Michigan State to Host Tennessee in Men’s Basketball Charity Exhibition for Maui Wildfire Relief

Michigan State and Tennessee's men's basketball teams will play in a charity event to help the Maui wildfire relief efforts.

The schools announced on Wednesday that they will face off on Oct. 29 in an exhibition at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan, the Spartans' home arena. All proceeds will benefit the Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund.

The exhibition will take place the same day that Illinois hosts Kansas in an exhibition, with proceeds from that event also benefiting the same fund.

Earlier this month, Lahaina — a community of roughly 13,000 in the northwest part of Maui — was ravaged by wildfires. Per state officials, the death toll stands at 115, making it the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii's history and the deadliest in the U.S. in over a century, according to the New York Times.

"We've had plans to scrimmage Rick's team since last fall and we spoke about what we could do to help and honor the city of Lahaina and the people there who are in need," Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo said. "I'm hopeful that our Spartan family will pack the Breslin Center for what will be a great game, but will have an even greater mission and that's to help the Lahaina community as much as we can."

Both programs have competed in the Maui Jim Maui Invitational, which is held in Lahaina during Thanksgiving week. Michigan State has made five appearances in the event, winning once, while Tennessee has competed in the tournament three times, and is set to make its fourth appearance in 2023.

On Aug. 9, the Maui Invitational announced via X (formerly Twitter) that "our main concern right now is the safety and well-being of our Maui 'Ohana and the first responders that we know are doing everything in their power to keep the island safe," and would reveal more information about the event "as it becomes available."

On Monday, public relations firm and sports marketing agency KemperLesnik — the organizer of the tournament — said via a release that "no decision has been made yet as to the location of this year's Maui Invitational."

"At the appropriate time, we will meet with Maui officials to discuss where we can best host the event in a safe and respectful manner for residents, players, staff and fans."

Per Spectrum News Hawaii's Brian McInnis, Rich Sheriff, the arena manager of the Stan Sheriff Center on Oahu — a 10,300-seat venue that is the home of Hawaii's men's basketball, women's basketball and volleyball programs — has been in touch with Maui Invitational tournament director Nelson Taylor.

In ESPN's latest way-too-early top 25, the Spartans were ranked fourth, while the Volunteers came in at eighth. Both programs fell in the Sweet 16 of the East Regional last season.

"First, I appreciate coach Izzo and Michigan State for hosting this game, which will benefit a community that means so much to the world of college basketball," Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes said. "While we certainly need to continue to pray for the families in Maui who have been impacted, this benefit game will enable us to offer tangible support toward the restoration of Maui and its beautiful spirit."