Hagans-vs.-Skal and Other Greensboro Things To Do When Kentucky Isn't Playing

Big Blue Nation is heading to Greensboro, North Carolina, for Kentucky Basketball‘s first and hopefully second-round games in the NCAA Tournament. The ‘Cats will play Providence in a Friday night matchup between the No. 6 and 11 seeds in the East and again on Sunday should they get the job done against their old teammate Bryce Hopkins and Ed Cooley’s other Friars. Kansas State or Montana State awaits the winner on Sunday.

If you’re among the Big Blue takeover making the trip, here are some events around the Gate City to fill the time when Kentucky isn’t playing.

THURSDAY

Ashton Hagans vs. Skal Labissiere

Headlining the Thursday things to do for BBN’s early arrivers, former Wildcats Ashton Hagans and Skal Labissiere will play one another in an NBA G League game between Hagans’ Greensboro Swarm and Labissiere’s Mexico City Capitanes. The Swarm and Capitanes are scheduled to tip at Swarm Fieldhouse next door to Greensboro Coliseum, where Kentucky plays Friday night.

ASHTON HAGANS DOES IT ALL! 💯

First a 50-foot buzzer-beater and now he’s THROWING DOWN posters! @greensboroswarm pic.twitter.com/GEGdGU3g3m

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 7, 2022

Hagans’ G League teammates include LiAngelo Ball and former UConn star James Bouknight. In addition, Labissiere plays with former Morehead State star Kenneth Faried and Orlando Mendez, a member of the 2008 Wester Kentucky Hilltoppers team that reached the Sweet Sixteen.

The start time is 7 p.m. and tickets are only $10 for Kentucky fans.

NCAA open practices

Before you watch the former Cats in the G League, take in even more basketball by attending the NCAA Tournament’s open practice sessions, including the current Cats’ practice time in Greensboro Coliseum. Admission is free for college basketball fans from 12-8 p.m.

Kentucky practices from 2-2:40 p.m. between Iowa State and Kansas State’s sessions.

Watch the NCAA Tournament at a bar

Find a bar or a restaurant. There are plenty of breweries too. Or find one of the NCAA’s big screens in downtown Greensboro.

Ain’t Too Proud: The Life And Times Of The Temptations

If you need a break from basketball, so your mind is fresh for Friday’s action, “Ain’t Too Proud”–a Broadway musical about The Temptations–will be in town as part of its tour. You can see it at Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts from March 14 through March 19.

FRIDAY

KSR morning and pregame shows

Locations are TBD.

Watch more NCAA Tournament basketball

If you didn’t like the bars or breweries, look into some of the official NCAA Tournament Fan Experiences and Watch Parties before it’s time to get to your seat for Kentucky-Providence at 7:10 p.m. Friday.

SATURDAY

Tournament Town Block Party With Michael Ray

In downtown Greensboro’s Hamburg Square on Saturday, the Tournament Town Block Party will feature a free concert from multiplatinum recording artist Michael Ray. A country singer, Ray’s hits include “Kiss You In The Morning” and “Whiskey and Rain.”

Dylan Marlowe is his opening act. Ray will take the stage at approximately 6 p.m.

Otis & Wawa’s St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl

You can find the KSR crew at Otis & Wawa’s St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl around downtown Greensboro from 3 to 9 p.m. According to its website, the crawl hits over 10 bars around the concert.

Registration will be held at First National Bank Field from 12-3 p.m. You’ll need a ticket.

Watch more NCAA Tournament basketball

Second-round action begins Saturday at other sites around the tournament.

SUNDAY

Hopefully, we will be doing Friday all over again…

KSR morning and pregame shows

Locations are TBD.

Watch more NCAA Tournament basketball

Greensboro’s second-round start times will be announced after Friday’s results.