**RICHMOND, VA —** Basketball season is almost here, and two of Richmond's biggest college programs have important preseason opportunities this weekend.
Virginia Commonwealth University heads to Norfolk on Saturday, October 17, for a 7 p.m. exhibition against Old Dominion University. Meanwhile, the Richmond Spiders men's basketball team travels to Harrisonburg on Sunday, October 18, to face James Madison at 2 p.m.
Both games provide opportunities to evaluate lineups, develop chemistry, and prepare for the 2026–27 regular season.
## VCU Returns to a Familiar Rivalry
Saturday's exhibition at Chartway Arena renews a matchup with considerable Virginia basketball history.
According to Old Dominion's October 16 game preview, VCU leads the all-time series 53–44. The programs last met on December 11, 2021, when the Rams earned a 75–66 victory in Norfolk.
VCU enters the new campaign following a successful 2025–26 season that included a 28–8 record, an Atlantic 10 Tournament championship, and an NCAA Tournament victory over North Carolina.
Head coach Phil Martelli Jr. returns seven players from that championship squad, including Lazar Djokovic, Nyk Lewis, and Brandon Jennings.
Old Dominion presents an interesting preseason challenge of its own. The Monarchs have added 11 newcomers while returning six players from last season.
For VCU, Saturday offers an early opportunity to evaluate how returning talent and new additions perform together against Division I competition.
The exhibition begins at 7 p.m., with audio available through the VCU Athletics App.
## Richmond Looks to Respond After Virginia Exhibition
Across town, the Spiders are preparing for their second preseason exhibition after a difficult October 9 trip to Charlottesville.
Richmond fell 96–53 to Virginia despite opening the game competitively and building a 20–12 first-half advantage.
Junior guard Dominick Stewart led Richmond with 15 points in his Spiders debut, while sophomore Aiden Argabright contributed 13 points and three steals.
Virginia eventually took control with a decisive 26–0 first-half run.
Richmond's shooting and rebounding numbers illustrated the challenge. The Spiders finished 16-for-63 from the field and were outrebounded 54–29.
Sunday's matchup against James Madison provides another opportunity to evaluate the team's development before the regular season begins.
The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Atlantic Union Bank Center in Harrisonburg. The venue lists it as a free exhibition.
## The Capital City Classic Is Already on the Calendar
While October belongs to preseason preparation, Richmond basketball fans can already circle two major dates in 2027.
On October 15, Richmond Athletics confirmed the tip-off times for both nationally televised Capital City Classic meetings between VCU and Richmond.
The Rams will host the Spiders on **January 30 at 8 p.m.** at the Siegel Center.
Richmond will host the return matchup on **February 13 at noon** at the Robins Center.
Both games will air nationally on CBS Sports Network.
The announcements are part of a broader television schedule featuring eight nationally televised Atlantic 10 games for Richmond and 16 for VCU.
## What Richmond Basketball Fans Should Watch
These preseason games are about more than final scores.
For VCU, the key questions involve roster chemistry, defensive consistency, and how quickly the newcomers adjust to Martelli's system.
For Richmond, attention turns to rebounding, offensive execution, and the development of a roster featuring 10 newcomers.
Both programs officially begin regular-season competition on November 2. VCU hosts Little Rock, while Richmond welcomes UNC Asheville.
For players, coaches, and fans throughout Central Virginia, the next few weeks offer an opportunity to watch two programs establish their identities before conference play begins.
**The road to another Capital City Classic starts now.**