Duke and Michigan to Hold Open Practices
Washington, D.C. (February 14, 2026) – The Gazelle Group is pleased to announce ESPN’s College GameDay Covered by State Farm will broadcast live at Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s Capital One Arena during open practices for Duke and Michigan from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Fans will get a rare behind-the-scenes look at both teams as they prepare for tipoff in the Edward Jones Capital Showcase presented by Bad Boy Mowers.
Now in its 22nd season, College GameDay is hosted by Sports Emmy Award winner Rece Davis and features longtime analyst and former Duke standout Jay Bilas, 2023 Sports Emmy nominee Andraya Carter, two-time ACC Coach of the Year Seth Greenberg, and former Duke national champion and two-time NABC Player of the Year Jay Williams, plus reporter Pete Thamel.
Admission is free, and doors will open at 9 a.m at the arena’s F Street entrance. Fans will still need to claim a ticket, going live on Ticketmaster at 12:00pm today. Open seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans do NOT need a ticket to the game at 6:30 in order to attend College GameDay and the teams’ open practices. Fans are encouraged to bring signs and help create a College GameDay atmosphere inside the arena.
As part of ESPN’s College GameDay, one lucky fan will be selected to participate in the State Farm half-court shot contest. The student will have 19 seconds to make a half-court shot. If the shot is made, the student will receive $19,000! While you’re waiting to enter Capital One Arena, Jimmy John’s will be outside with chips and cookies.
Tickets for the Duke-Michigan game at 6:30 p.m. can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.
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About the Gazelle Group
The Gazelle Group is a sports marketing firm, specializing in event production and management, client representation, and sponsorship consulting. Gazelle produces numerous nationally recognized college sports events, such as the Empire Classic, Legends Classic, Gotham Classic, Sunshine Slam, College Basketball Invitational, Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off, Wolverine- Deacon Challenge, Boardwalk Battle, Jersey Jam, and Holiday Hoopfest as well as on-campus events at Kentucky, Ohio State, Marquette and other institutions across the country. For more information on the Gazelle Group, please visit gazellegroup.com.
About Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Monumental Sports & Entertainment is one of America’s leading integrated sports and entertainment companies and is ranked as one of the most valuable globally. Our people, players, teams, and events bring excitement and joy to millions. We invest and innovate to consistently raise the game so we can deliver extraordinary experiences that will inspire and unite our community, our fans, and our people. To learn more, please visit monumentalsports.com.
In addition to this marquee matchup, Capital One Arena is set to host the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball East Regional this March, along with other high-profile NCAA events including the 2027 Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship, and the 2028 Division I Women’s Basketball Regional.
Today’s announcement comes as Phase Two of arena construction is underway, a key part of MSE’s broader efforts to revitalize downtown Washington, D.C. and reinforce the District’s status as a global sports and entertainment capital, in partnership with the District. By taking a 360-degree approach to reimagining the fan experience—blending cutting-edge technology, immersive design, and community impact—MSE is creating a high-tech, high-touch venue designed to inspire millions of visitors annually.
