About this event
The 2026 Battle in Baltimore, a premier college basketball doubleheader set for Saturday, December 19, 2026, at CFG Bank Arena in downtown Baltimore. The inaugural event will feature four prominent Division I programs, highlighted by Maryland taking on South Carolina, while Towson faces George Mason in a regional matchup. The doubleheader brings together programs from the Big Ten, SEC, CAA and Atlantic 10 for a marquee day of college basketball in Baltimore. Maryland and South Carolina will headline the event in a highly anticipated neutral-site matchup. The Terrapins will make the short trip from College Park to compete in front of their strong Baltimore-area alumni and fan base, while the Gamecocks travel north for an opportunity to compete against a Big Ten opponent on a major neutral-site stage. The other matchup will feature Towson and George Mason, bringing together two programs with strong regional followings and providing both fan bases the opportunity to see their teams compete at one of the Mid-Atlantic’s premier sports and entertainment venues. The Battle in Baltimore is designed to become an annual showcase bringing high-profile college basketball to downtown Baltimore and providing participating programs, student-athletes and fans with a first-class neutral-site experience.