Grambling State will help usher in the 2026-27 college basketball season in one of the most unique games on the opening-day schedule.
The Tigers are slated to face Northern Illinois at 3:00 a.m. ET on Nov. 2 as part of The Field of 68’s Opening Day Marathon, a 24-hour event that will showcase college basketball from start to finish.
The game will be played in Rock Hill, South Carolina, with fans across the country able to tune in during the overnight hours as the marathon keeps the opening day of the season rolling.
The Opening Day Marathon has become known for spotlighting programs from across Division I while delivering wall-to-wall college basketball coverage. Grambling State’s appearance gives the Tigers an opportunity to showcase their program on a national stage during one of the sport’s signature opening-week events.
While the unusual tipoff time is certain to grab headlines, the matchup also gives both programs an early-season measuring stick before conference play begins later in the year.
College basketball fans looking for a late-night—or early-morning—basketball fix won’t have to wait long, as Grambling State and Northern Illinois are scheduled to tip off at 3:00 a.m. ET on Nov. 2 in Rock Hill.
