Arizona studying options for basketball game at football stadium

Published Feb. 25, 2014 12:49 p.m. ET

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TUCSON, Ariz. -- Arizona basketball in Arizona Stadium?

It's a possibility. News has trickled out that Arizona athletic director Greg Byrne is looking into the possibility of holding an in-season game in the 56,000-seat football stadium beginning next year.

For those asking about a @APlayersProgram game in AZ Stadium. Something we are considering because of the passion of our fan base.
— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) February 25, 2014

Late Monday night, New Mexico coach Craig Neal spoke on his radio show that Arizona and New Mexico were in early negotiations for renewing a home-and-home series, with one game being played at Arizona Stadium, though Neal said the talks were preliminary. According to Neal, the game would be played before a UA football game sometime in November.

But Byrne tweeted Tuesday that if the outdoor game were to be scheduled, it would not be against New Mexico.

Arizona hasn't played against New Mexico in Albuquerque since 1999, when the Wildcats got beat on a controversial call. Former UA coach Lute Olson vowed he'd never return to the arena to face the Lobos. Arizona finished its series with New Mexico a year later, losing 70-68 at home.

Arizona returned to the Pit in 2002 for the NCAA West Regional, where Olson and the Cats were met with boos.

Arizona coach Sean Miller said the idea grew out of the concept of "taking advantage of the uniqueness of the rabid fan base we have and the incredible climate and weather."

But Miller said there are no specific plans in place at the time or discussions with any team in particular. "It's an idea we have out there … nothing in cement."

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