hope Gas Backyard Basketball Classic is going to do wonders for the younger generation," Joyce III said. "For the young kids to be able to watch this game and be excited about the local universities competing against each other is really awesome. Local rivalries mean something, too. They're steeped in tradition, and I know our players are excited. We can't wait to take center stage at the event."
Tickets for the Hope Gas Backyard Basketball Classic go on sale Thursday, Sept. 17, at 10:00 a.m. via presale, while the general on sale will begin Friday, Sept. 25, at 10:00 a.m. via Ticketmaster.
HOPE GAS BACKYARD BASKETBALL CLASSIC FAQ
Are tickets to the Hope Gas Backyard Basketball Classic included in the Duquesne men's basketball season ticket package?
The University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics is considered the host institution for this event. All other participating teams are either considered the away team or a neutral site game. Despite the close proximity and other times in which Duquesne may appear in games played at PPG Paints Arena, this game is considered a neutral site game for Duquesne and therefore, tickets are not included in the 2026-27 season ticket package. The 2026-27 men's basketball season ticket package only includes games that occur in UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse.
Will Duquesne fans have priority access to purchase tickets?
A pre-sale for participating teams season ticket holders and fans will take place from Thursday, Sept. 17, at 10:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21. Section 104 is the designated Duquesne block of tickets. However, the on-sale will have all seating levels available for purchase. To purchase tickets during the presale,
please use this link and the access code DUQBB.
In addition, please visit the
DICK'S Sporting Goods Box Office at PPG Paints Arena webpage for information regarding account setup, mobile ticketing and for contact information for support.
The Dean Honda Ticket Office within Duquesne Athletics will not be able to assist with any ticket support for this event.
When do tickets sales open for all fans?
The general on-sale for the Hope Gas Backyard Basketball Classic will begin Friday, Sept. 25, at 10:00 a.m.
How much are tickets for the Hope Gas Backyard Basketball Classic?
Ticket prices range from $36.75 to $525.00 depending on seat location. For exact pricing, visit the event page on PPG Paints Arena's website.
Does the ticket include a seat for both games?
Yes, this event is considered a true doubleheader. Fans who purchase tickets can attend both the 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. games.
Can I purchase tickets to only the Duquesne vs. Robert Morris game?
You can choose to attend only the Duquesne vs. Robert Morris game, but there is no option to purchase tickets only for the second game.
How will I receive my tickets?
All tickets for this event will be purchased and issued directly through the DICK'S Sporting Goods Box Office at PPG Paints Arena. For information regarding account setup, mobile ticketing, and for contact information for support visit their event ticketing page.
Are student-tickets available?
Student tickets will be available for purchase at a discounted price.
- Floor Seats: $50
- Upper-level seats: $25
Duquesne Athletics and the Center for Student Involvement will be purchasing a limited number of tickets for FREE for students to attend the game. More details on those tickets and the redemption process will be communicated to students directly at a later date.
PARKING QUESTIONS
Will the Duquesne garages be available for parking?
The Duquesne parking garages will be open and available for parking.
What will be the parking rates for the event?
Duquesne Athletics does not set rates for campus parking garages. Since this event is not considered a home game, University Parking Services may elect to elevate prices beyond the typical men's basketball gameday rate.
Led by Joyce III, entering his third year leading the program in 2026-27, Duquesne finished with an overall record of 18-15 (.545) last season, including a mark of 9-9 (.500) in the Atlantic 10. The Dukes advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Atlantic 10 Championship in posting their third winning season in the last four years.
The Dukes recently
announced their roster for 2026-27, and the game against RMU is part of a non-conference schedule for Duquesne that also includes the
seventh annual Sunshine Slam. Deposits for season tickets for the 2026-27 campaign
are now being accepted. Fans wishing to renew, upgrade or purchase season tickets for the first time can use this
link to lock in seats.
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