San Jose Today

By the People, for the People

Heated Rivalry Night

January 31, 2026 9:00 pm

The Ritz
400 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113

Experience the electric atmosphere of a heated college basketball rivalry as the San Jose State Spartans take on the UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs at The Ritz in San Jose. This 18+ event promises an intense and spirited matchup between these two Bay Area programs.

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Why We Like It

  • It's a classic California college basketball rivalry with a long history of close, competitive games.
  • The Spartans and Banana Slugs will be battling for local bragging rights and conference positioning.
  • The Ritz provides an intimate, high-energy setting perfect for this type of heated matchup.

Who Should Attend

College basketball fans, students, and alumni from San Jose State and UC Santa Cruz will love the intensity of this rivalry game. Those looking for an 18+ night of spirited competition and school pride won't want to miss this event.

In the Spotlight

San Jose State Spartans

The men's basketball team for San Jose State University, a Division I program that competes in the Mountain West Conference.

UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs

The men's basketball team for the University of California, Santa Cruz, a Division III program that plays in the California Pacific Conference.

About the Venue

The Ritz

An intimate concert and event venue in downtown San Jose with a capacity of 1,000. The Ritz provides an energetic atmosphere perfect for high-intensity college basketball matchups.

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