Cleveland, OH-The Cleveland State men’s basketball team has released its 2024 Non-Conference Schedule. The Vikings will play a total of 12 games against non-conference opponents including an exhibition contest on October 30 against Lourdes to kick off the season which will be free of charge for all fans. 

“Our schedule is officially set, and I’m really excited about the challenges that lie ahead,” said head coach Daniyal Robinson. “We set out each year to challenge ourselves in our non-conference schedule in order to best prepare ourselves for league play. We’ll have a chance to play in several hostile environments throughout the first part of the season. Naturally, we always look forward to the opportunities we have to protect home court, and this year we’ll be hosting a pair of prestigious MAC programs in Eastern Michigan and Kent State at the Wolstein Center. Another thing I’m looking forward to is starting a Home & Home series with a former conference foe in Valparaiso. Looking up and down the schedule, we know we will be tested throughout and it will be a great opportunity for us to gauge where we’re at.”

“We also had the opportunity this year to bring back the Thanksgiving Week MTE in Woodling Gym. We had a ton of success with that last year, and what makes it special is it gives CSU fans and alumni a chance to reminisce on some of the great Cleveland State teams of the past that played in Woodling.”

“When it comes to League Play, I look forward to the challenge of kicking things off on the road this year against two teams that had a ton of success last year in Milwaukee and Green Bay. Just like any year, there are no easy games when it comes to Horizon League play. I’m excited to compete against a handful of new Head Coaches in the league, too. Especially in the cases of Coach Sargent at Wright State and Coach Faulkner at Youngstown State, those guys were a huge part of the success their predecessors had at their respective schools.” 

“Everybody knows the Horizon League lost a lot of talent following last season to graduation and other circumstances, but I look around the league now, and I think everybody did a tremendous job recruiting at the high school and JUCO levels as well as in the transfer portal. It’s going to be a fun season ahead!”

The schedule is highlighted by an in-state matchup with Kent State at the Wolstein Center on November 23 which will be the annual Homecoming game. The Vikings also welcome Eastern Michigan to Cleveland on November 16. Cleveland State matched up with both teams on the road in the 2023-24 season and will take on Kent State for the fourth time in the past six seasons.
 
Cleveland State will also visit three “Power 4” conference opponents, starting with the regular season opener at Michigan on Monday, November 4. The Vikings and Wolverines will meet for the tenth time in series history and the first time since 2012. Cleveland State will also travel to Kansas State on November 9 and Minnesota on November 19. Both the Wildcats and Gophers made appearances in the NIT last season.
 
Cleveland State will also host the Viking Invitational, a multi-team tournament scheduled to take place at Woodling Gymnasium over Thanksgiving weekend. The games against Morehead State and New Jersey Institute of Technology will be free to attend for all fans. Cleveland State’s game against Brescia on December 14 will also offer free admission.
 
Viking fans will have a host of ticket packages and opportunities to catch the action inside the Wolstein Center and Woodling Gymnasium throughout the season. Season tickets remain on sale and can be purchased by calling the CSU Ticket Office at 216-687-4848 or online at this link. Cleveland State Athletics is excited to launch the sale of single-game tickets, as well as mini plans including the return of the “Downtown Deals” and “Hoop Diggity Dog” packages.
 
“Downtown Deals” allows CSU fans to take advantage of one of the best values Downtown Cleveland has to offer. The $35 package includes a lower-level game ticket plus unlimited food and drink, including alcoholic beverages. This package is available for select weeknight home games starting with the regular season home opener against Baldwin Wallace.
 
Also returning is the “Hoop Diggity Dog” family package. This package is perfect for families looking for a fun weekend activity as fans can purchase a lower-level game ticket along with a concession voucher for a hot dog, popcorn and fountain drink for $15 per person. This package is available for most weekend home games throughout the season.
 
Groups of ten or more can also take advantage of special discounted pricing for any ticketed home game. Lower-level sideline tickets can be purchased for $22 per person which includes a replica jersey.
 
Flex plans are also available with options to purchase either four, eight or 12 vouchers at one time. Each voucher is good for a sideline reserved ticket to a majority of ticketed home games throughout the season.
 
Fans will also have multiple doubleheader opportunities to see both the men’s and women’s basketball team in action for one low price. Doubleheaders will occur on November 23, December 29, and February 8.
 
More information including broadcast coverage and promotional details will be announced at a later date.