Downtown Reno will be buzzing with basketball, entertainment and community spirit as the Downtown Reno Partnership and the men's and women's basketball teams of Nevada Athletics will host Under the Arch Madness under the iconic Reno Arch on Thursday, Oct. 15.
The free community event will take place from 5:30-9 p.m. beneath the Reno Arch, bringing fans of all ages together for an evening celebrating the energy of Downtown Reno and Nevada basketball ahead of its 2026-27 season.
Under the Arch Madness will feature plenty of on-court excitement as well as activities and giveaways for attendees including: shooting and three-point contests with the men's and women's team's as well as student, fan and media participation, performances by the Nevada Athletics Band, cheerleaders and mascots, and a post-event team autograph session with a limited-edition event poster.
Fans in attendance will also have the chance to hear from University President Brian Sandoval, Wolf Pack Athletics Director , Reno City Mayor Hillary Schieve and get to know the 2026-27 teams. A free ticket will be issued per attendee to the exhibition men's basketball game on October 17 against Utah, while food and drink vendors, student DJs and a kids zone inside Locomotion Plaza will be featured entertainment. The event will also feature giveaways throughout the evening including prizes for best dressed in Wolf Pack gear and best howling kid, and post-event photos on the court under the Reno Arch. The programming featuring the Nevada Women's and Men's Basketball teams will take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
"The Under the Arch Madness event will be an incredible opportunity for Wolf Pack fans and the Reno community to meet Nevada Women's Basketball and get their first look at what's to come in the exciting new season ahead," said Kelly Sopak, Nevada Women's Basketball head coach. "We look forward to a fun evening connecting with our fans and community and sharing our program's message of Connect, Commit, Compete."
"Looking forward to celebrating our team with our fans downtown Reno--should be a lot of fun for everyone" said , Nevada Men's Basketball head coach.
"Events like this are a great example of what happens when our downtown community and the University of Nevada come together," said Neoma Jardon, executive director of the Downtown Reno Partnership. "Bringing Wolf Pack basketball and the energy of the university right under the Reno Arch creates a uniquely Reno experience and one that gives students, residents and visitors another reason to gather downtown, support local businesses and celebrate the connection between our city and its university."
