NC State to face Vanderbilt in multi-game event in December

RALEIGH, NC — Kevin Keatts is still rounding out NC State’s personnel and roster, but is already working on the non-conference schedule as well. Later this year, the Wolfpack will travel to Chicago to take on Vanderbilt for a non-conference game to give the program a strong game against an SEC opponent.

On Tuesday evening, during the final stop of the Wolfpack Club Coaches Caravan, Keatts confirmed the news with Pack Pride.

“That’s been finalized. So you have the latest news that we’ll be playing Vanderbilt,” Keatts said with a laugh. “I’m not going to release much else, but we will play Vanderbilt on neutral ground on December 17.”

While Keatts wouldn’t divulge further details, the initial report from CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein already indicated that the Wolfpack and Commodores would be part of a multi-team event. The event will take place at the United Center in Chicago on December 17, with NC State and Vanderbilt playing the final game after Wyoming and Dayton played the opener of the day.

In addition to playing Vandy, the Pack is also working on another potential non-conference game with St. Louis. After the two teams played one game in Saint Louis during the 2020-21 season, the Pack were expected to host the Billikens at some point in the near future.

“We’re trying to work up to the Saint Louis game so far,” Keatts said. “If it matches, we’ll play them this year. If not, they’ll come to us next year.”

In addition to the two potential non-conference matchups, State will also travel for an August overseas trip to the Bahamas and return for Battle 4 Atlantis in November. And with a daunting ACC roster every year, getting those early-season tests should help State prepare for what will be a crucial part of the 2023 schedule to return to the NCAA tournament.

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