The Butler women's basketball program will once again partner with the NCAA to host an Elementary School Kids' Day Game at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The "Read to the Final Four" contest will be played on Monday, Nov. 3 against Wright State. The 11 a.m. tip will also serve as the team's season opener.
 
"To hear a child say, "I love to read" after participating in Read to the Final Four is the ultimate goal of the program. Reading is an essential life skill and third grade reading proficiency is such a critical milestone in young students' education," said Felicia Martin NCAA Senior Vice President for Inclusion, Education and Community Engagement. 
 
The Bulldogs had 2,600 fans in attendance at their Kids' Day Game two years ago and raised their attendance number to 2,941 in 2024! That game set a new single-game attendance record before the Bulldogs sold out Hinkle Fieldhouse on Feb. 22 vs. UConn.
 
"It is incredible to have countless students from across each of our local school districts giving energy and time to reading," Martin added. "The success of Read to the Final Four is only possible with the support of dedicated teachers, librarians, administrators, school media specialists and parents who are active and involved in this literacy initiative. Thank you for your commitment to improving literacy outcomes for young learners."
 
This game is one of seven at home for BU during their non-conference slate. Other opponents heading to Hinkle this season include Columbia, Central Michigan, Northern Kentucky, Milwaukee, Indiana State and Eastern Illinois.
 
The only true road game will be played at Indiana on Nov. 19, and the Bulldogs will compete in the Fourth Annual Fort Myers Tip-Off over Thanksgiving Weekend by taking on Dayton and Georgia.
 
The 2025-26 roster features three returners, seven transfers and two freshmen. Lily Zeinstra is the top returning scorer on the team after averaging 7.6 points and 2.9 rebounds per game as a freshman. Forward Lilly Stoddard returns for her senior season with the Bulldogs and redshirt-freshman Mckenzie Swanson will make her BU debut after missing the 2024-25 campaign with an injury. Transfers came to Butler from Arizona State, Maine, Minnesota, Samford, South Dakota, and Valparaiso.
 
This event is free for your school and students will be allowed to bring a sack lunch to eat during the game. Please RSVP by Monday Oct. 27 to reserve your seats. Send additional questions to the Butler Athletic Ticket Office at Tickets@butler.edu or (317) 940-3647!