Villanova and Notre Dame to play basketball season opener in Rome

Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame will open their basketball seasons in Rome, Italy, at the Eternal City Tip-Off event. The matchup, held at the Palazzo dello Sport, features both men’s and women’s teams competing near the Vatican.

Villanova President the Rev. Peter Donohue noted the university’s growing connection to Rome following the election of Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova alumnus. The university has experienced increased visibility and a 10% rise in applications attributed to the ‘Pope Leo effect.’

The event is expected to draw significant crowds, with approximately 6,000 Villanova fans and 1,000 Notre Dame fans traveling to Italy for the games.