Get ready for a basketball showdown that’s been decades in the making! Notre Dame and Butler, two Indiana powerhouses separated by just 140 miles, are finally reuniting on the court after years of going their separate ways. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this isn’t just any game—it’s an exhibition match that marks the first time these teams have faced off at Hinkle Fieldhouse since 1995. And this is the part most people miss: both programs have since switched conferences, with Notre Dame now in the ACC and Butler in the Big East, adding a layer of historical irony to this matchup.
On Friday, October 17, at 7 p.m., Notre Dame will make the two-and-a-half-hour journey down U.S. 31 to Indianapolis for this highly anticipated exhibition. While the game won’t be televised, fans can tune in via radio on 960 WSBT-AM in South Bend or stream it on SiriusXM’s ACC Radio channels. For those keeping score, Notre Dame leads the all-time series 72-31, but this game is about more than just numbers—it’s a revival of a rivalry steeped in Indiana basketball history.
But here’s the controversial part: Is this exhibition a mere formality, or could it reignite a dormant rivalry? With both teams undergoing significant changes in recent years, this game could be a litmus test for their future trajectories. Notre Dame, under head coach Micah Shrewsberry, is bringing in Jalen Haralson, a five-star freshman and the program’s highest-ranked recruit ever. Meanwhile, Butler’s freshman phenom, Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor, has already turned heads with his athleticism, including a highlight-reel dunk that left head coach Thad Matta in awe.
This game also marks Shrewsberry’s return to Hinkle Fieldhouse, where he spent four seasons as a Butler assistant under Brad Stevens. Will his insider knowledge give Notre Dame an edge, or will Butler’s home-court advantage prove too much to handle? And let’s not forget the broader question: With both teams in different conferences, is this a one-off event, or could it spark renewed interest in a regular series?
What do you think? Is this exhibition a meaningless preseason game, or the start of something bigger? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your take on this historic matchup!
