Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel and University of Evansville Director of Athletics John Stanley announced today that Butler University will be the opponent in the Purple Aces' first regular season men's basketball game at the new downtown arena.  The game will take place on Saturday, Nov. 12, and will be a highlight of UE's Homecoming Weekend.

"We have always enjoyed our competition with Butler over many years," Stanley said. "It is very fitting that we are able to play them in the opening regular season game. I am confident everyone who attends the game will enjoy the game and the ambiance of the arena."
 
Added UE coach Marty Simmons, "The Evansville-Butler series has been good for both schools for a long time, and it's a series that we hope continues for many years to come.  There's no doubt they will have a very good team again next season, and that's an extra incentive for our players to work hard during the off-season to get ready for the first game of the year in November."

•There have been 116 games between the University of Evansville and Butler University in a series that the Purple Aces lead 61-56.  The series began in the 1920-21 season.  The two teams have played in each of the last five seasons, and 13 of the last 15.  The series generally alternates between Evansville and Indianapolis each year.

•Thanks to North Carolina in 2009, and Butler in 2010 and 2011, Evansville has played a Final Four team three years in a row.  Overall, the Aces have played 10 games against teams that went on to make the Final Four that season.  Evansville's first win over a Final Four team came this season when the Aces won at Butler, 71-68 in overtime on Nov. 27.

The downtown arena will be the new home for both the men's and women's basketball teams at UE.  It replaces Roberts Stadium, the home for University of Evansville basketball for the past 55 years.