Acrisure Arena lands Michigan State-Gonzaga basketball doubleheader

Acrisure Arena is adding another major college basketball event to its growing lineup, as Michigan State and Gonzaga are set to headline the Christmas Series on Dec. 19.

The event will feature both the men's and women's basketball programs in a doubleheader, with tickets going on sale later this week.

The announcement follows news that the Duke Blue Devils will visit the Coachella Valley in November as part of the Acrisure Series, which also includes USC, Nevada, Stanford and Arizona State.

Local baseball fans will also have a chance to meet the NBC Palm Springs team during NBC Palm Springs Night on Friday at Palm Springs Stadium. Fans can meet the station's personalities before the Palm Springs Power take on the San Diego Stars at 7 p.m. in the final week of the regular season. The Power are looking to defend their championship and capture a fourth consecutive title.

Meanwhile, the American Hockey League has released the Coachella Valley Firebirds' schedule for the upcoming season. Pacific Division rivals including the Ontario Reign, Tucson Roadrunners, San Diego Gulls, Bakersfield Condors, Henderson Silver Knights, Calgary Wranglers and Abbotsford Canucks will all visit Acrisure Arena. The Texas Stars will also make the trip from the Central Division.

The Firebirds will also return to a 7 p.m. puck drop for Monday through Friday home games this season. Fans can find the full schedule and theme nights, including the annual Teddy Bear Toss, at NBCPalmSprings.com.